Crosby, Stills and Nash

Demos, like Stills' Just Roll Tape, is a peek behind the wizard's curtain. Many of these tunes, most notably "Almost Cut My Hair" and "Deja Vu," possess an immediacy that their officially released counterparts lack. Instead of layered production and grandiose arrangements, both tunes are just Crosby and his guitar getting all stream-of-consciousness. Neil appears just once, but it's on a glorious version of "Music Is Love," which eventually found its way on Crosby's classic debut album from 1970.

The timing of this golden-era demos set is perfect, as CSN's shadow looms large over a new
school of harmony-drunk indie rockers. Unfortunately, the song selection of this set of
1968-71 rarities is a mixed bag, and most are solo performances lacking the group's magical
interplay. One exception is a sprightly "Marrakesh Express," with David Crosby and Graham
Nash melding voices. Several familiar tunes get skeletal readings, including Nash'... More >