Concert Review of the Moment: Neil Young - Reno, Nevada, July 17, 2010

"My My, Hey Hey (Out of the Blue)" by Neil Young, Mondavi Center, Davis, CA, July 15, 2010

The Concert Review of the Moment is from Reno, Nevada, July 17, 2010 by staycalm:

We saw Neil last Sunday in Oakland at the beautiful Fox Theatre. His work was flawless, of course. However, there was something unusual about the atmosphere there and though that show was amazing, it lacked the energy of the Reno show. Neil just seemed happier and way more into it last night. He got a standing ovation as soon as he walked on stage and the love just kept coming. It just seemed like a very reverent and friendly audience and he seemed connected. The rifts were longer and so passionately played.

We absolutely love the new songs, by the way. Classic Neil and somehow he manages to create really new sounds. Is it a classical/flamenco style guitar sound with some Native American influence? Anyway, I can't wait for the release so I can hear it for a third (and 4th and 5th....etc.) time.

Also, WHAT A SHOWMAN!!! Neil's timing was impeccable. The way he rocked Walk with Me, then walked away with the sound of his voice reverberating magically in the hall and beckoning us to walk away with him, too. WOW!!! Furthermore, the guitar work on Cortez gives me chills to think about. And Cinnamon Girl, never one of my favorite songs, well, it blew me away.

The whole theme seemed to be about Love and War and making the world a better place before you leave it. He had a gentleness and passion in his voice which I haven't heard before. It felt like an amazing artist's attempt to lure us to please listen to the words behind the songs and DO SOMETHING to stop the destruction before it's too late. Very folksy and meaningful, but totally rockin in the free world, for sure.

This was one of the best shows I have ever seen.

Thank you, Neil, for working, working, working. We feel really blessed that you do.

Thank you staycalm! Great review.

More Neil Young concert reviews of Reno, Nevada, July 17, 2010. Also, see all of Neil Young's "Twisted Road" Concert Tour Reviews.