Crosby, Stills & Nash and Neil Young CDs and releases, Deja Vu, CSNY

Crosby Stills Nash (2006 - REMASTERED)

The first album is the purest conception of Crosby, Stills and Nash, and still their finest hour. This album features the strengths of the trio - depth and variety in song writing, wonderful vocal arrangements and the instrumental talents of Stephen Stills. There are no slick studio sidemen here. The only "outside" musicians are drummers Dallas Taylor and Jim Gordon. CSN keep things simple and let the songs shine.

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Daylight Again (2006 - REMASTERED)

In 1982, Stephen Stills found himself unable to secure solo record deal, so he and Graham Nash decided to work together as a duo, using the likes of Art Garfunkel and Timothy B. Schmidt to fill in for Crosby’s missing vocal parts. Their album was rejected and they were forced to invite back outcast drug addict David Crosby to get the record released. Inevitably, it feels a bit cobbled together. The balance of songs reflects the project’s genesis...

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Crosby * Nash (2004) TIP

To their credit, after four decades, Crosby and Nash are still in perfect voice, and remain graceful foils for one another, although some of the songs don't do justice to their prodigious talents. A handful seem to be impressions in search of a hook, save the lovely, ethereal "Lay Me Down" (penned by Crosby's son, James Raymond) and the rather esoteric '60s throwback "Luck Dragon," with its elegant space jam ending. Nash's contributions are a bit more prosaic, and seem to be autobiographical ruminations about middle age, except the chilling environmental cautionary tale, "Don't Dig Here" and haunting post-9/11 song, "Half Your Angels." But the disc really comes alive when the duo shows their old ire, "They Want It All," a clear potshot at corporate greed and politics, and a wrenching read of "My Country 'Tis of Thee."

Highlights (2006)

Short version (1-CD) of the above mentioned release.

Live (2000)

This material has been released before under a different title: it is virtually identical to the live album offered by "King Biscuit Flower Hour". The King Biscuit version has a few more songs, and the sequencing is different. And, it does cost more. But if you already own that one, there is no reason at all to buy this one. On the other hand, if you don't have either one and don't mind sacrificing a couple of extra cuts (four, actually), you can't beat this release for the money, and the performance and sound quality are excellent. It would be nice, though, if it said "previously released material" somewhere on the packaging...

Déjà Vu Live (2002)

This CD is the "King Biscuit Flower Hour" concert repackaged minus the liner notes and with the same songs in a different order. The effect is to lose the 'concert feel' and become more of a live 'greatest hits' package. If you have the original King Biscuit Flower Hour CD then this would be both superfluous and inferior because of the track arrangement. That said, if you are looking for an introduction to David Crosby's live work with an overview of his songs and not bothered by the lack of a full concert feel, this CD represents a good cross-section.

Voyage Box Set (November 2006) TIP

The first two CDs run chronologically, from the Byrds' "Eight Miles High" (which Crosby co-wrote) through his '70s and '80s solo records to "Through Here Quite Often," from his 2004 album with Graham Nash. Crosby was the draftsman of the transcendental harmonies that defined both of his bands, his plaintive vocals generally serving as a complement to the others'. But he takes the lead on this 52-song collection's greatest moments: his chilling falsetto on "Music Is Love" (from his 1971 debut solo release); a call out to his dying mother on "Carry Me" (1975's Wind on the Water, with Nash), and "Yvette in English," a 1993 collaboration with Joni Mitchell (Thousand Roads). Some selections swing and miss--"Hero," co-written with Phil Collins in 1993, and a few recorded in the late '90s with CPR, featuring his son James Raymond--but Voyage recuperates with disc three's 16 previously unreleased tracks.

If Only I Could Remember My Name (November 2006 - W/Dvd ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED ) TIP

This, his first solo effort, was recorded in 1971 (following Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's Déjà Vu) and contains some of his most impressive vocal and songwriting work, including the haunting "Laughing," the mantra-like "Music Is Love," and the extended, impressionistic "Cowboy Movie." With guest appearances by such famous friends as Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Grace Slick, and Jerry Garcia, it's a fascinating chapter in an always-interesting career

Stephen Barncard (who recorded and mixed the original IICORMN album, and remixed the new release) to 4waysite.com: "There are two separate media in the package. The CD is comprised of the original stereo mixes of IICORMN with bonus track 'Kids And Dogs'. The DVD-A contains new surround mixes made by me. The surround is presented in several formats, just to make sure it can be played in any player."

Turnin' back the pages (2003 - REMASTERED)

Both cursory and die hard Stephen Stills fans will enjoy this compilation of songs from Stills solo years. Taken from his mid 1970s recordings after completing two CSNY albums, two Manassas albums, and before a return to CSN, the songs show some wear and a few sound pretty dated, but, hey, they were recorded almost 30 years ago. A few of these tunes still stand out and had some much younger listeners at my house asking 'who is this?' when it was playing, like "Thoroughfare Gap" (which Stills has described as his best songwriting effort), "Cold Cold World" with Donnie Dacus, "Stateline Blues", Allman's "Midnight Rider" in which Stills really tested his vocal range, and the CSN effort "As I Come of Age." His last solo effort (Stills Alone) was 12 years ago so such groupings may have to fill the gap until we get something new.

Man Alive! (2005)

Even on this new solo album there are many tracks which originated long ago - "Spanish Suite" is reportedly a late 70's outtake. The good news is that these songs are mostly a return to form, his guitar playing is stellar, his voice is as weathered as Dylan's now but mostly works in the context, Neil Young turns up for two tunes including one personal history in which he is a major character, Nash adds some fine harmonies and co-writing duties, Stephen really nails "Old Man Trouble" better than on the last CSNY tour, and the production is mostly excellent. This CD deserves to be heard. Die-hard Still's fans will love this one. Casual fans will be very pleasantly surprised.

Stills/Illegal Stills/Thoroughfare Gap (March 2007 - ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED)

2007 digitally remastered double CD featuring Stephen Stills’ three mid-‘70s studio albums recorded for CBS. "Stills" was released in 1975, followed one year later by "Illegal Stills". Fans had to wait another two years until the release of "Thoroughfare Gap" (1978). This two disc set comes in a slimline double jewelbox housed in a slip case featuring extensive liner notes by John Tobler.

Just Roll Tape: April 26th 1968 (July 2007)

In 1968 Stephen Stills found himself in a New York recording studio, laid down a few hundred dollars, told the engineer to roll tape, and this collection of songs is what came about. Finally remastered and released to the public, this album shows the beginnings of Crosby, Still, and Nash.

Road Rock Vol. 1 (2000)

This souvenir from Neil Young's Y2K Music in Head tour shines brightest when it reaches what in a vinyl world would have been side two's opening cut: "Words" starts out as a reminder of the depth and genius of Young's Harvest album, and then grows, over the course of its 11 minutes, into a fractured waltz that shows just how nicely a bunch of good old boys and girls can breathe new life into classic rock. Instrumental demons Donald "Duck" Dunn, Spooner Oldham, Jim Keltner, and Ben Keith perform similar miracles on "Tonight's the Night," "Cowgirl in the Sand" (18 big minutes!), and a crowd-pleasing "All Along the Watchtower" featuring tour-mate Chrissie Hynde. The shorter cuts are less remarkable, from the previously unreleased "Fool for Your Love" to a dreggy "Motorcycle Mama" that barely warrants its four minutes. But when Young and company crank it up on the open highway, rock doesn't get much better than this.

Are You Passionate? (2002)

Though "Are You Passionate?" is Neil Young's studio-recorded follow-up to 2000's Silver & Gold, it might well have emerged on the heels of Harvest Moon. While both Crazy Horse and Booker T. & the MGs swing by to add ballast to several of these 11 brand-new tracks, gentle weepers like "Don't Say You Love Me," "When I Hold You in My Arms," and the softly lilting title track recall Young's aforementioned 1992 work while suggesting that the once outspoken social critic and on-again, off-again CSN&Y member is mellowing. Further proof of that can be found in the tender opening song, "You're My Girl"--a postcard from a father to a daughter on the cusp of adulthood and presumably inspired by Young's daughter Amber--as well as in the lazy, languid "Two Old Friends." Are You Passionate?'s one serious clunker, "Let's Roll," was inspired by the 9/11 cell-phone call Todd Beamer placed moments before he and other passengers on Flight 93 went down in a Pennsylvania field.

Greendale (2003) TIP

Neil Young has long been one of rock's great romantics, mourning the utopian ideals of the "hippie" '60s and his vision of what America was…or at least should have been. In some ways, Greendale--which could be described as a "rock novel"--adds a mourning for humanity itself to the mix, as Young presents his vision of America 2003 via the story of a fictional family in a small California town. It's a more subdued Crazy Horse this time out, with only Neil on lead guitar and little of the distorted rage found on albums like Ragged Glory. But "Grandpa's Interview" has a gorgeous riff that recalls Zuma's "Don't Cry No Tears"; "Be the Rain" is a genuine Neil Young anthem about love, peace, saving the planet, and doing the right thing. A few pieces sound a tad meandering at first, which could lead one to conclude that Greendale is only a good Neil Young album. Repeated listening, however, should confirm that Greendale is a great Neil Young album.

Greatest Hits (2004)

Three and a half decades into his solo career, Neil Young finally delivers his version of that most modest of albums--the pre-holiday "hits" overview. What's surprising, coming from such a proud maverick, is its conventionality. Granted, the original master mixes are a boon for fans, but otherwise, there's not much here for loyalists who quite likely already possess the original "Like a Hurricane" on a couple of albums, as well as a handful of live interpretations scanning the years. Since Young cracked the Top 10 only once (1972's "Heart of Gold"), this set is built around concert staples as "Cinnamon Girl," "Rockin' in the Free World," and "Hey, Hey, My My" rather than chart favorites. Despite Young's honorable standing as a still-vital graybeard, the disc is skewed heavily toward his early work, shortchanging some mighty productive recent years.

Prairie Wind (2005)

An artist for all musical seasons, Neil Young returns to autumnal harvest mode on Prairie Wind, with homespun material and sing-song melodies that renew the spirit of some of his most popular releases. The elliptical, epic "No Wonder," with its evocation of 9/11, ranks with the most ambitious songs of Young's career, while "Falling Off the Face of the Earth," "It's a Dream," and the bluesy title cut combine childlike innocence with unsettling experience. Spooner Oldham's church keyboards and coproducer Ben Keith's steel guitar reinforce the sound's sturdy simplicity. Young has released a lot of albums in different musical styles, but Prairie Wind feels like a homecoming, and ranks with his very best.

Prairie Wind (2005 - CD+DVD)

The accompanying DVD features this footage plus bios and discography. Multiple cameras shot the recording of every note and musician of "Prairie Wind". The audio streams of the entire album are Hi-Resolution PCM Stereo, DTS, Dolby 2.0 and Dolby 5.1.

Living With War (2006)

Even if you don't agree with Neil Young's politics, you can't help but be daunted by the intersection of his genius and ire on his second album in less than seven months. It is the very rare artist who is able to channel indignation and moral disgust in such a coherent and forceful way--without sacrificing any of the vivid imagery, passion, or the high level of musicality that we have come to expect from him over the past four decades. But that's not what elevates this album: it's his pure, naked, visceral reaction to the Bush administration's foreign policy, building on a canon of outrage that he began with 1970's "Ohio," penned in the wake of the Kent State student deaths. This is nothing less than a call for fearless action in extraordinarily fearful times.

Live at the Fillmore East (November 2006) TIP

For years, fans of Neil Young and Crazy Horse have been waiting for an official chance to hear Crazy Horse live with original leader Danny Whitten, the insanely talented guitarist who died of a heroin overdose in late 1972, inspiring Tonight's the Night. Thankfully, this well-recorded live set from the infamous Fillmore East was well worth the wait. Here are scorching, extended takes of "Down by the River," "Winterlong," and "Cowgirl in the Sand," each propelled by guitar interplay so delightful you have to keep rewinding to hear it again. This disc is worth it alone for the version of "Wondering," a tune not officially recorded until many years later in Neil's weird '80s rockabilly phase.

Living with War - Raw (December 2006 - SPECIAL EDITION)

For this raw limited-edition CD+DVD version of Living With War, the critically acclaimed original album, Neil Young strips away the choir, ratchets up the guitars and blasts away with all the passion and volume worth of one of rock's greatest singer-songwriters. In addition, packaged with the new audio CD is a DVD featuring video clips documenting the recording sessions for each of the 10 songs on the album (which is also presented with new artwork). With this Living With War, Neil Young is once again rockin' the free world.

Live at Massey Hall (March 13 2007 - CD+DVD)

Material culled from a pair of Neil Young solo concerts at Toronto's Massey Hall almost 36 years ago. The collection will feature renditions of "Ohio", "I Am a Child", "The Needle and the Damage Done" and "Old Man". Previously available in bootleg form as Going Back to Canada, the live album captures an enigmatic singer-songwriter at his career's early creative peak.

"Chrome Dreams II" (October 23 2007 - CD)

Enjoying one of the most prolific periods of his phenomenal career, Neil Young (sans Crazy Horse) delivers "Chrome Dreams II". Hard but shiny, acoustic but also electric, Chrome Dreams II continues the new millennium resurgence in popularity for one of the greatest singer-songwriters in rock history.

"Chrome Dreams II" (October 23 2007 - CD+DVD)

Enjoying one of the most prolific periods of his phenomenal career, Neil Young (sans Crazy Horse) delivers "Chrome Dreams II". Hard but shiny, acoustic but also electric, Chrome Dreams II continues the new millennium resurgence in popularity for one of the greatest singer-songwriters in rock history.

About the DVD: it is included because Neil is an audiophile. Just because you hear it is a DVD, don't assume movies or videos are going to be on it. The DVD is for the DVD-audio mix. Your DVD-player may not play them, but some DVD-players have DVD-audio capability and if you have a 5.1 sound system, that plays DVD-a, then you will want this version!

Buffalo Springfield Box Set (2001)

Though they're recognized as a seminal influence on American rock music (variously fostering the careers of Neil Young, Stephen Stills, CSN&Y, Richie Furay, Poco, and even Loggins & Messina), L.A.'s Buffalo Springfield were perpetually star-crossed by personal squabbles and legal travails during their two-year tenure. Arranged chronologically, the set offers up a wealth of previously unreleased demos by band mainstays Young, Stills, and Furay, mostly spare acoustic performances (a number of which didn't make the final cut on the band's three albums) that challengingly deconstruct the Springfield's savory blend of folk rock, blues, country, and psychedelia. Young's work is a particular revelation; his songs reveal a wizened, often weary mindset that belies the fact he wasn't yet 21 at the time of the band's inception. Disc 4 is devoted to complete, digitally remastered versions of the band's first two albums (the debut in Young and Stills' original, preferred mono mix), which makes for convenient listening, even if it duplicates much of the previous three discs.

Preflyte Sessions (2002 - ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED)

This 2-CD set features 4 Crosby songs and is an awesome collection that compile the original lp Preflyte plus the 80's collection In The Beginning. This is the birth of folk rock. These sessions in 1964 offer acoustic and electric versions of songs that ended up on Mr.Tambourine Man and songs that didn't make their debut in 1965. Also included are solo tracks from David Crosby which show off his remarkable voice. Checkout Get Together which would become a standard by the Youngbloods in the late 60's. The electric version of You Showed Me and The Airport Song also are great Byrdsongs that never made it on the debut. Tomorrow is along Ways Away and The Only Girl I Adore really show a Mersey Beat influence which was gone by the time of their first lp. Finally you can here embryonic versions of Mr.Tambourine A must have for all fans of the Byrds and folk rock.

Byrds (2004)

The original five members of the Byrds reunited in 1972 for this one time album. Those original members were David Crosby, Roger McGuinn, Gene Clark, Chris Hillman & Michael Clarke. This album actually became the Byrds fourth highest charting album hitting #20 on the Billboard charts. It features unique versions of some classic tunes such as Neil Young's "Cowgirls In The Sand" and Crosby's "Laughing".

The Byrds Box Set (2006) TIP

A newcomer to the musical progression and legacy of the Byrds could hardly expect to find a better crash course than this: four discs with 99 songs, a DVD of ten previously unissued television performances, extensive annotation. Yet longtime fans of the band might wonder what the point is. Any riches buried in the vaults have long ago been mined--first in 1990's definitive four-disc Byrds box, then on Columbia's series of extended editions of every Byrds album in the catalog, replete with previously unreleased bonus tracks. By this late date, all possible revelations have been revealed, with the five previously unissued performances here of interest mainly to completists. The familiar music is glorious, of course--the chiming guitars and soaring harmonies that brought Bob Dylan and folk-rock to the top of the charts and then soared into the stratosphere with "Eight Miles High" and all but invented country-rock with Sweetheart of the Rodeo.

Just Like Gravity (2001)

Cut loose from the artistic shackles of Crosby, Stills, Nash, and sometimes Young, David Crosby cuts loose with this side project. CPR's second outing "Just Like Gravity" is a strong effort! The one-time Byrd is more animated and less vocally constrained here than when he sings with the old gang, taking more creative risks and pushing his gorgeous voice to new heights and depths of emotion. CPR's third album (the group also features Crosby's son - keyboardist James Raymond - and guitarist Jeff Pevar) is a rich collaboration, with the three musicians penning many of the dozen songs together. But the best track is "Jerusalem," an anthemic, quasi-New Age spiritual penned by Raymond. Crosby's "Kings Get Broken" is almost painfully self-revealing, but succeeds because of its unflinching honesty. This is a grand effort...

At Abbey Road Box Set (2000 - ORIGINAL RECORDINGS REMASTERED) TIP

All three of the top British Invasion group's Abbey Road compilations boxed up together at a special low price! As well as giving listeners more bang for the buck, this package gives them a great overview of the band's changes musically & otherwise from their start in the early '60s through their dissolution in the '80s. The first disc, 1963-66, is a 28 track collection including studio chatter, previously unreleased recordings and classics like 'Stop Stop Stop', 'Bus Stop', 'Look Through Any Window' and more. The second, 1966-70 features 24 tracks including hits, rarities, B-sides and the previously unreleased tracks, 'Schoolgirl' and 'Sign Of The Times' 2. The third and final disc spans 1973-1989 and contains 20 tracks, including 'The Air That I Breathe', 'Curly Billy' and four previously unreleased tracks, 'Tip Of The Icebberg', 'Samuel', 'Come Down To The Shore' and 'Lovin' You Ain't Easy'. 72 Digitally remastered recordings; each digitally!

Hollies Greatest Hits (2002 - ORIGINAL RECORDINGS REMASTERED)

A must for all Hollies fans. If you are looking to get into the group, there is not better entrance. Often regarded as light or lite, The Hollies were one of the top and most mature of the British Invasion groups. Certain songs from early childhood like "Bus Stop" and "On a Carousel" are golden memories. The Hollies had one of the best harmonies of that era with Allan Clarke, Graham Nash, and Tony Hicks. The riffs were pretty strong too. "Look Through Any Window", "Carrie-Anne" and "Pay You Back with Interest" are other classic harmonies.
"King Midas in Reverse", which features Graham Nash, though darker, is one of the group's most complex and solid songs. It was featured during the most cinematic scene in "The Limey".

Classic Masters (2002 - ORIGINAL RECORDINGS REMASTERED)

The Hollies don't get a lot of respect, mostly lumped in with Herman's Hermits and the like these days. But this was a fine band that cranked out some entertaining, sonically innovative and well-written singles during the period that coincides with co-founder Graham Nash's tenure. The hits hold up amazingly well. The good stuff is on tracks 1-9 and the singles are delivered in surprisingly crisp sound. Too bad they skipped "King Midas." Capitol has done right by one of the great pop acts of the 1960s -- maybe they will get around to doing something about the sound on discs by that other great singles act, the Beatles!

Greatest Hits (2003) 40th anniversary compilation for one of the best & most commercially successful pop/rock acts of the British Invasion. Features 46 Hollies hits from the UK & the rest of the world, plus one more (final) track which is a brand new recording made at Abbey Road Studios in Feb. 2003.
Stay With the Hollies/In the Hollies Style (2004) TIP This dual CD set is absolutely wonderful. Besides the fact that the cost is very low, the recordings are in true stereo, and are absolutely crystal clear. You can differentiate the voices of Graham Nash and Tony Hicks, as they harmonize behind Alan Clarke. It's as good as it gets. You are listening to the master tapes. The second album, In the Hollies Style, which was not released in the U.S. originally since it did not have a single hit, is really good. I as very happy with this purchase, even though I have the CDs already in another mono version and the original albums on vinyl. This is the best! The only negative is that there are no bonus tracks.
Reunion Live (2004) The Hollies were and are one of my favourite groups. I don't usually care for live albums, but this is a delight and made wish I had been there for the recording. Yeah, some of the songs are not duplicates of the 1960s songs, but you get the idea they were just having fun. I am sure the fans felt the same way. Hey, times has passed. While they do not duplicate their early works to the letter, they are good to hear them doing them, loving them for giving us one more go around on the carousel! Especially great is to hear Alan chiming in on the CS&N "Teach Your Children" I just wish the album had more and more of their hits. Thanks for one more trip down memory lane.
What Goes Around... (2004 - EXTRA TRACKS, ORIGINAL RECORDING REISSUED, IMPORT) French 24-bit remastered reissue of the British Invasion pop/rock act's 1983 album is packaged in a digipak & features 19 tracks including 9 bonus tracks, 'Musical Pictures', 'Baby Come Back' (Single Version & Long Version), 'Hillsborough', 'Take My Love & Run' (First Version), 'Driver', 'If The Lights Go Out' (First Version), 'Carrie', & 'Let Her Go Down' (Rare Track), recorded in 1989 & 1981. Magic Records.
Would You Believe? (2005 - ORIGINAL RECORDINGS REMASTERED) Digitally Remastered Edition of Two Original LPs on a Single CD of their 1965 and 1966 Releases. "Hollies" features Some Original Songs and a Few Covers Including "Lawdy Miss Clawdy", "You Must Believe in Me" and "Down the Line". "Would You Believe" features the Number Two Single "I Can't Let Go" as Well as "Sweet Little Sixteen", "I Am a Rock" and "Take Your Time".
For Certain Because (2005 - IMPORT) French pressing of the 1966 album is packaged in a Digipak and features 18 tracks including 6 bonus tracks, 'After The Fox' (with Peter Sellers), 'Bus Stop', 'Don't Run And Hide', 'Reach Out I'll Be There', 'Too Much Monkey Business', 'Stop! Stop! Stop! (live 1966 rare tracks).