Record Reviews

CROSBY, STILLS & NASH ~ CSN ATLANTIC 075678265020 (Barcode: 075678265020) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1976 - 1977 Released: 1994 This is the second studio album by the iconic Classic Rock trio Crosby, Stills & NashFind albums by this artist. During the eight years that separate the trio´s eponymous debut album and this sophomore release the trio members were involved in the quartet Crosby, Stills, Nash & YoungFind albums by this artist recordings, solo recordings and the Crosby & NashFind albums by this artist duo recordings among other activities, but did not manage to record together as a trio, which of course caused this album to be highly anticipated at the time. Assisted by a plethora of guest musicians like drummers Joe VitaleFind albums by this artist and Russell KunkelFind albums by this artist, keyboardists Craig DoergeFind albums by this artist and Michael FinniganFind albums by this artist, bassist George PerryFind albums by this artist and even including a string section, the trio managed to produce twelve splendid new songs, three by David CrosbyFind albums by this artist, five by Stephen StillsFind albums by this artist and four by Graham NashFind albums by this artist, which stand up to the level of the material included on the legendary debut album. The music is characterized by the usual amazing vocal harmonies, great melodies and superb instrumental work, creating an instant classic, which in retrospect turned out to be the trio´s all time best selling album, outselling even the legendary debut. Mature and more experienced, the trio members might have lost some of their spontaneity and edge, but definitely gained finesse and sensitivity, and most importantly depth. The lyrics remain powerful and meaningful, and are an integral part of the overall artistic delivery. The four songs by Nash turn out to be the strongest songs on the album, especially so the epic "Cathedral", which is probably his strongest song written after leaving the Hollies. But all the songs on this album are up to par with the usual standard expected from these great Artists. In historical perspective this album sadly remains overshadowed by the early work of the trio and the fact that it was released at the time when Classic Rock was being pushed out by other (then) contemporary musical trends, which in time led to the annihilation of Rock Music at large. For the fans and connoisseurs of the trio´s recorded works, this album is an absolute must of course.

Updated: 25/01/2019Posted: 25/01/2019

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

CROSBY, STILLS & NASH ~ CSN (BOX SET) ATLANTIC 081227973230 (Barcode: 081227973230) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1968 - 1991 Released: 2013 Although released under the Crosby, Stills & NashFind albums by this artist moniker, this wonderful; 4CD compilation Box Set presents a selection of tracks that include also recordings by Crosby, Stills, Nash & YoungFind albums by this artist, solo recordings by David CrosbyFind albums by this artist, Stephen StillsFind albums by this artist and Graham NashFind albums by this artist, recordings by the Crosby & NashFind albums by this artist duo, recordings by the group ManassasFind albums by this artist led by Stills and even a Stills & NashFind albums by this artist track, all captured on tape between 1968 and 1991. Of the seventy seven tracks included in this compilation, twenty five are previously unreleased, which is a perfectly good reason to own it, in addition of course to the obvious reason that it includes some of the best music even recorded on this planet. The Box Set includes also a wonderful booklet with an essay and detailed information about each of the tracks. Obviously this is a career summary of these incredible musicians, which clearly proves that they were a true Classic Rock legends, individually and collectively. Their superb output created over a period of two decades has almost no parallels and is to this very day part of the essence of what we now refer to as Classic Rock. Luckily for us, music lovers, all four of these musical heroes continued to create wonderful music after this collection was released, and now we are able to enjoy five decades of their collective and individual creations, which continue to be exciting, diverse and intellectually challenging. This Box Set is the best and most comprehensive collection so far of the early period of Crosby, Stills & Nash output and a exquisite introduction to their music for the new generation of listeners, but also a nice addition to any complete collection of their recording thanks to those unreleased tracks it includes. Worth its weight in gold!

Updated: 29/01/2019Posted: 25/01/2019

CD 4 Slipcase Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend

CROSBY, STILLS, NASH & YOUNG ~ CSNY 1974 RHINO 081227960353 (Barcode: 081227960353) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1974 Released: 2014 This magnificent Box Set is the document of the legendary 1974 tour by the seminal Classic Rock group Crosby, Stills, Nash & YoungFind albums by this artist. Organized by the no less legendary Rock impresario Bill GrahamFind albums by this artist, the tour lasted between July 9th 1974 and September 14th 1974, totaling in 31 shows. An additional one-off show was also played on December 14, 1974. Overall this was the most extensive tour ever attempted by a Rock act to that date. The group was assisted by three additional musicians: bassist Tim DrummondFind albums by this artist, drummer Russell KunkelFind albums by this artist and percussionist Joe LalaFind albums by this artist. The Box Set consists of three CDs and a DVD, which are a selection from the music recorded and filmed during the tour. CDs 1 and 3 offer electric sets and CD 2 offers a purely acoustic set. The Box Set also includes a marvelous 188-page book with information and beautiful photographs. The entire Box Set is an obvious labor of love, mostly invested by Graham NashFind albums by this artist, who became a de facto group archivist and Joel BernsteinFind albums by this artist who was in charge of some superb productions over the years. The three CDs offer an amazing collection of forty songs, which in retrospect are some of the finest songs ever written, not only by the Mighty Four, but in the general Classic Rock idiom´s time span. They include of course material from the debut Crosby, Stills & NashFind albums by this artist album and the Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young album, as well as from the individual solo albums recorded by the group members. Some of the songs present in this box have never been released in their live version before. The sound quality and the individual performances captured on these recordings are some of the finest Classic Rock moments ever recorded. Every word and every sound are just perfect and exactly what is needed at the given moment. The intimacy and camaraderie between the group members and the rapport they manage to create with the audience are simply stellar. The four decades that separate the dates of the recording of these concerts and the date of the release of this Box Set did not manage to take an iota off the glory, beauty and artistry of the music presented here. The world managed to sink into darkness and stupidity, and as a result this music shines even brighter now than it did at the time of its creation. Thank God for the invention of sound recording. This Box Set proudly joins the great Classic Rock live recordings heritage that keeps some of us mentally alive today.

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: 20/01/2019

3CD+DVD 4 Digipak Box Set Recommend To A Friend