Poco & Crazy Eyes ...what a concert , "Winterland" San Francisco 1973...stelle guitar being played upside down... just a bit of blue micro dot , one of the Century's BEST
from whatever direction ...the dark clouds descend with the winds ...looking out of a raindripped window ...you see your own reflection ...the crazy eyes are your own ... play this track again ...you are worth it ....!!!!
truly did not realize that there were as many obscure American music lovers out there, I have a tendency to forget how far into the music clouds we really all were back then ! The music world will never see again, the creativity that exploded out of our truly expressive generation.May you all maintain your musical love forever.
@mkbearman Out of ALL classic rock.....I keep going back to this as my all-time favorite because of the harmony, who it was a tribute to (Gram Parsons), and the changes in tempo...and it helps to live in SC <----"tell me 'bout those South Carolina pines...."
Who Cares who sang or who did what ...it's POCO they did it ....Rusty Young, TIM ,b Schmit etc ...it was a classic band of artists ....let it be ::!!!!
a fave song from my fave lineup of the group. love Jimmy Messina- major fan- but he had a different path to follow. Paul Cotton on the screaming lead guitar here. Randy and Tim and Rusty all in fine form/voice on this epic
The Eagles directly ripped off POCO....Glen Fry & Don Henley use to stit in on POCO practices when they were up and commers and when they formed the Eagels, stole Randy Meisner, POCO's original bassist and later stole Tim Schmidt when Meisner left the Eagles. They simply took POCO's Country Rock Formula and turned it into Rock Country....the rest is history......
I hve the 2 cd that Is POCO!!! A GOOD Feeling to Know.... Perfect in every way! So sad they were dissed from country and rock and roll. HMMM best group, kinda country kinda rock,,,,
i always thought this album was the beginning of an americana-prog sound. too bad they didn't get much of a chance to follow it up...it makes sense when you think about it; poco toured with yes in the early 1970s quite a bit. and rusty young actually has actually said he wanted to be like rick wakeman in the fact that he brought so many different sounds and colors to the groups' sound.
I cannot tell you how many memories this brings back...so glad to have lived in the time when this was released and played on the radio ~ Thank you for posting it~!
Just an absolutely fantastic song! I just heard it for the first time in way too many years. Nobody makes 'em lile this anymore. These kids today don't even have a clue...
A relatively unknown song as it didn't fit the AM radio 3 to 4 minute format. Was a hit on progressive radio, though, where a song's length did not determine airplay.
Probably the most complex and haunting song Poco ever did. Truly an unheralded masterpiece. Simply a great composition -- with that country twang.
Liked the Eagles but I LOVED Poco and still do. At one time I had every one of their albums plus Randy Meisner's albums at one time. I am downloading al of these songs and converting them to MP3
Totally awesome piece of work. Great production, haunting verses, tremendous tension, yet simple offset of banjo and solo vocals. Love it! There was a lot of amazing energy going on back in the late 60s/early 70s that stand the test of time!
Pastor Ritchie Furay was a founding member of Buffalo Springfield, Poco & Souther, Hillmn & Furay, often guest artist w/ Firefall thue=s the Firefall & Rick Roberts connection.
Jim Messina was producer/engineer/ 2nd bassist for Buffalo Springfield, founding member of Poco going on to Loggins & Messina.
To my ears Poco's "Crazy Eyes" is that black sheep in the family. Poco -- always a good band with good songs. But, "Crazy Eyes" is magnificent. They never duplicated it. The banjo picking, big orchestra, harmonies, percussion, the drama...that's it..the drama. It's country meets classical. I was never a big Poco fan but this song is never far from my stereo. Now -- this was around the same time Marshall Tucker gave us "Take the Highway," & these two songs -- are like brandy and cigars.
If you click on just the blue Poco, at the top of the page, where it says Crazy Eyes - Poco, it will open to a page that will give you all the information you are asking for ... and more :)
I freekin loved this song when it first came out. had no idea what it was about but knew it was special. now have navigated back to it after all these years, read the lyrics and the comments here for the first time. Not knowing anything about the personal lives of the artists here, i think the writer was a scorned lover. this song was an attempt to address serious emotional pain that had been inflicted by unrequited love for gp. just a theory.
@kellgator The song is about Gram Parsons, a member of the Flying Burrito Brothers. Chris Hillman was a member as well. There's always been a connection between the bands Poco, FBB and the Eagles. Their members crossed over in the many incarnations of Poco. Richie Furay wrote the song following Parson's death from life in the fast lane.
i heard on the internets that the song was written before gp died and gp heard it. to me it sounds more like a fuck you song than a tribute song. it's an incredible song whatever it is.
@kellgatorI agree, it is a fuck you song..or an intervention. It's tough to watch a friend in a downward spiral, knowing there is nothing you can say or do to prevent it. Perhaps Furay thought music might be a way to get his feelings across. Nonetheless it was all in vain as Parson died 4 days later.
did he die 4 days after hearing the song, or 4 days after Furay wrote it or what? you got to figure if furay told him to fuck off in such a powerful way...and four days later he kills himself (accidently?) that might be pretty tough for Furay to take. God knows what kind of a song that would spawn. I guess no follow up music on this subject eh graybeard?
@kellgator He died 4 days after the album was released. It may have had a profound impact on Furay, he found God and is a pastor of a church in Colorado.
@graybeard1952 He, Furay, lived in same Mountain area as I did & we had weekly in house Bible study together. He was a very shy man, something he struggled with all his life. He was a very down to earth, no "diva" attitude what so ever. Everyone in the group felt as though he was happy to be moving into a new place in his life & apparently we were correct. A very nice man who also played very good music!
I remember listin to Poco when I was young in the 70s. These were the good times of life people were people easy going & friendly. Not like they are today just rude about music. This is heart felt music to the soul.
Actually Jim Messina was the first lead guitar player, coming off his time as bass player in Buffalo Springfield with Ritchie. He then went on to produce Kenny Loggin's "solo" album, which sort of sidetracked him.
I love this song. Every thing about it. Richie's gorgeous vocal delivery, the lush string sections, the down-home banjo, the portentious, doomy percussion, the Gram Parsons vibe of the lyric, but best of all that moment (about 7 mins in) when Paul cuts loose with a blistering lead solo that veers from speaker to speaker (great over the headphones).
Man, this takes me back to college! I always loved this for its really unique arrangement, complete with strings, horns, banjo -- you name it. The structure of this piece is fascinating -- a brave arrangement by very talented musicians. Thanks for posting this great tune!!
I remember playing this at home during College break....and my mom stopped doing what she was doing (which was usually laundry...vacuuming...etc)...and just listened and said "that is a beautiful song...who is that?"...
I like all kinds of music but this is one of my all time favorites, it is absolutely unique. I love all the different instruments and how they are blended...especially the horns, which are very powerful. And the vocals are absolutely stunning. I was driving my car the first time I ever heard this song and I literally had to pull off to the side and stop, I was so transfixed by it.
Easily there best ever. I agree with dawnandmark2003, below, an amazing song that can still give you goosebumps.
I think Poco outshines the Eagles, they just didn't get the same breaks......the music biz is very well controlled as to who becomes a "star" and who doesn't, I was involved with it for a few years.
such an overlooked band, but they didn't seem to care, just loved playing their music.....they were too rock for country stations, and too country for rock stations: that, to me, is insane!
this song was recommended to me a few months ago by a friend and its the best recommendation anyone has ever gave me lol. An amazing song and band. It gives me goosebumps :) xx
@dawnandmark2003 Here's another recommend "Little Feet: Feets don't fail me now" the album dixie Chicken and others classic almost unknown southern rock!
I love this song. The whole album was so good. Couldn't help but want to dance to songs like Blue Water but this song is so beautiful. I found it ironic years later that I bought this album and Grievous Angel by Gram Parsons the same day.
What a beautiful song- truly a unique masterpiece. Such a sad story of Gram Parsons. So glad Richie and others survived this self-destructive industry. So many perished and did themselves such harm.
I had TOTALLY forgotten about this song until I re-read Poco's biography and started searching for Poco songs.
Poco was one of my favorite bands in the 70's and my favorite country Rock Band of all. As a band I still think they were the best and most consistant until and including Indian Summer. Their early work was impressive. My favorite album is still Indian Summer though. There is a consistancy about that album I like. It is complete. But Crazy eyes? WOW!
I liked Legend all the way, but did find Crazy Eyes here only a few mon ago and was hooked on. Think this is one of the greatest songs all time. Great rock musical that has so diversified angles which are still fascinating. Am 50 Korean, and love this kind of american songs that used to poke into our souls, in an era with the great seekers.
Poco, Eagles, CSNY-------who cares who came from,or sounded like who. Each one of them excellend bands. I am just a music lover and love music by them all---------Buffalo Springfield too. Keep on rockin' man!
Buffalo Springfield was the foundation band. Other foundations were Linda Ronstadt, The Byrds, The Hollies and the Flying Burrito Brothers. Poco was the feeder for the Eagles. The Eagles were great in 2008.
lol...so am I bats...but I've found the key to life is 1. keep breathing.... and 2. keep talking....as long as you are doing these two things....you're good!
cause...POCO was doing the Eagles before the Eagles?....with Rusty (and thanks for the signed card and POCO 40 years pick Rusty)...Ritchie...Jim...Randy...Tim...George...Paul...
"Auditions were held for the other band members and among the hopeful was Gram Parsons. He played with Poco for a few weeks but things didn't work out and he left the band. "
And, the song was done as early as 11/19/68, so clearly it wasn't written as a tribute to the departed GP.
auditioning and playing for a "few weeks" does not make you a member of a band?...geez he was hanging out with the Stones during "let it bleed" and "exile" sessions...(it's rumored you can hear him singing on "Wild Horses")...so was he a member of the Stones? and Crazy Eyes was released in 1973?...the song mentions ..Brass Buttons?....and your shiny silver shoes? okay...maybe it was written before Gram died...but it's definately about Gram...
There's this interview with Richie, yes it's about Gram, but he was still alive when the song was written. This interview is here in Youtube somewhere.
When they allude to "You sing about brass buttons," "Your shiny silver shoes," and being from South Carolina (all of which are direct references to Gram Parsons) who else or what else would they be singing about?
Saw the latest version of Poco last night at Penns peak - Rusty Young, Paul Cotton et al. REAL good... They did a version of Magnolia that had people in tears... See them if you can.
was there too SJ!! I'm the guy who yelled out "Magnolia" when Paul started and he turned and winked at me...heh...how 'bout the guy who ran up after the first song and said "my girlfriend plays tamborine....can she play with you?"....lol...love Rusty's response...you have to be a member of the musicians union....
heh...just got my POCO shirt (they didn't have "large" at Penns Peak...included with the shirt was a personally signed "thanks...Rusty Young"...and a POCO "40 year Pick"....damn....love ya Rusty...
Gram Parsons played with Poco, even before they were Poco. The story I heard was that he was asked to join, but dismissed the suggestion, and the band for being too pop (bubblegum). He went on to join the Byrds, and steered them in the direction heard on Sweetheart of the Rodeo. Crazy Eyes -- the song -- was written around that time, and performed live even before Poco released their first album. And, I don't hear anything in the lyrics to suggest any concern for Gram's boozing/ drug use.
Actually he and Richie were thinking of forming a group together in 67-68, but Gram wanted Sneaky Pete Kleinow on pedal and Richie wanted Rusty--that is when they forgot the idea--good thing Poco didn't take on his excess baggage!!!
this post is so wrong on many levels...Gram never played with Poco....he did play with the Byrds (after Gene and David Crosby left) with Chris Hillman....but that's the byrds...Crazy Eyes was a tribute to Gram after he died.. but was the 6TH album put out by POCO...Ritchie left after that one and joined with John David Souther and Chris Hillman to form "Souther, Hillman, Furay"...Timmy B. then joined POCO and they put out the great "Poco 7" album...and I saw them a week ago (ok..Rusty and Paul)
Richie seems like a nice guy, but this song was not a tribute, nor a dirge, but a REVENGE, Story goes, Gram called Poco "bubblegum," and Richie wrote this song to get back at him;
I loved this song so much that I named a horse after it. It was out of a son of Poco Bueno, so I named her Poco's Crazy Eyes. And she lived her life among the South Carolina pines.
i was in lafayette colorado to see richie perform at nissis and spend the day with him ( 3/13/2009) . they played "crazy eyes" the first time publickly and it was incredible!! richie and the band got a very long standing ovation for it. he is such an incredible talent
It's great sharing thoughts on my favorite band. Crazy Eyes might be my favorite, too. But, there are SO many great Poco songs that I love just as much. Lots of versatility here!
this is NOT a tribute to gram...it is a dirge! i love gram more than anybody, but...this is richie telling EVERYONE he is gonna DIE! gram was incredible, but perhaps a little too much drink. watch grievous angel! him and emmylou sound like angels, but this is NOT a TRIBUTE
Over the years, as members came and left, "Poco" was always a major compilation of talent.
The blending of banjo, steel guitar and orchestral strings was pure genius and this song will always be my Poco favorite. Thanks Graybeard for reminding me. oxox
correct me if I am wrong but do I hear some referencing to Gram Parsons in the words? Everyone always mentions the Eagles connections with Poco, however the connnection goes deeper than that when you start talking Buffalo Springfield......
Yes, this song does make references to Gram Parsons, The line "You sing about brass buttons and shiny silver shoes" is referring to Gram's song "Brass Buttons."
@dsmsoccerdad Gram and Richie were very close, it was devastating to Richie when Gram died. There are other references to one another in different songs. They had their bad moments, but for the most part cared deeply for one another. Gram died at age 27, same age as Hendrix, Morrison, and many others. What's the connection with that age?
Randy Meisner was the Founder of "Poco" of with at the time Timothy was the Bassist for the band and Randy did the Vocals. When Randy left to do a gig with Don Henley and Glenn Frey and hense became a part in the Beginning of "The Eagles"
Back when the Eagles were in the bud stage of their musical expressions, Poco was struggling to make their mark on the scene as well. In the process of time, Randy Meisner jumped from the Eagles to Poco and Timothy cruised on over to the Eagles, then there was Greatness for Both>*
Wasn't Randy Meisner actually the original bassist with Poco but left before the first album was released then becoming a founder member of the Eagles. Then when he left the Eagles in 1977 he was replaced By Tim who came from Poco. Yes the two bands are totally intertwined.
That's not a bad analogy, if we focus on Chilliwack before Brian MacLeod and Ab Bryant. Both Chilliwack and Poco were vastly underrated for most of their careers.
thanks for posting1 i've had a cat named magnolia, and sis is luna-crazy eyes. it's good feelin to know how many people enjoy the music! so good! love poco always . know others to that have seen them lately!!
Thank you, It's great to connect with all the good ol' feelings of those days!! I saw Poco up close and personal at Alex Cooley's Electric Ball Room in 1974 (Atlanta), I was at table with wait service and only 20' away. Ahhhh fine memories :)
shit...all debates aside...you gotta admit Timmy sings the high harmony...like no one else?...damn anyone who sings higher than Ritchie...well goddam that is great singing (sorry for cursing so much)
I do remember FIREFALL--I have everyone of their albums.
I also have one Souther, Hillman & Furay Band album with Mexico & my favorite--
"For someone you love". The songs remind me of my Ocean City, MD days.
I will always remember the "Summer of 1975".
POCO has always been of my my favorites.
75surfgirl 3 days ago
Poco & Crazy Eyes ...what a concert , "Winterland" San Francisco 1973...stelle guitar being played upside down... just a bit of blue micro dot , one of the Century's BEST
1955hardrock 1 week ago
One of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. And I love how it's about Gram Parsons!
God bless him
handthatsewstime 1 month ago
Music truly can bring us together. i listen to Hip hop so i never heard this song before, but it kicks major butt
TheMacgrurry 1 month ago
i love poco,i am a old dinosaur
played this all the time>
godems 1 month ago
from whatever direction ...the dark clouds descend with the winds ...looking out of a raindripped window ...you see your own reflection ...the crazy eyes are your own ... play this track again ...you are worth it ....!!!!
kiwimale1 1 month ago
truly did not realize that there were as many obscure American music lovers out there, I have a tendency to forget how far into the music clouds we really all were back then ! The music world will never see again, the creativity that exploded out of our truly expressive generation.May you all maintain your musical love forever.
oldnufftoknow 2 months ago
Poco got a hair for a "place"here.reminds me of Jon Anderson&an Eagle thing.That said, Loblolly's grow in the Carolinas.
TheTherese3 2 months ago
my favorite poco albumn . played this song full volume darked room, untill i literly wore out the grooves
mkbearman 2 months ago 2
@mkbearman Out of ALL classic rock.....I keep going back to this as my all-time favorite because of the harmony, who it was a tribute to (Gram Parsons), and the changes in tempo...and it helps to live in SC <----"tell me 'bout those South Carolina pines...."
gin18531 3 weeks ago
Who Cares who sang or who did what ...it's POCO they did it ....Rusty Young, TIM ,b Schmit etc ...it was a classic band of artists ....let it be ::!!!!
kiwimale1 2 months ago
Furay is the voice you hear in this song...the lead singer. And he wrote this song about Gram parsons. His friend.
ilovetomcaldwell 3 months ago
Nobody is talking about what this song is about It is a tribute to Gram Parsons That was his nickname
CJTELE 3 months ago
thanx paulsdottir. I just love this song. Am embarrassed to say I almost forgotten it, as Bill the Cat would say, AAAACCCKKKK!!! LOL!
laurelf55 3 months ago
Man this does bring back GREAT MEMORIES!!!!!!!!
grannygooten 4 months ago in playlist grannygooten's Favorited Videos
LOL, Where are these guys??? I went to a POCO concert last night in Southern Missouri
BoMan1a 4 months ago
never realized what a fantasic production this was, has to be one of their best
bluestreakbuck 4 months ago
a fave song from my fave lineup of the group. love Jimmy Messina- major fan- but he had a different path to follow. Paul Cotton on the screaming lead guitar here. Randy and Tim and Rusty all in fine form/voice on this epic
GuiitarBilly 4 months ago
The Eagles directly ripped off POCO....Glen Fry & Don Henley use to stit in on POCO practices when they were up and commers and when they formed the Eagels, stole Randy Meisner, POCO's original bassist and later stole Tim Schmidt when Meisner left the Eagles. They simply took POCO's Country Rock Formula and turned it into Rock Country....the rest is history......
1947JAZ 4 months ago in playlist YouTube Mix for Poco
furay is the best. greatest music in the world
dan51baby 5 months ago
I hve the 2 cd that Is POCO!!! A GOOD Feeling to Know.... Perfect in every way! So sad they were dissed from country and rock and roll. HMMM best group, kinda country kinda rock,,,,
inatizzy2 5 months ago
i always thought this album was the beginning of an americana-prog sound. too bad they didn't get much of a chance to follow it up...it makes sense when you think about it; poco toured with yes in the early 1970s quite a bit. and rusty young actually has actually said he wanted to be like rick wakeman in the fact that he brought so many different sounds and colors to the groups' sound.
Putaspellonyou 5 months ago
Is this going to be Michele Bachmann's theme song?
bpivr 5 months ago 3
I remember Firefall! I looked for this album for twenty years? Cool~~
foxysungoddess 5 months ago
I cannot tell you how many memories this brings back...so glad to have lived in the time when this was released and played on the radio ~ Thank you for posting it~!
MsNancyGray 6 months ago
9 and a half minutes of masterpiece. This song is the Bohemian Rhapsody, before the Bohemian Rhapsody.
Audhluma 6 months ago
the more i listen to these guys the more they strike me as a cross between the doobies and ppl
crunk88 6 months ago
@crunk88 Now I have to research the connections Poco had with all the members of Doobies & Pure Prairie League!
RANDOPAUL 6 months ago
The Buffalo Springfield influence via Richie.......I'm hearin' a tad bit of Bluebird in this song
TheLancer52 6 months ago 2
Just an absolutely fantastic song! I just heard it for the first time in way too many years. Nobody makes 'em lile this anymore. These kids today don't even have a clue...
mojostephen 7 months ago
A relatively unknown song as it didn't fit the AM radio 3 to 4 minute format. Was a hit on progressive radio, though, where a song's length did not determine airplay.
Probably the most complex and haunting song Poco ever did. Truly an unheralded masterpiece. Simply a great composition -- with that country twang.
tealeaf56 7 months ago 9
good stuff..thanks
navigator502 7 months ago
Crazy Eyes is about Furany's friendship with Gram Parsons. Poco is still active, recording and touring. Check out Poconut.com
druther530 8 months ago
Liked the Eagles but I LOVED Poco and still do. At one time I had every one of their albums plus Randy Meisner's albums at one time. I am downloading al of these songs and converting them to MP3
nuimaleko7 9 months ago
yep,, surferdude'74. the music back then was so wonderful....I need to hear more music like that like a heroin addict needs a fix!
laurelfr1 9 months ago
the surfer1974 awesome memories flooding my mind as i recall the days of this song! Poco is great!
TheSurfer1974 9 months ago
STILL STANDS UP TODAY AS A GREAT PIECE 35 YEARS AFTER IT WAS WRITTEN.......
drumbs 9 months ago 2
Totally awesome piece of work. Great production, haunting verses, tremendous tension, yet simple offset of banjo and solo vocals. Love it! There was a lot of amazing energy going on back in the late 60s/early 70s that stand the test of time!
jovanovichjoe 10 months ago
I have always loved this song...I think this needs to go into my soundtrack for "`17 Minutz"...it's just too damned good!!!
deedee2020able 10 months ago
Poco is .... !!!!!!!!
Vox572X 10 months ago
this song reminds me of Marty Feldman
Mac10Mackey 10 months ago
Poco history lesson:
Pastor Ritchie Furay was a founding member of Buffalo Springfield, Poco & Souther, Hillmn & Furay, often guest artist w/ Firefall thue=s the Firefall & Rick Roberts connection.
Jim Messina was producer/engineer/ 2nd bassist for Buffalo Springfield, founding member of Poco going on to Loggins & Messina.
kodiak11755 11 months ago
one of my favorite songs ever,brings back crazy,fantastic memories!
carolryan100 11 months ago
These guyz are new to me, I think there good.
coryleslie80 11 months ago
Absolutely brilliant.
prs1945 11 months ago
Absolutely brilliant.
prs1945 11 months ago
probably their best composition ever... so epic, so evocative, so progressive and still so countrified... and for me this is their best incarnation...
guess they're worshipped in their homeland (USA) but believe me I love their music although I'm from Italy and I usually listen more hard edged rock
MrJohnlory 11 months ago
I have always loved the production and arrangement of this song - on top of a kick azz melody and haunting lyrics...simply beautiful!!!
deedee2020able 11 months ago
POCO 1975 Edwardsville IL $3 concert was young ,but DAMN GOOD MUZ!!!hjg
halfjapgeo 1 year ago
To my ears Poco's "Crazy Eyes" is that black sheep in the family. Poco -- always a good band with good songs. But, "Crazy Eyes" is magnificent. They never duplicated it. The banjo picking, big orchestra, harmonies, percussion, the drama...that's it..the drama. It's country meets classical. I was never a big Poco fan but this song is never far from my stereo. Now -- this was around the same time Marshall Tucker gave us "Take the Highway," & these two songs -- are like brandy and cigars.
lastrada52 1 year ago
Song always blew me away. Didn't know it was Richie Furay. Lots of late Springfield-like production here.
blorto1 1 year ago
I remember passing Firefall on the stairs in a bar in Boulder, Colorado....
now, here is a good one for all of ya.....Elton John and Leon Russell???????
talk about an unusual pairing as they are on tour together. They had a concert Nov. 20th in Daytona Beach, and I missed it.............
laurelfr1 1 year ago
WOW! Does this ever bring back memories..............So, where are these folks now?
And whats their connection with Souther, Hillman,and Furey? And Stephen Stills?
Damn if I can remember. And, anyone remember Firefall?
laurelfr1 1 year ago 4
@laurelfr1 Furay was a founding member of Poco following his stint with Buffalo Springfield, of which Stephen Stills and Neil Young were members.
Firefall was founded by Rick Roberts, who had been in The Flying Burrito Brothers with Parson.
graybeard1952 1 year ago 7
@laurelfr1 Man does it ever got chills running down my back as i hear this for the first time in YEARS!!!
TheSurfer1974 9 months ago 2
@laurelfr1
If you click on just the blue Poco, at the top of the page, where it says Crazy Eyes - Poco, it will open to a page that will give you all the information you are asking for ... and more :)
Paulsdottir 3 months ago
I freekin loved this song when it first came out. had no idea what it was about but knew it was special. now have navigated back to it after all these years, read the lyrics and the comments here for the first time. Not knowing anything about the personal lives of the artists here, i think the writer was a scorned lover. this song was an attempt to address serious emotional pain that had been inflicted by unrequited love for gp. just a theory.
kellgator 1 year ago
@kellgator The song is about Gram Parsons, a member of the Flying Burrito Brothers. Chris Hillman was a member as well. There's always been a connection between the bands Poco, FBB and the Eagles. Their members crossed over in the many incarnations of Poco. Richie Furay wrote the song following Parson's death from life in the fast lane.
graybeard1952 1 year ago
@graybeard1952
i heard on the internets that the song was written before gp died and gp heard it. to me it sounds more like a fuck you song than a tribute song. it's an incredible song whatever it is.
kellgator 1 year ago
@kellgatorI agree, it is a fuck you song..or an intervention. It's tough to watch a friend in a downward spiral, knowing there is nothing you can say or do to prevent it. Perhaps Furay thought music might be a way to get his feelings across. Nonetheless it was all in vain as Parson died 4 days later.
graybeard1952 1 year ago
@graybeard1952
did he die 4 days after hearing the song, or 4 days after Furay wrote it or what? you got to figure if furay told him to fuck off in such a powerful way...and four days later he kills himself (accidently?) that might be pretty tough for Furay to take. God knows what kind of a song that would spawn. I guess no follow up music on this subject eh graybeard?
kellgator 1 year ago
@kellgator He died 4 days after the album was released. It may have had a profound impact on Furay, he found God and is a pastor of a church in Colorado.
graybeard1952 1 year ago
@graybeard1952 He, Furay, lived in same Mountain area as I did & we had weekly in house Bible study together. He was a very shy man, something he struggled with all his life. He was a very down to earth, no "diva" attitude what so ever. Everyone in the group felt as though he was happy to be moving into a new place in his life & apparently we were correct. A very nice man who also played very good music!
lolangford1 1 year ago
I remember listin to Poco when I was young in the 70s. These were the good times of life people were people easy going & friendly. Not like they are today just rude about music. This is heart felt music to the soul.
Iroquoian63 1 year ago
one of the greatist rock songs of all time.
artboy55 1 year ago
I wonder if Gram ever heard this song.
libertybraves 1 year ago
I saw Poco and Marshall Tucker in Wichita in 75.What a show,so awesome!
royboy56100 1 year ago
ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. bliss.
ranchroper1974 1 year ago
Actually Jim Messina was the first lead guitar player, coming off his time as bass player in Buffalo Springfield with Ritchie. He then went on to produce Kenny Loggin's "solo" album, which sort of sidetracked him.
ElCoyoteLaffs 1 year ago
Brilliant !!!! Richie rules !!!! BS to Poco what a voice !!!!
theseventhprotocol 1 year ago
I love this song. Every thing about it. Richie's gorgeous vocal delivery, the lush string sections, the down-home banjo, the portentious, doomy percussion, the Gram Parsons vibe of the lyric, but best of all that moment (about 7 mins in) when Paul cuts loose with a blistering lead solo that veers from speaker to speaker (great over the headphones).
StevieReidEFC 1 year ago
I just discovered this band, and I am amazed! A new old fave!
jessewalla 1 year ago
Richy Furay ruled
lachryme 1 year ago
@lachryme Furay is a minister in Aspen or Vale.Colo. And ya he ruled.
shakedownstreet48 1 year ago
Man, this takes me back to college! I always loved this for its really unique arrangement, complete with strings, horns, banjo -- you name it. The structure of this piece is fascinating -- a brave arrangement by very talented musicians. Thanks for posting this great tune!!
TimeWarpLady 1 year ago
I remember playing this at home during College break....and my mom stopped doing what she was doing (which was usually laundry...vacuuming...etc)...and just listened and said "that is a beautiful song...who is that?"...
Dukabor 1 year ago
I like all kinds of music but this is one of my all time favorites, it is absolutely unique. I love all the different instruments and how they are blended...especially the horns, which are very powerful. And the vocals are absolutely stunning. I was driving my car the first time I ever heard this song and I literally had to pull off to the side and stop, I was so transfixed by it.
Easily there best ever. I agree with dawnandmark2003, below, an amazing song that can still give you goosebumps.
thet0nzz 1 year ago
I think Poco outshines the Eagles, they just didn't get the same breaks......the music biz is very well controlled as to who becomes a "star" and who doesn't, I was involved with it for a few years.
secretliescomeout 1 year ago 3
such an overlooked band, but they didn't seem to care, just loved playing their music.....they were too rock for country stations, and too country for rock stations: that, to me, is insane!
secretliescomeout 1 year ago 2
Worthy of comparison to the Eagles, and then some, in many ways.
mwp62 1 year ago
this song was recommended to me a few months ago by a friend and its the best recommendation anyone has ever gave me lol. An amazing song and band. It gives me goosebumps :) xx
dawnandmark2003 1 year ago
@dawnandmark2003 Here's another recommend "Little Feet: Feets don't fail me now" the album dixie Chicken and others classic almost unknown southern rock!
isftpoawawh 1 year ago
got a chance to hear the origional Pogo ,they did some really awsome stuff .
lynnwoodham 1 year ago
One of the greatest songs ever in the annals of country rock.
jstraw4 2 years ago
@jstraw4: without a doubt!!
secretliescomeout 1 year ago 2
Comment removed
1drumgod55 2 years ago
There are a couple of mistakes in the lyrics. I copied them from a site.
paulacooper01 2 years ago
Down among the South Caroline pines
You spent most of your lifetime in deep thought
Then changes come about and you find the time you spent
Wasn't quite reason for being bought
So now to be or not to be is the question...now
Crazy eyes don't you forget how
I'm used to seeing your face in the crowd and you thought you
Saw me
Crazy eyes blind as you can be
paulacooper01 2 years ago
I got a feeling about you, love who's fooling who
Crazy eyes I been a foolin' you
You sing songs about brass buttons and shiny silver shoes
Crazy eyes what had you to lose
paulacooper01 2 years ago
I love this song. The whole album was so good. Couldn't help but want to dance to songs like Blue Water but this song is so beautiful. I found it ironic years later that I bought this album and Grievous Angel by Gram Parsons the same day.
paulacooper01 2 years ago
What a beautiful song- truly a unique masterpiece. Such a sad story of Gram Parsons. So glad Richie and others survived this self-destructive industry. So many perished and did themselves such harm.
smac761 2 years ago
Thanks for recording the whole song here...takes me back. An old fave.
Anyone care to insert the lyrics in Comments?
OceanSwimmer 2 years ago
they have a site and you can buy shirts etc.. it helps the band you have to go to POCONUT
crazyshellyfrombills 2 years ago
This album was just recently re-issued on CD as well, I may very well be wrong, but I beleive it was the first time issued on cd in August of 09
dwjkkrondor1 2 years ago
I had TOTALLY forgotten about this song until I re-read Poco's biography and started searching for Poco songs.
Poco was one of my favorite bands in the 70's and my favorite country Rock Band of all. As a band I still think they were the best and most consistant until and including Indian Summer. Their early work was impressive. My favorite album is still Indian Summer though. There is a consistancy about that album I like. It is complete. But Crazy eyes? WOW!
NielsSchmidtDK 2 years ago
I liked Legend all the way, but did find Crazy Eyes here only a few mon ago and was hooked on. Think this is one of the greatest songs all time. Great rock musical that has so diversified angles which are still fascinating. Am 50 Korean, and love this kind of american songs that used to poke into our souls, in an era with the great seekers.
jayjhlee98 2 years ago 3
I was there, too. I worked this tour.
misterwriter111 2 years ago
i was there///great times all
912johnboy 2 years ago 2
Poco, Eagles, CSNY-------who cares who came from,or sounded like who. Each one of them excellend bands. I am just a music lover and love music by them all---------Buffalo Springfield too. Keep on rockin' man!
1951tank 2 years ago 2
Buffalo Springfield was the foundation band. Other foundations were Linda Ronstadt, The Byrds, The Hollies and the Flying Burrito Brothers. Poco was the feeder for the Eagles. The Eagles were great in 2008.
misterwriter111 2 years ago
all these comments. lololololololol. damn, i'm old. ;}
batsdude 2 years ago
lol...so am I bats...but I've found the key to life is 1. keep breathing.... and 2. keep talking....as long as you are doing these two things....you're good!
Dukabor 2 years ago
Richie and Gram where hangin together in NYC went gram wrote Brass Buttons in 1966 and Richie said what song or something to that effect.
riprock100 2 years ago
how come they sound kinda like
The Eagles.
flowerchild58 2 years ago
I think it's more like "The Eagles sound kinda like Poco". :)
iagobroxado 2 years ago 24
ditto.
katy1957 2 years ago
heh...well 2 bass players became Eagles...guess Ritchie was a threat to Don and Glenn...
Dukabor 2 years ago
I imagine that both bands must have admired each other a lot. :)
iagobroxado 2 years ago
@iagobroxado Poco is more beautiful than the eagles, you know that dust in the wind is a song of Kansas!
and Poco is deep in the notes and words=)
Vox572X 10 months ago
cause...POCO was doing the Eagles before the Eagles?....with Rusty (and thanks for the signed card and POCO 40 years pick Rusty)...Ritchie...Jim...Randy...Tim...George...Paul...
Dukabor 2 years ago
...and they were both influenced by Crosby,Stills and Nash,for example helplessly hoping..etc
roundrocktx 2 years ago
POCO formed in '68...CS&N in '69....I don't think the original POCO was influenced by CS&N a year before?...maybe the reverse?
Dukabor 2 years ago
true,never tought about that...thx
roundrocktx 2 years ago
This is from Poco's own Myspace page;
"Auditions were held for the other band members and among the hopeful was Gram Parsons. He played with Poco for a few weeks but things didn't work out and he left the band. "
And, the song was done as early as 11/19/68, so clearly it wasn't written as a tribute to the departed GP.
vatmcgrath 2 years ago
auditioning and playing for a "few weeks" does not make you a member of a band?...geez he was hanging out with the Stones during "let it bleed" and "exile" sessions...(it's rumored you can hear him singing on "Wild Horses")...so was he a member of the Stones? and Crazy Eyes was released in 1973?...the song mentions ..Brass Buttons?....and your shiny silver shoes? okay...maybe it was written before Gram died...but it's definately about Gram...
Crowsfan55 2 years ago
There's this interview with Richie, yes it's about Gram, but he was still alive when the song was written. This interview is here in Youtube somewhere.
iagobroxado 2 years ago
When they allude to "You sing about brass buttons," "Your shiny silver shoes," and being from South Carolina (all of which are direct references to Gram Parsons) who else or what else would they be singing about?
19Truth53 2 years ago
oh wait....I'm wrong on one thing...Timmy was already with them...album cover? duh...and the voice...
Crowsfan55 2 years ago
Saw the latest version of Poco last night at Penns peak - Rusty Young, Paul Cotton et al. REAL good... They did a version of Magnolia that had people in tears... See them if you can.
SJDinAudubon 2 years ago 2
was there too SJ!! I'm the guy who yelled out "Magnolia" when Paul started and he turned and winked at me...heh...how 'bout the guy who ran up after the first song and said "my girlfriend plays tamborine....can she play with you?"....lol...love Rusty's response...you have to be a member of the musicians union....
Crowsfan55 2 years ago
heh...just got my POCO shirt (they didn't have "large" at Penns Peak...included with the shirt was a personally signed "thanks...Rusty Young"...and a POCO "40 year Pick"....damn....love ya Rusty...
Crowsfan55 2 years ago
groups and players of this quality are rare. The shite that is promoted in todays pop world leaves me speechless.
cherribaby69 2 years ago 3
thanks for posting this hauntingl song
maritain7 2 years ago 6
Gram Parsons played with Poco, even before they were Poco. The story I heard was that he was asked to join, but dismissed the suggestion, and the band for being too pop (bubblegum). He went on to join the Byrds, and steered them in the direction heard on Sweetheart of the Rodeo. Crazy Eyes -- the song -- was written around that time, and performed live even before Poco released their first album. And, I don't hear anything in the lyrics to suggest any concern for Gram's boozing/ drug use.
vatmcgrath 2 years ago
listen to richie furays' interview with g-brown on youtube.
katy1957 2 years ago 3
Actually he and Richie were thinking of forming a group together in 67-68, but Gram wanted Sneaky Pete Kleinow on pedal and Richie wanted Rusty--that is when they forgot the idea--good thing Poco didn't take on his excess baggage!!!
aa4018881 2 years ago
this post is so wrong on many levels...Gram never played with Poco....he did play with the Byrds (after Gene and David Crosby left) with Chris Hillman....but that's the byrds...Crazy Eyes was a tribute to Gram after he died.. but was the 6TH album put out by POCO...Ritchie left after that one and joined with John David Souther and Chris Hillman to form "Souther, Hillman, Furay"...Timmy B. then joined POCO and they put out the great "Poco 7" album...and I saw them a week ago (ok..Rusty and Paul)
Crowsfan55 2 years ago
You need to do a little more research.
vatmcgrath 2 years ago
Richie seems like a nice guy, but this song was not a tribute, nor a dirge, but a REVENGE, Story goes, Gram called Poco "bubblegum," and Richie wrote this song to get back at him;
vatmcgrath 2 years ago
wrong
katy1957 2 years ago
If you listen to the words, and still think it's a "tribute," your comprehension skills might need dusting.
vatmcgrath 2 years ago
i didn't say it was a tribute.
katy1957 2 years ago
more of a lament.
katy1957 2 years ago 3
I loved this song so much that I named a horse after it. It was out of a son of Poco Bueno, so I named her Poco's Crazy Eyes. And she lived her life among the South Carolina pines.
butonesmallface 2 years ago 4
best sit I ever heard on this song. Good G__! it is great.
Levoy1 2 years ago
that it is about gram, make it all the more
beautifully haunting, and sweet.
katy1957 2 years ago
i was in lafayette colorado to see richie perform at nissis and spend the day with him ( 3/13/2009) . they played "crazy eyes" the first time publickly and it was incredible!! richie and the band got a very long standing ovation for it. he is such an incredible talent
pbaub 2 years ago 2
brings back fond memories. way cool
graybeard.
katy1957 2 years ago
Gram Parsons had just passed prior to the recording of this.
He also mentions "South Carolina" as well, among other references.
BobSeger1981 2 years ago
This is a slightly different mix than is on the original "Crazy Eyes" album, but I like it.
jsclemokie 3 years ago
It's great sharing thoughts on my favorite band. Crazy Eyes might be my favorite, too. But, there are SO many great Poco songs that I love just as much. Lots of versatility here!
jsclemokie 3 years ago
this is NOT a tribute to gram...it is a dirge! i love gram more than anybody, but...this is richie telling EVERYONE he is gonna DIE! gram was incredible, but perhaps a little too much drink. watch grievous angel! him and emmylou sound like angels, but this is NOT a TRIBUTE
davefer123 3 years ago 2
you are right, this came out in jan. 1973.
gram passed in sept. 1973.
katy1957 2 years ago 2
Ahh nothing like listening to Poco to bring back some good old memories. Thanks You Tube
jimba29 3 years ago 2
Ahh nothin like the memories of the good ol'days. Poco kicks butt!!!
jimba29 3 years ago
Over the years, as members came and left, "Poco" was always a major compilation of talent.
The blending of banjo, steel guitar and orchestral strings was pure genius and this song will always be my Poco favorite. Thanks Graybeard for reminding me. oxox
sparknpa 3 years ago
EPIC!
fangjangler 3 years ago
correct me if I am wrong but do I hear some referencing to Gram Parsons in the words? Everyone always mentions the Eagles connections with Poco, however the connnection goes deeper than that when you start talking Buffalo Springfield......
dsmsoccerdad 3 years ago
Yes, this song does make references to Gram Parsons, The line "You sing about brass buttons and shiny silver shoes" is referring to Gram's song "Brass Buttons."
graybeard1952 3 years ago
@graybeard1952 the entire song is about Gram
fndr100 1 year ago
@dsmsoccerdad You got that correct. Its a sort of tribute to Gram.
rocker53zero 1 year ago
@dsmsoccerdad Gram and Richie were very close, it was devastating to Richie when Gram died. There are other references to one another in different songs. They had their bad moments, but for the most part cared deeply for one another. Gram died at age 27, same age as Hendrix, Morrison, and many others. What's the connection with that age?
secretliescomeout 1 year ago
@dsmsoccerdad One of the best songs of the early seventies
foxysungoddess 1 year ago
Randy Meisner was the Founder of "Poco" of with at the time Timothy was the Bassist for the band and Randy did the Vocals. When Randy left to do a gig with Don Henley and Glenn Frey and hense became a part in the Beginning of "The Eagles"
windvaleblue 3 years ago
Back when the Eagles were in the bud stage of their musical expressions, Poco was struggling to make their mark on the scene as well. In the process of time, Randy Meisner jumped from the Eagles to Poco and Timothy cruised on over to the Eagles, then there was Greatness for Both>*
windvaleblue 3 years ago
Not wishing to contradict, just adding a bit.
Wasn't Randy Meisner actually the original bassist with Poco but left before the first album was released then becoming a founder member of the Eagles. Then when he left the Eagles in 1977 he was replaced By Tim who came from Poco. Yes the two bands are totally intertwined.
llewitha 3 years ago 2
Sounds a bit like Chiliwack.
7beers 3 years ago
That's not a bad analogy, if we focus on Chilliwack before Brian MacLeod and Ab Bryant. Both Chilliwack and Poco were vastly underrated for most of their careers.
pdeckder 2 years ago
Love Poco, this is such a great song.
WIGSCOTT 3 years ago
thanks for posting1 i've had a cat named magnolia, and sis is luna-crazy eyes. it's good feelin to know how many people enjoy the music! so good! love poco always . know others to that have seen them lately!!
NancyBN 3 years ago
I saw them at Midway Stadium in St.Paul
in 1971, Thay came on After Its a Beautiful Day. What a show that was, I can still Poco up their on stage. I miss those days very much..
shakedownstreet48 3 years ago 2
Check out the IABD songs I posted on my channel.
graybeard1952 3 years ago
i heard about them by coincidence - when are they from?
Folkmann 3 years ago
Poco was formed in 1968 following the demise of Buffalo Springfield.
Richie Furay, Rusty Young and Jim Messina were 3 of the original members.
Other well know musicians who have been band members were Randy Meisner and Timothy B Schmitt, both who went on to the play with the Eagles.
They are still writing and recording today but the only original band member is Rusty Young.
graybeard1952 3 years ago
thanks for the information! Am I wrong when I say that I think I've heard that Paul Cotton was a part of it at one moment?
Folkmann 3 years ago
That's correct, there is a long list of people who at one time have been in the band.
graybeard1952 3 years ago
@Folkmann Paul Cotton, Rusty Young and George Grantham have been the main and almost constant members of Poco from the start
rocker53zero 1 year ago
Thank you, It's great to connect with all the good ol' feelings of those days!! I saw Poco up close and personal at Alex Cooley's Electric Ball Room in 1974 (Atlanta), I was at table with wait service and only 20' away. Ahhhh fine memories :)
DrMark7 3 years ago
From the late 60's and early seventies
racheljlc 3 years ago 2
epic stuff, really. country rock grandeur with exquisite singing and great arrangements.
progressive country rock maybe??
maida1982a 3 years ago
Poco's Piece de Resistance. What a great band!
orses4corses 3 years ago 2
OK, just speculate on what the term "Crazy Eyes" stands for?After listening to the disc
many times I think they were blasted on mind altering goodies
gribbstone234 3 years ago
shit...all debates aside...you gotta admit Timmy sings the high harmony...like no one else?...damn anyone who sings higher than Ritchie...well goddam that is great singing (sorry for cursing so much)
Dukabor 3 years ago 2
just bought the CD a week ago.and the song Brass Buttons (written by Gram) is right next to Crazy Eyes.I like "Blue Water".
gribbstone234 3 years ago
I love this tune
I had completely forgot about it
What a flashback
flawedforevre 4 years ago 2
this was Ritchie's POCO...great album actually...and the rest (Timmy, Paul, Rusty, Grant)...did just fine...love the banjo and big orchestra!
Dukabor 4 years ago 2
Wasn't this a tribute(for lack of a better word) to Gram?
aa401888 3 years ago