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Deja Vu
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- Deja Vu
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Top positive review
A Glowing Testimony
November 18, 2014
My wife loves this album, and their debut, "Crosby, Stills and Nash" (she always was a sucker for soaring vocal harmonies and cushy love songs). At once sophisticated and casual, "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" anchored the first album, a great tune that perhaps set the bar too high for what was to follow. I always thought "Crosby, Stills and Nash" was a good album with great moments (i.e. "Wooden Ships" and "Guinnevere").
What about "Deja Vu," their second album? Did Crosby, Stills and Nash really need Neil Young? Or was it the other way around? A better question, perhaps, is did the addition of Young improve the second album? I think so. Thanks to Young's influence, "Deja Vu" was edgier, more hard rocking, and less formulaic, an agreeable blending of song styles coupled with the group's trademark airtight harmonies, spiked with slashing guitars. And the songs? Better. Did Graham Nash ever write a better tune than the countryish "Teach Your Children"? Did Crosby ever equal the sustained brilliance of his jazz-influenced "Deja Vu"? Not everyone was overjoyed with Young's "Country Girl" suite, but I've always found it compelling. It's a miniature symphony with words, with tension in the first two movements -- "Whiskey Boot Hill" and "Down, Down, Down" -- followed by a satisfying release of tension in the finale -- "Country Girl" (I Think You're Pretty).
While "Deja Vu" doesn't open quite as strongly as "Crosby, Stills and Nash," the opening cut "Carry On" by Stephen Stills is a strong tune in its own right, with soaring harmonies and a nice mix of acoustic and electric guitars. Then there's the band's rock-n-roll treatment of Joni Mitchell's "Woodstock" featuring more electric guitars. And Crosby's equally rocking "Almost Cut My Hair" with Stills` and Young's blazing guitars stealing the spotlight, as in their Springfield days. Hot stuff. The only tune that sounds out of place is Nash's "Our House."
Bottom line: with or without Neil Young, Crosby, Stills and Nash was a larger-than life cultural phenomenon that transcended mere criticism, like Elvis and the Beatles. The band promised more than they could possibly deliver. Staying together proved impossible, but they did leave us with two outstanding albums. When they reunited years later, to record that long-anticipated third studio album, the magic was sadly missing. Their first two albums, therefore, stand as a glowing testimony of what once was, and would never be again.
What about "Deja Vu," their second album? Did Crosby, Stills and Nash really need Neil Young? Or was it the other way around? A better question, perhaps, is did the addition of Young improve the second album? I think so. Thanks to Young's influence, "Deja Vu" was edgier, more hard rocking, and less formulaic, an agreeable blending of song styles coupled with the group's trademark airtight harmonies, spiked with slashing guitars. And the songs? Better. Did Graham Nash ever write a better tune than the countryish "Teach Your Children"? Did Crosby ever equal the sustained brilliance of his jazz-influenced "Deja Vu"? Not everyone was overjoyed with Young's "Country Girl" suite, but I've always found it compelling. It's a miniature symphony with words, with tension in the first two movements -- "Whiskey Boot Hill" and "Down, Down, Down" -- followed by a satisfying release of tension in the finale -- "Country Girl" (I Think You're Pretty).
While "Deja Vu" doesn't open quite as strongly as "Crosby, Stills and Nash," the opening cut "Carry On" by Stephen Stills is a strong tune in its own right, with soaring harmonies and a nice mix of acoustic and electric guitars. Then there's the band's rock-n-roll treatment of Joni Mitchell's "Woodstock" featuring more electric guitars. And Crosby's equally rocking "Almost Cut My Hair" with Stills` and Young's blazing guitars stealing the spotlight, as in their Springfield days. Hot stuff. The only tune that sounds out of place is Nash's "Our House."
Bottom line: with or without Neil Young, Crosby, Stills and Nash was a larger-than life cultural phenomenon that transcended mere criticism, like Elvis and the Beatles. The band promised more than they could possibly deliver. Staying together proved impossible, but they did leave us with two outstanding albums. When they reunited years later, to record that long-anticipated third studio album, the magic was sadly missing. Their first two albums, therefore, stand as a glowing testimony of what once was, and would never be again.
17 people found this helpful
Top critical review
Poor volume control.
November 6, 2019
The volume fluctuates from song to song requiring repeated volume adjustment.
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November 18, 2014
My wife loves this album, and their debut, "Crosby, Stills and Nash" (she always was a sucker for soaring vocal harmonies and cushy love songs). At once sophisticated and casual, "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" anchored the first album, a great tune that perhaps set the bar too high for what was to follow. I always thought "Crosby, Stills and Nash" was a good album with great moments (i.e. "Wooden Ships" and "Guinnevere").
What about "Deja Vu," their second album? Did Crosby, Stills and Nash really need Neil Young? Or was it the other way around? A better question, perhaps, is did the addition of Young improve the second album? I think so. Thanks to Young's influence, "Deja Vu" was edgier, more hard rocking, and less formulaic, an agreeable blending of song styles coupled with the group's trademark airtight harmonies, spiked with slashing guitars. And the songs? Better. Did Graham Nash ever write a better tune than the countryish "Teach Your Children"? Did Crosby ever equal the sustained brilliance of his jazz-influenced "Deja Vu"? Not everyone was overjoyed with Young's "Country Girl" suite, but I've always found it compelling. It's a miniature symphony with words, with tension in the first two movements -- "Whiskey Boot Hill" and "Down, Down, Down" -- followed by a satisfying release of tension in the finale -- "Country Girl" (I Think You're Pretty).
While "Deja Vu" doesn't open quite as strongly as "Crosby, Stills and Nash," the opening cut "Carry On" by Stephen Stills is a strong tune in its own right, with soaring harmonies and a nice mix of acoustic and electric guitars. Then there's the band's rock-n-roll treatment of Joni Mitchell's "Woodstock" featuring more electric guitars. And Crosby's equally rocking "Almost Cut My Hair" with Stills` and Young's blazing guitars stealing the spotlight, as in their Springfield days. Hot stuff. The only tune that sounds out of place is Nash's "Our House."
Bottom line: with or without Neil Young, Crosby, Stills and Nash was a larger-than life cultural phenomenon that transcended mere criticism, like Elvis and the Beatles. The band promised more than they could possibly deliver. Staying together proved impossible, but they did leave us with two outstanding albums. When they reunited years later, to record that long-anticipated third studio album, the magic was sadly missing. Their first two albums, therefore, stand as a glowing testimony of what once was, and would never be again.
What about "Deja Vu," their second album? Did Crosby, Stills and Nash really need Neil Young? Or was it the other way around? A better question, perhaps, is did the addition of Young improve the second album? I think so. Thanks to Young's influence, "Deja Vu" was edgier, more hard rocking, and less formulaic, an agreeable blending of song styles coupled with the group's trademark airtight harmonies, spiked with slashing guitars. And the songs? Better. Did Graham Nash ever write a better tune than the countryish "Teach Your Children"? Did Crosby ever equal the sustained brilliance of his jazz-influenced "Deja Vu"? Not everyone was overjoyed with Young's "Country Girl" suite, but I've always found it compelling. It's a miniature symphony with words, with tension in the first two movements -- "Whiskey Boot Hill" and "Down, Down, Down" -- followed by a satisfying release of tension in the finale -- "Country Girl" (I Think You're Pretty).
While "Deja Vu" doesn't open quite as strongly as "Crosby, Stills and Nash," the opening cut "Carry On" by Stephen Stills is a strong tune in its own right, with soaring harmonies and a nice mix of acoustic and electric guitars. Then there's the band's rock-n-roll treatment of Joni Mitchell's "Woodstock" featuring more electric guitars. And Crosby's equally rocking "Almost Cut My Hair" with Stills` and Young's blazing guitars stealing the spotlight, as in their Springfield days. Hot stuff. The only tune that sounds out of place is Nash's "Our House."
Bottom line: with or without Neil Young, Crosby, Stills and Nash was a larger-than life cultural phenomenon that transcended mere criticism, like Elvis and the Beatles. The band promised more than they could possibly deliver. Staying together proved impossible, but they did leave us with two outstanding albums. When they reunited years later, to record that long-anticipated third studio album, the magic was sadly missing. Their first two albums, therefore, stand as a glowing testimony of what once was, and would never be again.
April 16, 2016
Very unique album for those who were young then, it was a wild time, some of us with their hair on fire:) These songs and the musians were on a mission to save this country. The lyrics, the themes were tied to events and people. While we listened to this great sound some who were resentlyin our military were trying with college kids, religious contenous objectors trying to end a war that killed 58,000 of our sons and father. So veterans were joined by mothers against wars, labor, religious leaders to end a war, and impeaching a president forced to resign. A generation the status quo still treats as if thry were the criminals, not those responsible for the death of all opur troops for nothing. So CSNY Chicgo, Ohio, Almost cut my hair today were enough riile the reluctant scared kids to challage the power to be. Am still proud of my times I spent among these "Peace Kids", thry were the only ones trying to stop carnage. If your near 70 like this veteran and were here this should bring back memories.
August 27, 2017
It was great gettng to pick up this classic CSNY album again. This was the first album with Neil and as such, is chock FULL of great songs. Young was always the most prolific and best songwriter of that band. Worth the price. .
July 14, 2014
This was the second album C.S.N. when they added Neil Young to the lineup. If your a fan of the group you can't go wrong with this CD. There are several gems on the CD like "Our House", "Woodstock", and "Teach Your Children". As always the groups harmonies are ethereal. Whether you are a fan or want to learn about this group you can't go wrong with "Deja Vu"
June 7, 2019
I am happy to have been able to replace a favorite CD so reasonably and quickly. The quality was very good, as stated for a used CD. New case, which was nice.
December 13, 2018
This was the first album I ever heard on a good stereo and it's still as good today as it was then. Every song is great.
May 27, 2001
This album stands as one of the mainstays of the hippie, counterculture movement. As has always been the case, when Neil Young is with the boys, they appear more energetic and more apt to take on challenges. The songs are edgier. Almost Cut My Hair is a classic, hippie non-conformist song that cries out in protest. Vocally, of course this album is first rate. Neil, again, seems to bring more of an edge to things. This album sounds more dated than their first effort, but its' effect is still stunning. It is one of the best albums ever made and a testimony to that era and its' effects.
December 23, 2018
"So Far" is my favorite album from CSN, though "Deja Vu" is necessary for even a very modest CSN music assembly. A Good addition.
April 2, 2018
THE ONLY THING I didn't like is that the jewel case was broken when I received it. It was all packed in it's wrapper, but the whole front of the case was crushed or something...the CD is okay though.
January 13, 2014
Excellent guitar and vocals in songs that have become classics. The songs are similar in sound and quality to Crosby Stills and Nash's first album, with a stronger rock sound and the addition of Neil Young's guitar work and vocals.
Their vocals and harmony are timeless, I play this regularly while driving short and long distances. The quality of the recording is excellent. Amazon has a huge amount of classic recordings to chose from which is why I frequent their offerings and purchase most of my cd's from them.
Their vocals and harmony are timeless, I play this regularly while driving short and long distances. The quality of the recording is excellent. Amazon has a huge amount of classic recordings to chose from which is why I frequent their offerings and purchase most of my cd's from them.
