CROSBY STILLS & NASH Schallplatten & CDs

Review: The fourth studio release from US country rock giants Crosby, Stills & Nash, released in 1982, marked a period of reflection and renewal for the American trio, shaped by their diverse backgrounds: David Crosby's West Coast roots, Stephen Stills' Texan upbringing and Graham Nash's British perspective. Their signature harmonies and seasoned craftsmanship come through with the project largely built from prior recordings between Stills and Nash in 1980 and 1981. What began as a duo effort was ultimately enhanced by Crosby's return that gave the tracks a fresh dynamic. The songs tap into familiar folk rock territory, but the album's highlights, like 'Wasted on the Way' (Nash reflecting on the consequences of personal squabbles) and 'Southern Cross' (Stills' reinterpretation of a Curtis brothers' track), explore the bittersweet nature of their turbulent past. Crosby's own contributionsiespecially 'Delta' and 'Might As Well Have a Good Time'iadd an intimate touch, weaving his signature harmonies with Stills and Nash's. With collaborators like Mike Finnigan and Art Garfunkel, the record embodies a sense of rebirth, while also introducing the band to the music video era with the MTV-friendly 'Southern Cross'. As they reckon with their past, the release captures their journey towards renewal, reaffirming their legacy while embracing change.

Review: Released in 1977, Crosby, Stills & Nash marked a significant evolution in the trio's sound. A blend of sophisticated pop arrangements, signature vocal harmonies, and polished instrumentation - all tamed in post by the Midas touch of one Bill Halverson - made for one of the era's finest albums; it notably became a benchmark for sound quality. It's therefore become something of a holy grail and acid test for remasterers and reissuers, many of whom have tried their hand at it. A 2017 Rhino cut had a fair go, but this Analogue Productions version is a no less exceptional enhancement, presenting a bolder, more vivid presentation to Rhino's comparatively relaxed feel. Standout tracks include Crosby's ' Shadow Captain' and Stills' 'See The Changes', and the resigned but resolute 'Fair Game'.

Review: This 1977 album marked a sublime chapter in the trio's career, showing their unparalleled vocal harmonies and masterful musicianship. Often hailed as their most accessible album, it seamlessly blends folk-rock sensibilities with heartfelt lyricism. Reissued on pristine 180-gram vinyl, the warmth of this record shines through every groove, providing a listening experience as timeless as the music itself. Opening with 'Shadow Captain', the outfit sets the tone with rich vocal layers and Russ Kunkel's understated yet captivating percussion. Tracks like 'See The Changes' and 'Carried Away' exemplify their ability to create beauty through simplicity, with Nash's songwriting and Crosby's harmonies reaching extraordinary heights. The album's emotional centerpiece, 'Cathedral', is a profound and reflective masterpiece, echoing the introspective brilliance of their earlier work while standing out as one of Nash's crowning achievements. Songs like 'Anything At All' and 'Just A Song Before I Go' further underscore the trio's knack for blending authenticity with melodic perfection. Even with moments like 'Fair Game' and 'I Give You Give Blind' slightly veering toward experimentation, the album remains cohesive and compelling. From the poignant storytelling to the impeccable sound quality of this vinyl reissue it endures as an essential in the folk-rock canon.

Review: Since the release of Deja Vu in 1970, the music scene had evolved, but audiences still craved the harmony-driven idealism that catapulted Crosby, Stills & Nash to fame. CSN, the band's third album, reached number two on the charts, just behind Fleetwood Mac's Rumours. The album shows a mature lyrical depth and intricate compositions. Graham Nash's 'Just a Song Before I Go' became a hit single, epitomising his knack for radio-friendly acoustic tunes. Stephen Stills' 'See the Changes' and 'Dark Star' stand tall among his best, while David Crosby's contributions - 'Shadow Captain,' 'Anything at All,' and the poignant 'In My Dreams' - highlight his unique voice. Nash's multi-part epic 'Cathedral,' inspired by an acid trip in Winchester Cathedral, became a live staple. CSN is the last album where the trio's harmonies shine without additional voices, making it a timeless gem, blending country, pop, and rock seamlessly. Despite not reaching the innovative peaks of their first two albums, CSN remains a beloved album in their vault.

Review: As part of Atlantic Records' 75th Anniversary celebration, the label has launched an extensive year-long vinyl series featuring 90 releases spanning the entire history of the company, from its earliest days until the present. Of these emerges this latest reissue of Crosby, Stills & Nash's self-titled debut album, first released on the label all the way back in 1969. The album features some of CSN's most well known and iconic songs; 'Suite: Judy Blue Eyes,' 'Marrakesh Express,' 'Guinnevere,' 'Wooden Ships,' 'Helplessly Hoping' and 'Long Time Gone.' This album saw a shift in sound to what was popular at the time - blues based rock - opting for a more folk rock, and sometimes jazz-based sound. It would lay the foundations for the California Sound that would be popularised out of Laurel Canyon in the '70s. Artists such as The Eagles, Jackson Browne and Fleetwood Mac would take inspiration from the sound of this record.