Five Killer David Crosby Deep Cuts
1. “Renaissance Fair” 1967
Of all the original Byrds, Crosby was always the hippest and hippie-est.
His open tunings, ethereal melodies, and elliptical lyrics captured that vibe, as heard on this ode to a land of “cinnamon and spices” with a “kaleidoscope of colors.”
2. “Cowboy Movie” 1971
Backed by four members of the Grateful Dead, this standout from Crosby’s classic solo debut, If I Could Only Remember My Name, is one of his rawest, hardest-grooving recorded moments.
3. “Carry Me” 1975
Crosby reflects on his mother’s death, but for all the grief in his voice, there’s never despair. The song became a live staple for Crosby and his bandmates.
4. “Homeward Through the Haze” 1975
Depending on when you asked him, this song was either about the deterioration of L.A. or CSNY’s first brush with haters back in the day. But with Crosby playing a rare piano part, it was, either way, one of his most introspective songs, with a hymnlike melody that felt burdened and beautiful at the same time.
5. “Things We Do for Love” 2016
Crosby wrote “Things We Do for Love” for his wife, Jan Dance, whom he married in 1987 and who’d stay by his side till his death. It’s a tender, subtly gorgeous ballad that focuses on the little moments of a relationship, more meditative tone poem than gushing valentine.