Released: 11 March 1970
My pressing: Original UK Atlantic LP with plum label
It's quite strange that a lot of bands known for their harmony vocals didn't translate that harmonious nature to behind the scenes, particularly Simon and Garfunkel, the Beach Boys and the Everly Brothers. The same can be said for Crosby, Stills and Nash, and even more so when Neil Young entered the fold for this album. Stephen Stills had invited his old sparring partner from Buffalo Springfield to bolster CSN's ranks when playing live, and it was only natural that a prolific songwriter such as Young should also contribute to their studio work.
CSNY was now a vehicle for the four members to do whatever they liked: Graham Nash continued his accessible pop songs that he had fine-tuned throughout his time with the Hollies, and David Crosby in his own words "wrote the weird shit". The band also became a battleground for the electric guitar dueling between Stills and Young, most notably on Crosby's Almost Cut My Hair*. This album for me is faultless, and despite the varied styles between the four songwriters their work coalesces beautifully.
I find it an incredible shame then, but not surprising, that under the weight of the four egos involved that the band effectively collapsed later in the year. Despite a reunion tour in 1974, a follow up to Deja Vu (and a poor one at that) wasn't issued until the late 80s. Thankfully with the advent of the mixed-tapes and now playlists we can compile our own 1971 CSNY album from the four strong solo albums they issued in its aftermath.
*I recommend the extended version of this song available on the 1991 CSN boxset. Incredible.
"So just look at them and sigh..."
And know they absolutely can't stand each other....
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