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Tuesday, August 03, 2010

Concert Review of the Moment: Neil Young in Minneapolis, MN, July 29, 2010


Encores: "Old Man" & "Walk with Me"
Neil Young - Milwaukee, WI July 30, 2010


The Neil Young Concert Review of the Moment is from Minneapolis, MN, July 29, 2010 by Old Black:
I get it now.

Neil exceeded my expectations last night. Maybe I had tampered them down somewhat, based a lot on what I had read here. But Neil delivered and seeing the show made me realize more than ever what he is doing - these are his temporal statements of who he is and what his art is at this particular moment. He is the past (his older catalog), he is a reinterpretation of his greatest pieces (but not a complete recreation like Dylan), and he is about his new stuff - his new songs, juxtaposed with his life's work and placed into context.

A lot of talk here about an unvarying set list (his set lists have been thus for several tours). The list is crafted as part of the whole canvas. One cannot take out one side of a picture frame and expect it to stand. I thought the set list was great. And as for the length of the show - just right. Did I want more - of course! Did I need more - no.

I am most excited about the new songs! They are, mostly, great! You Never Call is both heartfelt and witty. Love and War is terrific - reminded me a bit of Natural Beauty, especially how it was delivered. I was struck by the line "I sang out for justice but hit a wrong chord". Walk With Me is also a very strong song and I could really see it soaring if given a No Hidden Path type treatmen. I am REALLY looking forward to the new album. Neil, IMHO, has gotten his groove back w/r to song writing.

I want to note a few things about his rig set up (as I am a Neil techno-geek). He had four tweed amps in play last night - two wide panel Deluxes (5e3's), a narrow panel Deluxe, and either a low-powered or high-powered Tweed Twin. No whizzers, no red foot control box. One wide panel and the narrow panel appeared to be for the Falcon mostly - to handle the split coils signals from the stereo Filtron pickups. Both wide panels appeared to be in play for Old Black and I believe he was using the Twin for the higher strings on the pickup-equipped Guild. I think the Guild pickup must be special wound like the Filtron to split the high and low strings because he was getting such a big sound out of the bass strings. GREAT NEW TONE ON THE GUILD!

What I thought was really cool was the use of one of the amps (I'm guessing one of the wide panel Deluxes)as a "bass boost" on some notes from Black. For example, on Cortez, he would step on a foot switch (probably a momentary switch)as he hit a bass note and activate the amp, EQed to the bass side. This would give him this huge, rumbling bass note. Very cool idea and very simple - an A/B/Y approach to getting bass without a bass player and it was quite dramatic.

He also employed a swirling effect (he has a rack-mounted effects rack behind the amps on this tour) that sounded like the wind that he would use on some songs to great effect. Very cool atmospherics. Probably uses an envelope filter along with some other effects. He is really working on getting a full sound from a single-performer show. Love the fact that he doesn't feel the need to be dogmatic to his gear - just respectful.

Another thing to note - some of the new songs (Walk With Me, for example) are written for the White Falcon. The Falcon had great prominance last night in the show - probably the most use on new songs since Harvest. The guitar has great joo-joo.

Neil is treating the show as a set piece, very much like he did on the Chorme Dreams II tour. It is his workshop and gallery. Similar to the Chrome Dreams II tour, he does this little schtick between some songs where he appears to be contemplating which "tool" or "brush" to pickup next (when we know the set list is in stone). It is performance. If you don't get that, you are really missing the whole point.

I though he was connecting very well with the audience, who was terrific and very respectful. Thanks fellow Minnesotans for not shouting out songs. Some who talk about how he has little or no chit chat between songs are really out to lunch - that is not the only way you connect and acknowledge your audience.

Was he tired? I saw no evidence of it. I saw a tremendous amount of energy on display. Before Old Man, he dedicated the song to his "brother Ben Keith". He came out for the encore with his harp and I thought he might do Heart of Gold. But the mic(s) on the harp rig were used, in part, for vocals during the final song (Walk With Me). The last few lines on Walk With Me used a long vocal delay effect that was kind of cool.

I was struck by how fantastic his voice sounded. He may have lost a few notes in the highest register but his pitch control and vocal expression are very strong. Incredibly strong, in fact. Sublime comes to mind - especially on Tell Me Why and I Believe in You.

Hitchhiker - clearly a high point for many. Great song, great autobiography. Hope he includes it finally on the upcoming album but if he doesn't, that would be fine. His strongest peformance of the evening was probably Ohio - very well done.

The guitar playing on the Guild on some of the new songs is inspired. I think it may be some of his best acoustic work in many years, if not ever. I couldn't help but draw comparisons with Bert Jansch's style. But Neil's style is incredibly personal. So much different from 30 years ago.

I could say more, but I'll stop. Suffice it to say, I got my money's worth and then some. If you admire and enjoy Neil Young, you don't want to miss this tour - it's Neil Young in all his glory - vibrant, in the moment, and relevant.

Old Black

Thank Old Black! You do get in now.

And thanks Liz "brown eyes turning once to fire" for the video!

More on Neil Young in concert in Minneapolis, MN, July 29, 2010.

Also, see Neil Young's "Twisted Road" Concert Tour Reviews.


45 Comments:

At 8/04/2010 06:36:00 AM, Anonymous Luke said...

I think he uses an Moog analog Synth for the big Bass Notes!

 
At 8/04/2010 09:41:00 AM, Blogger Tweck9 said...

Great review! I love the detailed and excited run-down of Neil's equipment.

Just one tiny thing in this otherwise fantastically written, heartfelt analysis that I disagree with... the assertion that somehow he's "back" as a songwriter.

Neil never LOST his songwriting groove in the first place. He's still got it, and he hasn't been without it in quite some time.

 
At 8/04/2010 12:53:00 PM, Anonymous Robert Ford said...

Matthew,
Do you think the songs from Fork In The Road was great songwriting?
- Robert Ford

 
At 8/04/2010 03:14:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Robert,

Whether you think FITR songs were good or bad the point is Neil has always been prolific and some songs / albums have been better than others. I haven't clicked yet with most of FITR (although I haven't listed to it more than once) but Chrome Dreams II has some phenominal songs that will go down as classics. It seems to me therefore that the point was simply that suggesting he lost his song writing groove because of one controversial album (FITR) might be overstating things.

Dan

 
At 8/04/2010 08:33:00 PM, Anonymous ShittyHorse said...

Old Black, great review! I've always loved reading about Neil's set-up (even though I know little about the tech stuff, I usually get the gist of most of it) The man is so creative in this way- he knows what he wants and how to get it, even if it means his crew and tech guys go a little grayer. You have to respect that. I've yet to hear a player get the sounds that Neil does, especially from Old Black. Neil's playing on Pearl Jam's Merkin Ball NEVER fails to give me goosebumps- that one chord he hits on Long Road- MY GOD!
I totally agree about the set list- it is near perfection, as far as set lists go. Neil is ARTIST...and I love the reference about choosing his next brush...right on. People seemed to make a lot out of this, like he really trying to decide what’s next. It is definitely deliberate, and a great effect. With Neil it’s all about the subtleties, the nuances; that one note, that strange stage prop, the odd few words he might say between tunes, the lighting, etc. Here’s a guy who drags an ancient pump organ around the world to play one song! He hired a painter to paint while he plays! Neil is not only a great musician but he’s also great at setting a mood, creating a vibe, an atmosphere in which to enjoy what he is putting out. It’s all one song man. This may be his most creative and much discussed tour since Rust Never Sleeps.
The new songs are phenomenal- after seeing the show- hearing those songs I couldn't believe some people were knocking them- this is great material- his best in years. I don't knock a single album by Neil- everyone has a handful of songs that make the project totally worthwhile. Fork In The Road, Are you Passionate seemed have a few, quickly knocked off ones that I don't think are bad- Neil has a gift with a melody, his playing is always great- some I just have a hard time relating to- which is to be expected. Let’s think about this for a minute folks- a man that has been around for close to 50 years, who has never stopped writing songs and putting out albums- HUNDREDS of songs! There are bound to be a few that are not to your taste. Maybe in ten years they will be. Throw in the fact that Neil always changes, never repeats. And, like a true artist, he does this for himself. I think if Neil is happy with a song he puts it out- if not we won’t see it until Archives Volume 5. We might not always agree, and that's OK.
So given everything that I've mentioned here I think Neil is doing pretty damn good with writing songs we like, compared to the few we may not. It’s one hell of an average. Can’t wait for the album!

 
At 8/05/2010 06:25:00 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Matthew, Robert: IMHO FITR is best appreciated played on a car audio system, with volume turned up very loud. I listen to that album on car journeys on average 3-4 times per month. The only problem is there are so many other great NY albums to listen to in the same way, otherwise I'd play it even more. Cheers, Steve

 
At 8/05/2010 06:36:00 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

"I get it now.

..these are his temporal statements of who he is and what his art is at this particular moment. He is the past (his older catalog), he is a reinterpretation of his greatest pieces (but not a complete recreation like Dylan), and he is about his new stuff - his new songs, juxtaposed with his life's work and placed into context."


Or to put it in layman's terms:

He played some old songs, he played some new songs, he played some other old songs differently than how they were recorded. Gee, I'm guessing he's never done that before. I get it now.

 
At 8/05/2010 08:58:00 AM, Blogger thrasher said...

@8/05/2010 06:36:00 AM

No, you don't get it. so sorry.

 
At 8/05/2010 12:12:00 PM, Anonymous Mr Henry said...

Exceptional review from Old Black. Great mixture of technical, artistic and personal analysis, all well written and well said. When this tour is over, I believe it will be remembered as one of the major tours of Neil's career. There will be many wonderful remembrances from lots of great people, and thanks to TW for making it so easy to present and read all of these.

Regarding Fork In The Road, I agree that it's best listened to while on the road. That's how I really got into it and found the groove which is an essential component. I must admit that I kind of glossed these over the first time listening in concert, waiting for the other songs...not the best idea at any concert, but especially with Neil. But my son was with me then, and he loved the new songs! I've put these aside for a bit now and will get the CD back out when I get behind the wheel.

Now about "layman's terms" comment, you can always do a reductio absurdum to anyone's analysis. This is also a mistake, at least in my opinion...taken to the extreme, every day is Groundhog's Day and everything is the same as it was before, now and will be. Old Black heard Neil totally in the moment, not with some filter of "this song is new, this one is old, a bit different, etc etc etc....."

Last night I had broiled haddock for dinner. It was very nicely prepared with some great onion rings. Portion was a bit small but actually just about the right amount. Ordered the meal as takeout from a nice restaurant along the ocean, one where I've never stopped in before. Beautiful summer evening and it had cooled down just enough. The restaurant has a great bar that is circular and also a walkout deck where I could step outside, enjoy the weather and check on my dog, patiently waiting. On the wall of the bar, they have the classic picture of Larry Bird and Dr. J when they had their fight during a Celtics vs Sixers game at the old Garden (a game that I was attending and can still vividly recall that confrontation).

I've eaten lots of fish, especially haddock when it's either baked or broiled. I've been in a lot of restaurants, both eating in and getting takeout. I've been blessed with many beautiful summer days and I've taken my dogs in the car hundreds of times. I've seen the picture of Larry and Julius at least a hundred times or more.

But I've never done any of these things in quite the same way as they happened yesterday. I'll only eat that piece of fish once and all those other people will never be there again at the same time that I am. And last night was the first and only time that I ever will do this...today will be completely different.

Now do you get it??

 
At 8/05/2010 12:18:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

It's like Conan said on his last night....

"...Cynicism is not one of our best attributes."

Or something like that.

All I know now is that "Grandpa REALLY died" and now Sun Green is REALLY going to have to weld herself to the bronze eagle down at POWERCO.

Greendale is really good LOUD in a car system too. In fact, I blew away the hip-hoppers next to me at a stop light last night, windows down and CRANKED!

I kept hearing Grandpa telling me to turn it up.

 
At 8/05/2010 12:20:00 PM, Blogger thrasher said...

Thank Mr. Henry!

We get it!

 
At 8/05/2010 05:14:00 PM, Blogger Tweck9 said...

Robert,

Yes, very much. Barring a couple of slapdash blues jams, which Neil is entitled to, I love the songwriting on FITR.

I also think the concept is great, too. It's perfectly unabashed Neil.

Matt

 
At 8/05/2010 08:01:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I wish Ben Keith was like Lazarus...

 
At 8/05/2010 11:33:00 PM, Blogger TomCrac said...

Cheers Mr. Henry!

 
At 8/06/2010 07:52:00 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Really, really digging the new BluRay Live Release by the Archives Team!

that is some vintage, vintage Buffal Springfield! What a treat!

Thanks Neil, thanks Archives Guy!!!

Woooooo!

 
At 8/06/2010 11:48:00 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well this is not on-topic but I am so excited and needed to share this with all of you.

I was checking my FB today and had a friend request from Scott Sandie from Broken Arrow Magazine. They want to publish a photo I took of Neil getting on his bus in Nashville when he played the Ryman. He had his dog Carl with him. It was a really great photo. I e-mailed it to Thrash and I am assuming that is where he saw it.

Said he would give me full credit and a complimentary issue of Broken Arrow. Said they don't usually publish fan photo's but really liked that one.

I am walking on the clouds!! Maybe I will see Ben up here. Love to you all.

Sandy Horne

 
At 8/06/2010 12:46:00 PM, Blogger thrasher said...

@sandy
Yes. Passed onto scott. Enjoy BA.

 
At 8/06/2010 01:36:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks Thrash! I am one very happy Neil Young fan today.

Sandy Horne

 
At 8/06/2010 02:48:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

DOUBLE RAAIINNBOOW!!WOW!That had to have been the BEST Walk With Me of the tour.All you complainers out there suck.I wasn't fortunate enough to attend any of the shows.Had I been I promise you no complaints from me.You people out there who are fortunate or unfortunate to have enough money to go see a genious at work performing a whole album's worth of new material that hasn't even been released yet.And yet still complain and criticize can go blow.I can't wait for the new album.

Rancho Relaxo

 
At 8/06/2010 04:31:00 PM, Blogger Tweck9 said...

Right on, Rancho! I haven't been lucky enough to see any of these shows either, and man, I wish I could trade places with some of the grumps who're all up-in-arms about paying good money and then having to tolerate watching genius in the process of unfolding.

That's like people being like, "Man, I paid good money to go on this space ship to the Horse Head nebula, and all I got to see was a bunch of stars being born out of the dusty remnants of the big bang!? What a rip!"

 
At 8/06/2010 05:15:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I love this rainbow connection!
It brings back great memories for me

Kermit

 
At 8/07/2010 03:45:00 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

It's hilarious the way this tour is being talked up here. Being compared to TFA & TTN! Yeah, right! Y'all trying sooo hard to convince yourselves that Neil still writes relevant songs, that his lyrics are still right up there with his best work yada yada yada. I'm not falling for it - these new songs are lame, and to try and portray them as something better than what they are is a joke.

 
At 8/07/2010 04:29:00 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anon..different mindset .different phase of his life...I don't think anyone is really "talkin' this tour upor really comparing.Lets just put things in perspective
What? 1966?-2010 and beyond?
Some 1000 or so songs played personally or written? yeah sure his not gunna always write ya classic ultimate lyrical song...but his still out there performing..with a voice and a conviction that is second to none. I'm lovin' Neil at this stage of his career..show me another artist with this musical longevity still puttin out?
Have a reality check!
Savour and enjoy the fact he's still gettin out there live.... especially with all the circumstances of loss and pain that surrounds him at present...sure, some of the songs might sound a bit meloncholy but as a total package you'd have to be satisfied as a Neil fan with what his deliverin!...surely!

just my opinion

 
At 8/07/2010 06:12:00 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

"This may be his most creative and much discussed tour since Rust Never Sleeps.
The new songs are phenomenal- after seeing the show- hearing those songs I couldn't believe some people were knocking them- this is great material- his best in years"


This is the kind of over the top rubbish I'm talking about.

 
At 8/07/2010 09:27:00 AM, Blogger Tweck9 said...

This anonymous guy has a vendetta against Neil, or perhaps too much time on his hands and a lame, uncreative life... or something.

This is the kind of loser I'M talkin' about. The one who comes around and trashes Neil under some anonymous cover.

Because he/she is insecure about his or herself. Hey man, stop knockin' Neil and write your own songs, buddy. Come on, let's hear 'em. I can't wait.

 
At 8/07/2010 09:33:00 AM, Blogger Tweck9 said...

"This may be his most creative and much discussed tour since Rust Never Sleeps."

I could maybe disagree with this, only in that we've had the Trans, Freedom, Greendale and Freedom of Speech tours since RNS, and I'm not sure this one is as much discussed, or quite as creative (though that's such a slippery, personal word, I can't really argue with it in a universal or objective sense)...

But it's not rubbish, man - it's just someone's feelings.

 
At 8/07/2010 10:25:00 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Who cares if it's an Anonymous person or someone with a lame Screen Name ripping Neil?

Big F'in deal.

To each his own regarding this tour....but it will not be looked upon as one of the all-time great Neil tours when all is said and done. When history finally speaks, it will utter the words - TTN, Ragged Glory, Rust, 76 Crazy Horse, 69 CSNY, 70-72 Solo, Greendale, and maybe a few others.....but it certainly won't be Twisted Road.

...then again, maybe it will.

BTW, Neiler - do you have plans to release any add'l BluRay Live? Me thinks your Archives Format will be extinct in a couple years, if it isn't already.

Is anyone else embracing the technology? If not, then it's DEAD!

 
At 8/07/2010 12:33:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I like oil based vinyl technology, both the old and new pressings.

Maybe it's the recession going on here but jealousy of wealth is so ugly.

"...There's a warnin' sign on the road ahead. There's a lot of people sayin' we'd be better off dead."

A metaphor for the ages or reality?

I always thought Neils' stuff was a little prophetic.

It does make living in the present a little shakey sometimes though.

 
At 8/07/2010 06:52:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Geez... Why do these discussions seem to often spiral into personal attacks? Is that really necessary or at all productive??? Come on guys. You're better than that. Peace.

Sandy Horne

 
At 8/07/2010 07:26:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey just saw on Neilyoung.com that there are several more dates added to the gulf dates in Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida!!

Sandy Horne

 
At 8/08/2010 08:18:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I find it hilarious how people are commenting, comparing and rating this tour- and they haven't even been to see a show! If you did then you would understand that this is an important tour. If only for the simple fact that Neil, at age 64 is as vibrant, passionate, and relevant as ever. These songs are top notch. And this, after a slew of people dissing Neil saying; washed up, poor song writing, etc, etc.
Put your money where you mouth is and buy a ticket, see the show, then comment.
Do you rate movies you've never seen too?

 
At 8/08/2010 09:33:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

"Put my money where my mouth is...and buy a ticket...."


Ummm, if tickets weren't so expensive i'd consider buying one. But i can't afford it.

 
At 8/09/2010 07:38:00 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

OK, if that is what you feel, than explain why.
Personally I'd say you are no longer a Neil fan.
Say a band comes out with a debut album...which you loved, their second one was 'okay'. their third and fourth, you hated. Wouldn't it be apt to say you are no longer a fan? That you no longer like them?

Whats the difference? Neil is more what he does now... not what he did in the 70s. So why do you insist on coming on here, and writing how much he sucks? Sounds like a terrible waste in time to me.
But I'm still interested in hearing why you feel Neil sucks now. Why is his song writing so bad? You don't even like the hitchhiker? Love an war? peaceful valley? Lets get into some specifics, otherwise I, and others may feel that you haven't heard anything and you are just being a negative creep for the hell of it.

Also, YES there is a difference between being there and hearing lousy sounding bootlegs... if you don't know that, I'm not going to bother explaining.

 
At 8/09/2010 12:49:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

In defense of the tapers, most of the recordings from this tour are top-notch. But yes, there is a difference.

 
At 8/09/2010 01:52:00 PM, Anonymous Mr Henry said...

Some of the complainers are getting a bit too negative and out-of-focus. Saying things like "lame screen names" really accomplishes nothing...I'm sure there's much thought and history going on whenever someone chooses to go beyond Anonymous and provide a common thread in their comments. I chose mine in memory of my dad...and that's all the explanation that I'll offer. As Neil sings (in the words of Grandpa) "Those people don't give no respect, so they won't get any of mine".

I've used the Picasso comparison before with Neil, but I do think that it's a valid one. Miles Davis too. Lifetime of work, different eras and styles, much of it not appreciated (and even disliked and hated) when it was the current body of work, fans who think the old stuff was the best, love the new stuff, hate the new stuff, like it all or just have a favorite period of their work. And they all keep doing it no matter what...choosing to change and create rather than retire or recycle old material ...unless it's in a new and different way ("I won't retire but I might retread"). Seems like just yesterday we were hearing much of the same things being said about Greendale...in fact, we still are.

I was at Scituate Heritage Days this past weekend, where they always have some great free music thanks to Scituate Music Company, who line up the bands and provide all of the arrangements; they also sell instruments, vinyl and just about anything else that you could hope for. Badfinger was supposed to headline and finish out on Saturday, but they had to cancel...too bad, since it would have been really cool to see them, especially if they did Baby Blue(which I'm sure they would have).

Tom Rush was scheduled before Badfinger, so they kind of extended the earlier shows and got a good local group to close out the day after him. Tom's voice is still amazing and you could close your eyes and turn back the clock thirty years or more. He did some very nice songs to open with, most of which I've heard many times before but not in quite a long time.

And then he did Urge for Going. I've heard Tom do this song many times, and I've even heard Joni do it once. Not sure if I had listened to it but never really heard it before, or whether it's the other way around...but whichever one it was, this is one really deep and meaningful song. While I was listening, I started thinking of Little Wing (Neil's song, not Hendrix) and how similar these two songs are, at least in terms of the basic structures and the way they direct your emotions. Modal with what seems like an eight meter pattern that just quietly grabs you and won't let go (and you don't ever want it to).

Sometimes there can be a song like this at Heritage Days, one that just stands out and makes you glad to be in this place at exactly this point in time. A couple years ago, Felix Cavaliere closed his set and the festival with How Can I Be Sure, and time stood still for a few minutes. Yesterday Mark Farner was the closer and ended his performance with a powerful one/two punch, doing Heartbreaker before finishing with Closer to Home, which he dedicated to all the troops away from home and to all the Vietnam vets. James Montgomery was on before that and did his usual incredible set, with an especially great band of seasoned veterans. Both Mark and James hung around afterwards for as long as people wanted to talk, get autographs and take pictures. I chatted for awhile with James, talking about the good old days and some mutual friends (including his first manager and family). Both Mark and James are true rock and roll survivors and I wish them all the best...Long May You Run!!!

Finally congratulations to Sandy...that is extremely cool and I can't wait to see your picture of Neil when it appears in Broken Arrow!! I always enjoy your comments and your general outlook on things, and hope that we'll get to meet sometime at one of Neil's concerts.

 
At 8/09/2010 04:30:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks Mr. Henry

I really appreciate that. Sometimes I feel like my comments are sorta lame compared to others. So many on this site have such an incredible gift for articulating their experiences. For example, Shitty Horse's tribute to Ben Keith about brought me to my knees. The feelings are there. Just not the gift to express them. I am so thankful to have this site to come to. I thrive off it. And yes, it would be wonderful to meet in person. I was invited to a get-together in Nashville and went to the wrong place! Oh well, another day.

Your comment also picked me up beccause I get a little down when I see so much negativity. It's ok to disagree and have different opinions, no problem. Hell, I'm used to the fact that nobody in my world gets it the way I do. It just gets kind of vicious sometimes and I don't understand why.

Sandy Horne

 
At 8/09/2010 06:06:00 PM, Blogger thrasher said...

@Sandy - Thanks for the thoughts & comments.

everyone is welcome here @ TW regardless of their "Neil level".

We don't like to see bickering for the sake of bickering. But all reasoned debate is encouraged.

Live & let live & let it be...

 
At 8/09/2010 06:40:00 PM, Anonymous Mr Henry said...

Sandy, it's just fine the way that you express yourself...don't change a thing! I'm also in awe of some of the comments that others make (especially the one that you mention) and can feel that mine sometimes fall short of what I'm aiming for. But then I also figure it's better to just put stuff out there and see what happens. If anything, maybe I'll try to go with a little more inspiration and a bit less perspiration (i.e. go for more depth and less breadth).

And thanks as always to Thrasher...especially this time for some timely edit work after I accidentally sent the same comment multiple times!

 
At 8/10/2010 07:48:00 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

"EVERYONE is welcome here @ TW, regardless of their "Neil Level""

hmmmm...interesting statement.

 
At 8/10/2010 06:45:00 PM, Anonymous ShittyHorse said...

Anon, don't forget the last part of Thrasher's statement-

"We don't like to see bickering for the sake of bickering. But all reasoned debate is encouraged" (well said Thrasher)
Put it in the correct context buddy. Too often with the complaints there is nothing to cling to, to disagree with. What’s the point of typing "Neil's new songs suck", for all to read? Great. Are some so egotistical that they think people want to read their opinion without a reason or explanation and giving so little to argue or disagree with? Totally Pointless. Comparable to walking around saying, "I'm better than you are nana-nana-na-na!" Hmmm...
Personally I’m beginning to believe that this phenomenon may be more contributed to lack of brains rather than an excess of ego.

To Sandy and Mr. Henry, I'm pleased that you enjoyed my eulogy to Ben Keith (as much as you can 'enjoy' things like this); I felt I had to write something worthy of this great musician and respectful of the loss we, as fans felt. I knew I wanted to kick it up a notch and put the work in, but the work and the words came easier than I thought they would. It just came out and when I re-read it, I made few changes. It just flowed easily. I'm glad you were able to feel the emotions I was trying to convey. I write as much as possible in my free time. Sometimes things click and other times they clunk- as I'm sure most Thrashers Wheat readers can attest to. Such is the nature of creativity. But I want to say that everyone (besides the folks I mentioned above) brings something great to the table. For people who are fans and perhaps not necessary writers, I'm always struck by the honesty and poignancy in so many comments here. In trying to describe something that cannot be seen, something that is unattainable, which art, music, and emotions are, we all struggle. Writers have struggled for years to convey feelings experienced- especially from art. Those who do it well, you just know when you read it. Others who think they do it well, you know these as well, usually don’t.
Everyone here is different; from different experiences, backgrounds, and have different personalities, but we all feel so strongly about one dude's art that we are compelled to come on here and write about it- to convey that elusive and unattainable spirit that Neil is and by extension, puts into his art. That magic that Neil has to make us FEEL, time and time again. No other artist has that over us and so strong it is that we need to reach out to others to express that experience, that feeling- except many times, in our immediate lives, there are few who "get" this thing that we do. So, like reaching out into the vast darkness, we grab a hold of others here on this site. Others that get it. It’s like a couple giddy teenagers, grabbing a hold of each-other’s shoulders, with both hands, and a joyous expression on our faces as we look eye to eye, yelling out "We get IT!!” because we have found others, (out of the billions who don’t), who know exactly what we feel. We may put it in different words and have different opinions, but we all are MOVED by Neil’s music. We love the sorrow and innocence in his voice. We know that driving, imperfect guitar playing truly is perfect. We know what was happening when he wrote “down by the river” and what he felt when he wrote ‘Change your mind’. We love the soaring yet crunchy ride when Crazy Horse gets into a full gallop. We can almost feel the fragrant breeze coming off green hills and pastures, on our faces when we listen to Harvest. We all think of a loved one- past or present, when we hear Harvest Moon and felt the effects of Honeyslides when we listen to On the Beach. Being a Neil Young fan is like being a fan of no other- and we know it. As we follow his twisted road to where ever it leads, it’s good to connect with fellow travelers. It’s a great feeling, and one I get most often here, on good ole Thrashers Wheat. Thanks Thrasher

 
At 8/10/2010 07:58:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank you..... I'm speechless
Sandy Horne

 
At 8/10/2010 08:32:00 PM, Blogger thrasher said...

Thanks SH for usual eloquence.

You do get it.

 
At 8/11/2010 06:18:00 PM, Anonymous Mr Henry said...

"The devil ran when he
saw the truth in neon
All hail the truth because
the truth is turned on.
The devil ran but he
had no ground to run on
Music was one and
the truth is turned on"
--Tjinder Singh/Cornershop

Thanks again, SH...you're the man!

 
At 8/11/2010 09:50:00 PM, Anonymous BigChief said...

How about that, Sandy! I knew when I first saw your photo that it was a classic! I have it proudly displayed in my profile page on Facebook. Everybody whos seen it has said it is so cool. I thank you for showing it to me and now the rest of the world can have the same pleasure!

 
At 8/11/2010 10:42:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Yes, Big Chief (John), I have to give you credit. You are the one who suggested I e-mail it to Thrasher. Thanks!

Sandy Horne

 

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John Lennon and Neil Young


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Bob and Neil

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"Children of Destiny" - THE Part of THE Solution

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Yes, There's Definitely A Hole in The Sky


Even Though The Music Died 50+ Years Ago
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Words

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Namaste