Neil Young Concert Reviews - Buffalo, NY, May 19, 2010
Neil Young performs in Shea’s Performing Arts CenterPhoto by Robert Kirkham/Buffalo News
*Albany* (same as Buffalo) Setlist for Neil YoungPhoto by Ed S.
From Neil Young simply towering in solo gig : Music : The Buffalo News by Jeff Miers - NEWS POP MUSIC CRITIC:
Commanding the attention of a 3,000- seat theater with nothing but yourself and a collection of your favorite instruments is a tough gig.
Many have tried. Few have passed the yawn test. Neil Young has passed it repeatedly, however.
On Wednesday, he turned a sold-out Shea’s into his living room. It was as if he’d invited us over for a cookout and a round-the- campfire jam session. Of course, it’s not often that one finds oneself invited to a backyard party at the home of one of the rock era’s finest songwriters.
Acoustic one-man gigs can be boring. Young’s wasn’t. Part of the reason for that is the fact that Wednesday’s show—the second stop on the “Twisted Road: Neil Young Solo” tour, after Tuesday’s gig at the Palace Theater in Albany—was not a wholly acoustic affair.
In the Shea’s lobby, Young’s merchandise stand was selling T-shirts with the legend “I said solo— they said acoustic” emblazoned across their front. This was telling, partly because it revealed that time has done nothing to diminish Young’s irreverent streak, and partly because the arc of the show was thus defined.
Young played alone, but he also played electric guitar a-plenty, and trotted between upright piano, grand piano and a funky old pump organ whenever he wasn’t playing
acoustic guitar. A dull moment never made itself known. The set list was stellar, too, as it should have been for a show commanding such a healthy ticket price.
Rave review continues on Neil Young simply towering in solo gig : Music : The Buffalo News.
"My My Hey Hey" by Neil Young
Shea’s Performing Arts CenterPhoto by Karen on streamland
Tour report #1 & #2 by Karen on streamland
Neil Young will be performing tonight at Shea's Performing Arts Center, Buffalo, NY. Special guest Bert Jansch will open concert.
Got a report? Drop a comment below. No registration required.
Check Sugar Mountain for setlist updates. Also, see Song Grid Chart.
Also, see Neil Young's "Twisted Road" Concert Tour Reviews and the right, middle sidebar for continuous real time RSS feed updates.
by thrasher@PermaLink: 5/19/2010 10:33:00 PM
72 comments
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72 Comments:
I guess the show's still going or folks are still driving home from the concert?
Looks like the same setlist as last night. Personally, I can get a lot done in 90 minutes.
Doug, I'm sorry to hear your loss. Remember me, my wife and I came out from Iowa in 2007 to buy Cornwalls from you. This show's for you, right in the middle of the front row. I wish you the best. All the loss I've experienced, hasn't gotten "better" with time, I find that the sting dulls, but the wound always remains, you move to a new normal. I wish you the best in all you have in store for you in your solo tour.
Re: Albany recording: The songs are really growing on me, I am thrilled at the raw electric. The smile on my face as I listened to the LOUD guitar parts on Down By The River and the flanger on some of the other new songs, reminds me of the way I smiled upon first listen of the first song on Greendale. I knew something special was happening. I look forward to spending more time with the new songs. FYI I'm listening to edtyre's take from dime, I wasn't at albany.
What has happened tonight? Twenty-four hours ago this site was forum of reviews and opinions on last night's show. It seemed like everybody was speaking out. Was the show a let down since it was the exact same set? I can see how that might be a disappointment, but was it a bit more polished. Otherwise, less restarts due to feedback or a complete carbon copy.
I'm completely curious.
Demetri in Louisville
http://www.sugarmtn.org/getshows.php?venue_key=618
Yes the same setlist, but please folks write about the show!
Does anyone know where I can find high quality MP3s of these shows? FLAC is really excessive for the space I have on my hard drive, and the quality of my computer speakers (I'm a student). Any help would be appreciated!
Neil Young Shea's theatre show was a nice treat to some very diverse picking and some nice new delivery to the standards. Very 'bass-ic' with good fuzz and some resonating through my bones and a real nice place to hear it (that is when your neighborhoods weren't giggling, arguing,yakking etc..you know, that part stinks-don't do it).
New songs have good carry and rhythm. The Gretch was on fire. And the electric presentations were right on. It's the 4th different solo tour I've seen and first where the elecrtric(s) were even played.
I didn't read a single review from Albany shows before going tonight, and that was a good thing. NO preconceptions, but all was familiar in a new way. It was and is a balanced show and will continue to gain momentum.
gotta go Zzzz
my random thoughts
crowd;,peeps round me mighta been a bit bored with the new stuff, that old thing of wanting to hear songs they know. It was a first show for several people I talked to. Bit of squirmin in the crowd with war/enviro topics, and I do think thats the point.
Minor point not related to songs...everyone in my row ( almost in the back of the center of the floor) got their tix online within the first 20 seconds.
I found myself smiling as Neil was playing DBTR alone, all amped up loud electric...thinking of the thousands of folks round the world who have done the same in their bedrooms at home for decades
also a similar thought when he was doing that one note solo on Cin Girl..how many people did he inspire to take up guitar ? Count this old lady as one...first song I ever learned was Ohio, think I was 13.
Cortez was the highlight for me, lordy that man knows stuff to do with a bigsby.
Sheas is a classic theatre of the arts, and Neil has played there twice in the last few years.
He started the show with acoustic out of the blue and ended with electric into the black.
And so yeah, rock and roll will never die but seeing Neil at Sheas again made me realize he has helped make rock and roll a respectable art form..
au secours ! ;-))
funny line went something like this." 64 and there's so much more...think I'm gonna retire that song for another forty years "
Long Live Neil
Show too short again. C'mon Neil,give us our $ worth.
And song selection for the hard core fans leaves alot to be desired.Of 11 old songs,most are his big songs/hits. With a catalogue of 500 songs, why are we hearing again; cinnamon girl, cortez,DBTR, Ohio,HEY HEY (twice), helpless,goldrush !!!!
Hey Hey, my my twice ??? What a waste.Give us another song.You dont need to play it twice, especialy with such a short show !
that was cool in 1978 when the song was new and he wanted to play acoustic and electric versions, but 32 years later it seems plain stupid.Why play a 32 yo song twice when he could give us another song ?
1 hour and 40 minutes ? Neil plays us for fools, I now realize.Last time I buy tickets for NEil.After the last tour, I expected at least 2 hours or more. Would 5,6,7 more songs be asking too much Neil ?
Very disapointed.
I've gotta say that the length of the shows (or lack thereof) really does sting a bit. I'm still pumped for the DC show, but for the $, it's not enough. Seriously.
This tour is only made for the album dude,in order to give something special to the songs. It's a test. But the new songs are really good so that's OK.
Going on Friday night.... I have to say that his choice of songs is a bit thin, if you're a hard core fan. IT's like the Greendale tour... he does the new stuff and then he gives the greatest hits fans a little something. Though Hitchhiker was a surprise.
At the same time, to criticize neil for what he does is to not get Neil.
It looks to me like he has Jansch there so he doesn't have to play for 2 hrs.
The show was fantastic, classic Neil in my opinion. The acoustic side of the show was incredible and the electric side of the show completely rocked despite the lack of a full band.
There is nothing better than watching Neil wonder around the stage appearing to decide what instrument he wants to play next. It is almost like he is just kind of puttering around.
The new material was great, Love and War being a highlight for me. DBTR was excellent but Cinnamon Girl was incredible.
ticket prices were high but worth every time in my opinion. It is rare treat to see Neil, I would not think twice about paying it again for a chance to see him. We sat in the 6th row (F seats 18 & 20). There were a lot of douche bags in the crowd including the one sitting next to me in seats 22 and 24 as well as the ones right behind us in row G who talked through a big portion of the show. Before Neil took the stage the douche sitting next to me was yelling at security because they asked him to sit down. He claimed to have been to over 400 shows and never had any ask him to sit. he then yelled at security and cursed for a good 10 minutes until Neil took the stage.
Point is, a place like Shea's is not meant for people to scream, stand up etc. I was equally angered by the person yelling to Neil while he was playing the piano... guess what, he does not love you and my guess is yelling through his performance will not make him love you.
the crowd did detract a bit from the show at times but man, what can you say about Neil other than pure genius and tons of talent.
To Kimball, Of course I remember you. Driving from Iowa to western N.Y. I remember your wife and mine having a nice chat on the couch while we loaded the Klipcsh cornwalls in the truck. I remember your wife talking about Her health struggles. Buffalo was a very special night for me. I got there early hoping to see Neil's bus again. The 1948 Buick Roadmaster tops built into the roof line really make impress me. Not sure if I told you that my Dad had a Buick Dealership until 1971. My grandmother's last car was a 48 Roadmaster. I was hanging around the bus while Neil was doing the sound check. I didn't think Neil would come out after the sound check but He did. There were a few fans holding there pens out and much to my surprise Neil signed 3 autographs. I asked Him if He could do 1 more and He said No thats it. I said Neil my wife passed away on 5/6/10 and I would really be grateful. He asked me, are you the guy who posted on the website, i said yes, thats me. He knew my name, He took my ticket envelope and wrote, To Doug, Love Neil Young. I went back to my car and just cried. I could feel the presence of "GOD". I don't know why my wife had to suffer so long or why "GOD" called Her home first instead of me. I am grateful for the good times we had, and the not so good. Some things are just humanly imposable, I couldn't bear the thought of losing Her, or GOD calling my number first and leaving Her behind. It was a perfect concert from start to finish. I was 2 feet from the stage directly in front of Neil's chair. I was close enough to see His eyes welling up with heart felt emotion. Out of respect I refrained from taking pics. I lost my resolve and took 1 pic just before the end of the last encore " Hey Hey , My, My (electric). As a final touch Neil ripped the strings on "Old Black". And if by chance you read this Neil, I would just like to thank GOD for making you, and you for all the that you've given us for all these years. Doug S. Warsaw N.Y.
May 19 Shea's - Fav - Hitchhiker-spot on and cut right through me like a "razor love". I don't get Neil Young, and that's the beauty of it. What I thought I'd love (acoustic stuff) and what I was most moved by (elec. stuff) was quite different. Tell me why???
God bless you, Doug and God bless your wife - you will see her again
Peace.
May 19 Shea's - Fav - Hitchhiker-spot on and cut right through me like a "razor love". I don't get Neil Young, and that's the beauty of it. What I thought I'd love (acoustic stuff) and what I was most moved by (elec. stuff) was quite different. Tell me why???
Having listened to Rust Radio for 2 days now...I can say that the new songs are really great. The tribute to LAJ is very touching, as is the little ditty for Leia... and everyone sems to like Love and War (I do as well, especially since it's semi-autobiographical); but the stand out for me is the gorgeously sublime Peaceful Valley - this song has staying power and will be fresh three days from now when I'm still listenig to Rust Radio (and geeting ready for the DC show).
-Jim
Are you sure the Buffalo set list was the same as Albany? I thought I heard "Like an Inca" from Trans, or did I just dream it?
There's a verse in "Hitchhiker" that also appears in "Like an Inca."
"Like an Inca" and "Hitchhiker" have some similar text passages, that is maybe why you thought you heard the song...
http://lincvolt.tumblr.com//
Did anybody read the LV Blog today? Very funny with nice postcards from Buffalo for Pearl, LVs friend.
Man, some people just don't get it! This is Neil Young we're talking about. I think at this point in the man's career so called "fans" would understand that Neil can do whatever he wants to do. After 40 years in music Neil knows that you MUST change in order to survive, to stay relevant. The man knows what he's doing! This is why we are seeing Neil at theaters and coliseums today and not concerts on the green and state fairs, like many his age who feel they can get by just playing greatest hits. Neil challenges himself and the audience (just like he's always done)....I respect the HELL out of that!
I think Neil feels that because he is changing his format, doing something different and playing new songs that he must pepper in the hits. You must remember that not every person in attendance is a fanatic like many of us. I'd guarantee that most only own Harvest and Decade. Let not forget we are also hearing Cinnamon Girl, Cortez, and Down by the River like they've never been heard before. Neil, like Dylan needs to breath new life in these songs to play them every night. I don't want to go see a bored Neil Young, do you?
This is why after seeing the man 16times, it is ALWAYS fresh, always exciting and never a retro act.
As far as I am concerned, Neil can play all new songs if he wants and I'd still love it- your talking to a man who saw Greendale live four times.
As I said before, we are lucky and privileged to be able to pay to see Neil on this tour. I think the ticket prices were high in part because Neil wanted his hardcore fans there, but that doest always work out as is evident by all the rude chatty people in the audience.
Cant wait for SUNDAY! Mideast Vacation Neil! :)
Peace!
PS- the New songs are great!
Like an Inca came from Hitchhiker
Its like the same tune- like Dance, Dance, Dance & Love is a Rose.
This is great! I love the Neil bitch sessions.
Shithorse has it right all the way.
As a mega fan, we all imagine the "perfect show", with all your favorite, obscure tunes that he rarely plays and that the greatest hits fans have never even heard. I myself was really excited about 2 sets of acoustic Neil, which I have yet to see. Istead I will get Neil in full, new song mode doing solo electric guitar.
I believe he is at the peak of his abilites right now and we should be thrilled to see him in small theatres, regardless of what he does once he hits the stage.
I just hope on Friday night all the greatest hits fans who don't know 98% of his music get lost on the way to the show.
Tuned/Doug -
My heartfelt condolances my friend. We spoke of you trying to get her to the shows, and I'm truly saddened. Hang on man...the love will pull you through.
Neil put on a very heartfelt show last night, and I'll say that Leia, to me, was the most poingant part as the joy in his voice was evident, a cute little number for his 'new friend'. Can you just picture that scene? As he spoke of her you could tell it's a special thing: as it is and should be. (Imagine-Grampa Neil, the magic touch)
Love and War, excellent song, Walk with Me too. I thought Ohio was the best performance and played on the Gretch gave it both the electric fullness with a tinge of acoustic flavor.
Folks going to the upcoming shows, go in with an open mind. The new material is where it's at with this. His playing is superb and just when you thought you'd heard every arangement he could think of...think again.
The 'hits' well, it's the overcoat he can't take off. They all were authentic with some twists as he's providing the whole sound.
For a long time it was Arhcives be Damned..Well, expectations be damned then too.
Bert Jansch is a helluva player, as advertised. Very enjoyable though not familiar songs unless one has followed along over the years. He deserved more attention and less noise from the audience.
It's a gripe talking about the crowd, i know. It's more than likely not the folks reading this blog, but the casual fans. In these settings it's a drag that more restraint is not shown. Even borish. Singing along, fine. The rest....sssshhhhhh.
I love you Neil, but what's happened to your songwriting lately? You used to write such fine lyrics but now they seem clunky and sometimes downright cringeworthy. And you used to be the king of melodies. I'll still buy all your albums and pay any amount to see you, but I think you need to find some higher quality weed.
(I don't mean to be a downer, I'm just giving my honest reaction. I'm thrilled the man is still kicking and has fire in his belly but it's sad to see his talent fade away.)
jo
The talent isn't fading... maybe you need to change the weed that you're smoking.
He doesn't obsess overevery word, he gets to the point and moves on...sometimes it hits, sometimes it misses.
I think he lets out whatever it is he is feeling and doesn't worry about it being perfect.
He is moving forward, one thing leads to another.
Look at Neil like a painter....you can't relate to every period of the mans lifes work, but without this period,no other can happen
Lookout jo
Time Fades Away, Not Neil
"young' times are good times........
-Not Rotten Johnny
Doug from Warsaw N.Y.
Bless you.
Thanks for sharing.
The main thing I hate about going to live concerts is the fact that all the so called fans scream and whistle and text and talk and just are discourteous in general. I saw a show years ago with Joni Mitchell opening for Bob Dylan and the audience were yelling for Bob..? I was there for Joni and found it obscene to yell for another performer during their set.
It is my understanding that this happened in Albany with Neil's opening act. Come on people, just listen to the music, shut up, turn off your phones and clap at the end.
Just sayin....
..."You used to write such fine lyrics but now they seem clunky and sometimes downright cringeworthy"
There is a discernable difference in the 'personal' songs and the 'conceptual' songs Neil has written lately. That's not new. Some are for the 'everyman' of us, the other are his experiences ringing through. At first listen they can seem clunky, I had some similar reaction with a couple of the new songs, but it ain't about me, I'm trying to get in on it being 'him', so with more exposure those style songs become more familiar and fit into the 'dreamscape' of the Neil experience......
"can you feel it now?...can you?".......
That stuff has been going on forever. The first time I saw Neil was in Boston in 1974 I think. Tonight's the Night tour. He had an opening act, I don't know who he was. A lot of people were yelling for Neil. I was embarrassed. The guy broke a string and ended up walking off the stage. Neil came out and said he wasn't going to play. He eventually came on and towards the end of the show he brought the guy out to play a few songs. I've still got the ticket stub somewhere. I think it was 12 bucks.
one of eleven thousand
The mellow approach to Hey Hey is so cool. BAck in 1978, it was way more u beat (elecrtic approach on an acoustic). I'm about to start my 3rd listen to Albany... it will continue to unfold. I liked Greendale from the beginning but I must say that I have listened to the Madison square Greendale show countless times and it still shows me something new.
Neil has become more conversational and I dig it. Even someone like Neil gets bored of himself and needs to try new things.
I saw Joni at an outdoor concert in 1983 where she must have decided to teach the audience a lesson. A number of people were talking and milling around while she was playing. After commenting on this and asking the audience to settle down, she then advised everyone that she wouldn't continue unless they did.
Of course none of the offenders paid any attention, so she walked off stage and remained there for a few minutes. People calmed down, she returned to play, and then the walking and talking started again. So she didn't get mad but just left the stage again. This basically continued throughout the show; by the end, she had left and returned five times. I don't recall if she did an encore, but somehow I don't think so. The friend I was with completely worshipped Joni Mitchell, but I think she was bothered more by the comings and goings on stage than in the crowd.
So that would seem to be the dilemna that Neil faces, and I think he handles it the best way he can. A little comment here and there, sometimes vent a bit to the press (which then gets misread), but mostly just keep playing and hope that the crowd will calm down and everyone will pay attention. I get frustrated with the yahoos and have even asked Security one time to deal with a group of wasted folks behind me (pretty much to no avail...i.e. pissin' in the wind). But that was a long time ago and now I just concentrate a little more.
Dear Neil,
You said "solo"
They said "acoustic"
Pegi said "Neil does what Neil wants"
I say: "Where the fuck is Larry?"
Is it really true that he's not with you on this tour?
Bumper stickers should be issued! The Sign the release "Times Fades Away" petition should be replaced by the "where the F*** is Larry petition".
Anyway the new songs are great and growing. This afternoon I was riding on my bike through the city singing Leia. Loud. People on the street in my hometown are already getting familiar with the new material.
Because Sound Matters
Back in '72, I went to see Manassas at the Berkeley Community Theater in Berkeley, Ca. Everything about the show was great. The band rocked, Stills, Hillman and the band were just right on.
After a break, Stills came out to do some acoustic songs and some idiot yelled out loud and repeatedly, "NEIL YOUNG"! "NEIL YOUNG'!
Stills stood up, looked PISSED as hell and stormed off the stage.
Well, just about everybody came down on this dude..."WTF did you do man?" "FU you F'n idiot!" GEEZ-US! AH, SHIT!
After about a minute and a half of this, Stills came back out and said, "I love Neil Young. But I came here to play for YOU."
There's one in EVERY crowd, isn't there?
I was at a Striper concert back in 1988 and I was screaming "cut the power cut the power" No one heard me
LOL!
The crowd makes the ambiance and I love to hear somme great "PLAY ALL NIGHT NEIL" or "WHERE S LARRY ?" or even "THAT'S THE SOUND NEIL !". Hey ! live at Bottoms up is not what it is without the crowd and the beer glasses sound. That's not a church : its a rock and roll concert dudes. Anyway, great new songs and I do really love the guitar sound of Bert Jansh
So does anyone know for sure who Leia is? An actual granddaughter of Neil's - if so, whose kid?
Most of those comments are between songs and I agree it can be cool and/or funny, but to shout in the middle of a song is disrespectful and I'm sure Neil also would prefer you didn't.
on Leia
He intorduced her by saying..."I have a new friend. She's a year and a half old. 100% sweet".
-NRJ
RE : "to shout in the middle of a song is disrespectful and I'm sure Neil also would prefer you didn't."
I agree
You're not in Kansas anymore Toto - Ohio in Buffalo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVdNoWcCidw
Flying the White Falcon
I've read every comment posted on the 'wheat' from head to toe from these concerts and have even cautiously read some refreshing positives from music journo's and critics.
It still amazes me however, how there can be such a diversity of opinions or perception from wheatie fans who have been present at the same show.
As I have said in another post,
acceptance of any new material is not always immediate and its those "creepers" that tend to play in your ear that last the longest after continual repetition.
Yep,you're not going to please every "optimal" or "optional fan"
but its Neil "Live" unadulterated or photo shopped ,giving his emotional all...
Ok, time to get into his "muse" and hang on every note, savour the unpredictibility that is Neil and leave nothing on your plate.
The choice of "intimate" venues, on this tour, I feel (not some 30,000 capacity arena) is just that..a place where his fans can soak in and bounce of every acoustic/electric note, every nuance that Neil emits from every sound he creates.
Sure, I'd be probably slightly disappointed, knowing his vast repertoire of songs, not to hear my fave..but I'm going to give the guy total respect( yeh, ok I'll probably jump up as soon as I hear that "cinnamon girl riff" as will a thousand other fans)...but his new stuff ..give him respect to play it in the atmosphere it deserves..just NEIL and his instrument at the time.
It certainly would piss me off, if I'm trying to convey an emotion and someone is there chattering or mobiling in the audience..Christ, it's not that hard to show some kind of restraint..when the bootleg comes out, I don't wanna hear some yobbo clown, stuff up the performance by yellin out through it, as if ya in the Oprah audience,... there is a place for everything and everthing in its place.
Just maybe, if people showed more respect and appreciation for an opening act that Neil has obviously a lot of respect for, he just might respond and reciprocate by playing a longer set him self...ya know how spontaneous he can be!!
Well I've had my "long distance gripe",embrace what I've got to say
..or just.... "Walk on"
doc
Who had the baby?
Well said Doc !
The Baby ? Don't know, maybe Amber Jean, who knows ..
superb performane of HeyHeyMyMy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHeCDVT1NeY
Peter Dees (Holland)
The new songs ain't too bad. "Sign of Love" however (and somebody pointed this out last night) sounds exactly like The Loner (in riff), crossed with the vocals of Just Singing a Song. Granted, Neil acknowledged at the end of the night that "it's all one song".
An unvarnished critique of unrecorded songs. (Hey, this is the time right? while the kinks are still being worked out.)
The LA song starts out strong but once he mentions sending a link, it's all downhill. In fact, it drops off a cliff after that. Poor lyrics do it in. Would not like to see this one commited to record. Is this the one where he totally rips off the tune from Chris Issac's what is it called, something like Blue, Blue Spanish Moon. I love that Spanish style of playing and would love to see him do more, but not with someone else's tune.
Love and War is nearly superb. A few minor flaws that are beneath Neil. One that really bothers me is when he says something like "They try to tell them and they try to explain". That's redundant, Neil, and just plain lazy. Say it once and then think of something else to fill the rest of the line. But overall, a big fat thumbs up.
Leia is a cute showtune. The sentiment is sweet. If you like showtunes, you'll like this. Personally, I find showtunes hard to take. I know that is a style Neil uses occasionally, but it always seems to stick out like a sore thumb. It does serve as a counterweight to the heavy stuff in the show, but could really mess up the flow of a record, like Let's Roll did with Are You Passionate.
Sign of Love is very like Act of Love. I like it okay. This may be a grower, but songs about holding hands with Pegi aren't the most exciting. Still, there is something hidden in there, something very mysterious that could be worked up to good effect.
Walk with Me is the most real. I think it has the most potential for in the studio and for live, solo and with a band. Direct uncluttered lyrics. He doesn't waste a word in this song. The repitition is hypnotic, the guitar playing excellent, well suited to that sound he's going for with these songs. It could use another stanza to flesh it out, but great potential. Cuts right through.
Peaceful Valley is very, very good. The lyrics again could use a little tightening, but it's quite evocative and the melody is fine.
Keep up your standards, Neil and this will be one fine record.
Forgot Rumbling. It's such a stunning physical teeth-rattling experience. I haven't been able to get beyond that yet to come to any conclusions,except that it's extraordinary that a 64 year old has the capacity to create and perform such a song. Also, I realize it's Leila, not Leia.
Thrasher's a censor for strong. At least you got rid of that stupid fucking McDonald's bullshit fish on the wall gig.
Talk about having your cake & eating it too, well seeing Neil solo was the icing on the cake. The celebration for the cake was being at Shea's in the front row A, orchesrta seating, 12 feet from Neil, with my soul mate beside me engulfed in Neils musical world, I love it all, old, new, out of this world tunes, it's all Neil! Previewing new songs at any concert is a gift Neil chooses to give, its like winning the musical lottery that's amazing, watching Neil speak with his songs & instruments looking us in the eye with my husband next to me. We'll definately attend more concerts, it is always a pleasant surprise... Neil offers his fans all around unexpected pleasures for sure. What I like about Neil is he's Neil; that is what makes him the successful one of a kind, like no other musician that he is, naturally. It is me, my husband & Neil; always has been & always will be, wouldn't be the same without either one of them in my life, my husband showed me what Neil is all about & 4 concerts later & many hours of Neils songs which I appreciate just as much as the person behind it all & whome I respect. Thanks For Being Genuine over the years, Thanks For Keeping It Real & Never Losing your Love For Music or the reality of live, love, & the life of the people which you portray in your songs as well as their actions so clearly. One mans emotion touches everyone like a hand of friendship widely extended out to all the world. Neil is a very much enjoyed part of our musical family. Keep on saving the music of the world Neil, by just being you in your many layers! Music makes the world go round!
Last night, my wife "Gem" & I saw Neil at Shea's, my 6th Neil concert. Some thoughts...The new songs are overall, very good, most were emotionaly moving, they blended well with the old tunes. I'll need to hear the new ones many more times to be able say too much, but they seemed touched with equal amounts of melancholy, reflection, & pondering but also with optimism, vitality, & vigor. Humour as well, these are all things Neil has put into his songs through all the years.
Hitchhiker was definatly the standout song of the night, Neil showed such passion, and commited himself into that song just like the very best he's ever done. That one song was worth the ticket price alone.
Seeing Neil live & in person is like spending time with one you love, you cherish all of the times, the moments, whatever those times might hold, they're all priceless & one of a kind.
Electric Solo Neil is speachlessly amazing, Neil is able to somehow make his electic guitar combined with his vocals, sound so very close to a whole live band, with such depth of sounds... At times forgetting it eas just Neil up there. You simply have to experience it to really understand. Neil "WAS" the whole band. Nothing missing. Wow! The new album ought to be fabulous. 64 and there's so much more!
play harvest moon! :) that would make my life!!
To 9:16 p.m. - setlist photo above shows Leia, not Leila.
Just listened to My My hey Hey acoustic, followed hey hey my my electric from the Buffalo gig.
You really notice the mellowing rendition of this anthemic two part song...
Even without the 'horse' at the live rust concert, gone is the angst..but replaced by a more melancholy rendition..nearly reflective.
I love Neil's voice.... maturing into the contented muse his musical direction has seemed to of taken him.
As he says "its all the same song"... just a different slant ..a direct reflection. I feel the songs reflect where he wants to be at the moment...at peace.. and contented with life!
Yep, 64 and there's soo much more!!
Long may you run Neil....long may you run!!
doc
I have not attended either Buffalo or Albany shows, but I do have the privilege of being able to listen to a bootleg recording of it. Sure the show was short, but you have to take into account that you guys got Bert Jansch as an opener, that's worth at least a few $.
Furthermore, what about quality over quantity? The show was tight, offered exciting renditions of old classics (solo electric Ohio and DBTR and I Believe in You on piano). AND you guys got 7 new songs AND an electric Hitchhiker. That alone is worth the money to me. Just no pleasing some people I guess.
On a different note: Chris, thank you for your great review, upon reading it (and looking at the setlist) my heart simply skipped a few beats with excitement, and I feel this tour is some of the most exciting stuff I heard from Neil in years.
I would also like to thank Doug for sharing his story with us, I am getting married this September and I cannot bear thinking about what such a loss would mean to me. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Reading these reviews is getting me so excited for Wallingford this Sunday. Just one question, what is that section of songs at the bottom of the setlist at the pot of the page. Are those 4 songs that wants the crew to prepare for in case he has a change of mood? Also, what are those numbers on the right hand ride of the page?
Some Twisted Road confessions and observations.
I thought I knew of every song Neil ever wrote. Wrong. Hitchhiker I thought was a new song from the new batch of stuff. Though I did hear someone behind me call it out earlier than it was played. Didn't dawn on me til half way through the song.
Also, I haven't seen it mentioned yet(?), Neil is using a little bit of a loop machine with some voice echos to broaden the sound a bit on a few of the songs. Sounded great.
The other thing I really like about going to see Neil is the staying power of the show. After a day and a half it's still running through me. Thrasher and you folks have alot to do with that too!
..now back to our regular program.......
My guess is those numbers on the right side of the page of the set list are an approximation of the song's duration in minutes...no? And I also thought the bottom songs were "possibles" to be slotted in or replace those in the above list. I could be wrong, though.
Also, if those numbers are the song's durations, then (obviously) Neil is quite aware of the set's length. He is an artist so he does have the choice to do what he wants and how long he does it. The Albany show is still in my head - there is a darkness about it, I (unlike others) heard no melancholy in that performance. He my wander on the stage but he clearly has calculated his every move on this one.
it's got numbers on the side....and it's making big waves.......
I think it is the song length.
One thing to understand regarding the length of the show. He played, what, 18 songs? Typically that's gonna run closer to 2 hours. But with him playing it solo, he doesn't have the opportunity to bounce off the rythm section with 5+ minute guitar leads, so Cortez and Down by the River are cropped severely
Huge News . Daniel Lanois will be producing the new Neil Young album.
As far as I know Neil has only ever worked with dave Briggs, who died in 1996
well westernmusturd, ya got one right. he is working with lanois (which was reported about a month and a half ago).
briggs died in '95, and neil has worked with other producers. ever hear of eliot mazer or niko bolas?
Neils a great talent and a very bright guy.Of course he's fully aware of the length of his concerts, and he knows damn well 40-45 minutes shorter than the last tour....and he's fully aware some people feel slighted by that , especialy after paying alot of $$.... and he doesnt give a shit.Thats too bad because I had tix and decided to pass and sold them.Just not worth a 98 minute show where he's playing a bunch of new songs ( which is ok )and then a barrage of hits with hey hey my my twice.Thats is especialy absurd.All the songs neil has and he has to play an old song twice ??? Thats an insult to my hard earned $.Lazy way out.I passed.
I think Neil is playing a bunch of songs that he knows so well, he doesnt have to practice or work on to tour.Easy way out.When Neil does a tour with good song selection,he has to work at it. In contrast, I found the CD tour of late 2007 exceptional.But if he thinks he can get lazy with song selection, play old songs twice, and knock 45 minutes off the concert , then he aint getting my $ anymore !
and listen to his harp playing on acoustic hey hey.
Pretty bad for NEil.You can tell he hasnt been rehearsing the old song part of the show.Realy aweful for Neil.
When I heard that Neil was hittin' the road again I ran right out and bought tickets. Then people said they were to expensive, that Neil was ripping us off, so I ran right out and sold my tickets. Then I heard that it was to be an acoustic solo show, so I ran right out and bought another pair. Then people said that It's not just an acoustic evening, that he plays the electric guitar too. So I ran right out and sold my tickets again. Then I heard that he also plays the old pump organ. So I ran right out and bought the tickets again (after all, some how I can really relate to "Old, Pump and Organ") Then I heard that he plays new songs like he did on that crappy tour Greendale that I sat through 4 times...Oh and ps...here's a few "hits" for you real/quasi fans. Of course upon hearing this news, I promptly sold my tickets. Then I read a story that really touched all of us and thought...Hey...Life's pretty good and maybe, just maybe, Neil aint such a bad guy after all. Now, after aquiring tickets yet again, and if I can stop myself from reading this blog (not happening)everyday, I may just be joining a bunch of you at Oakdale Sunday night, but hey hey my my, a lot can happen between now and then.
Mideast Vacation! Neil!
Buffalo was a bit of a mediocre show due in part to a poor selection of songs, and no, i'm not looking for hits. and then the sound kinda sucked. some good moments but really, not enough
Great show and Hitchhiker blew me away.
To the detractors, who apparently just don't get Neil, please don't buy tickets next time. Let people who actually want to see the show get tickets.
Into the Black.
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