CSNY- 4 Way Street

4 Way Street

This album is very representative of how these guys sounded live way back then. The acoustic part of the album, though it shys away from CSN's reknowned harmonies for the most part, highlights each guy rather well. Most noteworthy here is David Crosby. His readings of "Triad" and "The Leeshore" are absolutely gorgeous, and it reminds one that although David may not be the greatest musician on earth, there's no disputing his ability to sing. Maybe the finest voice around in those days. Neils "Cowgirl in the Sand", "Don't Let it Bring You Down", and the "Loner/Cinnamon Girl/Down By the River" medley really showcase Neil's acoustic guitar skills, and probably set him apart from the other guys for all around talent. Stills' performances, "49 Bye-Byes/For What it's Worth", Love the One You're with sound very dated now, and the sloppiness of those performances make them even harder to savor today. I was hoping that they would have dug out the complete version of "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" for the remastered edition. Instead, we got Black Queen, an acoustic blues that Stephen nails just fine. Really showcases his acoustic guitar skills. Graham offers us "Teach Your Children", which is always a crowd pleaser (but probably would have been better without Neil's "harmony" voice), and "Right Between the Eyes"...a quiet one he duets with David. The old Hollies tune, "King Midas in Reverse" was added for the remastered edition The electric side is real loose, and basically highlights Stephen and Neil trading riffs. These guys really did feed off each other, and these songs just beg to be cranked ! "Long Time Gone" and "Ohio" stand out here. "Southern Man" and "Carry On" are long, long jams. A common practice back then. And those hollow body electric guitars they played really gave us some groovy feedback, didn't they? It is also noteworthy that in those days, Nash handled the Hammond organ duties...something he did well. Good ol'album. Peace.