Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young – 4 Way Street (1971)
4 Way Street is the first live album from the supergroup Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, released in October 1971. Capturing performances from their 1970 tour, the album balances intimate acoustic moments with powerful electric renditions. It showcases the group’s unmatched vocal harmonies, stage presence, and the energy that made CSNY legendary.
Album Overview
Title: 4 Way Street
Release Date: October 1971
Label: Atlantic Records
Producer: Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Bill Halverson
Genre: Folk rock, rock, country rock
Length: 84:23 (Double LP)
Format: Vinyl (double LP), cassette, CD
Sales: Over 2 million copies, certified Platinum
The album is split into acoustic and electric sides, highlighting both the delicate and the powerful sides of the band. The live production emphasizes both the precision of their harmonies and the immediacy of their stage performances.
Tracklist
Acoustic Side
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Wooden Ships
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Black Queen
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Helplessly Hoping
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Déjà Vu
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Suite: Judy Blue Eyes
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Country Girl
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Ohio
Electric Side
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Pre-Road Downs
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Carry On
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Almost Cut My Hair
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Teach Your Children
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Long Time Gone
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Down by the River
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Sea of Madness
Mini Review
4 Way Street demonstrates CSNY’s mastery in both acoustic and electric settings. Their harmonies remain unparalleled, and the energy of the live performances adds a new dimension to familiar songs.
Acoustic tracks like Helplessly Hoping and Suite: Judy Blue Eyes highlight their delicate vocal work, while electric tracks such as Ohio and Down by the River bring raw power and intensity, making the album dynamic and diverse.
Album Credits
David Crosby: vocals, rhythm guitar
Stephen Stills: vocals, guitars, keyboards
Graham Nash: vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboards
Neil Young: vocals, guitars, piano
Guest Musicians:
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Greg Reeves – bass
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Dallas Taylor – drums
Engineering: Bill Halverson
Photography: Henry Diltz
Album Design: Pacific Eye & Ear
Did You Know?
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The album was recorded live at the Fillmore East and the Boston Music Hall.
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The acoustic and electric sides reflect how the band structured their live shows.
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Ohio was recorded shortly after the Kent State shootings and remains one of their most politically charged songs.
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Neil Young’s electric guitar work added intensity and a new edge to the band’s live sound.
Cultural Impact
4 Way Street proved that CSNY were not just a studio supergroup—they could deliver emotionally powerful, musically intricate live performances. The album is a landmark in live folk-rock, blending social commentary, folk, and rock into a cohesive and compelling statement.
Conclusion
4 Way Street captures the magic of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young on stage. From the delicate acoustic moments to the explosive electric performances, the album showcases their harmonies, energy, and creativity. It’s essential listening for anyone who wants to experience the full breadth of CSNY live.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Full Discography
