Neil Young News: NEW VIDEO: "Ramada Inn" - Neil Young & Crazy Horse

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Tuesday, October 09, 2012

NEW VIDEO: "Ramada Inn" - Neil Young & Crazy Horse

NEW VIDEO: "Ramada Inn" - Neil Young & Crazy Horse

A comment by BIGCHIEF:

Once again, Neil delivers.

I'm in sensory overload watching the Ramada Inn video. As a child of the mid-fifties it takes me back to those family road trips on the two lanes through this beautiful land of ours. This song and video evoke such emotion for me I wish it were 47 minutes long.

In Neil's book he commented on the concern that the muse wouldn't return after not have written a new song in a year and a half. I think that his new found sobriety may have opened up some new portals of entry for the muse in that his lyrical content appears to be zeroing in on his emotions that may have been buried or masked for the past 40 years.

As one ages it's natural to become more reflective even if you are a 'rich hippie rock star'. Combined that with his sobriety and you have the formula to enter into an entirely new zone of creativity. Crazy Horse has never sounded better. Billy's eloquent fat notes hold down the bottom while Poncho's guitar is distinguishable and not buried in the mix. In this song it almost has 'Whittenish' qualities as he trades licks off Neil and supports the song almost as if he's an extension of Neil. I suppose that comes as a result of these guys playing together as long as they have.

I have a newfound appreciation for Poncho's contribution in this band. An extremely disciplined supporting player that is a huge part of the big sound that is Crazy Horse. That's the beauty and integrity of this band. No ego's, no 'show boating', just four guys gelling together in the moment creating that sound that continues to be the 'soundtrack' to most of the lives of those who visit this site. I just hope that the 'muse' continues to visit Neil for many more years to come and that he remains open and receptive to it when it knocks on his soul.

Neil is an artist who already has an epic legacy enough for ten artists with his vast catalog and history. Even if he were to quit now they will be referring to his artistry and career for decades, possibly centuries to come as the likes of Bach and Mozart, Lennon and McCartney and Dylan. Neil's body of work is already on such a grand scale that they will be regarding him into the next millennium.

Although the song stands alone in all of it's 17 minutes worth of blissful Ragged Glory, some of our younger listeners may not be able to relate to the lyrical content.

I doubt if many of our young folk today have spent day's traveling the two lane black top roads of yesteryear before the advent of the Interstate where you can fall asleep in one state and wake in the next and not know where you are. The only thing worst than traveling the Interstate is flying over the beautiful historical sites and small towns that you would see, feel, and smell when traveling back in the day. No air conditioning back then but rather windows open taking in all of the sights and smells as each state, city and town had it's own distinct personality.

I can really relate to this song as another extension as 'the soundtrack of my life' as I myself have experienced the 'empty nest syndrome' and have had my share of substance abuse issues. So, I guess what I'm attempting to convey is that this song was intended to convey the emotions of one who has lived life while it could yet be a wake up call for those who are just beginning to embark on their own journey.

Once again, BIGCHIEF delivers. Thanks!

Labels: crazy horse, neil young, video

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61 Comments:

At 10/09/2012 12:04:00 PM, Matthew L. said...: Yahooooo!!! I know what I'm gonna be doing tonight. At 17 minutes, I can loop this video 15 times before going to bed.
At 10/09/2012 12:08:00 PM, Anonymous said...: As an instrumental, it's a masterpiece. Unfortunately like most of his songs lately, the lyrics minimize the intensity of this fabulous guitar music.
At 10/09/2012 12:16:00 PM, Jim said...: I completely disagree....I love the lyrics for this song and think they match the guitar playing perfectly.

:D
At 10/09/2012 12:47:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Oh, really, "she loves him so, she loves him so, she does what she has to?"

It's a cut and paste with this wonky lyrical chorus about the sun coming up or setting for the bazzillionth timeth in history. (Sounds like the Eagles in Tequila sunrise BTW) The music sounds like she's selling her body to make ends meet. Judging by the lyrics the only thing going on is one aging rock star whining about being an empty nester and having more fun in the Ramada Inn because home isn't what it use to be.

Oh whoath is me!
At 10/09/2012 12:58:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Flaming Lips - Do You Realize Lyrics
Best lyrics ever about the "Sun".

Do You Realize - Oh - Oh - Oh
Do You Realize - that everyone you know
Someday will die -

And instead of saying all of your goodbyes - let them know
You realize that life goes fast
It's hard to make the good things last
You realize the sun doesn't go down
It's just an illusion caused by the world spinning round
At 10/09/2012 01:02:00 PM, Anonymous said...: First time hearing this one. It's awesome. Nov. 24th is too far away.

Eric in Ottawa
At 10/09/2012 01:25:00 PM, Flaminglipsfan said...: Best whistling goes to Alex Ebert.
At 10/09/2012 01:44:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Really the only part of the lyrics I have a problem with is the "it´s time to do something" part because it seems to be out of meter and maybe just one syllable too long (it really feels strange singing along to it).

That aside it´s a fantastic song great playing, great mood, and interesting theme. Many great rock stars suffered depression on the road, all those samey hotel rooms and turned on alchol and died from it. Great tune.
At 10/09/2012 01:52:00 PM, cosplusisin said...: @Anon re: Flaming Lips song...

sure, that's nice, but the Beatles covered that in "Fool on the Hill", and I liked theirs even more...

"But the fool on the hill sees the sun going down, and the eyes in his head see the world spinning 'round."

Pink Floyd also had that "and you run and you run to catch up with the sun but it's sinking.. racing around, to come up behind you again. The sun is the same in a relative way but you're older. Shorter of breath, and one day closer to death."

Beautiful lyrics, and all completely aware of that illusion that the sun doesn't "set".

In any case, this Ramada Inn song is pretty awesome, and the lyrics are alright. More importantly, the guitar playing and the sound of the band are amazing.
At 10/09/2012 02:00:00 PM, Anonymous said...: What am I missing here? The couple are going to the Ramada Inn together to visit friends--a respite from the drudgery of their marriage. That's what the chorus is about. Facing the day together despite their current troubles relying on their history to keep things going. I think the 'time to do something' intends to be jarring as it is the moment of clarity between the two characters. It's really a sad song and I hope it's not autobiographical.
At 10/09/2012 02:02:00 PM, Carson said...: This song was the one that floored me when I saw all the new songs live. Listening to the studio version is no different. Wow!

Can't wait to hear this bad boy on vinyl.
At 10/09/2012 02:05:00 PM, Anonymous said...: I think its a beautiful song and the lyrics are an added bonus to a story his guitar is telling. I love it.
At 10/09/2012 02:06:00 PM, Anonymous said...: ^^ Sincerely D.Z
At 10/09/2012 02:38:00 PM, Matthew L. said...: Hey Anonymous 12:47:00 PM -

If you hate Neil Young so much, why don't you do us all a favor and disappear.

Thanks,
NY Gestapo
At 10/09/2012 03:14:00 PM, Electrocrusier2010 said...: Someone kicked me in the belly
Someone else kissed my feet

Why should anyone give a rip about some anon opinion? I don't. I listen and make my own opinion and I am always right. Take my advice, don't listen to me. Do not listen to WLAG or Ramada Inn
At 10/09/2012 03:21:00 PM, Carson said...: Any word on when this will be released as an iTunes single? I figured the video release and single release would be on the same day.
At 10/09/2012 03:51:00 PM, NygestapoB said...: Do lyrics really matter? Because I don't feel like Im walking that usual emotional lyrical tightrope that i do when listening to a sad song.. If itsa sad song why do I hear a bunch of dudes chiming in on a chorus like they're at a hoffbrau house. Birds -- every single lyric keeps you glued to this haunting melody about ending a relationship.
That's a fucking brilliant *sad *song...
At 10/09/2012 03:55:00 PM, Rob said...: Great song, and love the lyrics.

Can't wait to get this in the car, and go for long long drive.

Regarding trolling, it makes internet comments look dumb.

Anonymous, "you are like a hurricane" and "and everymorning comes the sun" are part of Neils Meteorlogical theme running through most of his career, see "the wayward wind" on Old ways.

Either that, or you take things abit too seriously.
At 10/09/2012 04:06:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Maybe someone' should tell Neil we don't need a weatherman to tell which way the wind blows then

Bloom boom tsk!
At 10/09/2012 04:31:00 PM, Old Black said...: Where does he get this old film stuff (stock footage?)? It's pretty cool.
At 10/09/2012 04:50:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Once again Neil expresses the timeless and profound through simple, at times elegant, phrasing. Things with Neil are never as straightforward as they appear.
At 10/09/2012 05:07:00 PM, Anonymous said...: It's actually about an empty-nester couple's struggles with the husband's alcoholism (interesting, in light of Neil's recent sobriety):

Seems like lately things are changing
Seems like lately things are going south
A few drinks now and she hardly knows him
He just looks away and checks out

When she says “It’s time to do something”
Maybe talk to his old friends who gave it up
He just pours himself another tall one
Closes his eyes and says “That’s enough”
At 10/09/2012 06:34:00 PM, The Zuma Band said...: It's a short story/brief character sketch set against a big western backdrop of gorgeous and evocative guitar work. Perhaps he draws from elements of his own life, or his parents', or, as the son of a writer, he's just letting the characters arrive and speak for themselves

As in WLAG, he is paring down the words, and I think that's a good thing, as it allows the possibility of poetry to happen.

The mood is a blend of the elegiac and the epic, as his best work always is.
At 10/09/2012 06:38:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Man people need to chill. Either you like the lyrics or you don't, no need to be rude about it on either side of the debate. To me the lyrics are a little clunky, but they do draw me in. Need a few more listens but I can tell right now the music alone is enough to hook me. I don't expect poetry from neil. When he does deliver it its a bonus.

"Send me a cheeseburger, and a new rolling stone." Dont know what it is about that line but I love it.

Great job Neil.

Dug
At 10/09/2012 07:07:00 PM, Read said...: I've been looking forward to this album ever since I saw them at Red Rocks this year. I'm 24 and was blown away by how hard these guys rock still. It's nice to be able to listen to a couple of these songs again. I'm starting to think this might be Neil's best album of original material in years (which doesn't mean I didn't enjoy his other recent albums). I thought Americana was a great Neil Young & Crazy Horse album, even without originals, and this sounds like it will build off of that. What a great year for Neil Young and his fans!
At 10/09/2012 07:20:00 PM, Carson said...: @Read -- Hear, hear!
At 10/09/2012 07:24:00 PM, Next12steps said...: So it's a song about being an alcoholic. Makes total sense to me. It's a real bummer being Neil Young. Poor dude. What a shit life he's had. No wonder.
At 10/09/2012 08:24:00 PM, SD said...: Can't tell if that's sarcasm or not.
At 10/09/2012 08:37:00 PM, Anonymous said...: I think this is a metaphor for people who spend too much timing commenting on blogs.

It starts innocent enough and then...well...
At 10/09/2012 09:05:00 PM, Anonymous said...: No, it's a metaphor for self absorbed rock stars making a lot of money off their own misfortune and bad luck and their delusional fans stupid enough to not see the metaphor of an aging rock star smart enough to rhyme words about their bad luck and misfortune but not smart enough to get help.
At 10/09/2012 09:29:00 PM, Anonymous said...: No real evidence that Neil himself was an alcoholic as such (seems like he smoked more pot than anything), or that the song is strictly autobiographical. But given his stage in life and his sobriety, it's certainly something he can relate to - and something lots of folks are dealing with in the real world (i.e., the one outside the rather toxic confines of this blog).
At 10/09/2012 10:16:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Not sure where they get the footage for the video but I noticed some old footage of a place I currently camp at in Ithica NY. Thought that was cool.
At 10/09/2012 10:52:00 PM, SD said...: I have no idea what Anon 9:05 PM is even talking about. Probably for the best.
At 10/09/2012 11:09:00 PM, John EH Connelly said...: Not sure what the lyrics mean , and I really don't care .......
It's all in that Crazy Horse Groove , timeless
I figure this a song I'll be drivin and listen to fer a while to come , ah , so lucky we are !
At 10/10/2012 01:17:00 AM, Anonymous said...: @cosplusisin Thanks for the reminder. Almost forgot about The Fool On The Hill. That indeed is a great line. Had to think about the Flaming Lips because they will be at the Bridge School concert this year and I just got their new full color vinyl. That looks super cool without labels.

The PP review from the latest issue of Uncut magazine is now online. Can't wait to have this giant pill spinning round on my record player.

http://www.uncut.co.uk/blog/wild-mercury-sound/neil-young-crazy-horse-psychedelic-pill-full-review
At 10/10/2012 01:22:00 AM, tmarc said...: To me, the lines "loves him so ... does what she HAS to" versus "loves her so ... does what he NEEDS to", puts light on traditional gender roles - the self-sacrificing woman and the egocentric man-boy. In the last part, the pronouns (she/he) are turned around (she needs to), and the woman stands up, takes her jacket and is about to leave, but sits back down, makes her hair, tries to smile but only sighs. Deeply tragic and most common.

(maybe there are variations earlier in the song as well, but it was towards the end I was struck by this)

To me there's also an undertone of domestic violence and isolated misery behind the happy middle-class facade, perpetuated through the decades - going on the same roads/patterns, without the change.

As an environmentalist (or just anyone with a love for Mother Earth), you may also read in the wider scheme of riding gasoline-driven cars in this day and age. Reason says: "just stop!" But the man behind the wheel just pours another gallon and rides on.
At 10/10/2012 02:02:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Does anyone know if they are using the Green Soundboard on this album?
At 10/10/2012 02:07:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Love the kaleidoscope imagery that starts around 10:15. Old Black and the Deluxe! Dig it.
At 10/10/2012 02:15:00 AM, Anonymous said...: According to Neil they use the Green Soundboard on this album. There's a lot of history in that soundboard...
At 10/10/2012 03:30:00 AM, Anonymous said...: @tmarc: "Has" and "needs" are applied to both husband and wife throughout the song. After the first chorus, it's "she ... has" and "she ... needs"; after the second chorus, "he ... has" and "he ... needs"; and at the end, first "she ... has" and "he ... needs," then "he ... has" and "she ... needs." So don't think you can read too much into it regarding gender roles.
At 10/10/2012 03:54:00 AM, Philip said...: The words are reletively simple - like an individuals understanding of their own life and times... The music, the guitar is the swimming in life - ebbing and flowing - things we dreamt of never came - maybe some did but what is what is. We are all cynical now.... But "every morning comes the sun" it is what it is - This is more than just an very special NY observation - Ramada Inn is beyond anything - it says everything - all I can say as I well up is 'Fuckin Hell!' - and believe it or not I am well educated !!! Where to go what to do... How dare NY invade my memories so!
At 10/10/2012 08:50:00 AM, BIGCHIEF said...: Once again, Neil delivers. I'm in sensory overload watching the Ramada Inn video. As a child of the mid-fifties it takes me back to those family road trips on the two lanes through this beautiful land of ours. This song and video evoke such emotion for me I wish it were 47 minutes long. In Neil's book he commented on the concern that the muse wouldn't return after not have written a new song in a year and a half. I think that his new found sobriety may have opened up some new portals of entry for the muse in that his lyrical content appears to be zeroing in on his emotions that may have been buried or masked for the past 40 years. As one ages it's natural to become more reflective even if you are a 'rich hippie rock star'. Combined tat with his sobriety and you have the formula to enter into an entirely new zone of creativity. Crazy Horse has never sounded better. Billy's eloquent fat notes hold down the bottom while Poncho's guitar is distinguishable and not buried in the mix. In this song it almost has 'Whittenish' qualities as he trades licks off Neil and supports the song almost as if he's an extension of Neil. I suppose that comes as a result of these guys playing together as long as they have. I have a newfound appreciation for Poncho's contribution in this band. An extremely disciplined supporting player that is a huge part of the big sound that is Crazy Horse. That's the beauty and integrity of this band. No ego's, no 'show boating', just four guys gelling together in the moment creating that sound that continues to be the 'soundtrack' to most of the lives of those who visit this site. I just hope that the 'muse' continues to visit Neil for many more years to come and that he remains open and receptive to it when it knocks on his soul. Neil is an artist who already has an epic legacy enough for ten artists with his vast catalog and history. Even if he were to quit now they will be referring to his artistry and career for decades, possibly centuries to come as the likes of Bach and Mozart, Lennon and McCartney and Dylan. Neil's body of work is already on such a grand scale that they will be regarding him into the next millennium.
At 10/10/2012 09:14:00 AM, BIGCHIEF said...: In continuation, although the song stands alone in all of it's 17 minutes worth of blissful Ragged Glory, some of our younger listeners may not be able to relate to the lyrical content. I doubt if many of our young folk today have spent day's traveling the two lane black top roads of yesteryear before the advent of the Interstate where you can fall asleep in one state and wake in the next and not know where you are. The only thing worst than traveling the Interstate is flying over the beautiful historical sites and small towns that you would see, feel, and smell when traveling back in the day. No air conditioning back then but rather windows open taking in all of the sights and smells as each state, city and town had it's own distinct personality. I can really relate to this song as another extension as 'the soundtrack of my life' as I myself have experienced the 'empty nest syndrome'and have had my share of substance abuse issues. So, I guess what I'm attempting to convey is that this song was intended to convey the emotions of one who has lived life while it could yet be a wake up call for those who are just beginning to embark on their own journey.
At 10/10/2012 09:27:00 AM, dean farinha said...: Just Awesome!!!! I can't wait for "Born in Ontario" video!!! This song/video is the best! I work on the road a lot. Some days start at 5am and I'm heading home at 2am. This song makes me smile. It also makes me want to take off a year or two, jump in my old Falcon and hit the road. Who's in?
At 10/10/2012 09:39:00 AM, pieceofcrap said...: Fine song, good lyrics - very nostalgic and melancholy, the result is really touching... goes to show how much Neil's involved in the ups and dwowns of family life, which by the way is also very apparent from his book.
Sampedro's guitar on this one is very good as well, sustaining Neil's lead and pushing it on gently. Makes you remember Danny Whitten.
At 10/10/2012 10:03:00 AM, Unknown said...: Marvellous.Very fine.Sounding great!Ramada Inn.
At 10/10/2012 11:25:00 AM, peter d. said...: I completely agree on Poncho's contribution. He's very underrated, that much is clear. When I saw the first vid's on YouTube I noticed more than ever before how he adapts to what Neil is doing, but also that he plays more licks.
The soundrack of my life, well, maybe it's not so much a couple of songs (from Neil and others) but it may just as well be this BIG SOUND the four of them create together. It evolves through the years, it's different than on EKTIN, when it was more thin and edgy, penetrating, it's wider than RNS, it's more open than on Ragged Glory. In fact, it feels like it's full grown now. I love it very much and it moves me, it gives me all kind of emotions.

So why does this sound gives me so much? I thought about it and to me it's the sound of LIFE. It's how LIFE sounds - a clear, beautiful note, a lot of overtones, a sharp edge, a big rumble around it, thunder in the distance, but the clear and beautiful centre of it is strong and leads the way. It's about grief and hope, love and anger. It hurts and it comforts at the same time.

I don't have a big sound system around for some years already but since these two tracks came up I notice I want that back and turn it UP!!!
At 10/10/2012 01:18:00 PM, dean farinha said...: Peter, I'm with you. Time to go back to big sound!
At 10/10/2012 02:08:00 PM, Anonymous said...: I heard Neil say in an interview he hopes he is worthy of his family's love for him. Weird thing to say unless he's been hiding something from them.
At 10/10/2012 03:29:00 PM, dean farinha said...: or just getting older and starting to reflect.
At 10/10/2012 03:36:00 PM, peter d. said...: I'm with you on the ride Dean... driving a Falcon thru the States for 2 years... sounds very good to me!
At 10/10/2012 04:51:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Could listen all night, stonking groove and that guitar... To me though, it sounds like it might have come off Greendale. Not a criticism, I love Greendale.
Nick
At 10/10/2012 05:51:00 PM, Sandy Horne said...: @BigChief, as always, you get it!! And you express it so beautifully!! Thank you for your contributions.....

Humbly, Sandy
At 10/10/2012 08:33:00 PM, Zak Claxton said...: Really like the song and vid. The Horse delivers the spook, NY's lead playing is spectacular, and the whole vibe is right on the money for what I want from Neil and the Horse. Love it.
At 10/11/2012 08:49:00 AM, BIGCHIEF said...: Thanks, Sandy. It's obvious that you 'get it. You've posted quite a few insightful comments as well. Enjoy the show Sunday!
At 10/11/2012 10:14:00 PM, Andre said...: Maybe I was Wrong?
After having my first listen to Walk Like a Giant I started getting scared.... the mix was so "grainy", the whistles were dry and didn't float and whisper like on the live tracks I heard on youtube.

But now when I listen to it I don't hear those same things I earlier criticized in my head.

And this rendition, Ramada Inn... I really like the mix actually.... Sounds very good.

Is this from the board Neil discusses in WHP? The "Green" Board?

You can feel the youth in the songs. Not in a literal sense for the musicians, but the songs themselves. The youtube live songs from August have better (more adapted) phrasing from Neil.

These songs the phrasing is young and fresh.

Not a bad thing. A different thing.

Neil likes to record a song live and fresh and new.

I'd buy 2 versions of each album if they'd put em out.

1) Virgin recording, new song, not road-tuned.

2) Road-tuned, ass-deep-in-the-couch-cushions tested, recorded after or during tour.
At 10/12/2012 11:51:00 AM, Anonymous said...: I can't stop listening to this song. I don't know what it is. I can't wait for this album to come out. Neil does it again!

Eric in Ottawa
At 10/12/2012 05:00:00 PM, dean farinha said...: This song is nothing short of Epic! I have listened to it so many times. But, my god is it a sad song. Brilliant!
At 10/13/2012 01:29:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Still not listening.
I want the full experience the first time.
Waiting for the triple vinyl and maybe a psychedelic pill to help focus thru 3 lp's worth of music.

(hmm do psychedelics even come in pill form? Maybe I should go with a psychedelic mushroom.)

Now that'll make of an exciting first listen.

Syscrusher
At 11/20/2012 09:35:00 AM, Michael Fowke said...: Neil Young isn't a poet like Dylan, but he's a great songwriter (words and music together). Ramada Inn is one of his best.
At 12/31/2012 12:18:00 AM, Ephraim Zimbalist said...: I can't agree with any of the negative comments, but I didn't come here for an argument. This is without doubt one of Mr Young's greatest songs, both lyrically and musically. It's deceptively simple, which has misled some people into thinking it of little worth. It's the very way he has pared down the meaning into concise lyrics, and then spaced them out with those elegaic guitar breaks. Maybe you have to have been on the journey, but some of the phrases in the lyrics are so powerful, as is their placement. The song is hopeful, but it's realistic. I won't repeat lines here, but they go straight to my heart, and the vocal delivery is wonderful. Look, I am getting my ancient Teisco del Rey out of the attic and looking up tabs. I may not be able to do the solos, but I can feel those chords now ... rest assured, I will playing just for me.