Song of the Day 10/4: Buffalo Springfield, “On the Way Home”
Buffalo Springfield had broken up by the time their third and final album, “Last Time Around,” was released in 1968. The LP was assembled from previously recorded material to fulfill the band’s contract commitment. Neil Young’s “On the Way Home” was one of the earliest, recorded in late 1967, after the return of Young, who had left the group in June. Richie Furay, whose voice was the band’s strongest, took the lead vocal, as he did on a few of Young’s compositions. It was the only track on the album played by all five original members.
The song, given a slower and quieter arrangement, became a staple of Young’s solo acoustic shows. He also played it in concert with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.
Most covers of the song, like those by America and Nils Lofgren, follow Young’s folk version, but Britpopsters Ocean Colour Scene used the Buffalo Springfield arrangement for a B-side in 1997.
I love that album cover. Four band members looking in one direction, with Neil looking in the other direction.
It’s too bad that Furay became a Trump supporting, Boebert supporting, RWNJ. I used to like his music, now I can’t see past the politics.
I knew he’d found Jesus. I didn’t know he’d found Trump. But it makes sense that one would follow the other. But he has a great voice and was with some great bands, so I’ll probably keep listening to him except for songs about Jesus or politics. They say compartmentalizing is bad, but sometimes it seems like the way to go.
Furay has become a rabid anti-vaxxer and conspiracy theorist. I don’t know what caused him to go off the rails. He was a minister for years. I hope that he didn’t preach that garbage to his congregation.
On a lighter note, this one is really dated, but fun. All part of the folk process.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeSDRqbfXHU
Good stuff. Especially like the Ocean Colour version. Thanks for posting.