As two of the most distinctive artists from the '60s and '70s given their work in
CSNY
,
Crosby & Nash
also did great work as a duo act.
Wind on the Water
was released in 1975 after the previous year's
reunion tour and the dissolution of their contract at
Atlantic
. In many respects, this alliance made perfect sense. When it was just the two of them, they were often more likable.
Crosby
wasn't as much of a blowhard and
Nash
became more pragmatic.
's virtues are apparent with the first song, the warm and pensive single
"Carry Me."
"Homeward Through the Haze,"
"Low Down Payment,"
and
"Naked in the Rain"
are gems that all but sum up their complicated harmonic and melodic style. Besides
being on their game, the studio players here are impeccable. Lovers of '70s
pop/rock
will love to hear players like
Danny Kortchmar
David Lindley
effortlessly doing their identifiable riffs.
James Taylor
Carole King
, and
Jackson Browne
also showed up for these sessions, but do not intrude or overshadow
. Without a doubt, despite the strong production, the stars of the show here are
. The album concludes with
"To the Last Whale...: Critical Mass/Wind on the Water."
The song is not only a testament to the album's skill at making the complex seem effortless, but it also gets its point across without being mushy.
has an instant classic, lived-in sound and is a definite must-have. ~ Jason Elias