Crosby, Stills & Nash (1977) - The Atlantic 75 Series Review
LINK TO FULL VIDEO
Few albums capture the essence of harmony-driven folk rock like Crosby, Stills & Nash’s self-titled 1977 release, commonly known as the Boat Album. With its iconic sailboat cover, this album marked a long-awaited reunion for the trio, following their legendary Couch Album (1969) and Déjà Vu (1970). Now, thanks to Analogue Productions and the Atlantic 75 Series, we have a new pressing of this beloved record, and it’s time to see how it stacks up against previous releases.
A Personal Reflection
I remember when this album first arrived in stores. I was around 16 or 17 years old, working my dream job at a record store in my hometown mall. My best friend and I, drawn to the music of the late ’60s and early ’70s, were eager to hear it. When we put it on, we were stunned—the sound quality had improved dramatically compared to their earlier albums. The harmonies were richer, the instrumentation clearer, and the recording itself felt like a significant step forward.
Decades later, revisiting this album in different pressings brings back that same magic, and the new Atlantic 75 release offers a fresh opportunity to experience it once again.
Pressings Compared
For this review, I compared three versions:
Original 1977 pressing (brought by my friend John)
2017 Chris Bellman Rhino 33 RPM pressing
2023 Analog Productions Atlantic 75 Series 45 RPM pressing
Listening sessions were conducted on the Perpetuum Ebner PE 6060 turntable with an Ortofon Quintet Black S cartridge, ensuring the best possible playback experience.
Original 1977 Pressing
The original pressing remains an excellent representation of the album. Though not attributed to a high-profile mastering engineer like Bernie Grundman, the sound quality is still impressive. It has an extended top end, which some listeners might find bright but still natural and engaging.
2017 Chris Bellman Rhino 33 RPM
The Rhino pressing immediately won me over. Compared to the original, it offers a warmer, more analog sound with deeper bass and a refined top end. Bellman’s mastering balances the album beautifully, taming the slight brightness of the original while maintaining clarity and musicality. Unfortunately, this version is now out of print, with used copies fetching between $40 and $100.
Analogue Productions Atlantic 75 Series 45 RPM
This is where the album truly shines. The Atlantic 75 Series pressing is an audiophile-grade release, boasting dead-quiet vinyl, immaculate pressing quality, and stunning packaging. The textured sleeve, tipped-in photograph, and premium design elevate it beyond previous editions.
Sound-wise, this pressing delivers extraordinary separation of vocals, allowing listeners to hear Stills, Crosby, and Nash as distinct voices rather than a blended harmony. The added detail enhances the intricate layers of slide guitar, percussion, and piano, bringing new life to these classic tracks.
Musical Highlights
“Shadow Captain” (David Crosby)
A mesmerizing opener featuring Steven Stills’ slide guitar, electric piano, and delicate percussion. The recording captures the depth and spatial dimension of the instruments, making it feel incredibly immersive.
“See the Changes” (Steven Stills)
One of the album’s most intimate moments. The guitar and vocals are recorded with stunning realism, evoking an emotional response every time.
“Carried Away” (Graham Nash)
A beautifully arranged piece that showcases Nash’s songwriting at its peak. The harmonies, electric piano, and acoustic elements create an ethereal listening experience.
“Cathedral” (Graham Nash)
Majestic and deeply moving, this track is a highlight of Nash’s contributions. The depth of sound on the Atlantic 75 pressing makes it a standout moment on the album.
“Just a Song Before I Go” (Graham Nash)
One of the most well-known tracks, with melodic simplicity and poignant lyrics. The new pressing enhances the song’s rich texture and depth.
Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
Each pressing has its merits, but the Analogue Productions Atlantic 75 Series release is the clear winner for those seeking the best sound quality and presentation.
If you own the 2017 Rhino pressing, you already have an excellent version. However, the 45 RPM format of the new release brings added resolution and depth.
If you have an original pressing, upgrading to the Atlantic 75 Series will be a noticeable improvement in clarity and balance.
If you’re new to this album, the Atlantic 75 pressing is the definitive way to experience it.
For audiophiles and dedicated collectors, this is a must-have edition of an already spectacular album. If you can get your hands on a copy, you won’t be disappointed.
Collector’s Note: Vinyl Storage Solutions Sleeves
On a side note, I also tested the new Vinyl Storage Solutions (VSS) sleeves with this pressing. While they provide superior material quality and a tight, precise fit, they are slightly more difficult to slide the records back into. I’ll be reaching out to VSS to see if this is an intentional design choice or an adjustment issue.
For now, my Atlantic 75 Series pressing is safely stored in a VSS sleeve, preserving its immaculate packaging and vinyl quality.
Conclusion
This album remains a timeless masterpiece, and the Atlantic 75 Series release ensures that it sounds better than ever. Whether you're revisiting an old favorite or discovering it for the first time, this is the edition to own.
With its breathtaking sound, luxurious packaging, and careful attention to detail, Analogue Productions has once again delivered an audiophile gem.
