Graham Nash’s second solo effort has been overshadowed by his harmonic heroics as a senior partner in the various Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young configurations. After being lured from the Hollies — where his latter contributions were criminally unappreciated (see, or rather hear Dear Eloise/King Midas in Reverse) — it was Nash who had come up with most of the CSN(Y) hit singles, including “Marrakesh Express,” “Our House,” and “Teach Your Children.” His 1971 debut, Songs for Beginners, was likewise filled with inspired moments such as “I Used to Be a King,” “Chicago/We Can Change the World,” and “Sleep Song.” Topping those efforts would have been superhuman. Such is the way that Wild Tales has been eclipsed and overlooked by enthusiasts of his previous endeavors. Nash gathered a core aggregate of musicians, many of whom were loosely connected to the CSNY family. These include: Johnny Barbata (drums), Tim Drummond (bass), David Lindley (guitar), and Ben Keith (pedal steel guitar/dobro), and, of course David Crosby (vocals). Also making guest shots were Dave Mason (12-string guitar), Joe Yankee (aka Neil Young) (acoustic piano), and Joni Mitchell (vocals). Together, they animate Nash’s slice-of-life compositions. Musically, Nash retains much of the whimsy that drew folks to his earlier songs. Likewise, the subject matter ranges from political (“Oh Camil” and “Prison Song”) to the emotionally naked “Another Sleep Song” and “I Miss You.” Nash would bring several of these tunes back to the CSNY fold for their 1974 tour — including the up-tempo rocking title track, as well as the folkie “Prison Song.” It would be another seven years after Wild Tales before Nash would issue his next solo album, Earth & Sky — which fared as poorly at its predecessor. – Lindsay Planer