Graham Nash, Songs for Beginners (side A)

Where CSN songs at the time could quickly grow anthemic, Nash's solo debut, 1971's Songs for Beginners, is very slight and understated, and also quite pretty.  It includes a solo aside and sparing use of orchestral instruments, but the arrangements and sound are generally typical of songwriter rock in their era.  Guests include regular CSN collaborators like Johnny Barbata and Calvin Samuels alongside celebrities like Jerry Garcia, Phil Lesh, and Chris Ethridge.  My vinyl pressing is an impressively bright and loud copy.  The packaging includes an excellent self-portrait on the front, and an inner sleeve with printed lyrics that emphasizes their political content.