Crosby Stills & Nash

We'll be adding to our Crosby Stills and Nash section so stop back. We started with an overview of their outstanding box-set.

The Neil Young solo material is separate.

David Crosby - Voyage (box set) and If I Could Only Remember My Name reissue - November 2006.

Crosby Still Nash -- Box-set
CSN's box-set traces the material they performed together as a band as well as examines their work together with Neil Young. But more than that, around half of the music is taken from the various different individual projects that Crosby Stills and Nash have been involved with. Though, it does not include early material from groups like the Byrds, The Hollies, and Buffalo Springfield.

This box-set is very well put together and highly recommended. In addition to the music, each track has superb credits with personnel, recording dates, and notes about the song by a band member. A superb family tree extensively traces the roots and branches of the vast musical history, truly fascinating. The liner notes also include a biography, photos, and discography (solo and together).

Within the track credits below we have listed the original album that the song appeared on. Several songs are alternative versions and we've noted those. That should give you a good idea of what is included in this awesome package. In short, this box-set summarizes nearly all of Crosby Stills and Nash's best material from their albums together as well as individually, with the addition of several unreleased tracks. 

It is important to note that many of the songs included from their debut album and Deja Vu are not the album tracks. Generally the original albums renditions are better. But these are superb supplements such as the nearly nine minute "Almost Cut My Hair." Also included are gems like a cover of the Beatles "Blackbird" that is quite strong vocally, though, the guitar is missing the counter melody notes. The track is not releasable on a regular album but perfectly suited as an outtake.  

As I was listening to disc one "Laughing" from Crosby's If Only I Could Remember My Name came on and I was thinking, now that's some good bass. No surprise that it is the incredible Phil Lesh from the Grateful Dead. Phil's band mate Jerry Garcia plays pedal steel on the song. Garcia also adds a touch of steel on "Teach Your Children," "Immigration Man," and "Southbound Train." For all of Jerry's fame it is interesting that his most known solo was released on Deja Vu. Speaking of good bass, Jack Cassidy is fabulous on "Guinnevere."

Is this box-set a definitive collection? By any measure it is at least close. From their debut album it includes a rendition of all of the songs but "Pre-Roads Downs" and "49 Bye-Byes" (both on 4 Way Street). From Deja Vu, only "Country Girl..." and "Everybody I Love You" are not represented. Then from their next two albums, around half of the songs are included, and highlights of the rest. 

As far as coverage from the solo material, from the best albums there is a generous helping. Often four, and even up to six tracks are included such great releases as If Only I Could Remember My Name, Wind on the Water, Songs For Beginners, and Graham Nash/David Crosby. Stills has far more albums, so the number of tracks per album is less. 

If you are looking to supplement this box set, we suggest, Stephen Stills' Manassas, Crosby / Nash's live October 10, 1971, performance available on Another Stoney Evening, and Crosby Stills & Nash's Four Way Street. For just the CSN material, there is a very good single disc compilation.

Crosby Stills and Nash's box-set may appear expensive. But if you consider that it summarizes all of their work together as well as the numerous solo albums, it is much, much cheaper than buying even a small number of them individually. With the exception of a few tracks on disc four, nearly all of the tracks included are essential.
by Barry Small © 
Grade  A +

Order: CSN Box Set

The alternates

Suite: Judy Blue Eyes
Helplessly Hoping
You Don't Have To Cry
Guinnevere
Blackbird
Song With No Words
Almost Cut My Hair (okay, this one is more complete than the released version)
4+20
Woodstock
The Lee Shore
Man in the Mirror (Live)
Black Queen
Urge for Going
Simple Man
See the Changes
Homeward Through the haze
Taken at All
Dark Star (Live)
Wild Tales (Live)
Dear Mr. Fantasy
Got it Made (Live U.N. broadcast)
As I Come of Age
Drive My Car
Soldiers of Peace