Crosby, Stills & Nash: Demos

May 24 2009 by Paul Cole, Sunday Mercury

CROSBY STILLS & NASH

Demos

(Rhino)

wAHEAD of their Glastonbury gig, David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Graham Nash open up the archives to shed new light on their golden oldies, dusting off a dozen demos recorded between 1968 and 1971. Stripped of the trademark harmonies and production, it’s as if the guys have dropped by your house armed with acoustic guitars and a bottle of wine. Classics include Marrakesh Express, a piano-led Chicago and a joyful Love The One You’re With, during which Stills yells: “This is really a fun game!” On the downside, the lyrics of Crosby’s Almost Cut My Hair are hippy trip nonsense. PC