Check out these new and used Buffalo Springfield vinyl records LPs for sale. We recommend starting your Buffalo Springfield vinyl collection with the essential albums Buffalo Springfield 1966, Buffalo Springfield 1967 and Last Time Around. Our inventory is always changing, so check back often, or browse our list of vinyl records for sale from rock musicians.

Buffalo Springfield: A Journey Through the Sunset Strip

The Birth of a Sound

Folk-Rock Roots (1966-1967)

Buffalo Springfield, born amidst the vibrant music scene of Los Angeles in 1966, emerged as a pioneering force in folk-rock. The band, featuring Stephen Stills, Neil Young, Richie Furay, Bruce Palmer, and Dewey Martin, quickly gained attention for their eclectic sound, harmonious vocals, and socially conscious lyrics.

“Buffalo Springfield” (1966)

Debut Brilliance

The eponymous debut album, “Buffalo Springfield,” released in 1966, introduced the world to the band’s distinctive blend of folk, rock, and country influences. Produced by Charles Greene and Brian Stone, the album showcased the songwriting prowess of Stills and Young.

“For What It’s Worth”

The standout track, “For What It’s Worth,” became an anthem of the 1960s counterculture. The song’s iconic guitar riff, coupled with its commentary on societal unrest, captured the zeitgeist of the era. “For What It’s Worth” remains a timeless protest song and a defining moment in Buffalo Springfield’s discography.

Internal Strife: “Buffalo Springfield Again” (1967)

Artistic Tensions

“Buffalo Springfield Again,” released in 1967, reflected the internal tensions within the band. Despite conflicts and lineup changes, the album showcased Buffalo Springfield’s commitment to musical innovation and exploration.

“Mr. Soul”

“Mr. Soul,” written by Neil Young, demonstrated the band’s evolving sound. The song’s distorted guitar riffs and Young’s enigmatic lyrics marked a departure from the folk-oriented sound of the debut album, hinting at the diverse musical directions Buffalo Springfield would pursue.

Richie Furay’s Influence

Richie Furay’s contributions, including songs like “A Child’s Claim to Fame” and “Sad Memory,” added a country-rock flavor to the album. Furay’s distinctive vocals and songwriting complemented the eclectic styles of Stills and Young, contributing to the band’s sonic richness.

Pinnacle of Creativity: “Last Time Around” (1968)

Final Flourish

“Last Time Around,” released in 1968, marked the culmination of Buffalo Springfield’s creative journey. Despite the band’s impending breakup, the album showcased a range of musical influences and the individual songwriting strengths of its members.

“Expecting to Fly”

“Expecting to Fly,” a Neil Young composition featuring lush orchestration, highlighted the band’s willingness to experiment with studio production. The song’s ethereal quality and intricate arrangements set it apart as a sonic departure from the band’s earlier work.

Solo Ventures and Collaboration

As the band members pursued solo ventures, “Last Time Around” featured contributions from each member. Stills’ “Uno Mundo” and Furay’s “Kind Woman” reflected the diverse musical personalities within Buffalo Springfield, foreshadowing the distinct paths each member would take in their solo careers.

The Legacy of Buffalo Springfield

Impact on Folk-Rock and Beyond

Buffalo Springfield’s impact on folk-rock and the broader musical landscape is immeasurable. Their brief but influential existence laid the groundwork for the burgeoning folk-rock movement, influencing artists ranging from Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young to the Eagles and beyond.

Songwriting Prowess

The band’s songwriting prowess, evident in the works of Stills, Young, and Furay, contributed to the richness of their sound. The diverse influences within the group, from rock and folk to country and psychedelia, set a precedent for the genre-blurring tendencies that would characterize the evolution of rock music.

“Buffalo Springfield Again” Revisited

Decades after their disbandment, the music of Buffalo Springfield continues to resonate. “Buffalo Springfield Again” has become a touchstone for artists exploring the intersections of folk and rock. The album’s enduring relevance reflects the timeless quality of Buffalo Springfield’s collective and individual contributions.

The Solo Sojourns

Stephen Stills: Crafting Sonic Landscapes

Eclectic Explorations

After Buffalo Springfield disbanded, Stephen Stills embarked on a solo career marked by diverse musical explorations. His solo albums showcased a range of influences, from blues and folk to Latin rhythms, highlighting Stills’ versatility as a musician.

“Stephen Stills” (1970)

Solo Debut Brilliance

“Stephen Stills,” released in 1970, featured a stellar lineup of guest musicians, including Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, and Booker T. Jones. The album’s eclectic sound, blending folk, blues, and rock, reflected Stills’ ability to navigate diverse musical landscapes.

“Love the One You’re With”

“Love the One You’re With,” a hit single from the album, became an anthem of the early 1970s. The song’s infectious groove and Stills’ soulful vocals showcased his ability to craft accessible yet substantive music.

“Stephen Stills 2” (1971)

Multi-Instrumental Mastery

“Stephen Stills 2,” released in 1971, further demonstrated Stills’ multi-instrumental mastery. The album featured Stills playing most of the instruments, showcasing his proficiency on guitar, bass, keyboards, and percussion.

“Marianne” and “Change Partners”

Songs like “Marianne” and “Change Partners” highlighted Stills’ introspective songwriting and intricate guitar work. The album’s sonic diversity and Stills’ ability to seamlessly blend genres established him as a solo artist of considerable depth.

Neil Young: The Journey of a Loner

Exploration of Sonic Landscapes

Neil Young’s solo career after Buffalo Springfield was marked by a restless exploration of sonic landscapes. From the folk-oriented “Harvest” to the electric intensity of “Rust Never Sleeps,” Young’s solo discography became a canvas for his ever-evolving artistic vision.

“Neil Young” (1968)

Debut Solo Exploration

“Neil Young,” released in 1968, marked Young’s debut solo effort. The album showcased a more stripped-down sound compared to his work with Buffalo Springfield, emphasizing Young’s introspective songwriting and distinct vocal delivery.

“The Loner”

“The Loner,” a track from the album, became a defining moment in Young’s solo career. The song’s raw guitar work and melancholic lyrics hinted at the sonic landscapes Young would continue to explore in his solo ventures.

“After the Gold Rush” (1970)

Acoustic Brilliance

“After the Gold Rush,” released in 1970, is regarded as one of Neil Young’s masterpieces. The album, featuring a blend of acoustic and electric elements, showcased Young’s songwriting maturity and his ability to convey complex emotions with simplicity.

“Southern Man” and “Don’t Let It Bring You Down”

“Southern Man” and “Don’t Let It Bring You Down” addressed social and personal themes, respectively, highlighting Young’s ability to balance introspection with social commentary. The album’s intimate yet expansive sound solidified Young’s place as a solo artist of immense influence.

“Harvest” (1972)

Commercial Triumph

“Harvest,” released in 1972, became Neil Young’s commercial triumph. The album featured the iconic “Heart of Gold,” Young’s only number-one hit. “Harvest” captured a mellow, country-infused sound, showcasing Young’s versatility as a songwriter and performer.

“Old Man”

“Old Man,” another standout track, reflected Young’s introspective lyricism and the album’s overarching themes of nostalgia and reflection. “Harvest” remains a cornerstone of Young’s solo discography, emblematic of his ability to craft timeless and accessible music.

Richie Furay: A Journey in Harmony

Country-Rock Explorations

Richie Furay’s post-Buffalo Springfield career was marked by a deep exploration of country-rock. As a founding member of Poco and later as a solo artist, Furay’s contributions to the genre became influential in shaping the sound of 1970s West Coast music.

“Pickin’ Up the Pieces” (1969) with Poco

Forming Poco

“Picking Up the Pieces,” Poco’s debut album released in 1969, showcased Richie Furay’s venture into country-rock. As a co-founder of Poco, Furay continued to explore harmonious melodies and a fusion of folk and country elements.

“You Better Think Twice”

“You Better Think Twice,” a track from the album, reflected Poco’s commitment to blending rock and country influences. The band’s harmonious vocals and Furay’s songwriting contributed to the establishment of country-rock as a distinct musical genre.

“I’ve Got a Reason” (1976)

Solo Ventures

Richie Furay’s solo career, starting with “I’ve Got a Reason” in 1976, demonstrated his ability to craft heartfelt and melodic songs. The album featured a mix of rock, folk, and country elements, reflecting Furay’s diverse musical influences.

“I Still Have Dreams”

“I Still Have Dreams,” a standout track, showcased Furay’s enduring ability to write emotionally resonant songs. The album affirmed Furay’s status as a key figure in the country-rock movement and highlighted his contributions to the genre’s sonic evolution.

Legacy and Impact

Enduring Influence

Buffalo Springfield’s Impact

Buffalo Springfield’s impact on the music landscape is imprinted in the annals of rock history. Their fusion of folk, rock, and country laid the groundwork for the folk-rock movement, influencing a generation of musicians and shaping the evolution of rock music.

Individual Legacies

The solo ventures of Stephen Stills, Neil Young, and Richie Furay further solidified the legacy of Buffalo Springfield. Each member carved out a distinct musical path, contributing to the rich tapestry of 1970s rock and country-rock.

A Sonic Tapestry

Versatility and Diversity

Buffalo Springfield’s brief but impactful journey showcased the versatility and diversity within the band. From the folk-rock roots of their debut to the country-rock explorations of their final album, the band’s sonic tapestry resonated with audiences hungry for musical innovation.

Catalyst for Change

Buffalo Springfield’s role as a catalyst for change in the 1960s music scene cannot be overstated. Their harmonious blend of genres and commitment to social commentary set a precedent for artists who sought to break free from musical conventions and engage with the tumultuous social landscape.

Enduring Reverberations

Echoes in Contemporary Music

The echoes of Buffalo Springfield’s influence reverberate through contemporary music. Artists inspired by the band’s commitment to genre-blurring and meaningful songwriting continue to draw from Buffalo Springfield’s legacy, ensuring that their impact extends far beyond their brief time together.

A Timeless Journey

Buffalo Springfield’s journey through the Sunset Strip remains a timeless exploration of sound and meaning. Their music, whether heard in the protest anthems of “For What It’s Worth” or the introspective musings of “Expecting to Fly,” serves as a testament to the enduring power of artistic innovation and the indelible mark left by those who dare to challenge the status quo.