Originally released on Rhino Records in 2014, I came across this on a promotional music site I have been given access to (giving a music addict access to a major label promo site which contains albums going back years is cruel and unusual punishment). As I had not heard it, I thought why not grab it and add it to my review list? Because that is the way I end up with too much music to review that’s why not. Oh well. Apparently this was originally released in multiple versions, including a DVD or Blu-ray disc, but all I have is the music from the single disc sampler, with just 16 of the 40 songs which appear on the longer versions (apparently there is a Starbucks version which has only 12!).
This was the first ever true concert tour in America, setting standards for all to follow. Graham Nash and Joel Bernstein worked on the set, selecting the best version of songs from the dozen or so recorded performances, sometimes splicing together different takes. They were determined there would be no overdubs which meant some well-known songs aren’t in the set as it was determined no version was good enough. For some reason I have never really got into CSN&Y, although like all classic music lovers I have some of their albums in my collection, but have always enjoyed Neil Young and feel his Auckland concert some years back to be one of the finest I have ever attended. Consequently, I prefer the material where he is singing lead vocals, but there is no doubt here was a very special band indeed. I am possibly the only person who automatically thinks of Graham Nash as being a member of The Hollies as opposed to CNN, yet while that band were often compared to The Beatles it was in this group that he found most fame, and rightly so. The vocals are glorious, the three backing musicians provide a base for the four frontmen, and off they go with one great song after another.
Classic American rock, this single disc set is a great introduction to anyone who has yet to come across them, while the boxed set (which contains a 188-page booklet) is undoubtedly essential to any fans of the band.
Rating: 9/10
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Track list:
1. Love The One You’re With
2. Wooden Ships
3. Immigration Man
4. Helpless
5. Johnny’s Garden
6. The Lee Shore
7. Change Partners
8. Only Love Can Break Your Heart
9. Our House
10. Guinevere
11. Old Man
12. Teach Your Children
13. Suite: Judy Blue Eyes
14. Long Time Gone
15. Chicago
16. Ohio
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Links:
https://www.crosbystillsnash.com/
https://www.wmg.com/
