First Impressions: CSNY 1974

Most mornings, I fall out of bed by 5:30 or 6am, down a cup of coffee (or two) and then I’m out the door and on my way to work. It’s a scene played out everyday in most households, I’m sure, as is what follows: the endless commute. Traffic slows to a stop-and-go crawl, and what should be a zippy 30-minute ride dissolves into an hour-plus drive. And most days, come 5:30 or 6pm, when I’m out the door of my workplace, the journey home takes longer.

It’s when I do most of my music listening.

What struck me the other day, during one such commute: the sound quality of the archival CSNY 1974 release. It’s phenomenal. The songs leap from the speakers as if from the stage to the front row.

As far as the set itself…if you like CSNY you’ll find much in it to enjoy. If you don’t, you won’t. The performances are ragged, uneven and magical, often in the same song – and especially during Stephen Stills’ songs. His voice often sounds shot. His prowess on guitar, however, does not. He and Neil exchange some otherworldly exchanges.

Here’s one highlight:

2 thoughts

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