The Twisted Road Is Indeed Twisted
Neil Young - Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN - 6-1-10
Photo Gallery by Ed Rode for Rolling Stone
It would seem that Neil Young's Twisted Road concert tour is indeed -- well -- quite twisted.
Just from reading all of the reviews from Neil Young's "Twisted Road" concert tour, one might be left with a number of mis-impressions.
It would seem that for many -- if not most -- the tour has been an exceptional experience. We see folks writing in after the concerts that they are "amazing", "epic", "brilliant", and "primal", and "unforgettable".
Some longtime fans even say that they have been to "one of the truly great shows that I have seen, definitely one of the best from Neil Young and maybe, just possibly the best one yet." Many reviewers are left literally "in tears" by the experience.
Yet.
Maybe it's not too hard to understand how so many folks seeing the same concert can walk away with completely different impressions.
We our selves after attending the Worcester and Washington concerts got the distinct feeling that not everyone fully appreciated what had just happened. In our review Expecting to See Neil Young (or Man Without A Net) we wrote:
It was a night where some in the audience thought it was too loud or not loud enough. Some thought too many new songs, others too few classics. Some came for the folky singer-songwriter, some for the hippie grunge rocker loner. Some wanted to sit and politely, clap & nod while others wanted to stand up and dance & rock out.
And you know what? They were all right. They all got some of what they were expecting. But didn't get everything they wanted. Kinda like life itself. Funny.
Several days later, we examined the diverse audience reaction we were seeing in our comments threads and asked Does The Twisted Road Tour Compare With TTN or TFA Tours? Or Greendale? It would seem for the die-hard fans, the fact that seven (7) new songs are being debuted is just astonishing good fortune that is a joy to treasure. Neil is looking good and sounding as much on top of his game as ever -- all things considered.
And the solo electric Ol' Black sessions are both revelatory and a mesmerizing musical coup de grace.
So then. How do we explain a comment like this? From the always intrepid
Just returned from Ryman show. Very disappointed. The revert [sic] was awful. Sounded like the speakers were in a low riders [sic] trunk [sic] driving by.
There were so many pissed off fans leaving half way through. So sad
hmmm?
Oddly, there is not one other single report of walkouts from the Ryman shows.
So what then are we to make of negative comments like this, this, or this?
Well we'll let others draw their own conclusions, but consider this when weighing these anonymous comments with this from Kimball on the Nashville concerts:
Well folks, its been 2 night and 2 shows, experiencing neil young.
The first show I was acoustic, the second I was electric.
2 totally different experiences and I wouldn't trade either for anything. I think the crowd was well behaved both nights, I'm usually quite sensitive to interruptions and I was able to stay engaged in the performance both Ryman nights. I got my Ryman Hatch show poster signed the first night after the show outside the Hermitage, and then, before the second night at the Ryman, I got my 6/2 ticket signed.
Neil was a class act both nights as far as I was concerned, he appreciates the true fans waiting for acknowledgment, and there is nothing more than we can expect as fans. I spent the 2nd night in tears, totally in lock step with Neil's emotive expressions. I spent the hours after the show experiencing the concert inside and out; watching the stage crew load up the semi trailer up til 1 AM, and then watching local Nashville bands play their hearts out at Tootsie's (both upstairs stage and downstairs stage).
Tip: Open your soul to the things that are right, and they will naturally make their way to you. Best wishes to all who have truly connected with Neil's state of being so far on this tour and those yet to on the shows yet to come. Doug, after experiencing both Ryman shows and getting Neil's autographs both nights, I can understand how he was able to say: "To Doug, Love Neil Young"; Its really telling about where he is on this tour. I was hanging outside Neil's bus up by the Hermitage in Nashville after the 2nd Ryman show, and I mentioned to Elliot that this show was so much more than any of us could hope for from Neil, and Elliot said to me, that it was for them too, it is for them too.
I have no doubt that we're witnessing a tour that will stand up completely in 3 or 4 decades time.
Truly content with all my being,
Kimball B.
The point here is to compare Kimball's comment above with these random anonymous nattering nabobs of negativity which are extreme outliers of opinion and in no way whatsoever representative of the overall audience's reaction.
Sure some were disappointed no doubt that he didn't play their favorite song, etc. Here's a comment on living up to expectations:
Here's what you critics don't, or refuse, to understand.
neil is not the same man that wrote those lyrics you hold so dear. he has moved on. some of us have moved on with him, and some have not. it's not a sin...just listen to those old songs you love so well and leave the new neil to those of us who still appreciate it.
is that so hard?
Like we've said before regarding some of the comments posted on this blog: 1) consider the source and 2) consider the effort expended to make the case. When someone starts talking about how long they've been a fan, how many concerts they've been to, how many albums they own, etc. think about the motivation that compels one to state their bona fides in order to advance their arguments when the facts do not support them. Seriously. How can one make the statement that they've been a Neil Young fan for 30 or 40 years and then turnaround and say that they were disappointed because the show wasn't what they expected? It's a total non-sequitur.
Or think about the kind of person who writes this tripe versus someone who makes the comment below by Keith Burris:
I was not going to post anything, but when I saw some of the inexplicable and bizarre negative stuff I felt I should speak up.
I saw the Louisville and and first Nashville shows. Both were amazing. For me highlights were the new songs, and his deeply felt performances of "Ohio" and "I Believe in You." I am always interested in a new NY record, and what he is thinking. But "Love and War" and "Walk with Me," make me think the new one will be special.
In Louisville I was impressed with the audacity of a solo acoustic/electric show. I just felt privileged to be there.
In Nashville, there was the additional privilege of the Ryman. But I was also impressed at the somberness of much of the music. What an interesting, spiritual old man Neil Young is becoming. The topics are God, love in all its forms, nature, death, loss, healing.The chords are dark and deep.
He's a modern psalmist.
Thanks Keith B.!
The Twisted Road is indeed quite twisted it seems. So, walk with us.
For more madness, see Expecting to See Neil Young (or Man Without A Net).
Also, see more Neil Young's "Twisted Road" Concert Tour Reviews.
Not enough? Does The Twisted Road Tour Compare With TTN or TFA Tours?
And -- for god's sake -- this is not some Greendale-like/Stravinsky’s Rites of Spring moment.
Or is it now....
walk with us.
Photo by The Ryman
UPDATE 6/4: It seems as TW is being channeled...
From CultureMap Houston - Don't be a setlist whiner: Just enjoy Neil Young in symphony - 2010-Jun-04 by Michael D. Clark:
Whether it be Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Prince or even Neil Young, an unlikely tension emerges during shows by artists whose careers span decades with record releases that can be counted by the dozen.
Fans often leave these shows unfulfilled. Most surprisingly, it's not the casual, wide-eyed, first-time-seeing-this-icon-and-I can't-wait fan that stomps out kicking their just purchased concert T-shirt down the street. It's the older, wiser, been-there-done-that-before fan who wants to be wowed in new and unexpected ways by a guy like Neil Young — who plays Jones Hall tonight.
It's this seasoned fan, that will sit at Starbuck's for an hour before a show, combing through all 33 Young studio albums dating back to 1968 (and that's not even counting the albums he made with Buffalo Springfield; Crosby, Stills & Nash; Pearl Jam or any other band besides his own backing group, Crazy Horse) in order to concoct the perfect setlist that should be played ... only to be disappointed when only one or two of those songs are actually performed.
I have been to quite a few momentous Young shows in the last 15 years and I always hear one or two of these complainers who totally miss Young's genius while waiting for "Old Man" to be performed.
If this description fits you, let me save you some time: Throw your dream setlist out and go to the Young show without any preconceived notions.
by thrasher@PermaLink: 6/03/2010 05:39:00 PM
42 comments
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42 Comments:
What I find funny is that the greater portion of the negative comments are Anonymous.
Another thing to keep in mind is, you know someone is just being a b.s. negativity drone when they have to validate their "bad experience" with descriptions of mass exodus-type walkouts and "other unhappy fans" they "met after the show".
These negative cats need to create the illusion that they are in the majority in order to "sell" their "opinion".
I know it's a comment I can skip as soon as I get to the part about the people walking out and the angry "other people".
I would refer again to that damn article in the Village Voice by Rob Harvilla, who's name I will never forget, last year during the Neverending Electric Tour when Neil was bashing out songs from Fork in the Road. I knew Rob was just a b.s. critic who hadn't a clue what he was talking about the minute he started waxing on about giant crowds of people walking out and how many other angry fans there were.
It's always the "other people". But the only people posting negativity are these Anonymous weirdos who aren't even secure enough in themselves to come out of the Anonymous fog and show themselves.
My question is, why do you (the angry anons) feel you need to back up your negativity by leaning on nonexistent crowds of angry fans, and why can't you come out of the darkness and expose yourselves?
By-and-large, I've seen people who are typically very critical of Neil, both here and on the rust list, talking about how happy they are with this tour. And I'm not talking about sycophants here, I'm talking about people I've read many, many, very critical, sometimes negative posts from in the past.
So how is it that these critical thinkers who don't always like everything Neil does (I've been trying to sell them on FITR for a year for God's sake!) seem to be somewhat floored, astonished, left breathless even, by their experiences at these shows?
So here's a challenge to all the negative people who love to hate. How about you post actual critical thoughts about the shows instead of short paragraphs of misspelled tripe about how "everyone thought it sucked," (which isn't even true), and honestly give us something to think about?
And why don't you come out of the crowd and expose yourselves? I am naked in my feelings, here, alone, and don't need anybody to tell me I'm right, and I don't need anyone else to feel the same way I did in order to express myself.
I am unabashedly me, as are most of those who have a name or a handle and come on here to talk about Neil.
Like Doc for instance. When he expresses negativity or complains about something, at least we know who he is, and for the love of God, he doesn't need to be part of a crowd who agrees with him to express himself.
I mean, if you can't be you, then why bother being? At least come out of the shadows and give us a name to go with the faceless, mean-spirited and negative comments. Or are you actually just a negative ninny who doesn't have a meaningful opinion or any meaningful thoughts to share, and does this somehow make you feel ashamed of who you are?
Thrasher - you, my friend, are an imbecile.
You constantly rip people for leaving Anonymous comments, yet YOU do nothing to stop it. You have the absolute power to prohibit Anonymous posts, yet you allow that format to continue in this forum.
What a jackass!
Block the Anonymous post format, or stop complaining about them. Do one or the other....you, my friend, have the power!
have a great day,
anonymous
BTW, my name is Christopher Jenkins and i live in Salem, Oregon.
Agree with the comment about those who say they are long time fans and have seen him 100 times yet want to cast aspersions on his character.
He's doing something on this tour that he's never done before and OK you don't like it and aren't connecting with him, but that doesn't mean he's phoning it in or other ludicrous criticisms. It just means he's doing something different.
I was at the first night in Nashville, and it was Awesome. My brother and I and the 2guys we met were all hanging off of everyword of the new songs. Those first 3 especially, and then he went into Down By The River, and it just seemed to fit together so perfectly. Like DBTR be on the album.
Anyway
Syscrusher
This is the reason I only check this blog every once in a while.
I'm a vampire babe
Suckin' blood from this blog
I'm a vampire babe
Suckin' blood from this blog
I'm a vampire babe
I sure don't wanna get flogged
Anonymous....and proud of it.
Being a "real" fan of Neils, If I had walked away from one of his performances unhappy, I wouldn't be bashing all of those that enjoyed the show. I would simply just say that "it was a bummer that it just didn't work for me, glad everyone else enjoyed the show...looking forward to the next time". Why make up so much bs to rain on everyone that enjoyed it. My theory about the anon. troll...Like Neil said..."It's all just one song" (or something like that)...Anon. is just all the same guy, looking for attention ("love me daddy"). Funny how this "fan" knows well about this site to post neg. propaganda, but didn't see the weeks of posts reviewing all of Neils shows...you would have had plenty of heads up to sell your ticket.
ps...The rainbow pic is sweet, but my new fave is that top pic by Ed Rode...Now thats a keeper!
pps...maybe one day I'll take my own advice and not feed the trolls :)
Are the lack of negative reviews or at least the reduction in negative reviews later in the tour a result of people getting the low down? Or has Neil just gotten into a groove ... from reading the reviews it seemed folks were a lot more unbalanced about the shows and now people seem more content ... I'm wondering how much of the TFA or TTN like fan energy comes from people's expectations being demolished when they expect a greatest hits show on an acoustic guitar and Neil hits em with a bunch of new tunes, an electric guitar ("I said solo they said acoustic"), and melancholy reinterpretations of his classic songs (true, anyone who knows Neil ought not to be surprised) ... at the start of the tour it felt like he was embarking on this decade's version of one of those dark tours and it made sense given what Neil's been through of late, but reading the reviews for the past few shows it feels different than during early in the tour ... clearly digital media and the internet has changed things a lot vsince the 70s ditch tours when Neil probably played 50 cities and surprised the crap out of everyone at every stop ... to me (who sadly hasn't been able to see a show this tour and is living vicariously through TW and You Tube) it doesn't seem like a contradiction to have a mind bending show and still have a bunch of people leaving early and all pissed off because they expected an acoustic version of Harvest Moon and instead got an electric version of Hitchhiker ...
Dan
Sooooo ....The shows are too short...AND people are leaving early...wow..Must be this ADD computer age that we "live" in. "Anybody selling....just need one...anybody?"
Hey Matt, thanks for using me as an example of Negativity and complaining...lol
Just not sure if ya putting S*^T on me, or giving me a compliment !! lol
Believe me, in all my inane, so called, off topic posts to this site, I don't think I have ever been negative to Neil or complained.
On the contrary, I embrace all comment, be it negative or positive on this site...
Diversity of opinion is healthy... on the other hand, being an anonymous trollish arsehole is sick.
Hey, just my opinion and I know there's probably a lot of bloggers out there who probably think I am a dickhead..but I am a likeable dickhead!! lol
Matty,I do agree with your comment about hiding behind the cloak of "anonymous".
For the life of me, I can't see why anybody bothers coming here to the wheat, without some sort of identity or reference.
1. It allows other bloggers to acknowledge and identify personalities and commenters.
Lets face it, we come to this site with a united agenda....... We are Neil fans!...
I see us as a "family" at the wheat..and..like a family, there is always the "naughty brother" or "bitch of a sister"..but at the end of the day we still love and except them even if they are a pain in the arse sometimes!! lol
Matt, enjoy your posts,as well as all the other regulars...
Keep on bloggin' in the T world
luv doc
What does it matter if a post is from 'Anonymous' or from "Fat Fred", "Doc", "Matt the Sycophant" etc? It doesn't change the message. It's a nice diversionary tactic to ignore the actual content of the post and just dismiss it as being 'anonymous'. Neil's recent (actually, it's been years now) lyrics are lame and embarrassing. Please discuss.
To the person who states: "Neil's recent (actually, it's been years now) lyrics are lame and embarrassing. Please discuss."
I suggest that we cannot help you to help yourself. Only you can decide whther or not it is time for you to divorce Neil. He is not the same man that you fell in love with 40 years ago. He once told you "only love can break your heart", but maybe he was wrong. Perhaps you still love Neil (in the way that you remember him 40 years ago), and perhaps it is time and change that has broken your heart.
Only you and you therapist can help you to decide if it time for you to "walk on". While you are contemplating your decision for divorce, I suggest you "eat a peach".
Oh, brilliant comeback. Almost predictable with the 'Walk On' quote - I was actually expecting the hackneyed "all you critics sit alone" line. I got the right song though.
And you're spot on - I have fallen out of love with Neil. Neil the songwriter anyway. I still pay to see him perform live, but I haven't wasted any of my hard earned on his mediocre albums for many years now. Mirror Ball was his last consistently decent album. Been a handful of good songs since, but few and far between. Heaps of great live shows since then though. As I said in a previous post, you guys here give him way too much of an easy ride. You all either say nothing about his less than stellar output of late, or you say what you think the rest of the people here want to hear. Go ahead guys, shoot the messenger without debating the topic.
Right album is what I meant to say.
That rainbow says it all.Sooome wheeeerrre over the rainbooow.Theeere's Neeeil Yooouung.Siiingiing a sooong.
That was me singing in case you didn't guess.:)
Rancho Relaxo
My rebuttal to: "Go ahead guys, shoot the messenger without debating the topic." is that I am not debating. I already admitted and agreed with you when I said "He is not the same man that you fell in love with 40 years ago".
I am not shooting the messenger. I respect your opinion. Sounds to me like you want that divorce, but you also still want to jump back in bed with him from time to time.
Don't hate some of us for wanting to sleep with him every day. We allow our marriage to adjust with old age, for better or worse...
Peace and peaches.
“I wrote 124 verses for this song and this was the worst one…so I decided to put it in the song. You know, just to show what can happen.”
That’s a quote from February 1, 1971 during a performance of “Sugar Mountain” in Los Angeles. At the time that line was met with howls of laughter but it is very revealing about how Neil feels about his art.
I would argue that Neil has written his share of clunkers over the years and, yes, he was honing his craft back in 1964 when he wrote “Sugar Mountain,” but that’s the risk an artist runs when he puts his work out there. “Let’s impeach the President for lying,” is about as cringe-worthy a line as you can get. “Piece of Crap?” That song is a piece of crap. But wasn't that the point?
But for every eye-roller, there are songs that send chills up and down your spine, every single time you hear it-whether it’s the melody, the lyrics or both. “Cortez” is a simple three chord song that can be stretched out over nearly a half hour. Those performances are mind-boggling. And are the lyrics a history lesson, a meditation on lost love, or both? Is “Out of My Mind” the whining of a rock star not used to the fame and attention he’s getting, or is it about isolation and the pain we all feel when we’re not understood? And finally, “You…never call, you…never call” is not about a telephone. When you know he’s singing about LA Johnson the starkness of that line is heartbreaking. And anyone who’s ever lost someone close gets that.
My point is, at the risk of stating the obvious, is that Neil’s work, both early in his career to present-day, keeps you guessing. Sometimes it’s great, sometimes not so much. Take what you need, leave the rest.
oh come on now, "shoot the messenger without debating the topic"? there is no debating the topic...the topic is OPINION. you think that neil's output of late is "lame and embarrassing". fine. you are entitled to that opinion, just like others are entitled to think neil's latest work is up to par with anything he's ever done. but don't try to tell us that we're wrong and you're right. you're a whiny little bitch who always has to have the last word and always has to be right. and i'm guessing your name is MARK.
So if your point is that Neil isn't writing like when he was in his 20's, here's some news, he's no longer in his 20's
And Michael Jordan doesn't play basketball anymore like he did when he was in his 20's.
Oh, and Dylan doesn't write like he used too. But i'm sure your just as good as you were when you were 20. Probably even better.
Josh
@Christopher Jenkins in Salem, Oregon
re anon comments, see this .
Have a nice day!
@ 6/04/2010 10:25:00 AM,
If you know who's harshin our mellow here, please contact: thrasher@thrasherswheat.org
Love the rainbow picture!! She can drag me over the rainbow, send me away!!!! Still wrapped in the warm glow of remembering that magical night.
I posted earlier that I have never felt the need to defend my position, it is what it is. But I also never felt the need to try and convince anyone that they are wrong because his music does not affect them the same way. We all come at it from our own unique perspective, experiences, taste, etc. Just as some people like tomatos and some don't, you can't talk someone into liking something that doesn't taste good to them.
I also feel it would be a very dull and uninteresting world if we all felt exactly the same way about everything. Well, I'm off to Belize tomorrow. Peace to my on-line family.
Sandy Horne
Peace to you, Sandy. Safe travels.
OK...so I saw Neil in the Fox Theater in Atlanta. The show was outstanding. I've written that I'm not thrilled about the lyrics of some new songs. But that doesn't detract from the overall effect of the show, which was fantastic. The weak songs actually amplify the creativity and genius of the better songs. Neil has great songs and he has mediocre songs, and each of us has our own view on how everything falls out across the spectrum. I'm a big fan of "T-bone," but I doubt everyone is. So, to each his/her own. But just because I find some songs weak, feel Neil could craft some lyrics better, or think he has more weak songs today than 30 years ago, doesn't mean that I need to divorce Neil, that I'm somehow disrespecting Neil, that I'm not a true fan, or that I think he needs to only play songs I like in concert.
Charlie from Athens
After seeing the show and geting copy of Albany, one thing comes to mind........
you're all just pissin' in the wind!
Neil Young rocks the planet no matter how he plays it.
Maybe some of you could send him suggestions on how to write a Neil Young song.
Twisted Road indeed. Twist one and enjoy the ride.
- Not Rotten Johnny
Hey anon 4:31 - Why don't YOU discuss???
"Lame and embarrassing", you call that a discussion? WHY do you think they're lame and embarrassing??? At least provide one concrete paragraph or sentence DESCRIBING WHY you feel that way, or it is you who is lame and embarrassing.
btw, I happen to think Neil's latest lyrics are "Awesome and great!" You know why? Because they're real and from the heart, and are incredibly meaningful, and speak to all of us in a language that isn't pretentious or overly complex.
SEE? That's called having a "reason" for feeling a certain way, and sharing it intelligently.
You are the perfect example of what I was talking about - the 2-sentence negativity drone who has nothing at all that is intelligent or worthwhile to add to the dialogue, except that you add personal attacks, like a little cherry, on the top of your drivel.
---
Doc - it was meant as a compliment. Really, I enjoy your posts as well, and I guess your negative comments have been directed more at the moderation than at Neil or his output.
Pardon my heart if I misspoke. I simply meant to hold you up as an example of someone who puts himself out there fearlessly.
Like me, always sticking my foot in my mouth, chewin' it up and swallowin' it. In fact, sometimes I enjoy the taste.
The one subject of criticism that I don't think has been propely addressed is the length of the show.We all have different ideas and opinions on the performances, song selection, new songs etc..... and most of this has been fully discussed and debated here... but I view the show length as a very separate issue. Even if you feel the new songs are awesome and you enjoy the song selection,Neils intensity,the sound, his voice etc..... I still feel there is a major issue with the length of the show. Most of the people who love the shows don't seem to want to fully address this issue.I don't understand how anyone can be satisfied with such a short show length and not feel they are being short-changed.And I don't understand how Neil, after touring on and off for 2 year doing 2.5 hour shows,can cut 45-60 minutes off the shows length and not feel he's screwign the fans.For me, there is something wrong here. People pay good $, wait with anticipation for a long time, often traveling far to the concert. Whether you loved the performances or hated them.... whether you loved the new songs or didnt get into them..... whether you thoroughly enjoyed solo acoustic AND electric or not,I think everyone should rightfuly expect a longer show. I realy am curious as to Neils thinking too. Does he not give a shit ? He obviously is aware of the time. Will the next tour be 60 minutes ? At what point is it unacceptable ?
For me, something is very wrong here.The shows are simply too short and most fans bought tickets expecting more that 85 minutes.
Hey Archives Guy!Are you still there?It's me Margret.;) Can you and are you able to tell us if Neil's going into the studio anytime soon?Be careful when and if you answer.There's many a jagoff here.:)
Rancho "Right to remain anonymous"Relaxo
Dear Rancho Anonymous Relaxo,
Neil will go home between the first and the second leg of this tour.
What's the difference between a studio and the Bass Concert Hall in Austin?
–Archives Guy (not)
Hey T,
Don't forget to post this "sad" news:
http://www.lincvolt.com/lincvolt_lincvoltgazette?201006
Thank you Johnny Magic!
You guys complaining about the show length...so, you're telling me that a 64year old guy playing his heart out for 1.5 hours BY HIMSELF every night isn't giving you your money's worth? Get real.
Charlie from Athens
No, it's not enough. Let him charge $ 30 and it's fine.
Anonymous 8:40pm.......I hope that is tongue in cheek..otherwise that is a blatent insult...$30?...Neil wouldn't get outa bed for $30..and nor would you!
doc
OHHHhhhh Mannnn..I'm just listening to the one show I was fortunate enough to have attended. Let me just say, Life is Good!....To those lucky ones up ahead, You are in for a real treat. Enjoy.
"btw, I happen to think Neil's latest lyrics are "Awesome and great!"
And comments like that show that your posts can't be taken any more seriously than the anonymous posts you dismiss out of hand. I've never seen you do anything but praise all that Neil does, and be the first to jump in and defend him when anyone else dares to suggest his new clothes don't fit too well (unless Thrasher beats you to the punch). Support from you for a new album, song or tour means nothing to me at all. If I see support from someone that occasionally is critical, I'll give it some credence. But not from Sycophant Central.
"If you know who's harshin our mellow here, please contact: thrasher@thrasherswheat.org"
Harshin our mellow?? What are you? One of the Furry Freak Brothers? Idiot.
I have a feeling that the 'fans' are making a big deal over nothing. Trying to make these concerts into something bigger, more historical than they are.
Comparing to Time Fades Away tour or Tonight's The Night tour, are you kidding me?
The context of those shows was totally unique. Right at his most popular after Harvest, when people really were going to hear his hit album.
Despite this tour being amazing, it's not very radical. I mean, come on, he plays new tunes on EVERY tour, and these happen to be better than most recent batches of new tunes.
As for solo electric, Springsteen did that 5 years ago, and Neil like 20 years ago.
I was at Nashville, and I'm sorry, but no one walked out. I didn't witness anything other people enjoying themselves.
And if you think he's not playing his greatest hits, then all I have to say is:
My My Hey Hey
Tell Me Why
Helpless
Down By The River
Ohio
After The Goldrush
Cinnamon Girl
Cortez The Killer
Old Man
Isn't that like everyone of his hits minus say Heart OF Gold. And he played this at other shows.
A handful of bad personal reviews, and you guys act like there's people yelling 'Judas'.
Anyway, just a though.
Syscrusher
humans are SUCH a f**kin' mystery...
asg
Tell me why Thrash?..just be kind enough to tell me why!?
Does it really concern you if I strike up a conversation with a fellow wheatie?
are you protecting me from the big bad trolls?
just give me some sort of hint before you delete me again!....sheesh!
frustrated doc
Some people are THERE, sharing every microsecond with Neil as he's communicating, and some see Neil as a figurehead from their youth who can help them relive some long-gone moment. Or to put it like Neil might, some make an attempt to "stay open" and some don't. I am happy that I was "there."
Hey Harshing Your Mellow,
(Well at least you're not anon)...
You quoted me out of context. Please include the rest of the paragraph next time you choose to quote me.
I'm no sycophant. I could tell you all about the songs Neil writes that I don't dig, but I'm not here to do that. I could talk about recent albums that for some inexplicable reason don't float my boat (Mirror Ball, Prairie Wind, CD2 (though maybe that one just needs a little more time...)) but I'm not here for that.
I come here to celebrate Neil Young, not put him down. So I talk about the recent albums I love, like FITR or Silver and Gold, or Sleeps with Angels, or Greendale. There's enough out there for me to love that I don't need to bother with the stuff I do not like.
My point is not that people who dislike something shoudn't say they dislike it, but that they should provide some constructive, concrete reason for it, and explain themselves, and stop hiding behind "Anonymous" and dropping Neil-hate-flames that are 2 sentences long and meaningless.
But then, why am I explaining myself to you? I don't have to explain myself to people to quote people out of context for the sole purpose of making them look stupid.
Not to mention that you failed completely to read "Awesome and great!" as a sarcastic response to "Lame and embarassing!"
But then again, I guess I can't expect everyone to see plainly evident sarcasm staring them right in the face, and/or understand why I'd employ it.
I just don't see the point in talking about all the things that I don't like about Prairie Wind, or waxing on about how much I can't get into CD2. And if I did, I'd at least provide a few paragraphs intelligently explaining my feelings.
Hey doc, that's what I was talkin' about.... heh heh
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