Superlatives
A Vulture series in which artists judge the best and worst of their own careers.
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Weirder things have happened.
This is, of course, exactly why I wanted to talk to him.
Christ, the man was at Woodstock!
Perhaps we shouldve published it that summer, but I hope you enjoy it now.
Ask anything you want, he said by means of introduction.
Your folk-rock masterpiece
I think the best thing we did was Eight Miles High.
I like that song a lot.
But we did a number of them.
Mr. Tambourine Man would qualify for that.
Byrds was a pretty clever group in terms of taking singer-songwriter stuff and turning it into pop records.
Roger McGuinn was very, very good at that.
But I dont spend much time thinking about it, truthfully.
I live pretty much in the present and Im concerned with the two bands that Im in right now.
Im proud of the Byrds.
I dont really consider my past very much or its significance.
Most beautiful Crosby, Stills & Nash harmonies
Gee, were good at harmony.
The significant thing is really the songs.
It was the most natural thing in the world to do it wasnt like any of it was odd.
The first time we ever sang together, it was in Jonis kitchen.
Joni is my favorite writer.
So we did it again and we were kind of proud of ourselves.
And then he said, One more time.
Ah, whats it called?
I wrote it in prison about waking up from drugs.
I was sober for the first time when I was released.
It was a whole other ball of wax and a completely new world for me.
Best song you wrote on your boat
Probably Wooden Ships.
Thats the most famous one.
But I wrote a number of songs there about the ocean.
The Lee Shore probably is my favorite.
Having a boat balanced Hollywood and showbiz; it gave me something to balance it with.
It was another way of looking at things, which was very, very healthy for me.
Song you regret recording
None of them.
You guys have to be the ones to pick that.
Its probably the best piece of music I ever thought up.
Its the best experience for that, no question.
The recording experience was totally strange.
I could feel her there her presence.
Then I improvised that piece of music while thinking about her then and there.
I think you could feel it.
If you listen to it, youll know.
Song that reminds you most of Laurel Canyon
Good memories.
I think Helplessly Hoping.
It was characteristically good just how friendly and sweet it sounds, and how good the harmonies are.
It was a very exciting and very happy time for us.
But I dont think it could sustain itself.
It was a very particular to-the-moment kind of energy.
