The Asylum years

"This new CD brings together Chris Hillman's first two solo albums, from 1976 and 1977 respectively ... 1976's Slippin' Away sits alongside 1998's outstanding Like A Hurricane as the peak of Chris Hillman's solo output ... The following year's Clear Sailin' pales by comparison, with Hillman now admitting "I don't think it has the feel that the first one did and that it was a mistake to change producer" ... Overall, The Asylum Years is well worth picking up for Slippin' Away alone. Omnivore's warm remaster is an improvement on the previous CD issues on Wounded Bird, and the booklet contains a new interview with Chris Hillman along with original album artwork".

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"Both albums get a pass due to retro charm and the sense that the talented Hillman and his backing players are giving it their best shot to land on the radio in the style of that time. But with a storied history like his-a major player, even architect of folk rock-they are disappointing reminders that even the most talented artists are led astray by the promise of creating commercial hits and generating forced crossover appeal that doesn't align with their musical strengths".

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"Far from being alienating, the period gloss of The Asylum Years is a bit of a selling point - these are warm, cozy productions that offer comfort - and if you can hear beyond the smooth touches, it's clear that Hillman made two records that served as a bridge between the Flying Burrito Brothers and the Desert Rose Band".

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