Search - Chris Stills :: 100 Year Thing

Prodigal Son Stands On Own Merits

john stinson | Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada | 07/27/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Chris Stills "100 Year Thing" is a well crafted if somewhat uneven folk-rock album that is slightly reminiscent of his father's early solo work - partiuclarly Stephen's second solo LP. However, to say this record by Stills the younger is a knock-off of his old man's riffs would not be fair.Genetics are often a mixed blessing and there is no doubt that Chris Stills' voice is reminiscent of his father's circa 1967 - 1971 but Chris has his own distinct sound. Where Stephen's voice is smoky Chris' voice is harmonic. In some ways Chris' voice has many of the qualities of Stephen's sometimes singing partner David Crosby.Four songs in this collection make this a worthwhile purchase."Tears of Envy" is a great acoustic rocker with a tremendous pallette of rythmic overlays combined with fairly strong lyrics. This song should have been a top ten hit in heavy rotation on college stations but the A & R folks at the label obviously didn't have a clue how to market this record.The second outstanding tune is "Trouble". It starts out slow but then insinuates itself into your brain. One of the best lyrics on the album.The next gem, in my opinion, is the title cut. Although this song has hints of the elder Stills "know you got to run" and "singing call" that is not a bad thing. I probably wouldn't have used this tune to open the CD but it's a well crafted piece of folk-rock that carries a blood line from Buffalo Springfield through Poco and right up to Wilco.The last, but not least, exemplary cut on this record is "If I Were A Mountain". This nice little country-folk gem features some fine open chord picking and really highlights Chris Stills' voice.Buy this CD. It's all above average and some of it hints at how good this kid could be."

Dream Come True

Bonnie | Prestonsburg, KY USA | 07/18/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I loved this album. The first time I heard about it was in a music catalogue, and for the longest time, I was frightened to buy it. I love his dad's music, and I guess I was afraid that Chris's music wouldn't be up to par. I needn't have worried. The album was absolutely beautiful. though somewhat like his father's music, it is also very unique. I loved the song "Razorblades". I had just finished reading All The Weyrs of Pern when I first heard it, and it reminded me so much of that book that I thought it amazing. I am an aspiring author and used to chasing meanings out of the woodwork, so the poetic quality of the album greatly astounded me. the song "Last Stop" actually gave me a great idea for a possible story. Over all a great album, but I think it really needs more recognition and air time."

FANTASTIC - TALENTED - ENERGETIC

Bonnie | 08/22/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of the most harmonic and technically superior CDs out for this generation, worth every penny. Great JOB"