Abby "Boyd" Devoe is a time travelling muse from the 1960s! I am quite certain George and Eric were writing about her! ;) She is a perfect reflection of the style of a much loved era in fashion and music who adds her own adorable personality into the mix here. Thank you Abby. Your hard work is much appreciated.
I spoke with "Suite Judy" years ago. She was the free spirit in their relationship. Stills was head over heels, but she broke up with him and broke his heart. He wrote the song to try to win her back. When she declined, he played her the song (yet to be recorded) and gave her the Martin guitar he wrote it on. It's a movie scene.
Fred Neil was a real person .. a friend of Crosby from his Coconut Grove Florida days... Fred Neil wrote "Everybody's Talking" about Coconut Grove.. "A Place that Suits My Clothes" Fred also wrote "Dolphins" for Tim Buckley and many more
Finally a less controversial album cover to talk about on VM. Never heard it called the “Couch Album” before. Always learning something new from your show.
I just found out for the first time ever while I was revisiting this album, there are actually 49 lines in 49 bye-byes which makes me enjoy it that much more.
Your show is a weekly dose of upbeat enthusiasm. I cant be the only one who derives mental benefits and joy, from your inspired enthusiasm and diligence. Long May You Run.
When they took this photo they hadn’t yet come up with a name. And when they returned to retake it, the house was just a pile of rubble. The craziness of the demolition is so wild
Fred Neil wrote everybody's talking. He also wrote The other side of this life.Speaking of Bruce Palmer you will not be missing anything if you don't hear his solo album
Out of all the channels I subscribe to, this one has had me captivated recently. So much more research and detail. Well done Abby, your efforts are excellent and rising popularity well deserved.
Love this video! Thank you for giving CSN more attention. They deserve more! But I feel more cohesion with the Couch album than with Deja-Vu, but that’s informed by knowing how they were both constructed. Even though the Couch album is a Stills tour de force, the three guys were still together the whole time basically and were a firm unit. The spirits were high and they were getting a long and excited for their prospects. With Deja Vu, it was much more “independent contractor” vibes. Each of CSN has said that the unity of the first album wasn’t there with Deja Vu. Young obviously didn’t help in that regard , the way he held his songs close to his chest. But I love both albums and all four guys do much regardless. Again thank you! I’d love to hear your take on Crosby’s first solo record. “Laughing” is magical and really displays Crosby’s genius
Loved the album when it came out and still do. As an old dude now, I have to say - you are a wonderful writer and presenter. And you make it damn enternaining too. What a trifecta. Keep up the good work.
Beautifully done, Abby. '69-'70 was my senior year of high school. New Year's Eve of '69 I spent with another group of people at a friend's house whose parents were away for the night and the first CSN album was on repeat play throughout the night. Every hearing takes me back there.
hey rock and roll woman! good show as usual! i imagine there was never any difficulty from not being able to reshoot the cover. keep up the good work Abi! and take a break. relax sometimes. bye for now
This is seriously the best music youtube channel ive seen in a while, plus its getting me back into the boomer music i loved when i was first getting into music. God bless Abby!
@@abigaildevoe You do an excellent job , Abby. I saw most of the groups that you cover " live " during their prime. You get all the details correct , and I am very impressed by your diligence and acumen ! , Dean ( in Syracuse ).
@@abigaildevoe What made this review spot on (for me) was your take on Marakesh Express, which I've always wanted to like but as you mentioned the cutesiness makes it a little annoying
I saw them in like 2002 or something in elementary school. I didn't really appreciate them then(or at all), but I am happy I got to see them before Crosby passed. They have become one of my favorite bands in adulthood though.
I've read Nash's autobiography and its great. Suite:Judy Blues Eyes is how it is because it was Stills combining 3 songs about Judy Collins that he couldn't finish. Marrakech Express is a song rejected by the Hollies after King Midas In Reverse faltered on the charts.
14-year-old me stumbled upon them on Limewire, thought "omg these guys don't even have a band name, they must be so damn good if they go by their own names" and downloaded Judy Blue Eyes, Helplessly Hoping and Our House. One of the few spot-on guesses of my life. To this day I'm amazed of how they can go from something so eerie and menacing as Wooden Ships to something as pretty as Helplessly Hoping in the same album. I didn't know the couch story, it fits them really well.
@ZED If you haven't already, listen to Kantner's first Jefferson Starship foray, "Blows Against The Empire" and you will get a real sense of just how heavily the lyrics of Wooden Ships are influenced by Kantner! It's a classic masterpiece!
The gatefold photo was taken at Big Bear, a resort area east of L.A. And Dallas Taylor wasn't there for the original cover photo; his image was added later.
Over here in England the Hollies were a massive group. Going strong decades later. Nash's frustration of how the Hollies were going is at least in 67. Have you heard King Midas in Reverse,a single from that year. It's out there, psychedelic,with big orchestration. It only got in the top 20 and Nash realised his musical direction was moving a long way from the Hollies.
The album is one of the best in 1969. Harmony vocals at its finest. Hoping a Deja Vu video someday. If this album got a sequel, the cover would be them sitting in a parking lot.
I love rock photography and have met many greats, funny enough I used to see Henry Diltz around in my neighborhood and never talked to him. He’s great, heard he’s a cool guy too
Suite: Judy Blue Eyes. Years ago I owned a coffee shop where I'd first really take a good listen to this song. Sitting across from me was, one of those special regulars, a young woman who would sing "Dooo de Dooo, doo doo de doo de Dooo". May those Blues eyes be still full of wonder. Loving these Mondays now that they come with an album of the week🫡 Thank you
This album when it came out, helped me go in a different direction than just head-banging rock. The song lyrics were often sweet and politically important at the time. Very often the band wrote songs about real events in their lives. They picked up Young which made them even better. They epitomized the whole SoCal 'canyon' music trend at the time. Crosby liked to say later that folk music and rock collided head on and this newly found genre flourished....I agree.
What a fascinating and detailed overview of this classic LP. "Wooden Ships" became such a fantastic opening tune in the 1970 documentary feature on 'Woodstock'.
I got this album packed away in storage. I got it at 2nd & Charles in December of 2017, the week before New Years. I was with one of my sisters at the time. The others I think I got is The Moody Blues On A Threshold Of A Dream, Mott The Hoople Drive On, and another album I can't think of right now. I once showed my older sister the gatefold that had the band members and she said that they looked stoned. Has that ever come across your mind every time you look at that gatefold? I wouldn't doubt it cause it was the 60's. You're gonna find people who are stoned out of their minds. Not only stoned but trippn' on acid. Speaking of acid, Pre Down Road is the most trippiest track I've heard on this album. It has the best use of backward guitar in the song. I don't know how many times I've played this album all the way through during the period of having a record player hooked up. It's a great first album without a doubt.
They were at a party at Cass house and she introduced one of the 3 to the others. Crosby and Stills were harmonizing on a tune and Nash came over . Big party. Nash heard them , listened then told them do it again I have an idea. When nash joined in the place almost went silent listening to CSN for the first time. They knew it was a spiritual connection.
I deeply love this album just as😢 the album itself seems deeply filled with love. Great back stories to this one well told. To me Marrakesh Express zips along in a joyful way, the blended voices are lush. Didn't get the clue for this week. I'm a nincompoop. Finally Stephen Stills first solo album ❤
Thanks for mentioning Everybody's Talkin'. Stills really had the magic touch early in his career----his voice and guitar part in this cover are stellar.
Dear Abigail, thank you so much for doing CSN, because this is one of those covers done by the same visual genius who did my all time favourite album "Morrison Hotel/Hard Rock Cafe" by The Doors. I LOVE the Byrds. "Fifth Dimension" is so under rated. Crosby and Stills were always destined for greater things because, musically, they weren't interested in being stuck in the same 'record groove'. And ah yes, David Crosby's comment about JFK which got him fired. Roger was a little bit up tight and maybe jealous of Crosby. And now? He's free as a Byrd to fly for eternity and play music in heaven. RIP.
i love all of diltz's photography. those shots of joni at her house in the canyon are ICONIC. he told that story in the laurel canyon doc, it was informal and beautiful and spur of the moment
Exactly@@abigaildevoe! As you said in the video: music was going back to basics. And so was, the way they photographed the bands. Out with the trippy covers - and back to a bluesy, soil of the Earth feel. They should turn Morrison Hotel into a protected tourist venue. All the Doors sites, where they got the cover images, are as part as America's cultural history, as places in Liverpool is for the Beatles? America IS a wonderland, where history and legacy dance arm in arm - never getting old. Diltz is the perfect example of someone who can capture the person's personality and their inner soul? Usually, a photo looses the depth and soul of someone. But Diltz? Like a magic medicine man he brought forth the spirits of the musical revolution. David
This album is a complete treasure, coming outside of yet another legendary year of rock, just loaded with many other treasures. It’s hard to go wrong with this one. I like referring to it as the ‘ Pre ‘ Woodstock album. And I could never say enough about the song “ Guinevere “ , one of the most gorgeous tunes I’d ever heard from ANY band. But really, there are no weak tracks on that piece. Thanks Abby for presenting an excellent review of this folk rock masterpiece.
Abigail it has been 50 some years and I can still tell you when it was and where I was when I heard this album. Amazing how music can instantly take you back in time..
According to some of the biographical books about the Grateful Dead, the Airplane called Jerry their Spiritual Advisor on SP because the record label wouldn't allow him to be called a co-producer. He had a lot of valuable input in the studio. Joni's first album is beautiful. One other fact - Fred Neil wrote Everybody's Talkin' which was made a hit by Harry Nilsson. :) Fred Neil made a couple of cool albums in the 60s. Once again - great video.
I like every song on this album, equally, and listen to it often. I have no idea how I stumbled upon your channel, but I’m glad I did. I’m addicted. I’m old an old Canadian, who grew up during the fantastic music era you’ve been covering. I was an avid (complete) music nerd. I’ve owned and loved most of the albums you have covered. I thought I knew everything there was to know about my favourite bands. After watching your videos, I realized that I knew almost nothing! I no longer have any vinyl, due to space limitations, but have replaced them with CD. Thanks for the entertaining education.
Kind of a genius album. My stereo crapped out one channel when I first heard it, in '71, so that was a bummer. 😆 So it took years more to hear it as you did.
Not super without NY. I find Crosby's presence in rock history as inexplicable. He's more a personality and a link between people than a standout lyricist or musician--he was always third tier in any band he was in. Still, he inspired Joni's Dawntreader, so there's that.
albums like this are one of the reasons I slowly and continuously upgraded my stereo over time. I really don't have much to say, but heard that adding comments affects the payment algorithms, as does listening to the commercials , which I don't often manage, so I am putting down a few words. What can I say, talented woman have always left me helplessly hoping my entire life, and once in a while I will catch the blue bird..
got to be suite judy blue eyes, it's got all the best qualities of buffalo springfield, the byrds & the hollies in multi-dimensional harmony & movements like a laurel canyon orchestra! got fond memories of learning this on the steel string & picking & strumming it out louder & louder, & gaining clarity & strength like the buildup of the end coda & sunlight bursting through clouds ⛅🌤🌞
For me it's 'Guinnivere', one of Croz's mystical songs. A close 2nd is 'Helplessly Hoping'. I was lucky enough to see CSN on the "Live It Up" tour (I swear Stills had a different guitar for every song) and later Crosby & Nash on their tour.
Suite Judy Blue Eyes, Marrakesh Express, Helplessly Hoping, and Wooden Ships are some of my favorites from the album, but in reality I love all of them.
Your personal favorites are almost the whole album...😊 That's ok...I love that album to. My first time watching your channel. I love your opening. You might have "a lot of Records", but you also have a lot of musical knowledge of the 1960's Music scene. Really well done!
You may be right but I always thought the name was Pre-road Downs? I’m very old and could be wrong, I haven’t seen the album in 50 years! Ok I had to look it up, although the title isn’t in the lyrics it’s a song about going on the road and the things they miss…pre-road downs makes a lot more sense. Anyway, love your articles and this one in particular, one of my favorite albums.
Wooden Ships is one of my all time favorite sounding songs. So evocative. I feel like I'm in it, floating on a raft, eating purple berries. The super reverbed muted strumming at the beginning, the slight roll on the snare as the band comes in, the treble-cut tone on Stills' soloing throughout the song, the timbre of their harmonizing, that grinding Hammond sound... I just love it so much. One of the sweetest sounding things I've ever heard. Same goes for the rest of the album too, but especially Wooden Ships for me.
THIS album was an EVENT back in 1969!! As was the NEXT album in 1970 by these guys! As was the FOLLOW UP LIVE album that came out next by these fellas. GREAT songs, GREAT harmonies, COOL looking dudes, the ultimate Hippie boy band! But then it kinda .....well.......fizzled out. POOF . And in this humble listener's opinion, these guys only came out with a few mildly pleasant songs for the next 40 YEARS!! What happen??? Lots of stuff I guess, but THIS record was a big deal & it's a timeless time piece of that good ole love & peace late 1960's / early 1970's. CARRY ON DUDES...P.S.- One of the coolest album covers of all time!!
a hippie boy band! i love it!! they were some cool looking guys. i think CSN(Y) fizzled out so fast because a. neil young came in and rocked the boat, b. the “honeymoon phase” of their friendships ended and bad habits started to show, and c. stars that start bright burn half as long
Graham Nash went on to start Nash Editions, a boutique giclée photo lab that makes archival prints for Important Photographers, including himself. Graham was a part time rockstar photographer as well as a genuine rockstar.
I like Crosby as a person because he was humanly imperfect, especially in the 60s where it was very much in vogue to be more selfless and understanding, he clearly struggled with it lol...
You are correct about the Joni references on that album. Guinnivere was actually the " Nick name".. David would call Joni Mitchell ❣️ BTW I adore Do For the Others... Your videos/ reviews are spot on!! 🎶🎶💜☮️🌸🌿🦋🍄🌈🌠
Classic episode Abby. Your comments on Joni Mitchell breaking up with Croz and getting burned made me laugh out loud, as did the Laurel Canyon Santa Claus line 🤣
Fantastic video - Suite: Judy Blue Eyes is indeed a highlight, I love Still's all E tuning on the acoustic guitar, what a unique sound. Used again on 'Love the One You're With'!
Fantastic work, as ever! these are all really worth looking forward to. I'm going to nominate a band from the era with four excellent songwriters at the top of their game: The Moody Blues. I'd love to hear you tackle something like The Search For The Lost Chord.
You’re really in a zone, Abby. I never miss an episode! Great style, great show format, always chocked full of intriguing nuggets of info and you’re such a lovable host! Keep up the great work. You’ll become famous someday. Heck, I would argue you are ready for a bit on SNL!
I never thought to make the connection of "Guinnevere" to Joni Mitchell until you mentioned it here. Another parallel Joni/Cros is heavy use--or even exclusive use--of nonstandard guitar tunings. First learning to play guitar at age 13-14 involved lots of CSN(Y) and then realizing Crosby's songs required... something... else ? Eventually I discovered a book with his retunings. Beautiful music. Great post, Abigail.
I aslo love this album. Suite: JBE was the very first song I heard from CSN. Unfortunately it was on top 40 radio in 1969, so half of it was edited out. Two years later I discovered the full version, and WOW. I've seen CSN many times over the decades and that song always brings down the house. Recently Stills and Judy toured together, and last month Graham Nash performed for Joni at the Gershwin Award in DC. It's nice, that all these years later, after the romantic relationships ended, they still are good friends. Thanks for another great video.
i have that one vinyl.. Music traps you in its time.. if that makes sense. I always call them CSN ( and sometimes Y). another great idea for “Power Of a Supergoup” episode would be Traveling Wilburys. That was always my favorite supergroup… 9:05 Looks like Fleetwood Mac wasn’t the first to do that then😄
Great episode. Neil Youngs Decade was my avenue into 60s music, and when I went to my local library to find more (no internet in the late 80s!) I got Deja Vu & this out on cassette. As a depressed and very shy 20 something, the lyrics here were on point for me and my wife to be. One thing to bring up Fred Neil isn't a pseudonym for Nillson, but a very influential folkie who mentored Stills and other younger folk singers who pitched up on the scene in his footsteps. Also notable for writing the song Dolphins that Tim Buckley would make his own
Hi Abby, This was one of my favorite reviews you have done. As far as I'm concerned every song on this album is good,if not Great ! my favorite songs are Judy Blue Eyes, You Don't have to Cry, and Helplessly Hoping. I wanted Judy and Stephen to stay together,as well as Joni and Graham , I'm a "Hopeless Romantic". The harmony, musical expertise,and the beautiful song writing was so engaging to my generation. I love the "Cover Story" about the house being knocked down when they went for a second shoot ! I wish I had that couch, what stories it could tell ! I love this album !
Would you consider an episode , covering " Sweethearts Of The Rodeo " .... It s such an Influential record ! So many bands dove into the country field because of this record . Is this one of your favorites ABBY ?? AS usual , your attention to detail in this weeks CSN vid was and always is EXCEPTIONAL !! CHEERS ! 😎🤠🎶🎺🎻🪕💯💥✌✌
@@abigaildevoe Thanx Abby ! Have you ever heard Nez s FIRST solo record from 67 ? it sounds like music from " HEAD " . He really got the " Country Rock going with " Magnetic South " ( one of my favorite records ) Mike was really ahead of his time in the music field for sure ! Was he your favorite " MONKEE " ? He sure was mine . PS -- I wonder who,s got his Green Wool cap ??? lol 🧐🧐🧐
I was in a San Francisco poster shop when they put this album on, played both sides, then played it through again. I was mesmerized by this incredible music 'n gladly stuck around to hear it played twice. As a result I left there with a multitude o' classic posters. Would love to see your takes on Kiln House, Innervisions, Song To A Seagull, Bookends, White Album, All Things Must Pass 'n Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere! Thanks for your hard work and incredible insights Abby...JC
@abigaildevoe congratulations on your channel growing, you deserve it & i hope it keeps skyrocketing, this series is one of the best things i've ever found on youtube & will most def watch many of the older vids starting with tommy for lots of important reasons & of course the everlasting love of the who (although i much prefer tom & my gramer was the only one i could stand using that name for me). cs&n go way back with me, & this is a very heartwarming lp to revist & a perfect way to start the week. think you'd really like dea matrona's cover of helplessly hoping, young virtuoso irish band with an endless affinity for 60s & 70s rock, blues & folk. this is a very fine house you've built & i'm really grateful to have been invited in! 💛📻💘🎸🧡🎙💚🎶💙🌼💗🙌😊
@@abigaildevoe i'll keep that in mind but don't be so hard on yourself, you're an excellent writer with a well developed voice & an expressive enthusiasm that's highly contagious, & you're an inspired host with a truckload of style & a wicked sense of humor. what i like about your videos is you can get to a breathless state & pull back to go analytical, while interweaving stories from the back pages & interesting facts, & making an emotional connection between you, the songs, the band & the audience. the way that things can seem off balance or off the center of the kilter at times when so much is going on is part of the charm & why what you do all works so well, & makes the experience very real & authentic. keep on keeping on & grooving! 😜
John Mayall is a perfect example of what vocal coaches call "swallowing the tongue". What do I do to fix that? I asked Steve the vocal coach in 1975. "Open your throat when you sing" he said. Problem fixed. Sorry, John. I do a wicked impersonation of John Mayall with Mick Taylor-style guitar.
Hi Abigail, nice to see you again, you've brightened up my day...OK "The Couch Album" The first time I heard the song Marrakesh Express it was like a breath of fresh air, I loved it and went right out and bought the album...being a big fan of the Hollies, the Byrds and the Buffalo Springfield I was delighted by this release...I agree with your opinion of Bob Dylan's Planet Waves, also I love the cover art I've. Also, I like tapping a percussive accompaniment while I strum my acoustic guitar...as an aside, I was out walking listening to my little red transistor radio when the Rolling Stones song, Tell Me came on...I was so blown away by the dark sound that I stopped walking and slipped into an alcove to take it all in. This was the first time I'd ever heard The Rolling Stones and I was amazed!
Ahmet Ertegun wanted Eric to go solo as frontman to his own band that WASN'T Cream, 1967. I really like Guinneviere - I know I misspelled the name. Miles Davis did an insanely beautiful interpretation of the song on Bitche's Brew. Vocals are a lot easier than people know. I babysat John Mayall's kid for about a year, once a week, late nineties. I saw the Bluesbreakers in 1969 with Mick Taylor and they blew the house down. Pasadena Rose Palace, Albert King and Deep Purple on the bill, one dollar to get in. Confidence embraces perfect pitch, it's circular.
I am a big fan of CSN and I love MOST of this album. I really enjoy your presentation style and the info you offer. But I also must say, I find you very appealing and attractive. Maybe it’s a little bit of how cool it is to see a young female being into good, classic rock; but you are just lovely to watch.
Fantastic video i love csn Judy blue eyes is one of my favorite songs I watched the old vh1 legends episodes on csny one time I love the story when they auditioned for apple records and the dang black bird David said we covered it well but passed on us but I think they regreted on that dission lol great video Abby keep it up can't wait for next week
Abi, I really enjoyed this! I vividly remember, upon the release of this album, that I'd never heard anything quite like it! Still haven't! As much as I love the CSN "Wooden Ships" I agree with you about the greatness of Airplane's version! If anyone ever doubted Kantner's contribution to the lyrics and theme of Wooden Ships, just listen to Jefferson Starship's "Blows Against the Empire" masterpiece album and it becomes abundantly clear! You touch on it here, but I just love to follow the "threads" between groups and personnel. Are you familiar with the P.E.R.R.O. sessions? (Planet Earth Rock and Roll Orchestra) If not, I strongly suggest a YT search and diving in! It's pretty much The Grateful Dead, Crosby, Jorma, etc. Too much to go into here, but dig deep, it's great stuff!!
i love paul kantner, he seems like he would've been a really cool dude to talk to. lots of strange and brilliant ideas about the world. i haven't heard of those sessions, sounds like a san francisco block party!
Nash's breakup song 'Simple Man' is devastating. Joni wrote several kiss off songs on her underrated "For the Roses" album. I think it's better than the neighboring "Blue" and "Court and Spark".
Great video as usual. : "You Dont Have To Cry" is my fave on this album. Stills does dominate this record and it might be some of his best work even though he still had lots more great songs on his first solo album and the amazing Manassas album as well.
Thanks again for covering another one of the albums I love so much, which I grew up with. You always do such a fun and amazing job. BTW, is there anything we can do for you; like is there anything you would like to make music listening or your YT channel creation more enjoyable?
I love this album, blame Woodstock the movie for that. My favourites are long time coming and suite judy blue eyes. Another great review Abby! Hollies albums are not that easy to find in the UK either!!
Abby "Boyd" Devoe is a time travelling muse from the 1960s! I am quite certain George and Eric were writing about her! ;) She is a perfect reflection of the style of a much loved era in fashion and music who adds her own adorable personality into the mix here. Thank you Abby. Your hard work is much appreciated.
Very sly reference
I spoke with "Suite Judy" years ago. She was the free spirit in their relationship. Stills was head over heels, but she broke up with him and broke his heart. He wrote the song to try to win her back. When she declined, he played her the song (yet to be recorded) and gave her the Martin guitar he wrote it on. It's a movie scene.
Fred Neil was a real person .. a friend of Crosby from his Coconut Grove Florida days... Fred Neil wrote "Everybody's Talking" about Coconut Grove.. "A Place that Suits My Clothes" Fred also wrote "Dolphins" for Tim Buckley and many more
Finally a less controversial album cover to talk about on VM. Never heard it called the “Couch Album” before. Always learning something new from your show.
Ab( yes )solutely!
I just found out for the first time ever while I was revisiting this album, there are actually 49 lines in 49 bye-byes which makes me enjoy it that much more.
Your show is a weekly dose of upbeat enthusiasm. I cant be the only one who derives mental benefits and joy, from your inspired enthusiasm and diligence. Long May You Run.
Contender for best album of all time, through all genres. Just perfection.
When they took this photo they hadn’t yet come up with a name. And when they returned to retake it, the house was just a pile of rubble. The craziness of the demolition is so wild
Abigail's spirit animal does indeed roam the streets of Laurel Canyon circa 1969...not a bad space to be in...
I love how actually “ in depth “ these reviews are.Always look forward to Monday now.
"Do For the Others" ended up on Stills' first solo album.
Fred Neil wrote everybody's talking. He also wrote The other side of this life.Speaking of Bruce Palmer you will not be missing anything if you don't hear his solo album
In fact in the CSN version whoever is singing the low part imitates Fred Neil and adds an extra note Harry doesn't.
CSNA- Crosby Stills Nash and Abbey ✌️
Out of all the channels I subscribe to, this one has had me captivated recently. So much more research and detail. Well done Abby, your efforts are excellent and rising popularity well deserved.
Love this video! Thank you for giving CSN more attention. They deserve more! But I feel more cohesion with the Couch album than with Deja-Vu, but that’s informed by knowing how they were both constructed. Even though the Couch album is a Stills tour de force, the three guys were still together the whole time basically and were a firm unit. The spirits were high and they were getting a long and excited for their prospects. With Deja Vu, it was much more “independent contractor” vibes. Each of CSN has said that the unity of the first album wasn’t there with Deja Vu. Young obviously didn’t help in that regard , the way he held his songs close to his chest. But I love both albums and all four guys do much regardless. Again thank you! I’d love to hear your take on Crosby’s first solo record. “Laughing” is magical and really displays Crosby’s genius
Ah yes, Nash, Stills and Crosby, such an iconic trio.
Loved the album when it came out and still do. As an old dude now, I have to say - you are a wonderful writer and presenter. And you make it damn enternaining too. What a trifecta. Keep up the good work.
Beautifully done, Abby. '69-'70 was my senior year of high school. New Year's Eve of '69 I spent with another group of people at a friend's house whose parents were away for the night and the first CSN album was on repeat play throughout the night. Every hearing takes me back there.
i love hearing stories like these! it's a time capsule album for sure
hey rock and roll woman! good show as usual! i imagine there was never any difficulty from not being able to reshoot the cover. keep up the good work Abi! and take a break. relax sometimes. bye for now
I don't know, Abby, Wooden Ships? Like the vibe on that one. ⛵
This is seriously the best music youtube channel ive seen in a while, plus its getting me back into the boomer music i loved when i was first getting into music. God bless Abby!
lol "boomer music"
thank you so much! i might not always get it spot on but i do try
@@abigaildevoe You do an excellent job , Abby. I saw most of the groups that you cover " live " during their prime. You get all the details correct , and I am very impressed by your diligence and acumen !
, Dean ( in Syracuse ).
@@abigaildevoe What made this review spot on (for me) was your take on Marakesh Express, which I've always wanted to like but as you mentioned the cutesiness makes it a little annoying
I saw them in like 2002 or something in elementary school. I didn't really appreciate them then(or at all), but I am happy I got to see them before Crosby passed. They have become one of my favorite bands in adulthood though.
I've read Nash's autobiography and its great. Suite:Judy Blues Eyes is how it is because it was Stills combining 3 songs about Judy Collins that he couldn't finish.
Marrakech Express is a song rejected by the Hollies after King Midas In Reverse faltered on the charts.
Re the vocals, nobody could do three part harmony better than CSN
14-year-old me stumbled upon them on Limewire, thought "omg these guys don't even have a band name, they must be so damn good if they go by their own names" and downloaded Judy Blue Eyes, Helplessly Hoping and Our House. One of the few spot-on guesses of my life. To this day I'm amazed of how they can go from something so eerie and menacing as Wooden Ships to something as pretty as Helplessly Hoping in the same album. I didn't know the couch story, it fits them really well.
@ZED If you haven't already, listen to Kantner's first Jefferson Starship foray, "Blows Against The Empire" and you will get a real sense of just how heavily the lyrics of Wooden Ships are influenced by Kantner! It's a classic masterpiece!
The gatefold photo was taken at Big Bear, a resort area east of L.A. And Dallas Taylor wasn't there for the original cover photo; his image was added later.
It definitely looked like it was cold when the picture was taken.
Over here in England the Hollies were a massive group. Going strong decades later. Nash's frustration of how the Hollies were going is at least in 67. Have you heard King Midas in Reverse,a single from that year. It's out there, psychedelic,with big orchestration. It only got in the top 20 and Nash realised his musical direction was moving a long way from the Hollies.
Yes I guessed right, and am so happy I did, this is one of my all time favorite albums!!!!
The album is one of the best in 1969. Harmony vocals at its finest. Hoping a Deja Vu video someday.
If this album got a sequel, the cover would be them sitting in a parking lot.
I love rock photography and have met many greats, funny enough I used to see Henry Diltz around in my neighborhood and never talked to him. He’s great, heard he’s a cool guy too
Suite: Judy Blue Eyes.
Years ago I owned a coffee shop where I'd first really take a good listen to this song. Sitting across from me was, one of those special regulars, a young woman who would sing "Dooo de Dooo, doo doo de doo de Dooo".
May those Blues eyes be still full of wonder.
Loving these Mondays now that they come with an album of the week🫡 Thank you
This album when it came out, helped me go in a different direction than just head-banging rock. The song lyrics were often sweet and politically important at the time. Very often the band wrote songs about real events in their lives. They picked up Young which made them even better. They epitomized the whole SoCal 'canyon' music trend at the time. Crosby liked to say later that folk music and rock collided head on and this newly found genre flourished....I agree.
What a fascinating and detailed overview of this classic LP. "Wooden Ships" became such a fantastic opening tune in the 1970 documentary feature on 'Woodstock'.
I got this album packed away in storage. I got it at 2nd & Charles in December of 2017, the week before New Years. I was with one of my sisters at the time. The others I think I got is The Moody Blues On A Threshold Of A Dream, Mott The Hoople Drive On, and another album I can't think of right now. I once showed my older sister the gatefold that had the band members and she said that they looked stoned. Has that ever come across your mind every time you look at that gatefold? I wouldn't doubt it cause it was the 60's. You're gonna find people who are stoned out of their minds. Not only stoned but trippn' on acid. Speaking of acid, Pre Down Road is the most trippiest track I've heard on this album. It has the best use of backward guitar in the song. I don't know how many times I've played this album all the way through during the period of having a record player hooked up. It's a great first album without a doubt.
No pitchfork from me Abby, just a Buffalo nickel and a Springfield rose 🌹, for a job well done, still our Rock and Roll Woman
They were at a party at Cass house and she introduced one of the 3 to the others. Crosby and Stills were harmonizing on a tune and Nash came over . Big party.
Nash heard them , listened then told them do it again I have an idea.
When nash joined in the place almost went silent listening to CSN for the first time.
They knew it was a spiritual connection.
I deeply love this album just as😢 the album itself seems deeply filled with love. Great back stories to this one well told.
To me Marrakesh Express zips along in a joyful way, the blended voices are lush.
Didn't get the clue for this week. I'm a nincompoop.
Finally Stephen Stills first solo album ❤
hey you're forgiven if you didn't get it, the hints were a little buried!
@@abigaildevoe Camouflaged.
I had a tranny friend that loved that Stephen stills album he (man dressed as a woman) wanted to be stills I think haha cool songs
Thanks for mentioning Everybody's Talkin'. Stills really had the magic touch early in his career----his voice and guitar part in this cover are stellar.
Dear Abigail, thank you so much for doing CSN, because this is one of those covers done by the same visual genius who did my all time favourite album "Morrison Hotel/Hard Rock Cafe" by The Doors.
I LOVE the Byrds. "Fifth Dimension" is so under rated. Crosby and Stills were always destined for greater things because, musically, they weren't interested in being stuck in the same 'record groove'.
And ah yes, David Crosby's comment about JFK which got him fired. Roger was a little bit up tight and maybe jealous of Crosby. And now? He's free as a Byrd to fly for eternity and play music in heaven. RIP.
i love all of diltz's photography. those shots of joni at her house in the canyon are ICONIC. he told that story in the laurel canyon doc, it was informal and beautiful and spur of the moment
Exactly@@abigaildevoe! As you said in the video:
music was going back to basics. And so was, the way they photographed the bands.
Out with the trippy covers - and back to a bluesy, soil of the Earth feel.
They should turn Morrison Hotel into a protected tourist venue. All the Doors sites, where they got the cover images, are as part as America's cultural history, as places in Liverpool is for the Beatles?
America IS a wonderland, where history and legacy dance arm in arm - never getting old.
Diltz is the perfect example of someone who can capture the person's personality and their inner soul?
Usually, a photo looses the depth and soul of someone. But Diltz? Like a magic medicine man he brought forth the spirits of the musical revolution.
David
This album is a complete treasure, coming outside of yet another legendary year of rock, just loaded with many other treasures. It’s hard to go wrong with this one. I like referring to it as the ‘ Pre ‘ Woodstock album. And I could never say enough about the song “ Guinevere “ , one of the most gorgeous tunes I’d ever heard from ANY band. But really, there are no weak tracks on that piece. Thanks Abby for presenting an excellent review of this folk rock masterpiece.
You are charming. Thank you for this series
This Is your best review ever, a real labor of love and respect for the music. Good Job!!!!
thank you so much! there were hiccups in this one but i hope to make them better and better
Abigail it has been 50 some years and I can still tell you when it was and where I was when I heard this album. Amazing how music can instantly take you back in time..
Abbie-advice: get into Fairport Convention. A little difficult, but well worth finding the gems.
According to some of the biographical books about the Grateful Dead, the Airplane called Jerry their Spiritual Advisor on SP because the record label wouldn't allow him to be called a co-producer. He had a lot of valuable input in the studio. Joni's first album is beautiful. One other fact - Fred Neil wrote Everybody's Talkin' which was made a hit by Harry Nilsson. :) Fred Neil made a couple of cool albums in the 60s. Once again - great video.
Another great one Abby, you’re on a roll!
thanks!
I like every song on this album, equally, and listen to it often. I have no idea how I stumbled upon your channel, but I’m glad I did. I’m addicted. I’m old an old Canadian, who grew up during the fantastic music era you’ve been covering. I was an avid (complete) music nerd. I’ve owned and loved most of the albums you have covered. I thought I knew everything there was to know about my favourite bands. After watching your videos, I realized that I knew almost nothing! I no longer have any vinyl, due to space limitations, but have replaced them with CD. Thanks for the entertaining education.
Kind of a genius album. My stereo crapped out one channel when I first heard it, in '71, so that was a bummer. 😆 So it took years more to hear it as you did.
Not super without NY. I find Crosby's presence in rock history as inexplicable. He's more a personality and a link between people than a standout lyricist or musician--he was always third tier in any band he was in. Still, he inspired Joni's Dawntreader, so there's that.
Crosby only made one good record on his own and Jerry Garcia kind of helped make that debut solo record happen for Crosby.
albums like this are one of the reasons I slowly and continuously upgraded my stereo over time. I really don't have much to say, but heard that adding comments affects the payment algorithms, as does listening to the commercials , which I don't often manage, so I am putting down a few words. What can I say, talented woman have always left me helplessly hoping my entire life, and once in a while I will catch the blue bird..
gather your pitchforks for my bruce palmer hiccup here. what’s your favorite CSN song? drop it here!
got to be suite judy blue eyes, it's got all the best qualities of buffalo springfield, the byrds & the hollies in multi-dimensional harmony & movements like a laurel canyon orchestra! got fond memories of learning this on the steel string & picking & strumming it out louder & louder, & gaining clarity & strength like the buildup of the end coda & sunlight bursting through clouds ⛅🌤🌞
For me it's 'Guinnivere', one of Croz's mystical songs. A close 2nd is 'Helplessly Hoping'. I was lucky enough to see CSN on the "Live It Up" tour (I swear Stills had a different guitar for every song) and later Crosby & Nash on their tour.
Suite Judy Blue Eyes, Marrakesh Express, Helplessly Hoping, and Wooden Ships are some of my favorites from the album, but in reality I love all of them.
Whenever I pick up a guitar it's You Don't Have to Cry whenever I listen, Guinevere weaves one heck of a spell.
Wooden ship
Your personal favorites are almost the whole album...😊 That's ok...I love that album to. My first time watching your channel. I love your opening. You might have "a lot of Records", but you also have a lot of musical knowledge of the 1960's Music scene. Really well done!
You may be right but I always thought the name was Pre-road Downs? I’m very old and could be wrong, I haven’t seen the album in 50 years!
Ok I had to look it up, although the title isn’t in the lyrics it’s a song about going on the road and the things they miss…pre-road downs makes a lot more sense.
Anyway, love your articles and this one in particular, one of my favorite albums.
This is a album I listern to a lot, just a sonic masterpiece.
Wooden Ships is one of my all time favorite sounding songs. So evocative. I feel like I'm in it, floating on a raft, eating purple berries. The super reverbed muted strumming at the beginning, the slight roll on the snare as the band comes in, the treble-cut tone on Stills' soloing throughout the song, the timbre of their harmonizing, that grinding Hammond sound... I just love it so much. One of the sweetest sounding things I've ever heard. Same goes for the rest of the album too, but especially Wooden Ships for me.
Always informative and interesting; thank you!
Hi Abigail, great video as usual, an in-depth analysis of an iconic album, as far as I'm concerned it is a toss up between this and deja vu
CSN is wonderful, it's made me truly appreciate the magic of deja vu
THIS album was an EVENT back in 1969!! As was the NEXT album in 1970 by these guys! As was the FOLLOW UP LIVE album that came out next by these fellas. GREAT songs, GREAT harmonies, COOL looking dudes, the ultimate Hippie boy band! But then it kinda .....well.......fizzled out. POOF . And in this humble listener's opinion, these guys only came out with a few mildly pleasant songs for the next 40 YEARS!! What happen??? Lots of stuff I guess, but THIS record was a big deal & it's a timeless time piece of that good ole love & peace late 1960's / early 1970's. CARRY ON DUDES...P.S.- One of the coolest album covers of all time!!
a hippie boy band! i love it!! they were some cool looking guys.
i think CSN(Y) fizzled out so fast because a. neil young came in and rocked the boat, b. the “honeymoon phase” of their friendships ended and bad habits started to show, and c. stars that start bright burn half as long
WELL SAID ABBY!! You nailed it, but when they were good early on, they were really teriffic, a true SUPER GROUP!! Peace girl, you RRROCK
Graham Nash went on to start Nash Editions, a boutique giclée photo lab that makes archival prints for Important Photographers, including himself. Graham was a part time rockstar photographer as well as a genuine rockstar.
There are two types of people in the world:
Those who can’t stand David Crosby
Those who never met David Crosby
Sled Zeppelin..great name !
agreed!
i do dig his music but man was it satisfying when he'd get a taste of his own medicine (ex. that song about the midway)
I like Crosby as a person because he was humanly imperfect, especially in the 60s where it was very much in vogue to be more selfless and understanding, he clearly struggled with it lol...
You are correct about the Joni references on that album. Guinnivere was actually the " Nick name".. David would call Joni Mitchell ❣️
BTW I adore Do For the Others...
Your videos/ reviews are spot on!! 🎶🎶💜☮️🌸🌿🦋🍄🌈🌠
Ahmet Ertegun is a legend, so much great music happened on his watch
Classic episode Abby. Your comments on Joni Mitchell breaking up with Croz and getting burned made me laugh out loud, as did the Laurel Canyon Santa Claus line 🤣
Fantastic video - Suite: Judy Blue Eyes is indeed a highlight, I love Still's all E tuning on the acoustic guitar, what a unique sound. Used again on 'Love the One You're With'!
My very good friend Pat was roommates with Henry Diltz many years ago. They are still close friends today.
that's so cool! henry seems like a cool guy, he really had his finger on the pulse of laurel canyon then
Fantastic work, as ever! these are all really worth looking forward to.
I'm going to nominate a band from the era with four excellent songwriters at the top of their game: The Moody Blues. I'd love to hear you tackle something like The Search For The Lost Chord.
You’re really in a zone, Abby. I never miss an episode! Great style, great show format, always chocked full of intriguing nuggets of info and you’re such a lovable host! Keep up the great work. You’ll become famous someday. Heck, I would argue you are ready for a bit on SNL!
You always chose fire!
I never thought to make the connection of "Guinnevere" to Joni Mitchell until you mentioned it here. Another parallel Joni/Cros is heavy use--or even exclusive use--of nonstandard guitar tunings. First learning to play guitar at age 13-14 involved lots of CSN(Y) and then realizing Crosby's songs required... something... else ? Eventually I discovered a book with his retunings. Beautiful music. Great post, Abigail.
I aslo love this album. Suite: JBE was the very first song I heard from CSN. Unfortunately it was on top 40 radio in 1969, so half of it was edited out. Two years later I discovered the full version, and WOW. I've seen CSN many times over the decades and that song always brings down the house. Recently Stills and Judy toured together, and last month Graham Nash performed for Joni at the Gershwin Award in DC. It's nice, that all these years later, after the romantic relationships ended, they still are good friends. Thanks for another great video.
i always wondered how judy blue eyes was played on the radio! makes sense that they'd have to edit it down
New to your channel. This is fantastic! Great stuff. Super entertaining and knowledgeable. Looking forward to what’s to come.
i have that one vinyl.. Music traps you in its time.. if that makes sense. I always call them CSN ( and sometimes Y).
another great idea for “Power Of a Supergoup” episode would be Traveling Wilburys. That was always my favorite supergroup…
9:05 Looks like Fleetwood Mac wasn’t the first to do that then😄
Great episode. Neil Youngs Decade was my avenue into 60s music, and when I went to my local library to find more (no internet in the late 80s!) I got Deja Vu & this out on cassette.
As a depressed and very shy 20 something, the lyrics here were on point for me and my wife to be.
One thing to bring up Fred Neil isn't a pseudonym for Nillson, but a very influential folkie who mentored Stills and other younger folk singers who pitched up on the scene in his footsteps. Also notable for writing the song Dolphins that Tim Buckley would make his own
Hi Abby, This was one of my favorite reviews you have done. As far as I'm concerned every song on this album is good,if not Great ! my favorite songs are Judy Blue Eyes, You Don't have to Cry, and Helplessly Hoping. I wanted Judy and Stephen to stay together,as well as Joni and Graham , I'm a "Hopeless Romantic". The harmony, musical expertise,and the beautiful song writing was so engaging to my generation. I love the "Cover Story" about the house being knocked down when they went for a second shoot ! I wish I had that couch, what stories it could tell ! I love this album !
Would you consider an episode , covering " Sweethearts Of The Rodeo " .... It s such an Influential record ! So many bands dove into the country field because of this record . Is this one of your favorites ABBY ?? AS usual , your attention to detail in this weeks CSN vid was and always is EXCEPTIONAL !! CHEERS ! 😎🤠🎶🎺🎻🪕💯💥✌✌
i'll consider it! i overlooked country rock until discovering mike nesmith's solo stuff
@@abigaildevoe Thanx Abby ! Have you ever heard Nez s FIRST solo record from 67 ? it sounds like music from " HEAD " . He really got the " Country Rock going with " Magnetic South " ( one of my favorite records ) Mike was really ahead of his time in the music field for sure ! Was he your favorite " MONKEE " ? He sure was mine . PS -- I wonder who,s got his Green Wool cap ??? lol 🧐🧐🧐
Oh and just as a request! I would loveeee if you could review the early Byrds albums. I appreciate what you do!
I was in a San Francisco poster shop when they put this album on, played both sides, then played it through again. I was mesmerized by this incredible music 'n gladly stuck around to hear it played twice. As a result I left there with a multitude o' classic posters. Would love to see your takes on Kiln House, Innervisions, Song To A Seagull, Bookends, White Album, All Things Must Pass 'n Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere! Thanks for your hard work and incredible insights Abby...JC
i made a video on everybody knows this is nowhere back in october!
A life changing record.....
NICE thumbnail! I dig your graphics hand.👍
It's Pre Road downs...... I lost count the amount of times I laughed when you said Pre Down Roads.. Great video as usual
@abigaildevoe congratulations on your channel growing, you deserve it & i hope it keeps skyrocketing, this series is one of the best things i've ever found on youtube & will most def watch many of the older vids starting with tommy for lots of important reasons & of course the everlasting love of the who (although i much prefer tom & my gramer was the only one i could stand using that name for me). cs&n go way back with me, & this is a very heartwarming lp to revist & a perfect way to start the week. think you'd really like dea matrona's cover of helplessly hoping, young virtuoso irish band with an endless affinity for 60s & 70s rock, blues & folk. this is a very fine house you've built & i'm really grateful to have been invited in! 💛📻💘🎸🧡🎙💚🎶💙🌼💗🙌😊
tommy might not be the best place to start, it's not my best video. high on my list of episodes to redo
@@abigaildevoe i'll keep that in mind but don't be so hard on yourself, you're an excellent writer with a well developed voice & an expressive enthusiasm that's highly contagious, & you're an inspired host with a truckload of style & a wicked sense of humor. what i like about your videos is you can get to a breathless state & pull back to go analytical, while interweaving stories from the back pages & interesting facts, & making an emotional connection between you, the songs, the band & the audience. the way that things can seem off balance or off the center of the kilter at times when so much is going on is part of the charm & why what you do all works so well, & makes the experience very real & authentic. keep on keeping on & grooving! 😜
John Mayall is a perfect example of what vocal coaches call "swallowing the tongue". What do I do to fix that? I asked Steve the vocal coach in 1975. "Open your throat when you sing" he said. Problem fixed. Sorry, John. I do a wicked impersonation of John Mayall with Mick Taylor-style guitar.
Ahmet Ertegun is probably the only record exec who is not only not universally hated, but universally loved.
Unknown Pleasures!!!!
Hi Abigail, nice to see you again, you've brightened up my day...OK "The Couch Album" The first time I heard the song Marrakesh Express it was like a breath of fresh air, I loved it and went right out and bought the album...being a big fan of the Hollies, the Byrds and the Buffalo Springfield I was delighted by this release...I agree with your opinion of Bob Dylan's Planet Waves, also I love the cover art I've. Also, I like tapping a percussive accompaniment while I strum my acoustic guitar...as an aside, I was out walking listening to my little red transistor radio when the Rolling Stones song, Tell Me came on...I was so blown away by the dark sound that
I stopped walking and slipped into an alcove to take it all in. This was the first time I'd ever heard The Rolling Stones and I was amazed!
Okay, you really got me 😅😂😊
Ahmet Ertegun wanted Eric to go solo as frontman to his own band that WASN'T Cream, 1967. I really like Guinneviere - I know I misspelled the name. Miles Davis did an insanely beautiful interpretation of the song on Bitche's Brew. Vocals are a lot easier than people know. I babysat John Mayall's kid for about a year, once a week, late nineties. I saw the Bluesbreakers in 1969 with Mick Taylor and they blew the house down. Pasadena Rose Palace, Albert King and Deep Purple on the bill, one dollar to get in. Confidence embraces perfect pitch, it's circular.
🌠🐻 I see an Abbey Bear in the Window..!? Another Good Video...Rip Crosby..
I am a big fan of CSN and I love MOST of this album. I really enjoy your presentation style and the info you offer. But I also must say, I find you very appealing and attractive. Maybe it’s a little bit of how cool it is to see a young female being into good, classic rock; but you are just lovely to watch.
Fantastic video i love csn Judy blue eyes is one of my favorite songs I watched the old vh1 legends episodes on csny one time I love the story when they auditioned for apple records and the dang black bird David said we covered it well but passed on us but I think they regreted on that dission lol great video Abby keep it up can't wait for next week
Abi, I really enjoyed this! I vividly remember, upon the release of this album, that I'd never heard anything quite like it! Still haven't! As much as I love the CSN "Wooden Ships" I agree with you about the greatness of Airplane's version! If anyone ever doubted Kantner's contribution to the lyrics and theme of Wooden Ships, just listen to Jefferson Starship's "Blows Against the Empire" masterpiece album and it becomes abundantly clear! You touch on it here, but I just love to follow the "threads" between groups and personnel. Are you familiar with the P.E.R.R.O. sessions? (Planet Earth Rock and Roll Orchestra) If not, I strongly suggest a YT search and diving in! It's pretty much The Grateful Dead, Crosby, Jorma, etc. Too much to go into here, but dig deep, it's great stuff!!
i love paul kantner, he seems like he would've been a really cool dude to talk to. lots of strange and brilliant ideas about the world. i haven't heard of those sessions, sounds like a san francisco block party!
Nash's breakup song 'Simple Man' is devastating. Joni wrote several kiss off songs on her underrated "For the Roses" album. I think it's better than the neighboring "Blue" and "Court and Spark".
i always loved better days. the whole songs for beginners album is kind of devastating but it's graham at his best
You do have a way with words
B roll Aby is great!
Great video as usual. : "You Dont Have To Cry" is my fave on this album. Stills does dominate this record and it might be some of his best work even though he still had lots more great songs on his first solo album and the amazing Manassas album as well.
Thanks again for covering another one of the albums I love so much, which I grew up with. You always do such a fun and amazing job. BTW, is there anything we can do for you; like is there anything you would like to make music listening or your YT channel creation more enjoyable?
Abigail everyone loves this album cover yes it is iconic and so is the music that goes with it
Fabulous round up of this. Great job Abbie perfect.
Wasted on the way. Love it! Thanks Abby.
Great installment as always! One more band with three world-class songwriters: Fleetwood Mac.
Great job Abigail.
I love this album, blame Woodstock the movie for that.
My favourites are long time coming and suite judy blue eyes.
Another great review Abby!
Hollies albums are not that easy to find in the UK either!!