An unofficial news blog for Neil Young fans from Thrasher's Wheat with concert and album updates, reviews, analysis, and other Rock & Roll ramblings. Separating the wheat from the chaff since 1996.
by Thrasher Wheat@PermaLink: 12/02/2007 07:56:00 PM
46 comments
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said...
I just got back from the Boston show. I had seats along the side, and had a great view of Neil and the band. I've seen him many times in the past, but this was truly a special one.
It took me an hour and a half to drive out, and my directions were fine except that coming off the ramp I needed to make a turn in "0.0 miles"...which I tried to but couldn't get over in time...needless to say, I got turned around and ended up aimlessly circling around looking for any of the street signs. Finally, knowing I was somewhat in the area, I parked in a garage and headed out on foot. It was really cold...I asked numerous people for directions, and finally found the place.
I was up quite close, and off to the side. I could see the band very well. I enjoyed Pegi's opening set, softer songs with a country feel. For the opening Neil, I thought the acoustic set was fantastic, Ambulance Blues, Love Art Blues, Maid, plus Sad Movies, and something I've never heard (I think "Try"). It was great.
The electric set, though, really showed Neil just rocking out in that way he does, where you can just see he gives it everything. He holds nothing back, lays it all out there. He just ripped into 'Spirit Road' and 'Dirty Old Man', I thought they stood up very well. There were a few funny moments, one I remember was when some people were shouting for a song (after the announcer had come on earlier asking people not to do that) and Neil said something like "that's is I'm outta here.." other than that, not too much conversation. 'The Loner' opened up the electric set, and I think 'EKTIN' was in there also. For an encore there was a great Cortez and Cinnamon Girl.
The drive back was sleeting and fairly miserable...took me much longer but it was well worth it, everything was great.
said...
Of all the Neil shows I've been to, this was in the top three of the best shows, including shows with the Horse, which are my personal favorite.
I think my first Neil show was around '78 (I was 2 - not). He still sounds awesome. He miled a bunch, drank a couple of Amstels and when he ripped out the final song, it was Cortez! Also got a campaigner thrown in there!
I hadn't been to the Orpheum since the early 90's to see an accoustic Neil tour. I knew that the intimate Orpheum setting would be crazy fun, and it was! My oh my, that cantankerous man is so much fun. Thanks again Neil.
My friend Alison and I gave Mr. Young a cd of some wacky music from our favorite summertime bar band on the cape. Trey and I used to give him cassette tapes a lot back when you can get near the bus, and I know Mr. Young wonders why the kid with the tapes isnt there anymore. Hope Trey saw what we did, and somehow, I think he did.
Looked great, sounded great and felt great!
said...
Les Paul Jr!!!!!!!! you can't beat it
said...
Amazing show for the true fans! Much better crowd than early 90's acoustic tour. The time is now to see Neil, a special artist indeed.
Jon said...
I was at the show last night in Boston (Dec 2), the Orpheum is a perfect venue to see Neil. Neil and the band were definitely up for the show. During the acoustic set you got the feeling that Neil had invited you to his house to play a few tunes. He did not disappoint. The Electric set was vintage Neil. Probably one of the best shows of the year.
said...
What a great show! After watching the set lists and hearing the streams on Rust Radio I kinda knew what to expect. I was thinking it might not have been a good idea to do that going into this show, but even so, each song was fresh, played and sung with the passion I hoped for. Neil's voice was strong and clear. I'd be interested in knowing the message (if any) of the stage setting, painter, and red telephone that Neil kept playing with. What a privilege to be part of this history. Thank you Neil!
said...
Was at the Boston show on 12/2. Have seen him in various incarnations since the 1991 Ragged Glory tour. I must say this was absolutely the best Neil show I've been to, even better than Crazy Horse. The setlist was amazing, thoughtful and well rounded. Best blend of acoustic and electric Neil I've ever witnessed. If you're on the fence about the high ticket prices, believe me, it's worth it. See this show!
said...
The Orpheum is a dump and needs a serious makeover but Neil makes you forget that. When he sings "I just keep doing what I do" you're thankful that he still can. Excellent acoustic set; great hearing him do songs from After the Goldrush. His voice has held up great; only missed a couple of the very highest notes. The electric stuff is still amazing; can't get enough of it except one song that went on for over 20 minutes and could have been trimmed back. Dirty Old Man and Spirit Road sound so much better live than on the CD. The Loner is still one of my favorites. Don't miss the chance to see him on this tour.
said...
Good comments so far. My one-word review would be "Cortez" and I think most here could imagine from there...
I'm a long-time Neil fan, especially the electric stuff. I've been to the Orpheum many times for many bands and although it's not as nice as the Opera House around the corner, it is a great place to see a rock show; about 2300 and good acoustics. But, this was my very first Neil show and I was reeeallly looking forward to it. Neil certainly did not disappoint.
I loved "Hank->Hendrix". It looks like he's starting off with that one a lot, so that wasn't much of a surprise, but I specifically did not listen to that one beforehand hoping to hear it live. Ending with "Cortez" was amazing.
Other highlights for me included "Cinnamin Girl" and "No Hidden Path", my favorite from the new one. "Dirty Old Man" was a great rocker. The drumming on the CD sounds sloppy to me (I imagine them recording after a few cocktails myself), but live it was dead-on. It was cool that Neil introduced his band and of course his soulmate Pegi. Just an FYI, both Pegi and at least some of his band walked out in the audience before Neil's set. We waved and they waved back.
Having been to the Orpheum many times, I knew where to go and where to park, but the 1-hour drive was a bit challenging in the snow. I found free on-street parking and then had an absolutely beautiful walk through the Common. It was a winter wonderland and a perfect beginning and end to a memorable night.
said...
Great show.... seats were 15 feet from the stage, seemed as though the show was longer than the 2 hours I had heard it was going to be.....played some new stuff, but dug into the old song bag for some great classics... cowgirl in the sand was incredible as was A Man Needs A Maid and Cinnamon Girl... my only complaints... they wouldn't serve anything to drink during the acoustic set. You could get something to eat... but nothing to drink, including water.... then, when you could get a drink, during the second set, they wouldn't give you the cap with the water. They said it was in Neil's rider.... give me a break Neil.... most of the crowd was 35 or older... and most didn't seem the type to be tossing bottles around. We paid pretty hefty amounts for tickets and then we are told when we can get a drink.... for the love of God Neil...what are you thinking...oh yeah... hyperust was right... the Orpheum is a dump... even Neil was saying it needed to be fixed up... although he asked who in the crowd had the money... and everyone said..."YOU"
said...
Well, it would seem that Neil is carefully crafting an Archives tour cloaked as a CDII. I'm so pleased that it is being filmed by Mr. Demme who's passion for Neil has no bounds. I can't wait to see all this in high-def glory. Sad Movies, The Sultan, Try, and Kansas peppering the setlists like ancient jewels... they point in but one direction, the vault will soon be open... What next, Interstate? Florida? I would love a Citizen Kane (Pushed It Over the Edge) circa 2007 - I bet he's saving that for New York...
said...
Despite all of the issues that the Orpheum presents Neil overcame them. It is such a challenging place to enjoy a show. Next time Neil go to the Opera House.
I have seen Neil 7 times including this show. This one will rank as my all time favorite. Such a special night. There is something there for everyone, from the hard-core rustie, to the newbie.
Just sit back, and soak it all in. Every note is a treasure, no one out there can perform like Neil.
Harmonica, banjo, organ, piano, acoustic, electric all in one show, the only thing missing was the broom from Harvest Moon...
You can see every note pouring out from every piece of his body. We all should be so lucky to be having as much fun doing something as Neil is when he is on the stage.
I wish I had tickets to Friday.....
If you are going:
Neil came on around 8:30 or so and played until close to 11:30 with a 20 min. intermission between sets.
--Also, bumped into Rick at the Beantown Pub, I left him alone, but I regret not saying something...
said...
I went to the Monday, Dec 3 show at The Orpheum and yes, while The Orpheum is a complete dump and a fire trap, it didn't really matter once Neil took the stage. I've been to about 50 Neil shows going back to when he was at The Music Hall (now the Citi Wang Center) in 1971 and last night's show was about the most enjoyable show I have ever been to. I found myself smiling throughout the entire show - the man is just amazing. Seriously, who else can come out and deliver a mesmerizing solo acoustic set featuring such unexpected treats as Kansas, On The Way Home and Love Is A Rose and then take a 20-minute break and come back and rip into The Loner and Everybody Knows This is Nowhere? Sheer genuius - Neil is a gift to all of us.
I had been following the tour set lists for previous shows so I was expecting to hear Try, After The Gold Rush, Campaigner and Heart of Gold during the acoustic set but Monday Neil replaced those with Kansas, On The Way Home, Love Is a Rose, and an awesome Cowgirl in the Sand. As he was prepping to play Love is a Rose, he talked about how Linda Ronstadt did the song and how it blew him away that she even did it with his unintended mistakes! Before the show the crowd had been told that the songs for the night had been previously selected by Neil so please do not yell out requests. Once between songs in the acoustic set, someone yelled out "Bluebird!"....Neil looked up and was only slightly annoyed and took a sip of his nearby Amstel Light and said "I figure a beer together can resolve all our differences." Gotta love it.
After being set up and mellowed out by 12 acoutic songs, the effect of the electric set I felt was more profound than usual. I could have done without The Believer and Bad Fog of Loneliness but the rest of the set was solid and pure vintage Neil. The new songs Dirty Old Man and Spirit Road were so awesome you'd think they were old songs but the gem of the night award has to go to No Hidden Path - the last song before the encore. It sounded so much better live and featured a 20-minute Allman Brothers/Neil Arc- style riff session with Ben and Rick - so good it gave me goosebumps - seriously Neil at his alltime best. It was now 11pm and I was thinking that the Orpheum police were going to shut it down for curfew reasons but Neil and band came back and delivered a high-energy white lights Cinnamon Girl and (no, no Cortez this time)a killer version of Like A Hurricane. The show ended at 11:20pm.
Neil's main squeeze Pegi Young delievered a surprisingly enjoyable 35-minute opening set - very upbeat, some country-ish tones but overall really good. how could it not be good when she was backed by Ben Keith, Rick Rojas and Anthony Crawford? Don't hang out at the bar waiting for Neil to come on - get in there and see Pegi = you'll be pleasantly surprised as I was.
I don't have tickets to the upcoming Thursday Dec 6 show yet but I will now spend the rest of the week trying to find some as you should. Do not miss Neil this time through - he is one of the best of all time, he is here in Boston this week and just delivered a killer show.
All of that positiveness aside, I do have one gripe: Neil - please tell the artisit you have onstage to leave his giant paintings at home - they blocked our view of Ralph Molina all night!
said...
I had the pleasure of being at both Dec. 2 and 3 shows. Both were quite good and one can't choose between either as which was more enjoyable. But I gotta tell you, after all these years of paying rehab fees for the Orpheum it is about time to see some upgrades. The seats in the balcony are made for someone under 5 feet tall. I am only an average 5'10" and my knees just could't fit in the seats without turning off the circulation to my feet. This is one show I wish everyone was standing for. But back to the show. It cost a some change but it was nice being there for two nights and getting a slight change in the shows and seeing all the songs as previously mentioned being played. This was my first solo Neil Young tour and it is great to see someone around for so long still putting in the effort (are you listening Van Morrison?). Great show from a theater I've been attending sicne the 70's and the stains still on the seats. I wish I carved my initials in a seat for Genesis in 1974 to see if they would still be there today.
said...
I just returned to Florida from Boston after seeing Neil's Monday night show. I am still buzzing with Neil. I went to see Chrome Dreams in Detroit a couple of weeks ago and hands down Neil rocked out even more in Boston than Detroit. I loved how he acknowledged on stage what a lucky man he is, he said, "look at me I am a lucky man!" he was turning around pointing to his band but speaking to us (only we are luckier for having known him). At one point he put water from his water bottle on his face I mean he was rocking!! He had already taken off his jacket and then for the encore he rolled up his sleeves. See the show and really more than once is best as it is so fabulous. Hmm I'm thinking New York...
CorduroyKid said...
I have great seats for the Thursday night show, and am super stoked. What time has Neil been coming on?
said...
One comment in this section says' that Mr DEMME is filming this tour. Is this correct. I have not seen this posted anywhere else.
said...
I was there Monday and I did not see any cameras or evidence of filming or Mr. Demme anywhere. Maybe Sunday night?
Pegi Young ended her set about 8:15 - Neil came on right around 8:30.
said...
12-4-07 Boston
My first show at the Orpheum and overall it was great. I've seen Neil several times since 1991 and was abit shocked and dissappointed by his "rules". For example, we were told we couldn't get anything to drink during the first set and if we left our $160.00 seats we wouldn't be allowed back into the orchestra section. WTF? I guess Neil has his reasons, but I hate that nazi security B.S. THat takes away from the show. Why should I be told I can't dance during a concert and that I have to be seated? Also, some old guy next to us got booted towards the end of the show for snapping a picture. Just disrespectful of the fans ... no need for all that Neil. Tight show, but the rules are junk.
said...
I stated in previous post that I too found the "rules"a bit much... on the filming... we were seated about 20 feet from the left side of the stage... I did notice a small hand held video camera on a small bean bag on the floor... just to the right of the speakers... was left on for entire show.
said...
Was at the 12/3 (Monday) show, which was outstanding. Neil sounded great and it was a great set. As was stated, it was a great moment when Neil said he was a lucky man. He really seamed to be enjoying himself and he puts EVERYTHING he has into these perfomances. I too didnt understand the artist thing (for those who haven't seen this tour, an artist places a large canvas painting with an image and the name of the song on the front right side of the stage. Then he goes to the back of the stage and continues to work on another piece that he creates thoughout the show. At one point Neil commented on the poor condition of the Orpheum... stating that someone should fix this place up... I mean its a great place to play, but it could be so much better. He looked up at the ceiling and said, Hey C'mon. Then he asked, "Who's the richest guy in here?" A few in the crowd shouted up, "John Henry". Neil didn't respond, just went into the next song in the acoustic set. The owner of the Red Sox was at the Monday show... and stayed for the entire show. Anyone who can should try to catch him in Boston tomorrow or somewhere else on this tour... it doesn't get much better than this.
PS - Good Van Morrison comment. How great would it be if he put in the effort Neil does. FYI, Van's back in the US for a few shows later this month. You never know what you're gonna get with Van, other than an exactly 90 min evening. Will say he was amazing last March when he was last in Boston. Playing Providence, RI of all places on Dec 19.
said...
I saw no evidence for cameras in Denver a month ago. However, lets remember Neils approach to this stuff. He shot Heart of Gold using two nights shows and he produced Neil Young and Friends at Red Rocks in 2000 the same way. I was at all three of those shows in 2000 and those shows were identical all the way down to "hat on - hat off", switch to vest after song #4 and the set list etc. I have been daydreaming about the chance of him capturing this tour at the New York shows - lets keep our fingers crossed. Mark in Denver
said...
just wonderin......... I saw a Youtube video of "hurricane" at Buffalo and it was only 5 minutes !
Can anyone from Boston or any other shows comment on whether it was longer at other shows ?
said...
The Monday show was fantastic! Pegi is a great opener and really set the stage for her husband with soft classics and country ballads. The seats I had were great (stage right balcony) except for the idiot who yelled "Bluebird" behind me. He's probably not going to sing a song he didn't write okay pal. And did anyone see the David Crosby lookalike in the balcony? True comedy! The show was fantastic and what a surprise with "On The Way Home." I was surprised Neil finished with "Cowgirl In The Sand" since he had been with HOG or Old Man so that was a treat. The electric set was outstanding. Neil was playing his ass up there. "Spirit Road" and "Dirty Old Man" are definate staples for years to come. His solo on "No Hidden Path" didn't seem as long as it was. I was disappoined to not hear Cortez the Killer at the second encore but Like A Hurricane was done so well I completely forgot about it. The show was awesome! Rock on Neil!
said...
Well, he didn't write Oh, Lonesome Me - and he's been playing that one. And the guy probably meant Beautiful Bluebird methinks...
said...
"On the Way Home." Oooh, what a treat! First time in the setlist this tour.
said...
Wow! Judging from these posts, I really blew by not seeing Neil in Boston. I tried to score tix the day they went on sale, but they were gone in nanoseconds. I could have gotten tix for $160 each plus surcharges, but c'mon that's a ridiculous amount of money to pay. Neil has to stop staying at the Four Seasons so working people go afford to go to the show.
rdvdijk said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
rdvdijk said...
Just got this information through wonders of text messaging and the internet:
Neil played Mexico on the 3rd Boston show. He asked the audience not to yell out because it's hard enough to sing a new song. Then said this song was 35 years old and had its world premiere that night. Then he played Mexico.
Mexico is on of the songs that was on the original Chrome Dreams album.
Unbelievable.
rdvdijk said...
Of course I meant: Mexico is on the original Homegrown album.
David said...
Gee all the dissin on the Orpheum, after 35 years of seeing shows there, seeing Neil Thursday night just drove home that for me the place is a house of worship and my higher power is the music. Got a nice recording 5 rows back of the
soundboard dead center. Shot video of the encore only as I didn't want to push it. Just lighten up on the dump comments it certainly has seen it's ups and downs over the years and is not near the peak I've seen it but the shows over the years my word Beck, Zappa, Jerry, Lou, Trower, Dylan and so many mny more.
said...
david... I believe the "dump" comments are justified.... yes, I too have seen some incredible shows going back 40 years.... that being said... why haven't they put some money into taking care of the physical structure... it's original beauty surely could use a little TLC... maybe new seats would be a nice touch...the 2+ hour shows can be tough on the ass of us older folks.... I witnessed the woman in front of me sit in her seat to have the arms fall off... and that was a seat in the 3rd row.... you can imagine the condition of the seats back where things can get more out of hand out of view of the staff.... I know it was forbidden.... but being able to snag some sound and sites of the show will be nice to see and hear later... (hint, hint)
said...
Thanks David. I too have had many such feelings regarding the Orpheum. Just this year, Phil and Friends, the Smashing Pumpkins and now Neil all brought me to that special place. Any way I can convince you to share the music? I am new to collecting Neil but may have some other you may be innerested in. Drop me a line. Keep on Rockin in the Free World!
said...
I know just how run down the place is and it's just the sentimental fool in me that hates to see the old dame put down so much. Maybe I'm just more comfortable in a dump than most folks. Funny how back in the day I never had trouble fitting in those cramped seats. They just don't make halls for performance in that manner anymore. I am lucky to have one nearby, The Colonial in Keene NH has some fine acoustics and I've caught some good shows there. If you are at al familiar with the traders den I'm sure something will pop up there, the utube is a likely spot also.
Phillip Martin said...
Saw the 12/6 show last night, center seats in the 2nd row of the balcony. Mexico was played, and it was special. Rather short -- probably didn't last more than 2 minutes, and he paused after the first time through in a way that made me think, "is he pausing b/c the song has a pause, or is he pausing b/c he's trying to remember." That was great. Other than Mexico, Ambulance Blues earned the most respect (least amount of whistling and hollering) from the crowd, and was a real treat. The acoustic set was wonderful, though the Boston crowd is much chattier than what I'm used to in Austin, TX.
The electric set was lots of fun, and when the big lights came on for Cinnamon Girl and Cortez, everyone had fun sing-a-long times. Incredibly beautiful/fun/funky set, with the rarities in full force.
said...
These Boston shows sound incredible. "Mexico!?" Wow, a NY song I've never heard of. David, will you be torrenting your recording on Dime? Or are you open to trades? If so, count me as another person in line.
said...
Nothing beat watching Larry run around the stage trying to keep up with Neil, especially funny when he forgot Neil's harmonica during the electric set! Neil is the real deal few artists compare. Caught both Sunday and Thursday shows, both excellent sad I missed journey through the past from Monday's show. Met an "Old Man" from England outside near the bus after the show, it was, according to him, his 121st Neil show.
said...
RE: The Orpheum. Neil put the Orpheum in the right perspective. It's a great place to perform and to see a show... great acoustics and intimacy... but c'mon people... could be GREAT if they put a little money into the place. It is truly falling apart in many places. For me, along with the old Music Hall (then Wang Center... not sure what its called now), my favorite places to see shows in town.
said...
Great show, I was there last night and was floored by my first Neil Young Show. Did anyone notice Bill Walton was in the audience!
The acoustic set was incredible and I think Neil was very genuine about how much he enjoys playing at the Orphium. I've seen many shows and I can't believe its takin me this long to see Neil Young. I hope he continues to play these small venues.
said...
Neal sounded as good as ever. The first half acoustic set featured Maid ,Lonesome Me and Old Man with "even Richard Nixon has got soul"!!
The second half was truly an unbelievable electric set with songs like Winterlong, Back Home and Spirit Road.
I just wish it went on for longer.
p
said...
After leaving Monday night's show... all I can say is WOW; it was well worth the $160; I wish I could of seen all 3 nights, I feel blessed to have witnessed this tour of Neil.
diggrd said...
This was my first solo NY show and I was quite pleased. Crowd was for the most part pretty well behave. Though 2 songs into the 2nd set two guys showed up in the row behind me who opted to spend the start of the show in some bar. I guess due to seeing the shows earlier in the week, they do add their chatter to my recording but nothing too serious.
How may shows have you seen at the Music Hall recently? I do remember a phase of restoration that brought the Orpheum up a notch but that was a while ago, I would hate to lose another venue from too much of an upgrade.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGnxXz8oty8
diggrd/David
said...
Wow! I've been a major fan of Neil Young's work for 40 years but had never seen him live until Thursday night's show at the Orpheum. It was one of the best rock concerts I have ever witnessed, despite the rundown venue. His dozen song acoustic set was highlighted by Ambulance Blues, Goldrush, and Old Man. It wonderfully set up his electric set that began with "The Loner" and ended with a totally incredible 35 minute version of "No Hidden Path." I don't think I've ever seen a more psyched audience. And then Cinnamon Girl and Cortex for encores blew everyone away. Ditto to the comments on the Orpheum: great acoustics and size but in shockingly bad condition; the Providence Performing Arts Center (where I saw Tull last week) is of the same style and vintage but has been TOTALLY refabbed and gives you a sense of what the Orpheum could be.
said...
Hey fellow Orpheum concert goers, I was at the Monday night show and as you know Neil did not play Cortez but I have to know on the Sunday and Thursday shows, what guitar does he use to play Cortez? I am listening to it right now on Rust Radio and I just have a need to know in Florida.
diggrd said...
Just check out the youtube link I posted 3 posts above and see what guitar NY plays on Cortez.
said...
looks like he is using "old black" les paul in the video posted
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