Crosby, Stills & Nash - Demos

Pre-road demo downs

Graham Nash has been in the CSN archives again. As the semi-official keeper of the band’s memorabilia, this time he’s come up with some demos. Yes, demos. But whereas you or I might demo something on a four-track tape, or at best a digital Zoom, most of these were laid down at the legendary Wally Heider studios in LA. And whereas you or I might demo a half-assed tune that we think is pretty good, these demos are of songs by three gifted musicians at the peak of their powers.

In other words: you or I would be blown away by the simple act of creating and playing any one of the 12 numbers on this disc, whereas Messers Crosby, Stills and Nash wrote and sang them and then thought, “Hmm, I can do better than that, and this is how…”

If you want to hear the original, stripped-down versions of Marrakesh Express, Déja Vu or Love The One You’re With – to pick just one from each of the principals – then this is the place. Some are strictly solo, some have harmony work, a few are more fully instrumented; all are fascinating, familiar and different.

4 stars 4 stars 4 stars 4 stars

Rhino | 8122798643

Reviewed by Tim Holmes
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