Crosby, Stills & Nash’s Demos captures the marvel of being in-studio with one of the formative voices of a generation. Preserved by digital remastering, Demos unveils 12 unheard gems from the demo tapes of David Crosby, Stephen Stills & Graham Nash recorded from August 1968 through February 1971. Amidst mixed critical reviews, the tracks ranging from a magical solo of “Marrakesh Express” to a capricious turn on “Love The One You’re With” still stand as a hallmark of extraordinary vocals and impeccable songwriting.
In their pure state, the crisp unadorned vocals are perhaps even more mesmerizing than the orchestrated versions pressed onto vinyl. From Graham Nash’s simple count-off leading into “Marrakesh Express” to Stephen Stills’ prefacing vocal to “Love the One You’re With,” there are surprises and subtle delights embedded in Demos.
It was the fall of 1969 when David Crosby let his freak flag fly in “Almost Cut My Hair” and we were hypnotized with “Déjà Vu.” That winter we boarded the “Marrakesh Express.” As 1970 dawned, Graham Nash’s spirited solo of “Chicago” introduced the concept that “We can change the world,” and the world rose to the challenge.
Stephen Stills’ soothing solos of “You Don’t Have to Cry” and “My Love Is A Gentle Thing” were recorded at Rising Sun Studios in New York City. It was just days away from the trio’s second ever live performance, at the Woodstock Music & Arts Fair on August 15th through 17th, 1969 before an audience of 400,000.
Demos is studded with timeless miracles. The tunes are refreshing, pure and stimulating despite the absence of the intricate harmony that is the hallmark of Crosby, Stills & Nash. The release of these classics precedes the induction of the artists into the Songwriters Hall of Fame on June 18th. A summer tour immediately resumes at selected American and European venues.
If you’ve worn out the vinyl on the original pressing of Déjà Vu, you’ll want this album. If you’re someone unfamiliar with the title, you need this album. It is innocence and master songwriting that foreshadows harmonic bliss. Demos captures the essence of Crosby, Stills & Nash as the iconic voice of a generation that sought to change the world and did. It needs no encore.
Terry Martinez - MuzikReviews.com Contributor
June 10, 2009
