Woodstock--40 Years On: Back To Yasgur's Farm

We could have used more of the Incredible String Band or Richie Havens! But these are individual complaints. The set as it stands is the ultimate document--thus far--and will likely be for some time to come.

40 Years On: Back to Yasgur's Farm is a dandy primer and/or refresher course in why that mythic, muddy lovefest mattered, man.

Even after everything that's been said, written, photographed, filmed and recorded on the event, this set shows that a fresh take is still possible.

There are other moments of inspiration--maybe about a CD's worth, all told.

There are bum notes (musicians were high, burnt or both) and bumpy mixes (recording conditions were just shy of wartime). But the result, combined with the full-length performances in the Woodstock Experience packages, is the most comprehensive and satisfying account so far of the main reason why Yasgur's acres became an instant city of freaks, including me: the music.

Back To Yasgur’s Farm has a documentary feel that’s one of its most successful aspects.

For one weekend, they all happened to be picked up by a state-of-the-art Ampex tape machine. A few made history. The rest made background noise for half a million kids who behaved really, really well. That’s one for the books, all right—but not necessarily one for the ears.

Rhino attempts to place the focus back on the music, to put you right back there in the mud. And they succeed, man--just don't eat the brown Metamucil.