canada.gif

gb.gif

de.gif

us.gif
Neil Young's new release ""World Record" w/ Crazy Horse is now available for pre-order. Order here
(Please shop locally & independently. But if you can't, we appreciate your supporting Thrasher's Wheat by clicking this link or YOUR COUNTRY's FLAG. Thank you!!!)
ADVERTISEMENT
<-Older Posts Blog Home Newer Posts->

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Review of the Moment: Boston: Neil Young & Crazy Horse Concert Reviews - 11/26/12


"Powderfinger"
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Boston Concert Reviews - 11/26/12

The Concert Review of the Moment is from Neil Young & Crazy Horse in Boston concert on 11/26/12 by our friend Mr Henry:
Oh God I Fell For You

Everything that you've been reading is true, and yet it still doesn't begin to describe what's going on right now with Neil Young and Crazy Horse. There's never been music like this before and there will never be music like this again. I've been telling people for almost thirty years now that "Neil Young is the King of Rock and Roll"; most of the time I believed it; now I'm absolutely sure of it. This is the most intense, in-the-moment music that I've ever heard. Rock and Roll has never had music like this before...if you haven't been to a show during this tour and there's any chance that you can get to one, then do everything you can to be there. It's like Miles and his Agharta era band somehow combined Hendrix and Link Wray into a delicious music stew that played everything from King Oliver to Sun Ra, forgot everything they thought they knew and then remembered everything else. But that doesn't describe it either, not really.

It starts right away. Love and Only Love has never sounded like this before, never felt like this before. The familiar is no longer so; flows shift and groove as Neil brings his message right away: Love and Only Love Will Endure. He really, truly, totally means it and he makes it true and direct and constant. With the greatest music, you never want it to end once it starts; actually you don't think about it ending because in some ways it never does. All great music lives inside of you.

Powderfinger is always great, even when it's a short one. This flowed perfectly from Love and Only Love, then perfectly again into Born In Ontario, giving Neil and the Horse a chance to cruise a bit after the all out speed skating of the first two numbers. Walk Like A Giant was everything that I'd hoped for and more. When it seemed like the song was ending, I turned to my son and said "They might want to hold off on the clapping; this is gonna go on for awhile". I loved the extended ending--it's a whole lot more than just "Neil sounding like a giant's footsteps". It's a love letter to the beauty and the majesty of pure sound, what it can do, how it can make us feel.

Middle portion of the show was connected with three songs. Needle and the Damage Done was raw, beautiful and immediate. I was thinking of the performance on Johnny Cash's show over forty years ago, and thinking how Neil makes this song mean so much on so many different levels. Twisted Road marries the past and present in a way that's so simple, smart and seamless that you can hardly believe it. Then Singer Without A Song, which gave me chills and maybe was my favorite moment in a performance that was all favorite moments. But the next was even better.

I can't say enough about Ramada Inn and what this song becomes when it's played live. The crowd was hear-a-pin-drop focused as the beauty came ringing through. The Herald review says that Neil's solo was perhaps his best ever, and he could be right. I began to meditate without even realizing that's what I was doing, sitting in the heaven of sound that was the back balcony. Maybe this is about Neil, maybe it's about everyone who lives in a world of joy and sorrow, finding love and life, doing what you have to and doing what you need to.

Great intro to Cinnamon Girl, with Neil talking about "the believers" and "the fucking doubters". Crowd was singing along with the chorus, amazing guitar, everyone happy. Then an extended Fuckin' Up to throw a curve into the mix. Last time I'd heard this was also in Boston, during an hour long encore after a Greendale performance. That one had everyone singing along to the chorus, especially interesting since it was outdoors and could be heard by the passing Ferry boats and waterfront diners. This one had folks pinned to their seats.

Mr. Soul went back further in the time machine; seemed like many in the audience weren't even familiar with this song, or maybe they were just stunned and/or blissfully happy at that point. The set ended with an Out of the Black that was transcendent and raw at the same time. It is my son's favorite Neil song, and hearing it at his favorite Neil concert made it even better. Farmer John was a great closer, taking garage rock to places that it's never been before. The band looked totally happy, exhausted after leaving it all on the ice. Speaking of that, during the show Neil said it was great to be back in Boston "where you have everything...except Hockey"! Actually there's still lots of great hockey going on here, just not the NHL. So if you have some free time Neil, let me know and I'd love to bring you to a Beanpot or Super 8 for a truly unique sports experience.

The older that I get, the more that I love Patti Smith. If you haven't seen her perform before, the opening set was the perfect introduction. If like me you've seen her many times before, this was Patti in a new yet familiar way. I'd never seen her play to such a large crowd and was a bit concerned that it wouldn't be the same; glad to say that it wasn't, it was even better. In less than forty minutes, she played eight songs which included three from her new album Banga along with five others that stand at the top of the American Punk Songbook. She opened with Dancing Barefoot and it was majestic, drawing in the crowd almost immediately. I saw Patti a number of times when she started her comeback, and the first time was in a small church in Lowell during the Kerouac Festival. Just her and Lenny then, at least until Thurston Moore showed up on stage. At that show, she started out with Piss Factory (the original Punk record) and then took off her boots and did Dancing Barefoot. There's a video out from last year with First Aid Kit performing this song while Patti sits listening in the front row. Check that out sometime and see Patti as the emotion and joy takes over; it's like she lives her life for these moments.

April Fool was my favorite of the new songs, but all were excellent. She has the same fearlessness that Neil brings to each performance, and she is a true peer and kindred spirit. Before her fourth song, she talked about how much she admires Neil, how she's "listened to him since the 60's". She inspired the crowd and then launched into People Have The Power, a great performance that was followed by Southern Cross, which is from Gone Again, her comeback album from back in '95. I believe this was a very thoughtful choice for Patti: People Have The Power started when her husband Fred gave her the title and then said "go write a song, the world needs it"; Southern Cross is about carrying on after he's gone.

Because The Night followed and was a joy, then another song from Banga (I urge Neil fans to get a copy and listen to this great record). Finally the opening piano with its signal that Gloria was coming. Wonderful version from Patti and her band. I've seen many great performers open for Neil; Patti was the best and this was the best Neil Young concert that I've even been to.

It's cold this morning and some snowflakes are drifting down, swirling around the bare November trees. By now Neil and the Horse, Patti and her Band, and all the tour members are probably up and getting ready to head for NYC. I would love to be there tonight and I will be there in spirit. Can't wait to read Comments from those who attend. It really is a unique and wonderful thing that goes on here at Thrashers Wheat; nothing else quite like it. Go ride the music....

"What goes on inside is just too fast and huge and all interconnected for words to do more than barely sketch the outlines of at most one tiny little part of it at any given instant."
--David Foster Wallace

We'll tramp through the mire
When our souls feel dead
With laughter we'll inspire
Then back to life again

--Patti Smith

This review is dedicated to the memory of Randy Zapakin and to his loving wife and children. Randy was a Neil fan of the highest order. He was struck by a car earlier this month while taking his dog Mya for an evening walk. She was not injured in the accident, and he may have been protecting her when this tragedy occurred. Unfortunately I never met Randy but he was a really great guy, generous and kind in spirit and in action. My daughter is a friend of the family and enjoyed their hospitality on a number of occasions. When I first started posting on Thrashers Wheat, she would share my Comments with Randy's son and I'd hear back how much they enjoyed reading TW and what a great Neil fan his dad was. I thought of Randy often during last night's show; I'm sure he would have loved it and would be at tonight's MSG concert if he could.

Life can pass by in an instant. When we share music, joy and laughter with those around us we create moments that remain forever. Love and only love will endure!
Thanks so much for the great report Mr Henry! Glad you had a great evening with Neil and the Horse. Sounds like a fine evening. We get another round later this week ourselves and very much looking for another couple of nights riding the rails!

More on Boston: Neil Young & Crazy Horse Concert Reviews - 11/26/12.


9 Comments:

At 11/28/2012 10:06:00 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have been a Neil junkie since th 60's and I have never seen him like this. The Boston show was a very special event and Neil and the boys absolutely loved every minute of it as did the crowd. I loved the interaction with the Horse and the laughing and enjoying. I have always felt a part of Neil's music and his words that are right at the heart of life. He is amazing, the Horse is incredible and I can't wait for the Bridgeport show next week. I know Neil will always be Rockin' in the Free World!!

 
At 11/29/2012 12:45:00 PM, Blogger jrc said...

Anyone got an extra G/A ticket for Bridgeport?

 
At 11/29/2012 02:19:00 PM, Anonymous michael92105 said...

Boston was a very special night for me and I would love to find a recording of the show. I have lots to Neil,Dead and PJ to trade or will do a BNP.

Feel free to email me @:

iammrmajor@myfairpoint.net

 
At 11/29/2012 03:09:00 PM, Blogger Unknown said...

Thank you so much for posting this review -- FINALLY I read one that absolutely nailed how special this night was. I was writing my own review today so I could adequately communicate to those friends from the seventies what exactly I saw and felt... which was awe -- plain amazement and made me speachless. I couldn't even take pictures or videos just let the music wash over me ... Can't wait for Bridgeport on 12/4

 
At 11/30/2012 03:10:00 AM, Blogger Mr Henry said...

That's very nice of you Liz, I greatly appreciate your kind words. Awe and amazement are sometimes in short supply; we should enjoy and cherish such times and you did. Looking forward to your comments on the show in Bridgeport...thanks again!

"Nothing exists but momentarily in its present form and color. One thing flows into another and cannot be grasped. Before the rain stops we hear a bird. Even under the heavy snow we see snowdrops and some new growth."
--Suzuki Roshi

 
At 11/30/2012 08:14:00 AM, Blogger Unknown said...

What I say Mr Henry is Keep Writing. You have a gift. After bridgeport I may just have to go to Atlantic City for the Hurricane Sandy fund raiser at the Borgata. Neil , Crazy Horse 3000 people -- and being a jersey girl this disaster is near and dear to my heart. Stay tuned....

 
At 11/30/2012 10:03:00 AM, Blogger Mr Henry said...

Sounds like the right plan! I'm an original New Yorker and have heard that Bay Shore (my birthplace) was hit very hard along the shoreline. And a Coast Guard officer told me that Staten Island is unreal, with devastation hard to imagine.

"The price I had to pay for it was to watch the only world I had ever known well writhe in torment for the few moments required to destroy it."
--Everett S. Allen from
A Wind To Shake The World: the Story of the 1938 Hurricane

 
At 11/30/2012 10:11:00 AM, Blogger Unknown said...

Yup its done. Got two VIP tickets for 150 ea -- some lucky jersey-ian is going to be with me. Plus 89 dollar special at borgata for a room. All for a good cause.
And the megabus is 29 bucks each way -- sweet.
By the way I have shared your post a few times (fb) and via email. Of course gave the link ...

 
At 12/03/2012 09:59:00 AM, Blogger Unknown said...

I was thinking you should somehow get this review to Patty Smith and Neil Young - don't know how you do that - but know they would both appreciate your words.

 

Post a Comment

<< Home

<-Older Posts Blog Home Newer Posts->

Willie for a Nobel!
#Willie4Nobel

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

farm-aid-logo.gif
Farm Aid

Go Farmers Markets!


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

SUPPORTER
logo
Silverline Communications

(Home of the FarmAidians)
Tecumseh, Ontario, Canada
(519) 737-7979



This blog supports free speech!


Demand justice for Aaron:
Support "Aaron's Law" and inquiry into his prosecution

(... he didn't kill himself either...) #AaronDidntKillHimself

Induct Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame



Please Help Support Independent Media &
Non-Corporate Advertising
This Blog's For You!


The Hypocrisy of the Mainstream Media

It's Been Called The
"Missing Link" in the Ditch Trilogy

time-fades-away-banner2a

Sign the Release "Time Fades Away" Petition
Join The 10,000+ Who Have Already Signed


broken-arrow-mag-new-logo.gif

Neil Young Appreciation Society


sugar-mtn-logo.jpg
Sugar Mountain

Neil Young Setlists
rust-radio-new
Rust Radio


bumpersticker-neil-concert.jpg


i-l-ove-neil-young-sm.jpg
Bands Covering Neil Young songs


bumper-sticker-live-music-better-sm.jpg
LIVE MUSIC IS BETTER


ny-times-logo.jpg
Official Neil Young News Site

bridgeschool_logo
The Bridge School


The Bridge School Concerts
25th Anniversary Edition

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

linda-eastman-neil-young-sugar-mtn-sm.jpg
The Essential Neil Young

neil-young-sleeveless.jpg
Fans Favorite Neil Albums

neil-young-heart-of-gold-film-still
Top 50 MP3
Neil Young Song Downloads


Top 10 Best Selling Neil Albums Today
amazon-neil-store.GIF
Support Thrasher's Wheat
via Purchases from:
United States - Amazon.com us.gif
Canada - Amazon.ca canada.gif
United Kingdom - Amazon.uk gb.gif
Germany - Amazon.de de.gif



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

jttp-film-poster-sm.jpg
Neil Young Films

musicares-neil-young-2010.jpg
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.

live-rust-promo-poster.jpg


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

#BigShift

trans-promo



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

paul-neil-bridge2004-sat-sfc-kkomenich-sm.jpg
Paul McCartney and Neil Young

woodstock-poster.jpg


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

lennon_peace_liberty
John Lennon and Neil Young


"hailed by fans as a wonderful read"

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young:
csny-1974-poster.jpg
The Supergroup of the 20th Century



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

eddie & neil
Eddie Vedder and Neil Young

buffalo-springfield-poster.jpg
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"

neil & joni
Joni Mitchell & Neil Young

europe 1987.jpg


dylan-young-crop
Bob and Neil

weld
So Who Really Was "The Godfather of Grunge"?


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


The Four Dead in Ohio



May The FOUR Be With You #MayThe4thBeWithYou

concert-pass-europe-2003-solo.jpg


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

emmylou-harris-neil-young-0305-crop
Emmylou Harris and Neil Young

wilco-062305-wide-background.jpg
Wilco and Neil Young

bluenotes-pass-young88crewlam-sm.jpg

bruce-springsteen-neil-young-bridge-oct-1986.jpg
Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young

europe87concertpass


elton-john-neil-young-crop-sm.jpg
Elton John and Neil Young

ronnie-vanzant-neil.jpg
Lynyrd Skynyrd and Neil Young

+

The Meaning of "Sweet Home Alabama" Lyrics


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

powderfinger
"Powderfinger"
What does the song mean?

Random Neil Young Link of the Moment
neil-sad.jpg

Bonnie Raitt and Neil Young

Wisconsin-solidarity.jpg
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

willie_picnic_poster_070503


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:
freedom-video
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

csny2k-plate.jpg
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?

churchsign

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