Graham Nash's second solo effort has been overshadowed by his harmonic heroics as a senior partner in the various
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young configurations. After being lured from
the Hollies -- where his latter contributions were criminally unappreciated (see, or rather hear Dear Eloise/King Midas in Reverse) -- it was
Nash who had come up with most of the
CSN(Y) hit singles, including "Marrakesh Express," "Our House," and "Teach Your Children." His 1971 debut,
Songs for Beginners, was likewise filled with inspired moments such as "I Used to Be a King," "Chicago/We Can Change the World," and "Sleep Song." Topping those efforts would have been superhuman. Such is the way that
Wild Tales has been eclipsed and overlooked by enthusiasts of his previous endeavors.
Nash gathered a core aggregate of musicians, many of whom were loosely connected to the
CSNY family. These include:
Johnny Barbata (drums),
Tim Drummond (bass),
David Lindley (guitar), and
Ben Keith (pedal steel guitar/dobro), and, of course
David Crosby (vocals). Also making guest shots were
Dave Mason (12-string guitar),
Joe Yankee (aka
Neil Young) (acoustic piano), and
Joni Mitchell (vocals). Together, they animate
Nash's slice-of-life compositions. Musically,
Nash retains much of the whimsy that drew folks to his earlier songs. Likewise, the subject matter ranges from political ("Oh Camil" and "Prison Song") to the emotionally naked "Another Sleep Song" and "I Miss You."
Nash would bring several of these tunes back to the
CSNY fold for their 1974 tour -- including the up-tempo rocking title track, as well as the folkie "Prison Song." It would be another seven years after
Wild Tales before
Nash would issue his next solo album, Earth & Sky -- which fared as poorly at its predecessor. ~ Lindsay Planer