Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young – So Far (1974)
So Far is a compilation album released in March 1974, featuring the greatest hits of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young up to that point. It captures the peak of the supergroup’s early career, including selections from both studio and live albums. Though not a traditional studio album, So Far became one of CSNY’s best-selling releases, highlighting their enduring influence on folk-rock and rock music of the early 1970s.
Album Overview
Title: So Far
Release Date: March 11, 1974
Label: Atlantic Records
Producer: Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Bill Halverson
Genre: Folk rock, soft rock, country rock
Length: 37:54
Format: Vinyl, cassette, CD
Sales: Over 2 million copies in the U.S., certified Platinum
This compilation combines studio tracks and live recordings, providing both a retrospective of the band’s signature harmonies and a snapshot of their live energy. It served as a perfect introduction for new fans while cementing CSNY’s legacy for longtime listeners.
Tracklist
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Teach Your Children
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Suite: Judy Blue Eyes (live)
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Woodstock
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Our House
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Helpless
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Déjà Vu
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Long Time Gone (live)
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Carry On
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Almost Cut My Hair
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Find the Cost of Freedom (live)
Mini Review
So Far showcases the best of CSNY’s songwriting and harmonies, mixing introspective ballads, socially conscious anthems, and intricate vocal arrangements.
Highlights include the live version of Suite: Judy Blue Eyes, which captures the excitement of their stage presence, and Find the Cost of Freedom, a poignant live acoustic track reflecting on the Vietnam War era. Studio tracks like Teach Your Children and Déjà Vu demonstrate the band’s gift for timeless folk-rock songwriting.
Album Credits
David Crosby: vocals, rhythm guitar
Stephen Stills: vocals, guitars, keyboards, bass
Graham Nash: vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboards
Neil Young: vocals, guitars, piano
Guest Musicians: Various session musicians on studio recordings, including Greg Reeves (bass) and Dallas Taylor (drums)
Engineering: Bill Halverson
Photography: Henry Diltz
Album Design: Pacific Eye & Ear
Did You Know?
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So Far became the first CSNY album to go double Platinum in the U.S., despite being a compilation.
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Several tracks are live recordings from the band’s 1970 tour, giving listeners a taste of their legendary stage presence.
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The album’s release came during a period when the band members were largely pursuing solo projects, making it a timely summary of their early collaborative work.
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Find the Cost of Freedom was originally performed live as a dedication to those affected by the Vietnam War.
Cultural Impact
So Far not only consolidated CSNY’s greatest early hits but also introduced a wider audience to their influential sound. Its mix of studio and live material captures the duality of CSNY: polished studio songwriting and raw, compelling live performances. The compilation reinforced their status as one of the most important folk-rock acts of the early 1970s.
Conclusion
While not a studio album, So Far is essential for understanding CSNY’s impact. Its seamless blend of hits and live moments highlights the group’s harmonies, political awareness, and musical versatility. For anyone exploring the evolution of folk-rock or the legacy of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, this compilation remains a definitive snapshot of their early career.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Full Discography
