Neil Young Never Sleeps
I just finished reading Neil Young’s autobiography, Waging Heavy Peace. I can’t say that it’s a great book — too many clichéd phrases and repetitive references to Neil’s various side projects dampen the “wow factor” — but for any diehard Neil Young fan, it’s still a must read. Like the man’s music output, you never know what expect from one chapter to the next — and that’s part of the fun. If you can tolerate Neil’s copious references to his car collection and the “PureSound” audio project he is obsessed with launching, you’ll enjoy reading most of this book. It’s packed with fascinating anecdotes and honest recollections of his life, both inside and outside of music. Particularly touching are the passages in the book that reveal Neil’s love and devotion to his handicapped son Ben, and also to his wife, Pegi. At times I think this book could have used a strong editor, one who could have cut out some of the weaker and sillier parts, but then again those parts are just Neil being Neil, staying true to his soul, and this book gives the reader a better idea of what he thinks and cares about. And in that context, the book hits the mark.
Last year Neil released two excellent albums with his longtime band Crazy Horse. The first one, Americana, was billed as “a collection of classic American folk songs.” That may have been the case, but in the hands of Neil and his band, those songs were turned inside out and re-energized. The album included songs such as “Oh Susannah”, “Clementine”, “Tom Dooley”, “This Land is Your Land” and “Waywarin’ Stranger.” But these were definitely not laid back, traditional arrangements of these old songs. Each one was electrified and transported by Neil’s new arrangements and the presence of Crazy Horse. There was also a clear social and political slant to the song selection, all of which made the album even more of a vital listening experience. If that “comeback” (it was the first Neil Young and Crazy Horse album in nearly 9 years) wasn’t enough, Neil and the Horse returned later in the year with Psychedelic Pill, a two-CD set of all new material. Not only was this a double album, but the songs themselves were sprawling opus-like creations. The opening track, “Driftin’ Back” was 27-minutes of electric guitar bliss, enhanced by Neil’s wacky lyrics. Pure genius. There are several other tracks that break the 10-minute barrier, so don’t go expecting a bunch of short, sweet folk tunes or a reprise of Harvest. All in all, there is nothing ground breaking on Psychedelic Pill, following familiar Crazy Horse territory. But if you are a fan of Neil’s other Crazy Horse recordings, you’ll love this one too. The energy and raw power is both thrilling and comforting. These guys, even in their 60s, can still deliver the goods!
In addition to Neil Young’s Psychedelic Pill here are the other CDs I’ve been playing in heavy rotation lately:
George Jackson – Let the Best Man Win: The Fame Recordings Vol. 2
Todd Rundgren’s Utopia – Live at the Hammersmith Odeon ‘75
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit – Live from Alabama
Various Artists – Titan: It’s All Pop
The Low Anthem – Smart Flesh
Daryl Hall – Sacred Songs
Lee Morgan – Lee-Way
Jim Boggia – Safety in Sound
UB 40 – Signing Off
Jackie Leven – For Peace Comes Dropping Slow
Ronnie Dyson – One Man Band
Roy Harper – Songs of Love and Loss
Miracle Fortress – Miracle Fortress
Alabama Shakes – Boys & Girls
Fun. – Aim and Ignite
Aimee Mann – Charmer
Cannonball Adderley – Money in the Pocket
Cabaret Voltaire – The Original Sound of Sheffield: Best of 1983-87
Elvis Costello – Kojak Variety
Lyle Lovett – Release Me
Alphonse Mouzon – Mind Transplant
Robert Glasper – Black Radio
Larry Young – Locked Down
Dr. John – Unity
Etta James – Rocks the House
Various Artists – Eccentric Soul: Outskirts of Deep City
Freddie Hubbard – First Light
Bill Fay – Life is People
Groundhogs – Thank Christ for the Bomb
Augustus Pablo – Skanking Easy
Taj Mahal – Hidden Treasures: 1969-1973
Miles Davis – The Birth of the Cool
J. Tillman – Year in the Kingdom
Hank Crawford – Roadhouse Symphony
Dusty Springfield – A Very Fine Love
Chris Difford – Cashmere if You Can
Various Artists – Hip Hammond & Soulful Grooves
Eddie Money – No Control
Bloomfield/Kooper/Stills – Super Session
Ken Stringfellow – Danzig in the Moonlight
