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Aug 20, 2024 Web Exclusive By Frank Valish

David Crosby, Stephen Stills, and Graham Nash famously debuted their harmony drenched supergroup for the world at Woodstock in 1969, just months after releasing its Crosby, Stills & Nash debut, a masterwork of folk that showcased the wondrous melodies and natural harmonies that would cement the group in music history forever. But after Neil Young joined for 1970’s Déjà Vu, the band went its separate ways. Crosby released the spectacular solo album, If I Could Only Remember My Name… in 1971. Nash released well-regarded solo albums in 1971 and 1973. Crosby and Nash released three records in the early-to-mid ‘70s as a duo. And Stills embarked upon a solo career, releasing four solo albums, two albums with his own supergroup, Manassas, and another record with Neil Young between 1970 and 1976.

Each of the three musicians was riding high in their own right then when they decided to regroup for what would be only the second studio album the three would record together, 1977’s CSN, reissued here on sea blue vinyl as part of Rhino Records’ Sounds of Summer campaign. More than the debut from eight years earlier, CSN feels like a compilation of individually written tracks by each of the members, supported by the group as a whole. Each member had solidified his own particular musical identity in the meantime, and each shines through on CSN.

Crosby’s tunes are eccentric folk swooners that glide by effortlessly on gentle beguiling melodies. Stills’ compositions are generally blues-based workouts anchored by his gruffer-by-comparison vocals and genre-bending tendencies. And Nash’s songs are ultimately highlighted by his beatific vocals, all perfect snatches of melody and tunefulness. Some of each of the members’ best and most memorable songs are present on CSN, despite the time between albums. “Shadow Captain,” “Anything At All,” and “In My Dreams” (Crosby); “See the Changes,” “Fair Game,” and “Dark Star” (Stills); and “Carried Away,” “Cathedral,” “Just a Song Before I Go,” and “Cold Rain” (Nash) are some of the best tracks in each’s illustrious catalog. Most notable for CSN the album, however, is that despite the clear differences in songwriting style, Crosby, Stills, and Nash harmonize together like no other group in history. These three were meant to sing together. It’s evident here in spades. (www.rhino.com)

Author rating: 8/10