Let's all give a collective thank you to Mama Cass, who assembled one of the greatest collaborations of all time, Crosby, Stills & Nash. CSN released their self-titled classic in 1969 and music was never the same. For a debut album, this was a literal masterpiece beyond compare for the genre of rock/pop and arguably folk as well.
CSN never needed to add Neil Young nor did Young need them, but it happened. It was good but the best music was made when there were three, I have no doubt, and this album is irrefutable proof.
1. Suite: Judy Blue Eyes
2. Marrakesh Express
3. Guinevere
4. You Don't Have To Cry
5. Pre-Road Downs
6. Wooden Ships
7. Lady of the Island
8. Helplessly Hoping
9. Long Time Gone
10. 49 Bye-Byes
I had the pleasure of reviewing this album in the 180-gram LP format several years ago and recall it being an incredibly good experience and this time around was the same. Everything I believed all along is given further credence with one listen to this incredible work of musical art.
Audio Fidelity selects only the best music for its 24-karat gold format. The Crosby, Stills & Nash self-titled debut was indeed a superb selection. The special remastering process certainly did this recording justice in every instance. The music just sparkles with warm highs and lows and tracks such as "Guinevere," "Long Time Gone" and "Wooden Ships" are absolutely stunning.
This recording reminded me of the Simon and Garfunkel releases in the same format in early 2010. Rock always sounds great, however, when you take tasteful music with a rock and pop mixture, the 24 karat rendering is simply magical. CSN was magic, as pure as fresh fallen snow at the top of the highest mountain. The extra ingredient this time around was Audio Fidelity.
CSN defined a genre and time period with their music and the Audio Fidelity label embraced that and made a classic yet more appealing. As always the is a limited numbered edition that will fly out the door so get your copy while you can or forever be looked upon by the gods of music as a fool.
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
I bought the original pressing when it came out - end of May, 1969. I've has a couple of subsequent pressings before I gave in and bought the CD. Now I hear it's been re-released twice, in '94 and 2006 with four more tracks and a little editing. So what's so good about this version, virgin vinyl? Different speed cutting the acetate? Higher price?
