Album of the Day

It would be an understatement to call MANASSAS a passion project for Stephen Stills; the marathon recording sessions he led at Miami's Criteria Sound Studios stretched for days. Yet the 1972 collection has a cohesive, band feel thanks to some outstanding musicians – ex-Byrd Chris Hillman, drummer Dallas Taylor and Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman to name a few. Originally a double album, the four sides of the Atlantic set have distinctive sounds even as the rock, country, blues and Latin influences blend seamlessly. Critically hailed, the release was also commercially successful, reaching #4 on the Billboard chart and eventually going Gold. MANASSAS remains one of the highlights of Stephen Stills' storied career, and we'll give it another spin to wish the two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Famer a happy birthday.