Stephen Stills - "Stephen Stills"

In honor of one of my all time favorite musicians' 67th birthday I am writing this post to a true musical genius named Stephen Stills and reviewing his solo debut album (this also happens to be my first post of 2012!).

By 1970 Stephen Stills was on something of a winning streak, from his excellence on the three Buffalo Springfield albums, to "Super Session," through Crosby, Stills & Nash's debut album and CSN & Young's "Deja Vu" as well as the CSNY single "Ohio/Find the Cost of Freedom." He had nothing left to prove, yet he decided to prove himself again anyway.

Between late 1970 and early 1971 all four members of the recently disbanded CSNY released a solo album (in various formations at least two members worked on each other's  albums as back up) Stephen Stills' eponymous debut was the most successful of the four and in my mind the most enjoyable. Stills gathers a spectacular mix of great musicians of the era including, Jimi Hendrix (one of his last recordings, the album is also dedicated to him), Eric Clapton, Cass Elliot, Rita Coolidge, Booker T. Jones, John Sebastian, supposedly Ringo Starr is the drummer listed as Richie, and David Crosby and Graham Nash also lend their voices.

From Henry Diltz's excellent cover photo one might guess that this is a quiet singer/songwriter album, but in reality this album runs the gamut from pop to rock, folk, blues, and gospel. While it also has echos of his work with Buffalo Springfield and particularly CSN this album is completely different and fully Stills.

From the opening guitar strings along with the steel drum of the hit single "Love the One You're With" the album grabs you, the chorus of voices and a borrowing from the end of "Suite Judy Blue Eyes" are nods to CSN but then Stills moves into his own with the beautiful "Do for the Others" and superbly tackles gospel with "Church (Part of Someone)." "Old Times, Good Times" follows with some killer guitar by Hendrix and some great organ work by Stills on one of his best rock songs. "Go Back Home" is bluesy rock with Clapton and Stills trading guitar licks and Clapton turning in one of those great solos.

"Sit yourself Down" is one of Stills finest recordings with some great singing by all involved and I wish it was more talked about in terms of Stills' music, just such a great tune. "To a Flame" is a powerful piece of heavenly glory followed by the live acoustic blues of "Black Queen." The wall of sound of "Cherokee" would have fit well on his next solo album and the gospel style powerhouse closer "We Are Not Helpless" bring the proceedings to a epic close.

Throughout this album Stills gives one of his finest vocal performances ranging from bluesy to beautiful and etheral. His song writing is as usual flawless here. I can never pick which is my favorite Stills solo album this one or "Manassas" so I say it is a tie between the two.

Happy Birthday Mr. Stills and thank you for this wonderful album and all the wonderful music you make.

Crosby & Nash - "Live"

This was the last recording, for many years, released by the duo of Crosby and Nash. They reunited with Stills after this album and have been together ever since. Originally released as a nine track album with poor sound. MCA records remastered and rereleased the album in 2000 with greatly improved sound and two new tracks. There is the excellent, never before released Crosby tune, "King of the Mountain" as well as a live version of "Bittersweet" with soaring vocals.

The performances are compiled from a number of shows during their 1975-76 tour. The pair are in good form with strong harmonious vocals. Their backing band, The Mighty Jitters, is spectacular and really push this disc up a notch. The song selection focuses on CN's three albums at the time and with a few selections from Nash's "Songs for Beginners." They only bring up their CSN history with a very trippy nine minute version of "Deja Vu" to close the album.

Overall this is a strong live album with very interesting versions of familiar songs, though most of them do not stray very far from the studio recordings. However, they are different enough though that fans of the pair will enjoy this release. If you do not care for CN's folk and country pop then this will not change your mind but if you are a fan this is a fine addition to the catalogue.

Crosby & Nash - "Graham Nash David Crosby"

There have been so many variations and permutations of Crosby, Stills & Nash that include CSN& Young, Stills-Young Band, Crosby-Nash-Young, Stills & Nash and yet the most successful variation would be Crosby & Nash.

After CSNY disbanded in late 1970 all four members released solo albums but in 1971 Crosby & Nash set out on a series of duo acoustic shows, which consisted of only the pair and two acoustic guitars performing songs from CSN as well as their solo work. The concerts were so successful that the pair went into the recording studio and released this album. It was a big hit and the start of several successful duo albums by the pair.

This is actually a recent purchase of mine and as I have said in previous posts I am big fan of CSN(Y) as well as their solo work, I had to get it. The pair divide the song writing credits equally and for the most part the songs are quite good. The sound is more folk and acoustic based than "Deja Vu" and is closer to the sounds of Nash's "Songs for Beginners."

"Southbound Train" and "Immigration Man" were the big hits off the album and retain that feel of CSN's first album. My favorite songs though are "Frozen Smiles," "Girl to be on My Mind" and "The Wall Song" all wonderful recordings that can only be found on this album. "Blacknotes" is a waste of one minute, basically Nash seemingly improvising lines for one minute. There are also the Crosby gems "Where Will I Be?" and "Page 43."

Overall this is probably best for fans of Crosby and Nash's solo work as well as big fans of CSN (like myself). Supposedly C&N are going to be re-release their duo catalog during 2011 maybe they will throw in some liner notes and such. Here's hoping.

Crosby, Stills & Nash - "CSN [Box Set]"

My Grandparents gave me this Box Set in Christmas 2002 I believe. This excellent set covers all of Crosby, Stills, and Nash's various incarnations as musicians from 1968-1990. This Four CD set with over 70 tracks is a great compilation for the diehard fan. I believe they are who this set is aimed at, the longtime fans. For those novice fans who have very little experience with the group this may be too much material and also a number of the group's most popular songs are presented here in alternative or unreleased versions. "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" is a noticeably different take, "Guinnevere" is a demo recording, "Carry On" is presented here in Stills' remixed "Carry On/Questions" version, and there are others.

Other than the group recordings this set also features fine choices from the three musicians solo careers as well as the majority of Crosby & Nash's best duo work. There is even a version of "Dear Mr. Fantasy," from the briefly lived Stills & Nash grouping. There are a number of tracks that feature Neil Young in CSNY on songs that later turned up without him on the official recordings. As the title of the box states there are no Young solo recordings and only the two hits, "Ohio" and "Helpless," that he wrote as part of CSNY are featured here. There are also songs from CSN's later less popular albums like "Live it Up" and "American Dream." But like most career compilations the songs towards the end of disc 4 are not on par with their early material.

There is a well done booklet with lots of rare photographs and an interesting essay which features interviews from CSN. There is also a long fold out family tree which shows all their different groups through their musical careers as well as the groups of their frequent back up musicians. The booklet also features little paragraphs and personal memories about each song featured on the set. Most are written by CSNY but a few feature remarks by Joni Mitchell and Dallas Taylor. There are also detailed remarks about who played on the track as well as when and where it was first released.

Like I said earlier this is geared toward the more diehard fans who will welcome the fine tribute to an excellent group of musicians. Since I am a diehard fan I am glad I own this.

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young - "So Far"

This is the first ever CSN(Y) related album I ever bought and I immediately wanted the rest of their music. I picked it up at Tower Records in 2001 or 2.

As with many of my albums and posts there is a history behind the release of this compilation. After the "Deja Vu" album and tour, CSNY disbanded in 1970. For the next several years all four members released a number of solo albums. In 1974 CSNY reunited with the intention of recording a new album and then setting out on an ambitious stadium tour (the first ever Rock stadium tour). Due to clashing egos and fights in the recording studio the new album was never made but CSNY did go on a large hugely successful stadium tour. However, their record label, Atlantic Records, wanted and possibly needed a CSNY record in the stores to accompany the tour thus they released this odd compilation.

"So Far" collects eleven songs from "Crosby, Stills and Nash (debut album)" and "Deja Vu" as well as the two excellent singles "Ohio" and "Find the Cost of Freedom" which were recorded in response to the Kent State shootings and are not included on any regular album. That was the original selling point for this compilation "Ohio/Find the Cost of Freedom" were only available on this one CD/Record. But since then the excellent box set "CSN" has been released which contains both those songs and with the invention of song downloads you can just go to Amazon and buy those two songs (iTunes strangely does not have this album). The eleven songs collected here are excellent but you are better off buying the first two albums, all the songs are on those two albums you get more for your money. There are no liner notes and other than the really cool cover painting by Joni Mitchell(!) the rest of this compilation can be found elsewhere for a better buy and with little overlap. I'm hanging on to mine simply because I am a CSNY fanatic and this is the first taste I ever had of their music.

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young - "4 Way Street"

I previously wrote a post about this album back when I first started my blog which may have a little more review.

This is a double disc live album that I picked up a Tower Records after I bought the group's first two albums. Like a real CSNY concert the album is split into two section an acoustic set (disc 1) and an electric set (disc 2). The album has moments of brilliance but is slightly uneven. On disc 1 thegroup only works as a whole on "Teach your Children" and "Love the One You're With." Other than that it seems each member performs solo or with the others acting simply as back up. Young gets a little more time than the others and just as Stills gets featured disc one ends.

Disc 2 features them working as a band through the entire disc and there are some good long jams between Stills and Young on the 15 minute renditions of "Southern Man" and "Carry On." The CD reissue adds four track to disc 1 all solo acoustic performances, there are no liner notes aside from the song lyrics.

One thing I did find interesting is that though the album was released in 1971 these performances were recorded in the Summer of 1970 on the "Deja Vu" tour and yet much of the material performed is from albums that were not released until Winter of '70 or well into '71. So the audience does not react when songs like "Chicago" or "Don't Let it Bring you Down" are preformed because this is probably the first time anyone heard any of these songs.

This is a fine addition to any CSN(Y) fans catalog, several songs "Right Between the Eyes," "The Lee Shore" and "Triad" only appear on this album unless you want to buy several different box sets. There has been talk that CSNY are going to release a new live album in 2011 from their excellent 1974 reunion tour here's hoping but until then "4 Way Street" is their best live album and great continuation of their debut album and "Deja Vu."

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young - "Deja Vu"

"Flawless harmonies, thoughtful lyrics, accomplished playing: this is state-of-the-art '70s rock music and continues to be the best explanation of CSN&Y's enormous stature and enduring legacy." Willian Ruhlmann All Music Guide

That pretty much sums up this album. "Deja Vu" usually turns up on greatest album lists and with good reason. It not only equals Crosby, Stills and Nash's (CSN) self titled debut, in several respects "Deja Vu" surpassed that album.

A little history first, after the success of CSN's debut album the trio went out on tour but Stills, who played the majority of the instruments on the album, felt they needed one more guitarist for their in order to perform some of the intricate guitar work live. But instead of simply finding a back-up guitarist Stills called on his old friend and Buffalo Springfield band mate Neil Young. Since Young was as well known as the other three they added his name to the group name. They went out on a tour that included performances at Woodstock and Altamont. The quartet then decided to record an album together.

While CSN's debut was largely acoustic based "Deja Vu" expands their formats with equal amounts of electric and acoustic, Rock and Country, Folk and Pop for a seamless whole. The recording sessions for this album were not pleasant and though they spent over 500 hours in the studio, all four members were hardly ever present at the same time.

Nonetheless every song on the album is spectacular and only Crosby's "Almost Cut My Hair" seems a little below the other tracks but it became a counter culture anthem of the era. While Nash's two songs "Teach Your Children" and "Our House" were the big hits every track is a show stopper. All ten songs are powerful statements of the American music scene in 1970. The closer "Everybody I Love You" by Stills and Young is often considered the greatest Buffalo Springfield song that Buffalo Springfield never recorded.

I really love this album and it is on my top ten list of favorite albums. This and the CSN debut album were a powerful one two punch that showed CSN(with and without Y) to be one of the finest American bands of their era.

Crosby, Stills & Nash - "Crosby, Stills & Nash"

"The only American-based band to approach the overall societal impact of The Beatles" - William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide

Crosby, Stills & Nash are one of, if not my favorite band. This, their debut album, is also on my top ten favorite albums list. A trio formed by three musicians who were part of other successful bands, The Byrds (Crosby), Buffalo Springfield (Stills), and The Hollies (Nash), but were unhappy with their respective groups. When they joined together and created this album they became more successful than any of their previous groups or albums.

I picked this up at Costco in the early 2000s when the group's albums had been newly remastered on CD. I had previously bought the compilation "So Far" and fell in love with the great music and wanted more of their work. Three talented individuals form a much greater sound, like The Beatles the whole is larger than the sum of its parts. Their voices blend effortlessly in perfect harmony, well written songs, and accomplished playing, you can't ask for more from an album. The styles range from jangly folk pop to electric rock and they are strong tunes no matter the style.

Listing the good songs is kind of pointless because everything on this album is choice. Though the album was written 15 years before I was born the songs still resonated with me. "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" is just a truly great song. "Marrakesh Express" took me on a journey to another place and time that I could never see otherwise. "Wooden Ships," though written about Vietnam and supposedly intended as a futuristic story, struck a chord because when I first got this album America was heading into Afghanistan. "You Don't Have to Cry" and "Helplessly Hoping" the titles explain why these songs resonated with me. When they sang "Steady Girl, Be My World, Now its over, they left in the Spring, Her and the Drifter Looking for Beautiful Things" in "49 Bye-Byes" I knew how they felt and where the words were coming from.

A truly great album, on a technical note they also released an expanded version of this album in 2009. It is not an improvement, the sound in not as good as this earlier remaster and the four demo songs added at the end are not all that great. Stick with this earlier regular CD edition.

"The Combination of Talents Creates a Great Sound," Rolling Stone Magazine.

I wish there were more albums like this.

4 Way Street

"4 Way Street" excellent if uneven Live album.

This live album captures Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young on stage during their 1970s heyday and like their actually shows the album is split into two halves featuring acoustic music (disc one) and the other being all electric (disc 2).

Disc one of the album does not really showcase the four members working as a whole as they do on their albums. The four only perform together on "Love the One You're With," "Teach Your Children" and the brief excerpt from "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes." As the liner note pictures indicate all four were on stage, but on most of the songs one member takes the spotlight and the rest either sit quietly or are simply back up. In this set up Young actually is given the most time and the album sadly ends just as Stills takes the spotlight with only two songs. There are four bonus tracks that again showcase each member individually, I personally wish they had given the full live version of "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" but I guess it was not to be. Of the bonus tracks Young's is the longest containing three of his biggest hits.

Disc two sparkles with electric guitar jams and CSNY playing together, "Ohio" is spectacular, and while "Southern Man" and "Carry On" go on a bit long, both are nearly 15 minutes, they are still great performances. It would have been interesting if the liner notes gave information about the tour and individual shows, since this album is compiled from several concerts during a two year long tour, but all it gives are lyrics and a few archival pictures. Overall though this is a very good album and a fine showcase of the group live, far better than their other three live albums, a must for fans of the group as it contains two Graham Nash songs that do not appear on other albums and many of the live version differ from the studio ones. Recommended.