Record Reviews

CROSBY, STILLS, NASH & YOUNG ~ DÉJÀ VU ATLANTIC 075678264924 (Barcode: 075678264924) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1969 - 1970 Released: 1994 This is the debut album by the iconic Classic Rock band Crosby, Stills, Nash & YoungFind albums by this artist, considered as one of the most important and pivotal Rock albums of all time. The group combined four young (at the time) Rock stars: the hippie dreamer David CrosbyFind albums by this artist, the folksy / bluesy Stephen StillsFind albums by this artist, the elegant, intellectual and romantic Brit Graham NashFind albums by this artist and the tough rocker Neil YoungFind albums by this artist, all four blessed with extraordinary voices and sublime songwriting talents. This unique combination of musical personalities already tested and perfected within the Crosby, Stills & NashFind albums by this artist framework was simply matchless by any contemporary Rock group at the time. This highly anticipated album, following the instant fame and glory of the group due to their stellar Woodstock Festival appearance proved to be everything that might have been expected and more. Assisted by bassist Greg ReevesFind albums by this artist and drummer Dallas TaylorFind albums by this artist (and a brief contributions by Jerry GarciaFind albums by this artist and John SebastianFind albums by this artist) they recorded nine original songs (two by each of the group members and one co-written by Stills and Young) and the cherry on top in the form of the Woodstock Generation anthem, the Joni MitchellFind albums by this artist song "Woodstock" inspired by the festival´s events. The music is a prefect blend of vocal harmonies and instrumental work, which renders sublimely the beauty and the depth of the compositions. The clever and meaningful lyrics add another layer to the musical framework, creating a set of songs, which in time became anthems not only in the long and successful career of the group and its individual members, but more importantly reached a legendary status of Anthems of a Generation, which firmly stands to this very day. It is very difficult to understand what makes this album to stand out from thousands of other recordings of the period. Beyond the above mentioned objective reasons, which contribute to its success, there are also additional factors, historical, social, psychological and even philosophical. This album defines a specific moment in American history, in which the "American Values" were seriously questioned, perhaps for the first time. The anguish and the confusion of the young generation (in America, but also in the entire world for that matter) were perfectly echoed in the songs by the Classic Rock Artists, who were the bards and often the prophets of their generation, continuing the process initiated in the 1950s by the Beat Generation and continued by the Protest Poets of the 1960 (Woody GuthrieFind albums by this artist, Bob DylanFind albums by this artist). Sadly that poignant moment of American history proved to be brief, and tragically insignificant in retrospect. The mass media and political / social processes proved to be most successful in turning the American public into a mindless mob. Now, almost fifty years after it´s release, this is still a sublime piece of music, which deserves to be cherished, remembered and repeatedly re-visited by every sensitive, open-minded cultural person on this planet.

Updated: 21/01/2019Posted: 21/01/2019

CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

CROSBY, STILLS, NASH & YOUNG ~ LIVE AT FILLMORE EAST, 1969 RHINO 603497839612 (Barcode: 603497839612) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1969 Released: 2024 This is an archival live album by the iconic Rock band Crosby, Stills, Nash & YoungFind albums by this artist, considered as one of the most important and pivotal Rock groups of all time. The group combined four young (at the time) Rock stars: the hippie dreamer David CrosbyFind albums by this artist, the folksy / bluesy Stephen StillsFind albums by this artist, the elegant, intellectual and romantic Brit Graham NashFind albums by this artist and the tough rocker Neil YoungFind albums by this artist, all four blessed with extraordinary voices and sublime songwriting talents. This unique combination of musical personalities already tested and perfected within the Crosby, Stills & NashFind albums by this artist framework was simply matchless by any contemporary Rock group at the time. This album, recorded on September 20, 1969, before the debut album by the band was released, finds them in the light of the instant fame and glory, due to their stellar Woodstock Festival appearance a month earlier. The previously unreleased material presents seventeen tracks, which follows their show pattern of acoustic set (eleven tracks) and electric set (six tracks), where the quartet is assisted by bassist Greg ReevesFind albums by this artist and drummer Dallas TaylorFind albums by this artist. The obvious comparison between this recording and the Woodstock performance shows how much progress these musicians made in just one month, perfecting the vocal harmonies and getting the show together. Playing the Woodstock and these Fillmore versions opposite each other is a schoolbook exercise, for the very patient music enthusiasts, and a great fun. Although this album does not offer anything previously unheard, it is as perfect as any fan of CSN&Y could ask for, with impeccable performances and absolutely stunning sound quality and clarity. As such, it expands the historical document of the era (late 1969), when music making was at the epicenter of the cultural platform and before everything turned sour. Overall, this is an incredible find, which for people who had been lucky to experience this music in real time is absolutely priceless. If there is Godly Rock music, this is it, no questions asked. Beyond essential!

Updated: 19/11/2024Posted: 19/11/2024

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend