The simplicity of this song, the first on the “Buffalo Springfield” album (1966), indicates it was written by Stephen Stills. The lyrics, then, aren’t tortured and opaque like those of Neil Young, but the guitar-playing, particularly the acoustic and electric combo beginning at 1:20, is rocking. The theme is unusual: a guy telling another guy how to politely break up with his girlfriend. As Ultimate Classic Rock notes:
‘Go And Say Goodbye’ is a real country-influenced stomper and one of that first album’s key tracks. A nice change up by having the lead guitar part played on an acoustic this time around. The guitar interplay flows seamlessly. The song wants to become a full-on raver, but holds itself in check maintaining a sweet front-porch groove for all of its two and a half minutes. Gram Parsons always gets the nod as the country/rock pioneer, but in truth it was as much or more about Stephen Stills, Gene Clark of the Byrds and the Monkees’ Mike Nesmith.
Mike Nesmith? Seriously?
I think Ultimate Classic Rock must be referring to Nesmith’s post-Monkees’ oeuvre.
Otherwise, singling him out is just so unfair to Davey and Mickey and Peter.
Actually, Michael Nesmith wanted to take the Monkees in a country rock direction. Here are some links of that proof either with the other three or that Mike recorded on his own while still a Monkee:
Sunny Girlfriend:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7f_0CZoMls
Though not written by him:
What Am I Doing Hangin Round
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ArviuaZb_A
Recorded in Nashville, written by Mike while a Monkee:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9veXZ4p5hs
And with this foundation he formed The First National Band which was definitely country rock and those albums and his solo work were very well received by the critics.
Before joining the Monkees, Nesmith wrote Different Drum – which was Linda Ronstadt’s (with the Stone Poneys) first big hit. His mother invented Liquid Paper and got rich.
If you can find it, check out the movie Head which the Monkees made after the TV show was cancelled. It was co-written and co-produced by Jack Nicholson. A great scene where the Monkees are dandruff in Victor Mature’s hair. From Wikipedia:
“The film, conceived and edited in a stream of consciousness style, featured oddball cameo appearances by movie stars Victor Mature, Annette Funicello, a young Teri Garr, boxer Sonny Liston, famous stripper Carol Doda, Green Bay Packer linebacker Ray Nitschke, and musician Frank Zappa.”
Hi George,
You sound like a fellow fan. For those who still don’t believe the Monkees could really play here’s Circle Sky from Head:
“Before joining the Monkees, Nesmith wrote Different Drum ”
Well that certainly lifts him in my estimation. ‘Different Drum’ was one of the first popular songs I noticed. And it still stands up well. Very distinctive, catchy and a little bit quirky in its tune, and the lyrics are an unusual reversal of the usual love-song theme. (Oh, and it was sung by Linda Ronstadt of course – she could sing the phone book and I’d listen.)
Obligatory link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3Nq48sHF8M
cr
Buffalo Springfield made it all right to like country music back in the 60s. It was considered square or not hip or cool. I could admit that I really did like Hank Williams when the beatles & Stones & Dylan ruled.
The Springfield were so eclectic and progressive. Their musical influences were readily identified. Country,folk,jazz, blues rockabilly all melded into the rock format.
Even jazz was found in their songs. Stills song EVERYDAYS off of the timeless AGAIN album has a nifty little jazzy piano lick that I credit to turning me on to jazz & Miles & Coltrane…….
Thanks Jerry for shining a light on the BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD!. If you ever want to cite the evolution of the country & blues progression to rock, Stills, Young, Furay, Messina have the DNA
Check out Nesmith’s Elephant Parts–wit and humor with music video before music videos, MTV, VH1, etc. were popular
Thank you Prof CC, that song was great, but then youtube offered up Springfield playing For What It’s Worth / Mr Soul, and the Mr Soul was just an electric performance by Neil, plus some great rock dance moves from Stephen.
And as a bonus, the show’s MC has be the smarmiest ever. Enjoy: https://youtu.be/BWTqj5lvkFs
and sub