David Crosby (1) (1941–2023)

Wow, no reviews at all from 150+ readers...
So here's mine -

The co-writer, Carl Gottlieb, has done a very good job of organising Crosby's recollections, providing factual context and folding in others' comments as distinct and contrasting voices into a coherent, insightful and surprisingly honest narrative (unlike, for example, Grace Slick's autobiography of random and largely thoughtless recollections). This is a readable and intelligent account of Crosby's checkered life to middle age, show more highlighting his addictions. It's nevertheless not a self-aware account, particularly in terms of Crosby's relationships, which he attributes to people wanting 'to be with him'. Crosby's lifestyle, in fact, seems to have been shaped simplistically by identification with central character Jubal in Strangers in Heinlein's A Strange Land, a novel he strongly touted. Between the lines, the manipulative and petty features of personality come out, especially in brief mentions of those who suffered his excesses or didn't pay back his monetary generosity. It's an interesting read, but it drops the volatile figure mid-life, and says far too little about his musical life and professional relationships. I would have preferred much less on Crosby's life-long and repetitive addictions and his self-serving use of hangers-on, and much more on the music he created and on which he collaborated. show less

This is a well-written memoir, David Crosby's second collaboration with Carl Gottlieb, that covers his life until 2006, when the book was published. A street-smart, self-taught man, Crosby's done some good, some bad, and some incredibly stupid things, gotten a liver transplant, and still makes music. Told in the first-, second-, and third-persons, through interviews with his family, friends, and associates, as well as Crosby himself, this is a story of luck and stupidity as well as of show more sadness, tragedy, redemption and triumph. show less

I began with the second installment of Croz's life.
So, I'm not coming from the position of having read Long Time Gone
Still, his music and his relationships make more sense to me after reading Since Then

Physically, the book layout is a bit unusual but it is explained as you begin the read.
Say what you may, he is a rock and roll survivor, a two-time inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
and an icon of counterculture.
Still, the book was a series of interesting disclosures (to me).
Yes, I show more knew there were demons and struggles but now, the picture is more complete.
He's still an enigma, but Since Then has him addressing problems head on and coping with the consequences of his actions.

It is "a candid chronicle from an outspoken legendary musician"
It's dramatic...but would you expect less?
It's turbulent, deeply personal and yet spoken with a skillful subtlety in certain areas.
There were troubled relationships but I saw the balance of those who truly loved him.

You'll travel through many an issue and controversy.
But, I'll leave them to your own discovery.

I read this statement once:
"David Crosby is a singer/songwriter who lives his lyrics"
Indeed he does..... show less

Excellent. I didn't read his original autobiography, but I knew I could definitely get into this one. He sets the record straight on several issues. I love the format -- Croz tells his story, Carl helps set the record straight, and then you have all these other people interweave their experiences. Sometimes it's like you're in a room full of people all trying to talk at once. Quite entertaining. I certainly hope he does another in the next five or so years--if only to get his take on what's show more happening now. show less