CD Review by Doug Cornell

Gram Nash learned to sing harmonies while in the seminal 60's vocal band, The Hollies.  David Crosby? His singing chops were developed while in a slightly-important rock band known as The Byrds.  Steven Stills, never the slacker, came from Buffalo Springfield, the band credited with pioneering the folk-rock and country-rock style that was so prevalent in the 70's.

The three came together by divine inspiration in 1969 to record their first record, Crosby, Stills and Nash.  The three had more than enough instrumental skills to put together a remarkable album that today still sounds exciting, despite having heard these songs over and over on AOR radio in the 70's and classic rock radio today.

This re-mastered release features a pristine sound.  The radio hits, "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" and  "Marakesh Express" are crisp and clear sounding.  "Guinnevere," with it's soft, effervescent harmonies demonstrates the three men's capacity for blending their uniquely beautiful vocals.  Acoustic guitars, bass, and subtle percussion propel "You Don't Have to Cry," and the band rocks out a bit with electric guitars and hammond organ on "Pre-Road Downs."

The anti-war track "Wooden Ships" features tasty guitar and organ interplay.  Each vocalist takes a stab at a vocal solo, which is a departure from their typical harmonies (at least until the chorus).  "Lady of the Island" is a stark track that sounds just a little like Simon and Garfunkel, and "Helpless Hoping" once again combines the three voices into softly melodic ear candy.  Thankfully, the tempo switches to the slow-burning groove of "Long Time Gone," which is always a great tune to hear on the radio on a long trip to anywhere.  Stills' guitar never sounded better, and the instantly memorable chorus invites the listener to sing along with impunity.

This re-issue features four bonus tracks: "Do it For the Others," an innocuous folk track, the beautiful "Song With No Words" (do do do, do do do do), "Everybody's Talkin" (the Glen Campbell hit recorded as a studio outtake), and an early version of the massive hit "Teach Your Children Well."

CSN created an amazing body of music during their collective careers. Their sound is as instantly recognizable as that of the Beatles or U2  or REM.  CSN used their music to enlighten the Woodstock-era masses, and for that, the world is a better place.