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Saturday, February 19, 2011

Wisconsin Still Rockin' in the Free World Today

Twitter / @Mother Jones: #wiunion counter-protester ...


Well, well now. Isn't this amusing?

It would seem that those union bustin', astroturfin' elite counter-protesters today up in Madison, Wisconsin are playing Neil Young's "Keep on Rockin' in the Free World".

And if you fail to grasp this bizarrely ironic paradox of a musical political juxtaposition, then here you go.

Lebowski put it best | Flickr - Photo Sharing!


"I'm proud to be a Union Man."


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It's Only A Dream: Buffalo Springfield 2011 Tour


Buffalo Springfield
2010 Bridge School Benefit Concert
Photo gallery by Nan Philpot | Facebook


When word spread last year that Buffalo Springfield would reunite at the 2010 Bridge School Benefit Concerts, reaction amongst fans was ... well... somewhat delirious.



Now -- with the news of Buffalo Springfield headlining the 2011 Bonnaroo Festival -- folks are carrying signs and saying hooray for our side.

Per a comment from the oh-so delightful Mr Henry:
Seems like the stars are moving into alignment...check out this possible scenario.

Bonnaroo is June 9-12 and I'd assume Buffalo Springfield plays over the weekend. Two weekends later, Wilco has the second Solid Sound Festival in North Adams, MA.

The tour starts off at Bonnaroo to universal raves and acclaim. The band begins the East Coast portion with a few shows down South, then starts to work their way north. Some big venues, some smaller...maybe even a stealth club show or two on the way. That gets them to New England around June 22 or so, where they do a couple shows and then visit Solid Sound.

Wilco has already said they'll be headlining two shows there, so that would be the Saturday and Sunday shows on the large stage. Mavis Staples comes back for a triumphant return ('...I tell you Tweedy, you and I have really done something now, haven't we' are her first words when she hits the stage)and she later joins the Springfield for the greatest version of For What It's Worth in the history of the world...and then encores with The Weight.

With tears streaming down his face, Stephen Stills hugs Mavis and Neil while Jeff Tweedy and the band look on in awe. Rolling Stone names this the best music moment of 2011. Buffalo Springfield go on to play Madison Square Garden (three shows) to close out the East Cost portion and each night has amazing guests show up, including Patti Smith, Sonic Youth, Elton John and Yoko Ono.

Part two of the tour goes back West and starts with a surprise show at Humphreys by the Bay in San Diego. Actually there are two shows, with a special matinee for sailors and family stationed at the Naval Station across the harbor. Heading north, there's another stealth show at the Malibu Inn ('sure are lots of memories in this old place' says a smiling Neil as they take the stage), and there's a free show on the Santa Monica Pier which ties up traffic on the PCH twenty miles in both directions.

Next up is San Fran where Neil heads right to North Beach and the newly reopened Mabuhay Gardens for the first time in many years for yet another stealth show. Devo shows up for the encore which is a Mr Soul/Whip It medley that goes on for twenty minutes. By this point, Rolling Stone is calling this 'possibly the most memorable and unique tour of the 21st century'. They play The Warfield and a free show in Golden Gate Park. Then up to Portland where Sleater Kinney plays their first show in five years as the opening act.

After a break to enjoy some rest, the tour continues into the fall. Criss crossing the USA, they hit Farm Aid and then finish the tour where they started at Bridge School shows in late October. They take a break through the holidays, then go to Europe with the rested and ready Crazy Horse for a triumphant double bill tour, then come back home for Springfield and The Horse 2012 in America Tour.

Mr Henry

We can imagine, can't we?!

Thanks -- as always -- Mr Henry!


The Buffalo Springfield, v. 2010
Joe Vitale, Stephen Stills, Richie Furay, Neil Young and Rick Rosas

Photo by Eleanor Stills (via Rick Rosas | Facebook)


Also, see The Triumphant Reunion of The Buffalo Springfield, Pearl Jam and Neil Young @ 2010 Bridge School Benefit Concerts.

Fans React to News of Buffalo Springfield Headlining Bonnaroo 2011


More onBuffalo Springfield @ 2011 Bonnaroo! Hooray For Our Side!.


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Friday, February 18, 2011

"Rockin' in the Free World" with Pearl Jam & Neil Young



In keeping with the revolutionary spirit of our times, here's a classic from the 1993 MTV Awards of Neil Young and Pearl Jam "Rockin' in the Free World".

More on the subject of freedom.


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Wisconsin Keep on Rockin' in the Free World

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30,000 Protesters in Madison, Wisconsin Capitol - Feb 17, 2011


As protests continue to breakout around the world, we again see tweets going out referencing Neil Young's "Rockin' in the Free World" as the soundtrack of revolution.

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Twitter / @Marti : R @manyko2 For @sdpdx Rock ...


Once again, people are in the streets of the U.S.A. and rockin' in the free world similar to the recent Egyptian revolution referencing the immortal lyrics of Neil Young.

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Revolution in Tahrir Square
Cairo, Egypt - February 1, 2011


Just weeks ago, on New Years Day, we posted on Freedom in a New Year and traced the song "Rockin' In The Free World" as a soundtrack for revolution. Little did we realize how prescient the post would become.

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Freedom (1989) by Neil Young -
"The rock and roll coda of the Cold War"


Neil Young's album Freedom -- which was released in 1989 just as the Berlin Wall fell -- has been called "the rock and roll coda of the Cold War".

The album contains the song "Rockin' In The Free World" and is one of Young's most popular, important and prophetic songs of his vast catalog.

The song has become an iconic anthem and it's status continues to rise as more and more artists cover the song. Young's lyrics are considered to be an indictment of the politics of the 1980's. In today's post-9/11 world, the lyrics seem prophetic and even more meaningful than when originally written on the eve of the '90's as the Berlin Wall fell.

Twenty years on, the song "Rockin' In The Free World" has become a set closer for bands,as well as, a coda for an era.

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"There's colors on the street
Red, white and blue"


Pearl Jam covers "Rockin' in the Free World"
Final Philadelphia Spectrum Concert - 10/31/2009


In 2009, Pearl Jam concluded their tour at the Philadelphia Spectrum with "Rockin' in the Free World" amidst an avalanche of balloons and confetti to commemorate the final concert at the historic venue before it's demolition.


"We got a thousand points of light
For the homeless man"

Freedom: Berlin Wall, Germany - 1989


There are those who have argued that "Rockin' in the Free World" espouses anti-freedom ideals, to which we have taken serious issue with in the past.


"We got a kinder, gentler,
Machine gun hand"

Freedom: Tiananmen Square, China - 1989


Yet the song is often misunderstood and attacked on false interpretations and misplaced understandings. Witness some of the near violent comments that have been left on this blog over the years in reaction to some of our previous postings on the song's lyrical analysis (see comments here and here.)

kent state
"But there's a warnin' sign on the road ahead
There's a lot of people sayin' we'd be better off dead
Don't feel like Satan, but I am to them
So I try to forget it, any way I can."

Freedom: Kent State University, Ohio - 1970


(Wisconsin - note well what happens when a state governor calls out the National Guard for a "civil disturbance"...)

As always, we live in dangerous times where those who stand for freedom are often accused of treason and worse. Such times are now and the struggle for freedom -- even among those who feel they are actually free -- is more paramount than ever. The right to live and speak freely is an inalienably human right that can never be assumed nor taken for granted.


Freedom: Sunset Strip, Los Angeles, CA - November 1966


So, for what it's worth...

From a Comment of the Moment on our New Year's Day post on Freedom in a New Year by Greg "A Friend Of Yours":
Like so many of Neil’s songs, RITFW can mean a lot of things to a lot of people.

For me a few things stand out, but as an overall picture James Lane’s comment comes very close to summarizing the song: "The tune warns us of the complacency of our own lives and the lack of empathy we express for people who are not blessed with the benefits and cushy lifestyle the majority of Americans enjoy. The song is a musical signpost telling us not to lose sight of the problems our society and its less fortunate members face. It is a song of insight attempting to awaken us to the reality of a culture seen on a wider screen…”




As Gil Scott Heron once said in 1970, "The revolution will not be televised". Today he might say it will be blogged, streamed, tweeted, shared and liked.

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Revolution in Tahrir Square
Cairo, Egypt - February 12, 2011


The whole world is morphing. The whole world is morphing. The whole world is morphing.

"The Earth is talking to me
I hear a rumblin' in her ground
Don't you feel that new wind blowing?
Don't you recognize that sound?"

~~Neil Young


be the rain
namaste


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Thursday, February 17, 2011

Bridge Kids Interview Eddie Vedder and Grizzly Bear's Chris Taylor



The kids are so cool. And so strong.

As Eddie Vedder said at the Bridge concerts last year, the kids are the teachers and we are the students. Think about it.

From the Bridge School News Network, BSN co-anchors Joey and Cannon introduce the first in the series of interviews backstage at the 2010 Bridge School Benefit Concert. Watch BSN reporters Drew and Jake interview Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder and Grizzly Bear's Chris Taylor

More on Bridge 2010 Memories.


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Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Review of the Moment: Tribute to Neil Young at Carnegie Hall (w/ YouTubes)


Patti Smith, with her daughter Jesse on piano, delivers a spellbinding rendition of Young's 2005 "It's A Dream."


The concert review of the moment is from Tribute to Neil Young at Carnegie Hall, New York City, 2/10/11 by the always engaging Mr. Henry:

All One Song

I'll give you more Love
And more Joy
Than age or time
Could ever destroy

--Smokey Robinson

A few years back, I had the pleasure and privilege of hearing the Dali Lama speak in Boston. He was in town for a few days and seemed to be everywhere, meeting with researchers at Harvard, speaking with the faithful and exiled Tibetans, and culminating his visit with a talk on compassion at the new Garden. When we walked in, there must have been 10,000 people there...the balcony was kept empty to maintain some level of directness and intimacy, but every other seat was taken.

His talk was a combination of humor, insight, compassion and a full understanding of the human condition. Everyone was completely still and focused during the talk, and it was the most respectful and attentive audience that I'd ever been a part of. Thursday night at the Neil Young tribute, Patti Smith's performance of Only A Dream came in a close second.

Smiling and calm, totally in the moment she took the stage on the November 10th anniversary of both her first album Horses (1975) and the death of Arthur Rimbaud (1891). Telling the crowd that 'I closed my eyes backstage and I could feel Neil's presence', it looked like there was no place else she'd rather be right then. With her daughter Jesse playing beautiful piano to accompany her mom, she took Neil's song and paid full tribute to him, and at the same time made it her own personal statement. Through all the sadness and the madness, Patti continues to be a steadfast beacon of hope.

Some moments were simply sublime, like when her voice rose and slightly broke with emotion when she began the last chorus of 'It's a dream, it's only a dream....'. Also when she got a bit lost in the song and forgot some lyrics during the 'sun's climbing the roof' verse, then just waited and smiled while Jesse came back around to the first bar, at which point she started the verse again and nailed it perfectly, just like Neil would have done, saying that hey, this too is part of the performance. And the utter pleasure she was taking in the lyrics was mesmerizing, especially when she got to the line 'and stopped with a policeman to chat' and had a look that said 'Isn't that about the most charming thing that you've ever heard?'.

So yeah, I had an incredible time and it sure seemed like everyone else was feeling the same. Carnegie Hall is still such a wonder after all these years, the performances were all heartfelt and ranged from very good to just-glad-that-I'm-here wonderful. First we had a very nice version of Out on the Weekend by Joe Purdy to start things off. When he finished, I turned to the man on my right and said 'Wonder how they chose who'd go first?' since it can be both a blessing and a curse to open a show like this.

Next up was Joan Osborne doing Old Man which she dedicated 'to my father'. I loved her version, which didn't stray too far from the original yet still became her own statement. When Joan got to the line 'rolling home to you', you could feel her emotions as her voice broke slightly. Thanks so much Joan for this performance and also for the songs you did at the afterparty. Wherever you dad is, I'm sure he could feel your love and that you made him very proud then and always.

Bettye LaVette came on next and did her one-of-a-kind version of Heart of Gold. I've read a number of comments to the effect that 'there was too much emphasis on the 70's singer/songwriter period' but that's the nature of tributes, Bettye had much past history with this song and her performance was great. If you could combine Mavis Staples with Sarah Vaughn, you'd come up with something close to her unique artistry. When she held a long note on '...and I'm growing old' it gave me shivers. And then came J. Mascis.

Now I know that J., Dinosaur Jr. or any of his bands aren't exactly everyone's cup of tea, and I'm guessing that a lot of people there were saying 'who's that?' but as soon as he and his band walked out, dressed in jeans and T shirts like it was just another jam night at The Iron Horse or some other local spot in the Northampton area, I knew this would be something special. Saying 'fasten your seat belt' to the woman on my left, I figured he'd do Cortez and I was right. He played it in his 'classic rock' mode and there were no major freakouts or anything like that, just a lot of great guitar playing in one of the greatest guitar songs ever written. I've seen J. perform three times during the past six months and each time in a different setting (drumming with Lard Zeppelin, sitting in with Black Mountain for the best song of their show, and then at Carnegie Hall to pay tribute to Neil); each time was memorable and immensely enjoyable. Thanks to J. and his great band for a very special moment.

Next up was Ben Ottewell doing a warm and earthy version of Unknown Legend and calming everyone down a bit after Cortez. Very nice job on this one and then The Wood Brothers came on to do Sugar Mountain. Didn't realize until later that Chris Wood is the guy from Medeski Martin & Wood until later and I sure wouldn't have guessed this from their set. They're like a combination of The Avett Brothers and The Louvin Brothers, a comparison that I'm sure they would like to hear...great job guys!

The next introduction was for 'Shawn Colvin and The House Band', after which Shawn and Larry Campbell came out and did a transcendent version of Birds, with Shawn on acoustic guitar and Larry playing a beautiful mandolin. I had not seen Shawn in a number of years and she always gives 100% to every song, whether it's hers or someone else's.

From that point, the hits and great performances just kept coming. Devotchka doing Only Love Can Break Your Heart with guitar, accordion and some really great harmonies. Very enjoyable and a unique take on a song I've heard done by Neil and many others. Mason Jennings performing Red Sun after saying first how thankful he was that the New York temperature is 30 degrees higher than back home in Colorado. Acoustic guitar with a beautiful electric guitar performance in support, especially during the bridge instrumental where it absolutely shimmered.

Nada Surf was in the spirit of the night, with not one but two black Gibson guitars doing Barstool Blues. First time I've seen this band, after meaning to for quite a long time and I hope to see them again soon. Lead singer reminds me quite a bit of Alex Chilton and that's always a good thing.

Bebel Gilberto (daughter of Bossa Nova legend Joao) and her band performed next and they did a superb Harvest Moon. The couple to my left were holding hands and totally immersed in the song, as I'm sure many others were. So glad that I could hear them for the first time and hope to hear Bebel, her band and their highly original music again very soon.

Cowboy Junkies came on next and did an intense version of Don't Let It Bring You Down. Their version made me think of the groundbreaking take they had on Sweet Jane, as it built in a slow and inevitable way. Like a smoldering fire coming to life, sparks were truly flying.

Keller Williams did a unique take on Comes A Time, with a mixture of folk/jazz acoustic guitar and innovative vocals. Reminded me a lot of the late, great Kenny Rankin. Glen Hansard followed with Tell Me Why and this also was a unique, individual version for one of Neil's most iconic numbers.

Julianna Hatfield and Evan Dando were introduced next and came out for Cinnamon Girl. Their vocals and harmonies together are always wonderful and they were both on electric guitars, doubling the total guitars playing. Jules and Evan have played together and separately for a long time, and it was starting to feel kind of like a great show from back in the late 80's at TT's or The Middle East. Great job and the perfect song choice for these two favorites.

Just when it seemed that things couldn't get any better, Aaron Neville is introduced and comes out for Helpless. Beautiful gospel inspired version and Aaron looks like he hasn't aged in twenty years.

Then Jacob Dylan doing Southern Man, with a full guitar army and four part harmonies for the chorus. Not only does Jake look like his dad, but his voice is getting there too as he gets older: when he got to the line 'Lily Belle your hair is golden brown', he sounded very much like Bob from the Planet Waves period, when he was around the same age. Great version there, Jake, and I'm sure you made both Neil and your dad proud.

Pete Yorn came out next to do an acoustic Rockin' In The Free World. He said this was the first song he'd ever performed in public and it was for a high school talent show in Montclair, NJ. So how could he have done any other song? Nice version too, slow building and intense...for a minute I thought the song was morphing into The Stooges song Gimme Danger (I'm sure that somewhere there's a great medley of these two classics).


The Roots - "Down By The River"

The Roots came out to huge applause and did an incendiary version of Down By The River, starting off like Dark Side of the Moon and ending with references to Hey Joe. The extended instrumental jam and guitar was especially great and sounded like The Allman Brothers jamming with Eddie Hazel in Sonny Sharrock's basement. The crowd loved it and roared it's approval. Patti's performance of Only A Dream was next and now I'm back where I started out...it was amazing, moving and completely unique.

To wrap things up, Larry Campbell and the band members came out for a song and did a beautiful version of Ohio. Someone from the audience requested Revolution Blues and Larry smiled broadly at that -- he was having a great time! By the way, I've seen a lot of people cover Neil's songs and one of the absolute best was Jon Langford and Skull Orchard doing Revolution Blues for a couple hundred people (and then after the show, I got to talk a bit with Jon and have a beer with him).

Ohio was great and toward the end, all the performers started coming out on stage for the big finale. As Ohio flowed into Out of the Blue, everyone was rocking out and Patti Smith was dancing and urging the crowd to do the same. And then it was over.

Thanks so very much to Michael Dorf for putting on such a great show. Also thanks to Megan for getting me such a great seat for this once-in-a-lifetime show (front row almost center). Thanks to all of the great performers for such enjoyment. Thanks to the folks at Carnegie Hall for providing one of the best music venues in the world. And most of all, thanks to Neil for all of this great music.

'I worked my whole life -- I don't apologize. I take care of my family...and I refused to be a fool dancing on a string held by all those big shots. I don't apologize, that's my life.'
--Marlon Brando during his next-to-last scene in The Godfather

'We'll get there, Pop...we'll get there'.
--Al Pacino in response

Mr. Henry

Thanks -- as always Mr. Henry! An exceptionally nice & worthy of a review of the moment. Thanks for sharing such a vivid memory of the night. really wish we could have been there.

More on Tribute to Neil Young at Carnegie Hall, New York City, 2/10/11.


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Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Buffalo Springfield @ 2011 Bonnaroo! Hooray For Our Side!

UPDATE 6/11/11:Buffalo Springfield: Bonnaroo Festival 2011 Headline Tonight.

UPDATE: Neil Young News: Buffalo Springfield Reunion Tour Dates and Reviews.


Buffalo Springfield @ 2011 Bonnaroo!

From Bonnaroo Festival - 2011:

Eminem • Arcade Fire • Widespread Panic • The Black Keys • Buffalo Springfield feat Richie Furay, Stephen Stills, Neil Young, Rick Rosas, Joe Vitale • My Morning Jacket • Lil Wayne • String Cheese Incident • Robert Plant & Band of Joy • Mumford & Sons • The Strokes • The Decemberists • Ray Lamontagne • Bassnectar • Iron & Wine • Girl Talk • Primus • Dr. John and The Original Meters performing Desitively Bonnaroo • Alison Krauss & Union Station • Pretty Lights • Florence + the Machine • SuperJam featuring Dan Auerbach and Dr. John • Explosions in the Sky • STS9 • Gogol Bordello • Beirut • Big Boi • Scissor Sisters • Gregg Allman • Ratatat • Robyn • Warren Haynes Band • Deerhunter • Opeth • & Many More!


Buffalo Springfield - 10/23/10
Photo gallery by Nan Philpot | Facebook


Also, see The Triumphant Reunion of The Buffalo Springfield, Pearl Jam and Neil Young @ 2010 Bridge School Benefit Concerts.

UPDATE: Neil Young News: Buffalo Springfield Reunion Tour Dates and Reviews.


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Monday, February 14, 2011

Acceptance Speech of Neil Young's 1st Grammy Win

1st Grammy Win!
Rock Song: "Angry World," Neil Young




"This is my first Grammy for music, and it's appreciated greatly. I'm not Mavis [Staples], but I'm close."


Pegi & Neil Young



Neil Young chats with Access’ Billy Bush and guest correspondent Pauly D at the 2011 Grammy Awards about the possibility of joining Jimmy Fallon on his late show for a duet. Plus, Neil doesn’t have Bieber Fever, but does he have some other kind of fever?

(Thanks Liza!)


More on Neil Young's 3 Grammy Nominations for Le Noise.


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Sunday, February 13, 2011

UPDATED: Tonight Neil Young Is Up For 3 Grammy Nominations for Le Noise

1st Grammy Win!
Rock Song: "Angry World," Neil Young


"This is my first Grammy for music, and it's appreciated greatly. I'm not Mavis [Staples], but I'm close."


Pegi & Neil Young




UPDATED: Grammy Poll below

musicares-neil-portnow-neil-young-2010.jpg
Neil Portnow, president of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and Neil Young
Neil Young Wins First-Ever Grammy Award for Archives Box packaging
1/31/10


Tonight, Neil Young will be up for 3 Grammy Award nominations: one for Best Rock Album (Le Noise) and two for “Angry World,” for Best Rock Song and Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance.

Last year, Neil Young won his first-ever Grammy Award for the Archives Box. After approximately a dozen or more nominations (he did not receive his first Grammy nomination until 1989, for the video for “This Note’s For You”), this year may finally be Neil's first Grammy for his actual music.

Now we have to admit that we've been a bit cynical about Grammy Awards in the past. Year after year after year, we've have blogged on the injustices and travesties of the Grammy Awards handed out by industry elites, so none of any of this should come as a surprise to anyone.

But this might just be Neil's Year of The Grammy.

Our crystal ball has been doing pretty well so far this year regarding the Buffalo Springfield reunion tour, Neil Young inducting Tom Waits into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and drum roll ... Freedom in a New Year. (OK, that last prediction really did go far beyond our wildest dreams, but still... you gotta IMAGINE, right?)

Anyways, we're betting on a win and the end of Neil's Grammy drought.


"Angry World" by Neil Young

As we noted, Young has already been awarded for achievement that far more exceeds the prestige of a Grammy.

musicares-neil-young-grin-2010.jpg
Neil Young
MusiCares Person Of The Year - 2010
January 29, 2010 - Los Angeles, California

Photos by Kevin Winter/Getty Images North America on Zimbio


Over the year's we've blogged relentlessly about how Neil Young's career remains an enigma for so many. Even today on Salon.com's post "Ten Grammy Nominees that Don't Suck" by Mary Elizabeth Williams, she manages to omit not only Neil Young but Jeff Beck, Tom Petty, The Roots, Del McCoury, and even Willie Nelson while reciting a somewhat lame list?!

At last year's MusiCares Person Of The Year ceremony, Wilco's Jeff Tweedy said:
"He's right up there in terms of a constant in my musical life as an influence and as a mentor.

He's kind of just a force of nature.

And I take him for granted sometimes like I take the sun for granted ... I'm really happy the sun comes up every day and I'm happy Neil Young keeps making records."

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"Thanks a lot, everybody."
Jenice Heo, Neil Young, and Gary Burden
Photo by Matt Sayles/Associated Press


Nonetheless, Neil fans have not been too happy about the dismissal of Neil's work by The Academy.

From some of the milder comments on Neil Young Wins First-Ever Grammy Award for Archives Box by Dan:
All I can say that if the Grammy's, after 50 years of Neil rockin the rock n' roll industry, can only manage to give him a grammy for the artwork on his box set, it shows that the whole thing is a ridiculous farce ...

I actually agree that giving him a grammy now for the art on the box set is insulting to him as an artist and at the same time it demeans the whole Grammys institution ... I mean, how can people like Taylor Swift (no disrespect meant to her or her work) or Beyonce walk away with an armload of awards, and this kind of thing has been happening for literally years and decades, and a true authentic artist like Neil has created tens of albums and hundreds of songs of all flavors, and genre's and they can't come up with one measly award for his MUSIC??

Sorry, its a joke, its ridiculous, you'll rarely see me ranting like this, but its preposterous, and it proves the whole Grammys thing is bankrupt, its bogus, its fake, its pretentious, its political ... otherwise its totally unexplainable ...

Neil is a class act to show up and receive the art award ... he's a gracious person who doesn't need their false, pretentious accolades, but the whole thing when you think of it is so ridiculous ya can't do much more than call it out ...

ten years from now these grammy winners and their carefully manicured songs will be long forgotten and Neil and his substantive music will live on, aging gracefully as always...

Neil, Long May You Run!! You truly set the real standard.

Dan

Another comment by Matthew Lintzenich:
Oh come on, people, they deserve the award for such great art direction. The artistry is awesome. I agree that Neil deserves a Grammy for his music, and doesn't get half the overall recognition he deserves, but that shouldn't take anything away from the artists who did such a fine job creating the packaging for the Archives.

It's beautiful.

What y'all need to understand is that mainstream people in our society and the music industry aren't looking for creativity or the quality of personal expression, or your ability to channel the universe in music.

They are much more shallow than that. The people want what's sold to them, they want to be part of the popular crowd, they aren't interested in identifying personally with a song in a profound, emotional way.


They far outnumber the people who enjoy music because it moves them or titillates their minds, because of how it effects them personally, both emotionally and intellectually.

The music industry, by-and-large, plays to this tendency. It releases shallow garbage, people buy it and pretend they like it in order to satisfy their need to be accepted. This is mainstream American pop culture we're talking about here, not the land of smart, thoughtful, multidimensional individuals.

So obviously the chances of Neil Young winning a Grammy are much, much slimmer than Taylor Swift, even though he writes better music. Neil writes better music than almost anyone. It's not about good music - it's about popularity. It's about who sold the most albums because they were aggressively marketed by the industry to the shallow mainstream cult of popularity.

I'd be happy if Neil Young did get the recognition he deserved, but Neil isn't after recognition (thank GOD, because his music wouldn't be half as good as it is), and he doesn't need it, so who really cares?

In some sense it might even be a travesty to award him a Grammy, considering that winning one basically indicates that you're simplistic and derivative enough to easily market to sheep.

Grammy weekend. Whatever your thoughts are about the "music industry", it's a time to celebrate "the music". And a well deserved celebration for Neil and his friends, as well.

grammy-2006-demme-pegi-neil-young2-crop.jpg
Jonathan Demme, Peggy Young, Neil Young
48th Annual Grammy Awards - 8 Feb 2006
Getty Images Entertainment photo by Stephen Shugerman


So will Neil Young win a Grammy tonight? Vote!




Good luck Neil!


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Neil Young - MuchMusic Interview - 1996



Here's a rather legendary Neil Young video from Canada's Much Music back in 1996.

The interview came from a full day of programming on Nov 1, 1996 and feature Neil's extensive train set. The studio portions also features lots of Rusties and was documented in detail on HyperRust. (Thanks Reactor!)

When asked about when The Archives would be released, Neil responded "July". And so it went whenever the subject came up. July. Except that -- lnd lo & behold -- the Archives were finally released in June. Thirteen years later in 2009.

Also, thanks RustedTelevision, with Parts 2 thru 5.

Also, see Lionel Trains and Neil Young (Classic Toy Trains - March 1993) and Neil Young and Trains (Classic Toy Trains - Jan. 1996).


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Willie for a Nobel!
#Willie4Nobel

Willie Nelson for Nobel Peace Prize
for Farm Aid and his work on
alternative fuels, and world peace initiatives.

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Farm Aid

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"In the >field< of opportunity
It's plowin' time again."

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Rust Radio


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Bands Covering Neil Young songs


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LIVE MUSIC IS BETTER


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Official Neil Young News Site

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The Bridge School


The Bridge School Concerts
25th Anniversary Edition

**100% of Proceeds to Benefit Bridge School***

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The Essential Neil Young

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Fans Favorite Neil Albums

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Top 50 MP3
Neil Young Song Downloads


Top 10 Best Selling Neil Albums Today
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Support Thrasher's Wheat
via Purchases from:
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Neil Young Songbook Project

In the fields of wheat

"Children of Destiny" will NOT be harvested
However, the chaff will be burned by unquenchable fire

Neil Young + Promise of the Real

Europe 2016 Tour Dates



2015 Rebel Content Tour


Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Alchemy Concert Tour Reviews

Fall 2012 N. America Tour
Spring 2013 Australia/New Zealand Tour
Summer 2013 Europe Tour

Europe Summer 2014 Concert Tour
Neil Young & Crazy Horse

Thrasher's Wheat Radio Supporters Go To Europe

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Neil Young Films

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2010 MusiCares Honors Neil Young

Features Elvis Costello, Crosby Stills & Nash, Sheryl Crow, Josh Groban, Ben Harper, Elton John, Norah Jones, Lady Antebellum, Dave Matthews, James Taylor, Keith Urban, and others.
Proceeds from sales go to MusiCares,
which helps musicians in need of
financial and medical assistance.

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"There's more to the picture
Than meets the eye"

#BigShift

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Neil Young FAQ:
Everything Left to Know About the Iconic and Mercurial Rocker
"an indispensable reference"

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Paul McCartney and Neil Young

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"You can make a difference
If you really a try"

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John Lennon and Neil Young


"hailed by fans as a wonderful read"

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young:
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The Supergroup of the 20th Century



Director Jonathan Demme's Exquisite film "Heart of Gold"

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Eddie Vedder and Neil Young

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Revisiting The Significance of
The Buffalo Springfield


"The revolution will not be televised"
... it will be blogged, streamed,
tweeted, shared and liked
The Embarrassment of Mainstream Media

Turn Off Your TV & Have A Life


"Everything Is Bullshit" +
"Turn Off The News"
Turn Off the News (Build a Garden)


Neil Young 2016 Year in Review:
The Year of The Wheat

Kurt Cobain
Kurt Cobain and Neil Young

Neil Young's Feedback:
An Acquired Taste?

Young Neil: The Sugar Mountain Years
by Rustie Sharry "Keepin' Jive Alive in T.O." Wilson

"the definitive source of Neil Young's formative childhood years in Canada"

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Joni Mitchell & Neil Young

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Bob and Neil

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So Who Really Was "The Godfather of Grunge"?


Four Dead in Ohio
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So What Really Happened at Kent State?


The Four Dead in Ohio



May The FOUR Be With You #MayThe4thBeWithYou

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dissent is not treason
Dissent is the highest form of patriotism

Rockin' In The Free World



Sing Truth to Power!
When Neil Young Speaks Truth To Power,
The World Listens

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Emmylou Harris and Neil Young

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Wilco and Neil Young

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Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young

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Elton John and Neil Young

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Lynyrd Skynyrd and Neil Young

+

The Meaning of "Sweet Home Alabama" Lyrics


Neil Young Nation -
"The definitive Neil Young fan book"

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"Powderfinger"
What does the song mean?

Random Neil Young Link of the Moment
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Bonnie Raitt and Neil Young

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I'm Proud to Be A Union Man

UNITED WE STAND/DIVIDED WE FALL


When Neil Young is Playing,
You Shut the Fuck Up


Class War:
They Started It and We'll Finish It...
peacefully

A battle raged on the open page...
No Fear, No Surrender. Courage
WE WON'T BACK DOWN. NEVER STAND DOWN.

"What if Al Qaeda blew up the levees?"
Full Disclousre Now


"I've Got The Revolution Blues"

Willie Nelson & Neil Young
Willie Nelson for Nobel Peace Prize



John Mellencamp:
Why Willie Deserves a Nobel

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BOYCOTT HATE

Love and Only Love

"Thinking about what a friend had said,
I was hoping it was a lie"


We're All On
A Journey Through the Past

Neil Young's Moon Songs
Tell Us The F'n TRUTH
(we can handle it... try us)

Freedom:
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Does Anything Else Really Matter?

"Nobody's free until everybody's free."
~~ Fannie Lou Hamer

Here Comes "The Big Shift"
#BigShift

Maybe everything you think you know is wrong? NOTHING IS AS IT SEEMS
"It's all illusion anyway."

Propaganda = Mind Control
NOTHING IS AS IT SEEMS
Guess what?
"Symbols Rule the World, not Words or Laws."
... and symbolism will be their downfall...

Brighter Planet's 350 Challenge
Be The Rain, Be The Change

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the truth will set you free
This Machine Kills Fascists


"Children of Destiny" - THE Part of THE Solution

(Frame from Official Music Video)

war is not the answer
yet we are
Still Living With War

"greed is NOT good"
Hey Big Brother!
Stop Spying On Us!
Civic Duty Is Not Terrorism

The Achilles Heel
#NullifyNSA
Orwell (and Grandpa) Was Right
“Emancipate yourself from mental slavery.”
~~ Bob Marley

The Essence of "The Doubters"



Yes, There's Definitely A Hole in The Sky


Even Though The Music Died 50+ Years Ago
,
Open Up the "Tired Eyes" & Wake up!
"consciousness is near"
What's So Funny About
Peace, Love, & Understanding & Music?

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Show Me A Sign

"Who is John Galt?"
To ask the question is to know the answer

"Whosoever shall give up his liberty for a temporary security
deserves neither liberty nor safety."

~~ Benjamin Franklin

Words

(Between the lines of age)


And in the end, the love you take
Is equal to the love you make

~~ John & Paul

the zen of neil
the power of rust
the karma of the wheat

~Om-Shanti.

Namaste