Customer Reviews

David Crosby & Graham Nash

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Finally, after eons out of print, Atlantic made available again this gem from the early 70's, a great album even in the context of the great music that was still being created, regularly, back then, and probably one of Crosby & Nash's most accomplished collaborations.
Everything you likely already cherish about these two is present here, heartfelt and immaculate harmonies, strong and distinct compositions from both artists, and superb musicianship -again provided by the 60's elite of California's session players.
When it comes to specific songs, it's more a matter of personal choices than objective hierarchies. Nash's songs are particularly moving and fiercer -as much as "fierce" is ever something to be said about Graham Nash- than anything in "Songs For Beginners." Crosby's pieces carry the wonderful dramatic undertow he could invoke -it seems, at will- ever since The Byrds' days and, more poignantly, in his first solo album and Deja Vu.
All in all, a thing of beauty. No disappointments, no proverbial "black holes."
An example of the significant music that you could still expect in the early seventies, before that decade turned grandiose and stupid.

Of all the varied combos these 4,(Crosby, Stills, Nash and/or Young)have put together over the years, I would have to say the best is CSN. Having said that, however, the best comination besides CSN has been Crosby and Nash. Their albums have been the most cohesive and satisfying. The Stills-Young experiment didn't quite work, and the CSNY combination was less a group effort than a batch of solo recordings under the CSNY banner. Of the four Crosby-Nash albums, this is, in my opinion, the best one. I bought this album on vinyl in 1972 and played it over again until I came to know the songs as you would come to know old friends. Page 43, Frozen Smile, Immigration Man..all wonderful songs. I'm certainly not taking anything away from Stills or Young. I think their talents speak for themselves. What I am saying is that when I hear Crosby and Nash together, I get the feeling of good friends singing together because they like to.
You don't get the impression of two guitar wizards trying to out duel each other. So, if you're thinking of exploring the Crosby-Nash combination, start with this, the first album, and go from there. You'll like it.

Although the period from 1971-1977 saw CSNY struggle to come up with a proper studio followup to "Deja Vu" (sessions were begun and aborted in acrimony on three different occassions in 1973, 1974 and 1976, with the '76 effort very nearly seeing release),
the period did produce some fine solo efforts and collaborations by its various members. Perhaps the best of these (bar some of Young's epochal work at this time like "On The Beach" and "Zuma") was the debut Crosby/Nash album from '72, which is so high in quality that it is actually the equal of the first few CSN/Y efforts and in spite of the absence of Stills, can almost be considered the third CSN studio effort. Every track is extremely strong and their harmonies have never sounded better.

For his part, Nash contributes some of the strongest, least fluffy material of his entire career; both "Southbound Train" and "Immigration Man" were instant singer-songwriter classics of the period, with Nash's usual melodic instincts but also a bit more edge than he usually dished out. Crosby here completed the incredible winning streak that had begun as early as The Byrds' "Younger Than Yesterday" album and had continued through the "Notorious Byrd Brothers", "Crosby Stills And Nash", "Deja Vu" and "If I Could Only Remember My Name" efforts; this would be the last time his vocals and songwriting prowess would sound as breathtaking. "Whole Cloth", "Where Will I Be?" and "Page 43" all speak of a singular genius which would soon be wiped out by excessive drug use. The album was a huge commercial success at the time (#4 US) and yielded a hit in "Immigration Man", which makes it all the more puzzling why it is only available as an import here. But the bottom line is this is a now-overlooked effort not to be missed.

What's missing from all the reviews & ad text is the fact that this import release was remastered. It is head & shoulders superior to the old LP-EQ'd domestic Atlantic release.

If you have the original U.S. CD, dump it and pick this one up.

Crosby Stills & Nash's debut album was released in the early spring of 1969. I was nineteen years old then, already a huge Byrd and Buffalo Springfield fan. And so how could I not flip over the beautiful air-tight hamonies of Suite Judy Blue Eyes, Merrakesh Express, Wooden Ships and Lady of The Island. As the group expanded to include former Buffalo Springfield member Neil Young I felt the threat of "sell-out" creeping into their oh so pure. laid-back, homegrown style. Sure Helpless and Country Girl extended their reach, providing a dynamic that may have been missing from that brilliant debut album. Yes Nash continued to grow as a songwriter with Teach Your Children and Crosby's Almost Cut My Hair became the Freak Flag Anthem for every kid across America who wanted to grow his hair. Yet at the same time I felt a certain loss of innocence...a kind of sense that this was more than just an impomtu gathering of great muscians creating songs and performing for nothing more than their own self gratification. In short CSN&Y became an arena act and a brand name.

Then in 1970 and 1971 the group seemed to splinter. Stephen Stills put out his self titled solo effort. Neil Young countered with one of his masterpieces After The Gold Rush and David Crosby assembled what could only be described as a gathering of the tribes, (Grace Slick, Paul Kantner, Jack Casady, Joni Mitchell, Jorma Kaukonen, Jerry Garcia, Steven Stills, Neil Young and many others). Last but by no means least, Graham Nash's Songs For Beginners, found the Hollies founding member in great form, penning some of his best songs including I Used To Be King, Military Madness and We Can Change The World.

That brings us to Graham Nash & David Crosby @ 1972. I guess the best way to desribe this album is to say that both kind of took a step back. Yes they both enjoyed early success in their respective bands The Byrds and The Hollies in the mid to late sixties. Both had composed some beautiful songs the likes of Carrie-Anne, Bus Stop, Eight Miles High and Mind Gardens. And now here was their opportunity to put together a collection of their best song writing to date. Here was a chance to perform not as super-stars, but as musicians, kindred spirits and friends.

The results?...Well, just listen to the opening chorus of Southbound Train or Page 43. No these guys aren't doing it for the money or the fame. They simply love singing together. And what of their song writing? well consider this...Here it is February 2008...We're on the eve of a historic presidential election. There's an unpopular war going on. The incumbent President is politically inept, even despised. And what do you suppose is one of the major issues?...You guessed it....Imigration. Well sit back...Listen and read between the lines and see just what Graham Nash, (an immigrant himself) has to say on the subject. "Immigration Man...I won't tow your line today...Let Me In." I dare say his position is a whole lot more relevant today than presidential hopefuls the likes of McCain, Clinton and Obama.

This is a fine collection of songs from Crosby and Nash, introspective as always, and, after nearly 30 years, still fresh. While Graham Nash is--well, a pop artist--the importance of his contributions here should not be dismissed. "Southbound Train" and "Stranger's Room" are songs of great strength, and "Immigration Man," one of the best songs to come out of 1972. Crosby absolutely shines on this album, although it appears evident that he may have written some songs while orbiting the planet Saturn. But the harmonies...the chord progressions...this is great music, very deserving of a place on your CD shelf. I'll tell you something else, if you live on the East or West coast, drive up (or down) the coastline while listening to this album (up around Morro Bay in California is an especially nice experience). You'll see what I mean. Then have a little wine with a friend upon your return and thank Atlantic for bringing this remastered album back in the digital format. Note: this album is available only as an import at present (10-5-01); do not be alarmed at the price. You'll thank yourself for the well-deserved treat and that you have the taste to appreciate it. Enjoy.

My first high school True Love turned me on to this album when it came out. I bought it as a cutout in 73 but I can't wait for the cd to get here as I wore out the grooves on the album by playing it 1000 times and I disconnected my turntable years ago. This album is right up there with any CSN or CSNY album. Page 43 still gives me goosebumps not to mention Southbound Train.

I owned the original vinyl years ago and recently purchased the cd. As many have said,this is a true masterpiece. Every song is one to enjoy and savor. I have always enjoyed their music over the years and this recording is no exception. I would highly recommend adding to your music collection.

When CSN&Y formed, the premise behind the group was to make the best music they could with whomever wanted to join in. This album is by far the best exponent of that philosophy.

On this album, Crosby & Nash prove that they can make a wonderful album without Stills and Young. Nash's poppier numbers perfectly counterbalance Crosby's more cerebral trips. The harmonies are solid as a rock, and the two often overdub themselves numerous times to produce a vocal blend that just might be tighter than CS&N. Instrumental backing by various members of the Grateful Dead is complementary but never flashy or intrusive.

It's arguable that this album isn't as varied as Deja Vu, but it highlights Crosby and Nash at their respective strengths. While it might be difficult to find on CD, this album is well worth seeking out for fans of CS&N and CSN&Y.

Yes, I admit, I love "Immigration Man". That's the reason I bought the vinyl many years ago. What I had no idea of is the reason I would love this disc (and wear out 3 copies of the vinyl...) This album has some of the most exquisitely beautiful harmonies and chord progressions of anything in the CSNY (together or apart) catalogue. "Games" and "Where Will I Be" are two of Crosby's most haunting pieces. The two voices, as always, blend perfectly. I am so grateful this is on CD!
Thank you, David and Graham -- this is a treasure....