I used to write reviews for a now defunct website called CandidCritic.com. Here (below) is a review I wrote for a CSN&Y show in Oakland in early 2000. I hope you enjoy the review. It was a great concert.
-Aaron
Crosby Stills Nash & Young
Concert Review: Oakland, California
Arena in Oakland - February 7, 2000
Four Old Men – Rockin’ the Bay Area At the October 12th press conference announcing this tour, Graham Nash proclaimed "The band’s objective will be to put on the best show possible and have everyone leaving with a big smile." Well, Mr, Nash, the group’s objective was met, the audience left the Arena in Oakland with unrelenting smiles.
So, what do you get when you put David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Graham Nash in a room together? Some pretty good music with beautiful harmonies. What happens when Neil Young enters the room? The simple answer is "mayhem." On February 7, CSN&Y took the stage in Oakland and rocked for over 3 hours. I think the last ten years have proven that legendary rockers do not loose their ability or drive in old age. At 50, Bruce "I’m a Rocker" Springsteen still puts on the quintenesttential concert performance. The Stones, in their mid-fifties, still know how to "tumble the dice." CSN&Y, with members in the mid-to-late fifties, still "carry on" quite well thank you very much.
These four legends are touring behind their first studio album in 11 years. The new release, titled Looking Forward, is a viable piece of work. Some of the betters songs from the album, including "Stand and Be Counted", "Looking Forward", "Out of Control" and "Seen Enough" were featured nicely in the set list. The highlights of the concert, as predictable as it may have been, were the classics that were brought back to life. The men opened up with "Carry On", the timeless track from their 1970 Déjà vu album. From there, the audience was hooked and ready to be taken hostage.
The great thing about their show is that they really know how to get the most out of each member of the band. The fact of the matter is that this band features four gifted men, two of whom are exceptionally talented. The two brilliant men I am referring to are Neil Young and the ever-underrated Stephen Stills. These two journeymen have a long and well- documented history together, dating back to the 1960s band "Buffalo Springfield." In the 1970s, the two joined forces in the Stills/Young band. It was in the "Springfield", however, that these artists learned how to make timeless music together, and after 30+ years, they are still magical together. Both came armed: Stills with his Fender Stratocaster, and Young with his Gibson Les Paul. Admittedly, these musicians are more known for their songwriting, but they are both more than competent playing the six string. Stills and Young traded mind-bending licks for most of the evening.
What about David Crosby? Put simply, this man is lucky to be alive. After years of substance abuse and now on his second liver, you would think he would be just happy to be along for the ride. Wrong! Crosby played his heart out and brought the house down twice, once while performing "Almost Cut My Hair", and also during "Long Time Gone." Whether strumming his six or twelve string, Crosby was always in tune and sounded terrific.
And then there is the man from England, Graham Nash. Poor Graham broke both legs in a sailing accident in 1999, which I think has affected his dancing. On more than one occasion, he danced like an "uncoordinated white man" while the others jammed out. But, in all fairness, he is a harmony factory!
The key to the success of this show (and the entire tour for that matter) is Neil Young’s participation. Let’s face it, without Neil Young, CSN are too much like the Kingston Trio. Throw a "Y" on to end of CSN and the result is pure brilliance. Neil Young, proving he’s not ready for the rocking chair, turns his amps up to 11 (just like the dudes from Spinal Tap).
EACH MEMBER’S BIG MOMENTS:
Neil Young’s big concert moments: "Southern Man", "Cinnamon Girl", "Only Love Can Break Your Heart", "After the Goldrush", "Down By the River", "Rockin’ In the Free World"
Stephen Stills big concern moments: "Carry On", "49 Bye-Byes" (I wish this was on the radio once in a while), "For What It’s Worth", "Love the One Your With"
David Crosby’s big concert moments: "Almost Cut My Hair" (fan favorite), "Guinnevere", "Long Time Gone"
Graham Nash’s big concert moments: Yes, he had a couple! "Marrakesh Express", "Our House", and "Teach Your Children" (so sick of that one).
I have two suggestions for all fans. First, spend $15 bucks and purchase their latest CD, Looking Forward, from Reprise Records. Secondly, cash in your "rainy day account", and see this band live.
OAKLAND SET LIST:
First Set:
Carry On
Southern Man
Stand and Be Counted
Pre-Road Downs
Heartland
Marrakesh Express
49 Bye-Byes
Slowpoke
Faith In Me
Almost Cut My Hair
Cinnamon Girl
Second Set:
Helplessly Hoping
Our House
Only Love Can Break Your Heart
Dream For Him
Someday Soon
Looking Forward
After the Goldrush
Guinnevere
Out of Control
Seen Enough
Teach Your Children
7th Inning Stretch:
Take Me Out to the Ball Game
Third Set:
Woodstock
Long Time Gone
Ohio
For What It's Worth
Down By The River
Love The One You're With
Encore:
Rockin' In the Free World
Cast:
