Thanks for mentioning the story about "the deli on Ventura Boulevard". That's Art's Deli and it's still there. You'll have to visit next time you're in L.A. Hmmmm, I think I'm feeling peckish this morning, think I'll go to Art's for some breakie. Favorite CSNY song, got to be "Carry On/The Message".
I think “Carry On”. But this is another conundrum for me, as it changes from time to time. But this album really was a life changer for me. And that opening track just blew me away as few album openers ever did before or since.
I remember my dad telling me once that in his freshman year dorm in the fall of 1970, everyone seemed to have the same three albums in their collections: "In the Court of the Crimson King", "Led Zeppelin I" and "Deja vu". Also, that he and his roommate initially didn't get along until they discovered they were both massive Dylan fans!
"Helpless" has haunted me for half a century. As to the photo of the body of Jeffrey Miller lying prone on the ground and the wailing young woman kneeling beside him: you should have shown it. It is an American Pieta and should not be forgotten.
I agree, it's best to spend some time taking in the horror of such an event when it's brought up, rather than moving on from it quickly without looking at the image that inspired such a powerful song as "Ohio".
Henry thr 8th reference probably Herman's Hermits cover of "I'm Henrt the 8th, I am, Henry the 8th I am I am." Now that you mention it, I get Stills' objection and imagine how Nash presented it.
Many years ago, during the cold war, there used to be an anti-war commercial on TV that played Teach Your Children while a nuclear bomb exploded. Even as a little kid, you couldn't deny that message. I still can't hear or think of that song without seeing that bomb going off.
Fall of 1969 - my freshman year of college. My roommate, who was a year older, had a great record collection that we listened to over and over. C S N & Y, along with the Airplane and Jethro Tull, were my soundtrack. Spring of 1970, a tumultuous time for me and the country. C S N & Y were there. Later that year I saw them live in Chicago. Every time I listen to 'Four Way Steet', I remember that concert. Abby, thank you for your wrap up. You are a marvelous writer and presenter and explain why I love the music of that era, my era, better than I could.
Abby,it is quite a blessing that your Mom got to enjoy both this album and got to see Crosby,Stills and Nash in concert.And,it was quite a blessing that all these four guys had gotten together to make such great music and memories.Anyways,a very good video as usual!!! PS:RIP David Crosby
Interesting show, Abby! Having your Mom join you was a special treat. I’d love to see more guests on your show. I have to admit I was a little hard on David Crosby in the 1980’s. I was tired of hearing about him getting in trouble. I guess it’s like a brother who has to deal with a brother with some serious problems. Crosby, Graham Nash and Stephen Stills were all experiencing heartbreak at the same time. All three had beautiful women, smart, sweet and strong. Neil Young is kind of a perfectionist but he backs it up with his talent. Stills seems to like being in charge but he’s the band’s baritone and he’s versatile. Nash seems like the nicest person but he understandably wants to be taken seriously. Crosby was the true “hippie” of the band. He was unique and full of dynamics. So all of them made an important part of the square. As for Dallas Taylor, he was a great drummer. He liked to party and women. As for messing with Young’s wife, unwise! You were missed, Dallas, on future albums and now all in all. Crosby, you’re also missed. So that leaves Nash, Stills and Young. Not sure if a project with them is a possibility but it would be cool!
Watched this in dribs and drabs over the last few days. Score another win for Abbie. This album reminds me of my first girlfriend, who broke my heart. It was always on her record player. I never listened to it critically, but since you mention it, yeah, Everybody I Love You is not a strong song, but I don't think it's the production that's the problem. It rocks, with some outstanding bass and guitar. All the pieces fit musically and it shows off the band's jammy side. The problem is It's just another Steve Stills breakup song in which he's whining to his girlfriend about how she must hate herself because she won't surrender to him and his ever-so-pure love. Typical Laurel Canyon mansplaining drama. Reminds me of my younger self. Man up, Bucko.
I first heard this album in AP English in high school. It was that or continuing the lecture on symbolism in Walt Whitman’s poetry. So, by unanimous decision we chose to analyze the CSNY album. To this day I still prefer Deja Vu to anything Whitman ever did.
I also found Deja Vu in the late 80s as a late teen - the late 80s were a bit of a desert music wise (ignoring the hard to discover alternative stuff) so I guess a lot of younger people started looking back. There was also a fair bit of retrospection about the 60s then - the BBC ran a sounds of the 60s clops show in 1990 and that really showcased a lot of avenues. I ran headlong into that past and missed a lot of the 90s because of it to my mild regret!
I'm not one for the long form videos, but I always make sure to watch for the backstory section as you put in an amazing amount of work in laying the background. Great choice in this album and great job on the video, as usual!
The one-second snippet of "Layla" under the bit about Dallas Taylor having a thing for Neil's wife is just one of the many fine details that make your channel such a delight, Abby! I was a huge fan of all 4 guys when I was a kid in the 70's, and was fortunate enough to know Crosby and Stills and Nash ten years later when I worked for Graham at his studio. They were all very fascinating people, is the most succinct way I can put it. And I can personally confirm that Crosby's brownies were transcendent. Another absolutely fabulous video, Ms. DeVoe! P.S. Your mom seems like such a cool and charming lady.
HAHA transcendant brownies. i expect nothing less from croz! i don't doubt all 3 were fascinating people - those who make art are often the most complex
Like your mom, I also discovered this album in the late 80s and it became then and still remains one of my favorite albums. There are songs on this album that are personally defining songs for me and just as important and moving to me now as they were when I discovered them as a teen. Those songs for me are Deja Vu, Helpless, and Our House. I really enjoyed hearing what your mom had to say about this album. Thanks for bringing her on and for another brilliant review.
First time watcher. You are so lovely. Deja Vu came out when I was 18 and I dead into both the first and second albums. You are lucky to have a cool mom.
This album has been with me since childhood my dad used to play this album to put me to sleep and Carry on has lived with me for the last four decades of my life now years later i still connect with this album as an adult
So you DID cut your hair!!! Heavens to betsy! Always enjoy your vids, Abby, and congrats on the continued success of the channel. ETA: greetings to your mom, enjoyed her experiences and commentary.
Great album, great review. One of my favorite albums. Your mom said something very interesting about even break up songs are love songs. I never thought of it that way.
Here in Europe we had the 'cheaper' Deja Vu with a black glossy cover at the time, we're talking 1971-1972 here. Apart from many lovely songs there have always been two monumental ones on this record: Almost Cut My Hair and Country Girl. Which was the best of the two, well, that depends on my mood..
Great Episode. I have the Brown vinil edition and the red cd edition. Your Channel is fantastic and its a real rock and roll lesson. Keep UP with your great job.
First of all, how cool that your mom is a fan of America! (Hoping one of their albums will get a Vinyl Monday episode in the future). My dad was the one who got me into America, he listened to them a lot as a teenager. I might lose some of my Canadian (specifically Ontarian) credibility, but I never really connected with Neil Young as a solo artist. I just wasn't a fan of his vocal stylings and thought his songs were a little too melodramatic. However, listening to your Woodstock series the past three weeks and watching the documentary about Laurel Canyon, he's starting to grow on me. I'm warming up to the songs he wrote/played on in Buffalo Springfield and CSNY. I'm also warming up to CSN/CSNY in general. Their harmonies are giving America's a run for their money!
I bought tickets for the Hard Rock Calling concerts in Hyde Park London 2010. Stevie Wonder on the Friday, Paul McCartney on the Saturday. Approaching the merch stall on the Friday, I found out that CSN was one of the support bands for Macca. Support band ! I marched around the concert arena grinning so hard my face hurt. They played Our House, Woodstock, Deja Vu and Almost Cut My Hair from this album. What a marvelous surprise that was.
Mom sounds pretty cool...is she seeing anyone? 😀 I'm a huge Michael Hedges fan (RIP). He was and still is the greatest guitarist of all time. Anyway...There is a cut off of Taproot called "I Carry Your Heart". Music set to an E. E. Cummings poem of the same name. Crosby and Nash do beautiful backround vocals on this and also a cut off Hedge's 3rd LP (a must in any relevant collection) called Holiday in which Crosby and Nash do fine work in the My Country Tis Of Thee part at the end. Worth a listen if you love great harmonies.
Awesome job as usual. I wasn't a year old when this came out. I usually don't think about what was going on when I listen to this old music , but I could never separate this or 4 way Street from the Vietnam War and especially the tragic event at Kent State University. There's a sadness to this excellent album.
Tom Scharpling's Best Show have a great sub podcast on Neil Young and CSN/Y and all the related albums. That's become one of my favourite things to listen to the last several years. I look forward to a Blows Against the Empire episode in the future.
@@Brunoburningbright I thought that was it- I am not Ed Sanders of "The Fugs"- I am E.S. engineer/producer for the late Leonard Cohen!! Of course I have been "confused" with this my whole career in the music business!!!
I just picked up a copy of Deja Vu last week, got it home, took it out, just Crosby, Stills, and Nash self titled. All was well though as I didn’t have that either and love both
I highly recommend the limited edition RSD pressing of the outtakes & demos from this album that came out a couple years ago. Crosby’s solo demo of “Almost Cut My Hair” is the best version of the song ever. The gravity of the lyrics really hit home on that demo. Grab a copy…it doesn’t disappoint. ❤️
Country Girl has always been my favorite. If you ever wanna see Neil Young at his Neil Youngiest, check out the video of Like a Hurricane with the wind machine. At the time Lou Reed said of Like a Hurricane "That guitar solo is the greatest ever recorded. I wish I could play that well..."
Nash: "Why should I let you in my band?" Young: "Ever hear me and Stills play guitar together?" Nash: "No" Young: "That's why I should be in the band".....
I'm a Connecticut native and I do remember the Hartford Civic center. Great memories! I was not yet 5 years old when this album came out. My older sister was 19 at the time and bought it and played it for me. I've loved it ever since!!
I was lucky my dad bought this album when it came out he was very into the good music coming out at the time i luved this album he introduced me to so much music it changed my life forever your mom sounds so cool i see where u get it from my parents took me to few concerts when i was young melanie arlo guthrie bill withers and don mclean i was 11 or 12 at the time i did see csn and neil solo in the late 70's both were incredable i believe the night before woodstock was the first time playing together and woodstock their second just amazing luv your channel been here since the beginning look forward to it every week ty for this Abigail
I like the story of Graham Nash going into a Rolls Royce dealership in LA near sunset sound studios. And being told to bugger off by one of the salesman. Apparently he was so pissed he phoned up Elliot Roberts and told him to bring the money down to the showroom in a brown paper bag. And made the guy count all the cash out while he bought a Rolls ! I think David Crosby bought one as well. You don’t piss off Graham Nash and get away with it ! Lol
This album came out just after the Beatles broke up. My 16th birthday was coming up and my parents bought me tickets to see CSNY live. The concert was maybe two months after the Kent state shooting and when the band launched into "Ohio" the crowd went nuts. Everyone was on their feet chanting, "Four dead in Ohio." A friend had loaned me "Deja Vu" just after it came out (along with "Don't Crush That Dwarf, Pass Me The Pliers" by the Firesign Theatre) and told me, "Just listen to these two and you'll know everything you need to become part of the counterculture. Turns out he was right.
A BIG THANK YOU to Abby's Mom! Abby, you're going to have to invite her again. She's a gem, she's witty, have a great voice and elocution and knows her stuff (watch out, she could start her own podcast now ;-) ). As they say cats don't make dogs... That says it all. Thank you for a great episode (you could have made it the grand finale actually... now, can't wait to see what it's going to be)
Love that you brought your mom on for this one. She seems so down to earth and genuine, just like you☺️. My dad is a big CSN(Y) fan himself and he’s the one who taught me how to sing as a kid. Much like The Beatles, The Beach Boys and The Everly Brothers, CSN(Y) taught me harmony.
Beautiful episode! Great guest too! Only thing thing I disagreed with is about CSN&Y being the only time a supergroup worked. Let’s not forget The Traveling Willburys 😊 (hopefully you’ll do an episode on them one day). Still, great job! Your channel is one of my favorite things on the internet!
Hey, I just wanted to say that I have followed this channel since the beginning of the year and I’ve adored season 3 for sure! My favorite episode thus far was the big one hour long special for Layla! I revisited the album today and was just in tears when the slide hit on the solo rip Skydog
I grew up in the early ‘70s hearing individual tracks on the UK radio. It wasn’t until much later I heard the album in a friend’s sunshine-washed garden and I couldn’t believe all those songs were coming off the one album.
Another great video, and I'm glad to see the bangs back and to hear your mom's comments. It's always funny to me to hear you talk about how rare or sought-after a particular album or cover is. I remember when you couldn't go to any garage sale without tripping over three copies of "Deja Vu."
Splendid entry about a Stonehenge of an album this Abby. Great interview with your mom as well. Made me download a book about the band this. Cheers from Morten in sunny Oslo.
My actual first CSN and sometimes Young album listen Surprisingly I’m not sick of folk yet lol with two back to back folk type albums Honestly I didn’t really know what to expect from this album but I like this album mostly the harmonies from CSN and that good acoustic instrumentation with other instruments like a freaking HAMMOND ORGAN or Harpsichord
23:53 Not to mention that the song "Our House" was featured in an episode of How I Met Your Mother in a Season 5 episode "Home Wreckers" (My favourite show of all time!)
I think "American Dream" has some good songs on it. Have you heard the live stripped down version of 'Got It Made' from the "Crosby, Stills & Nash" box set?
I used to think that CSNY were the inspiration for the British Prog Rock band, YES. Hearing "Roundabout" was the first time I made that connection. Jon Anderson does have a lot of Graham Nash in him.
So that's where you get it from!😆Your mom reminds me a lot of my own mom. My mom played a lot of CSNY, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, etc. as I was growing up. I credit my good taste in music to her. Such a great episode, Abby. You really outdid yourself because I thought the original Deja Vu episode was already pretty solid. Looking forward to the finale...The Super Big One.
Let me put it this way...In 1971 I purchased Super Session as one-half of the album features Mike Bloomfield (bluesmaster, guitar on Highway 61) as he had been up for three days and he had to crash. Al Kooper (organ, Highway 61) called Stephen Stills to sit in on the sessions and Steve said yes. He pulled up some fabulous wah-wah riffs on Season of the Witch and Al's vocals are transcendent. I have listened to Mike's side One 11,000 times. I have listened to 2 songs 3 times on side Two, the Dylan song and the Donovan song. Follow Mike Bloomfield, Bloomie, the Boomster, on a record cuz he bailed after side One? No problem. I only have to play/sing better than Mister Stephen Stills. Bloomie! (except for Man's Temptation, it's terrible skippitt!) I ride a mailtrain, baby, can't buy me no thrill...if you are Niel Young you can def find a pipe organ at a Canadian Church, perhaps in exchange for a free Baptist concert. In 1972 I saw a comedian on t.v. do a perfect Neil impersonation singing:...Southern California brings me down...you had to be there. Funny as funk.
Neil Young and Rick James were band mates with The Mynah Birds, a Toronto R&B band, just for those who want to know it. I actually made a native Canadian's yaw drop by telling him that Rick James is Canadian. So it looks like fun fact enough for a comment.
I have somehow not burned myself out on this album after more than 40 years. Which is great because when I sit down to listen to it again, I still appreciate the F out of it. 👍😊
well done abby's mom for that enjoyable contribution: the photo of abby at the dylan concert, well that's special. 'the void where a star once was' that was special too. a sharp intake of breath was what that deserved it's a compelling album ( a recurring dream of an album maybe?). as a guitarist young brings another dimension to the band but his two songs don't really make much of a contribution to the project imo. our house's intimacy is increased by the way graham sounds like he's talking to his beloved as much as he is singing to her. a redux with increased insights, so very powerfully expressed.
Wonderful work as always Abby. It was also interesting to hear from your Mum. CSNY were a one in a generation band/part of the culture back then. I doubt anything like it could be made today, much as you said, mostly because I think the motivations....and the methods today are just so different. About the only people I can think of who are close would be the group 'The Thorns' and Ray LaMontagne. Do Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, or Jeff Waynes War of the Worlds.b Two of my favorite albums.
Lovely! Like your mom, I got into CSN(Y) well after this album came out, but they quickly became my favorite. A funny story: I listened to a lot of pretty crazy, loud rock music (Metal, jazz fusion, funk, etc), along with CSN, cranking it up on my bedroom stereo. But there was only ONE time my mom burst into my room to yell "turn down that awful music!". And that was when I was playing "Carry On" - she said "that high voice is terrible - I just can't stand it!" She was NOT a Graham Nash fan, it seemed. So, the only time I was scolded for playing my crap too loud, was on one of the mellowest albums I ever owned.
Maybe choosing "Déjà Vu" as the title track is what opened up the old-timey art direction of the cover? The folk rock hippies casting themselves in the tradition of Americana?
Henry the Eighth? Herman's Hermits maybe... If we've all been here before then we haven't gotten very far, have we?😅 Practice... Practice.... Practice.... Let's get it right this time!!!😂
I always felt that Carry On & Everybody I Love You were two parts of the same coin - opening with "One morning I woke up and I knew you were gone - a New Day a New Way and New Eyes To See The Dawn..." the Questions part was something I always considered a sample (the same way Pink Floyd referenced Saucerful of Secrets and Interstellar Overdrive in Atom Heart Mother around the same time) But I could be wrong
Deja Vu hand-me-downs: That flowery vest Greg Reeves is wearing was worn by Steve in band photo on the Buffalo Springfield's Retrospective album cover. The Confederate jacket Steve is wearing looks a lot like the one Neil wore on at least one Buffalo Springfield TV appearance in 1967.
Great episode! Your mom sounds cool! My friends and I listened to this record a lot in our freshman year of college (11 years after its release). It was a good soundtrack for that period of trying to find yourself, meeting others in a wider world (although university is a fairly self-contained microcosm of its own), before eschewing it for more "authentic" "lower" (actually just different) production post-punk, new wave. I do recall Deja Vu being beautifully produced. Need to listen to it again start to finish or at least one side start to finish. I can't recall which side I gravitated to. I guess I'll have to try them both. It's been forever. Don't think I have physical copy anymore though. Hopefully, songs are all there on spotify or somewhere again.
My sister just asked me if i'm going to any reunion shows, i said probably not! I was at 90,s gigs when liams voice was on fire and there were no mobile phones to be seen. We were just pissed, drugged and soaked in sweat, living in the moment,. I'm pleased for younger people to have the opportunity to see them live though♍️🙋♂️ 0:02
Well, I see where you got your good looks from. :) This is a great album. I love it. Stills is a Civil War buff, I bet the outfit is an original. Find the Cost of Freedom is another tip off from Stephen.
