Neil Young News: Winnipeg - Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Alchemy Tour

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Friday, November 16, 2012

Winnipeg - Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Alchemy Tour - 11/16/12

Neil Young & Crazy Horse - Hey Hey, My My - MTS Centre, Winnipeg MB, Nov 16, 2012

From review Neil Young and Crazy Horse ride high in Winnipeg - Canada Music | Examiner.com by Robert Rheubottom:

Fans looking for more “Harvest” era hits like “Heart of Gold” or “Old Man” were out of luck as Young strapped on his Les Paul electric “Ol’ Black” and led Crazy Horse on another lengthy workout from “Pill,” a emotional number about a dissolving marriage due to alcohol abuse titled “Ramada Inn.”

Neil finally threw a bone to the hit seekers, performing a slightly extended version of his 1969 hit “Cinnamon Girl,” which earned him his first standing ovation, followed by another track from “Pill” titled, “F**ckin' Up,” which featured fierce guitar interplay between Sampedro and Young.

In the homestretch, Young’s familiar “Satisfaction”-like guitar riff introduced his 1967 Buffalo Springfield classic “Mr. Soul,” which had many of the thousands of babyboomers misty-eyed and cinched the evening with his rock anthem “Hey Hey, My My (Into The Black) prior to returning for a quick encore, performing “Roll Another Number” from 1975’s “Tonight’s the Night.”

Young clearly still has his muse and remains a relevant creative force. Teamed with Crazy Horse, he continues to ride high and rock with the best of them.

Neil Young & Crazy Horse will be performing tonight at Winnipeg, MB – MTS Centre, Canada.

Got a report? Drop a comment below.

Check Sugar Mountain for setlist updates and Chronological Grid, Recording Summary, Statistics and Extras.

Also, see Neil Young & Crazy Horse 2012 Concert Tour Reviews and the right, middle sidebar for continuous real time RSS feed updates.

Neil Young & Crazy Horse Don't Be Denied!

Labels: 2012, concert, crazy horse, neil young, review, tour

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25 Comments:

At 11/16/2012 10:51:00 PM, Anonymous said...: That would be 11/16/12, of course.
At 11/17/2012 11:03:00 AM, Ted St. Godard said...: Let me start by saying I love NY, always have, always will. Seen him multiple times multiple venues multiple, configurations. Last night it was Winnipeg, the Alchemy show.

Make no mistake, it was, as billed, a Crazy Horse show. There were some highs, not least of which was seeing Ben Young sitting at a Bridge School table. And the new songs, magnificent. Walk Like a Giant was terrific, and likewise Ramada Inn. The oldies were nice, especially Powderfinger.

Neil certainly appeared to be enjoying himself, and good for him, but, and here's the but: I'm sorry to say that there was just way too much self-indulgent choking of the proverbial chicken, not to mention every song included a belaboured circle jerk. We get it Neil, you like feedback, and you like making your guitar sound more like thunder than anything else. And when you ride the Horse you're playing to each other. We love that, but enough is enough.There's a great big stage, step away from Frank and Billy, you can stroke each other after.

When an album of song-ending feedback is offered, we can politely say "no thanks," but in live show, when we want more of what we know you've got, end the bloody tune, wipe your brow, smile for the nice people, and play on.

My 19 year old son hit it on the head when he leaned to me during another prolonged outro, and said, "he's beating a dead horse again."

That said, the encore of Roll Another Number, was magnificent, some of the vocal moments were Neil at his best (some would say weakest, but we who love him feel otherwise), and there were some beautiful, melodic solos, during which, for a minute or two, NY actually faced the audience. And they more than made up for the painful, and frankly, embarrassing parts. I'd go again tonight if I could.
At 11/17/2012 11:30:00 AM, Hussa said...: @Dead St. Godard : u STILL don't get it. Nice try, though.
At 11/17/2012 12:05:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Hello to all,
Having seen Neil and the Horse this past week in Calgary, (a fabulous show, I must add!) it should be noted that Neil might be in the building physically, but when he plays with the Horse, he is on the outer edge of nirvana, and asks us to come for the trip. If you choose to be only an observer, then I suppose Ted and his son have a point. However, for me and my posse, we accepted the invitation and went with Neil and found out more than knew before about how this all works. I have seen Neil in many variations over the years, from solo at the Riverboat, to CSNY et al, but I must say, Neil is in such a great space now, we must enjoy this ride with him, or risk it all to ether.
For those folks awaiting your invitation, go with it...it is freakin' amazing and you will not be disappointed!
A big hello to Dave T. Welcome home to Ontario, It was great to see you in Calgary.
As well, a giant thank you to Elliot and Neil for coming home again...we luv ya, we just luv ya!!
Billie in Calgary
At 11/17/2012 12:42:00 PM, Hussa said...: Amen Billie in Calgary!
At 11/17/2012 12:52:00 PM, Anonymous said...: @Hussa: How does someone not "get" their own thoughts and feelings? How is their opinion invalidated just because you don't agree with it? Mr. Godard clearly appreciates Neil, he just doesn't experience everything the same way you do. I'd say condescending, narrow-minded people like you are the ones who don't "get it."
At 11/17/2012 01:14:00 PM, Matthew L. said...: Ted, that's a hilarious review. Thanks.

I love Neil and the Horse's self-indulgent chicken-choking, though, so I'm glad to hear they're not tightening it up into a collection of 5 minute songs.

But anyway, though I'd likely disagree, but I can see your point... I love your snarky review.

I think because you balance your eye-rolling about the feedback, thunder and endless jams with a good deal of the positive that you took home with you.
At 11/17/2012 01:42:00 PM, Keith said...: I do not agree with Ted, but it's certainly a valid opinion. He obviously "gets" something out of being a Neil fan. Which is the point I think. His post was well-thought out and perfectly reasonable. Condescending responses to a completely level-headed, logical opinion are what the trolls feed off of around here.
I live for long endings and dissonance. I listen to Arc probably more than most. But you can't deny Neil's song endings are getting longer and longer. I welcome the change, but I can certainly see where others might not.
At 11/17/2012 01:50:00 PM, Thrasher Wheat said...: @Ted St. Godard - thanks for the review.

We'll just try and say this.

In essence, what you find indulgent, many enjoy. And, likely, vice-versa.

We've even heard comments along the lines of if they just tightened up the songs, they could have played another half dozen or so. Which is true of course, but misses the point.

Some folks are needy. Some are not.

You can't always get what you want,
you can't always get what you want,
you can't always get what you want,
but...

ps - How do you like the She's Always Dancin' video?
At 11/17/2012 01:59:00 PM, Anonymous said...: To 11/17/2012 12:52:00 PM...I am not a troll, and certainly didn't call down Ted. It was just my observations. This is why I don't blog much, cuz some folks are way too quick to judge and open their mouth before the brain gets in gear. I count myself among those folks....
Billie in Calgary
At 11/17/2012 02:15:00 PM, Anonymous said...: @Keith: Well put, but I would suggest that the "trolls" are those who make the condescending comments, not those who call them out on it. And Thrash, way to fan the flames with the "some folks are needy" comment. No wonder things so often get out of hand here, given the tone you set.
At 11/17/2012 03:02:00 PM, Matthew L. said...: Anon 2:15 - You're harshin' my mellow, bro. This was a fine thread full of friendly compromise and a little fun needling until you had to come along and take it seriously.

Heh heh
At 11/17/2012 03:17:00 PM, Alan said...: Oh, shucks, Neil didn't do what I wanted him to! Right! Haven't we all heard this before?! Again and again. Boo Hoo. I wanted him to play Harvest again, etc. That's the whole point: He is doing what he must do, plugged into the muse, wrenching pure bliss out of Old Black, the heavens ripped open and God's Grungey Glory sending jolts of electricity through the open hearted fan of His type of Neil Young performance. Ben Keith is dead, may he RIP. So many dead musicians. Be GRATEFUL that you can still see Neil Young kicking ass with the Horse. What a bunch of crybabies. Neil's recent output ranks with his best. If the song lasts into a grungy haze and the crowd hears more of his "Jet engine in a hurricane" guitar leads, then I thank God above for the ear candy. You're not gonna love it all. Be grateful for what you do love and go get it while you can. Alan G in Seattle
At 11/17/2012 03:51:00 PM, Ted St. Godard said...: Wow, great conversation, mostly. Thanks especially to Alan for reminding us all to be grateful NY still walking the boards. For sure we all take different things away from our relationship with Neil, we all hear different things in his poetry, appreciate different solos, riffs, and licks, have favourites that wax and wane. Part of the beauty of his catalogue is its diversity. I hate "Piece of Crap," "Farmer John," "F*^cken Up," and many others I consider throw-aways, but appreciate that many love these tunes. And I, like the rest of you, celebrate Neil's willingness to just go for it, put out what he wants when he wants, etc.

I am in many ways a biased fan (short for fanatic, after all), and my friends and family tease me for it. See my review of WHP in the Winnipeg Free Press (shameless plug). But, as friends call friends on BS, it's gotta be ok to say "c'mon Neil, those long endings get tedious."

Heck, maybe it's just that I'm so enmeshed in the remote-control culture, where I can quickly skip to the next tune, ff through commercials, etc., that makes me want the tune to end when it seems over (to me). Who knows?

At any rate, that's more than my two-bits. I'd go again tonight, likely, if I could, but perhaps it's time to admit, as Neil himself does often, that the Crazy Horse diet can be a bit hard to digest.
At 11/17/2012 04:53:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Maybe it's just me but I love the fucked up, sloppy and unpolished sound that is the Horse it allows the primal animal within Neil to surface. Who else on Neil's level continue to play with a bunch of people who cant play? Neil gets something he cant get anywhere else and so do those who buy into the horse know what they are in for. If you dont like it wait until the solo acoustic tour
At 11/17/2012 04:54:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Time to retire NEIL.I will always love your old stuff,but last night in winnipeg was horrible.IT's like!!! WHAT HAPPEND??????I WANT MY MONEY BACK.
At 11/17/2012 06:18:00 PM, joelookout said...: I really am a NY fan but honestly I would prefer he could play additional songs rather than neverending feedback. do not think any of you would accept a gig of two hours feedback just because Neil can do what he wants and you have to go along with it. peace and love.
At 11/17/2012 06:57:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Glad MOST of you are enjoying the shows....that is part of what Neil does...he follows the muse....wherever that takes him...we must follow....like it or not....there is nothing contrived in what he does and his energy and youthfulness are absolutely inspiring whether he is playing solo acoustic or with the Horse.
You all should be happy that the man is still alive and touring...when we are past those days you all will look back and appreciate all that he did for music and the audience during live shows....sit back and enjoy...or go to the bathroom if you want a break from the feedback.
Just a question for anyone....anyone know if Trunk Show was ever released on Blue Ray or DVD? I can't find it anywhere...never had a chance to see it and I was at the show at the Tower Theatre...any info would be appreciated. Expecting Neil at Wells Fargo in Philly in just under two weeks...I can smell the Horse already...new album is ridiculous...Ramada Inn is a Neil and Crazy horse instant classic!
67 years young...
Rust Never Sleeps
At 11/17/2012 07:18:00 PM, JeffH said...: Personally, I was blown away by how awesome it was, and loved every minute, from the alchemists raising the speakers and Oh Canada to Poncho lighting up at the end of Roll Another Number. I got exactly what I wanted, raw Horse! I can see how folks would be disappointed if they wanted a greatest hits show, but Neil is as Neil does, as always. His enthusiasm was infectious, and I was thrilled to see how much energy and passion he’s playing with.

I also knew exactly what to expect, for the most part, as I’d been following reviews of the tour and checking the setlists. Would have I loved to hear Cortez or DBTR? Hell yeah, of course. But I take what I can get, and several years ago I had resigned myself to the fact that I’d probably never experience the glorious noise that happens when Neil rides the Horse. So I am a happy camper today.

My one complaint about the show – drunk people should shut up when Neil’s doing acoustic tunes. Half a dozen loud a-holes really detract from the experience. Get loaded if you like, but keep it down a little when the tunes warrant it. I saw several people stumbling out at about the two-thirds mark, which always makes me shake my head. Why pay 90 bucks for a ticket and then get so hammered you end up forgetting it all anyways (at seven bucks a bear no less!).

Wait, one more complaint – we showed up at 7:25 for a ticketed start time of 7:30, and The Sadies were already on. So that sucked. We caught the last 4 tunes by them, and having Randy Bachman on-stage was a nice treat. Los Lobos were good, as always.

I love Uncle Neil in all his various incarnations, but I’ve always loved the Horse the most. 100% happy with my first, and hopefully not last, time seeing the Horse.
At 11/17/2012 08:01:00 PM, Hussa said...: Hare Krishna.
At 11/17/2012 10:01:00 PM, Jim said...: @ Anonymous 04:53:00.....

"Maybe it's just me but I love the fucked up, sloppy and unpolished sound that is the Horse it allows the primal animal within Neil to surface."

It's not just you...I, too, love that aspect of The Horse....it's something that I've heard many try to achieve, but to my ears, Crazy Horse is the most genuine and REAL, without a doubt. A finale with Neil's ear-splitting notes and electrical box explosions over top of Billy's rattling/thunderous bass, Poncho's power strumming and distorted, bending notes and Ralph's chaotic, primitive drum fills...somehow coming together in that perfectly imperfect way.

I LOVE NEIL & CRAZY HORSE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
At 11/18/2012 01:18:00 AM, SD said...: Neil is never going to please everyone.

The best you can do before going to a show is educate yourself about what the show is going to be like. We live in the internet/instant-access/youtube age - you have a wealth of information at your fingertips to help you decide what to spend your money on.

My only Neil experience has been with the Electric Band in 2009. It was awesome, but it wasn't Crazy Horse either. But I'm sure at that show other fans were even happier to hear the hits played - as was I, but I knew regardless that Crazy Horse would be the pinnacle of a live show.

It's the nature of the beast, and it's the reason why it is pointless to say things like "if only Neil would do this instead" to please you. It would be impossible for Neil to tailor his setlist to fan expectations or needs.

Who is the 'fan' he needs to tailor it to? Should he be up there at 67 years old for 5 hours making sure each and every fan leaves happy? If he plays solely a 'greatest hits' list, what does he say to the hardcore who want to hear deep cuts? If he plays a lot of electric what does he say to the fans who want more acoustic? Vice versa? How does he reconcile recording new music, being into it fully, wanting to perform it live, with fans who complain about hearing too many new songs? How does he reconcile doing what he, as the artist who fans are paying to see, as the creator of the art they pay to see, wants to do with his art while he is on stage?

It's a lose-lose scenario - which is why the best way to view any show is to appreciate what you get to witness - whether it is perfect to your liking, or not. It's foolish to continually expect or search for perfection in an artist, and pointless to reduce your live experience to positives & negatives. The whole experience deserves more than that, and more than an endless search for what to critique and what to find fault in.

I thank my lucky stars I was able to see an artist who has impacted my life perform in a live setting, when so many others I will never get a chance to see.

It is and always will be different things to different people. We should be so lucky we get to enjoy a person who, at 67 years old, still elicits such emotions.
At 11/18/2012 04:57:00 AM, Nicolas S said...: How multifarious Neil's audience is!
At 11/18/2012 06:57:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Interesting discussion. I think it's wrong to relegate Ted's review to the realm of "I wish Neil played his hits" comments. I am excited to see the show in New York at MSG, but a bit curious. I'm also not a big fan of songs like Farmer John and Piece of Crap, although F***en Up works for me. Seen NY a few times, but never with Crazy Horse. Everyone has their own taste. Length does not by itself invalidate a song for me. I might be the only one around here for whom Driftin' Back is their favorite song on the new album. Ramada Inn and WLAG also work for me, so he can play those as long as he wants. The shorter songs are just ok for me, with the exception of She's Always Dancin', but then again he is not playing that in these shows.

So looking forward to the show, but at the same time curious. Ultimately have to judge for yourself. Just saw The Who this past week. Mostly good reviews out there, but every once in a while I'll see a negative comment. Leaves me wondering if they were actually at the same show, because I thought it might have been one of my top shows ever. Really amazing. I look forward to coming to the same conclusion regarding the comments by Ted and others.
At 11/18/2012 02:14:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Wish Dancing' was in the set list, but that's ok.

Since 07, I've every tour, and le Noise twice. In this span, I've gotten a taste of everything, even Ambulance Blues, A Day in the Life as an encore, Heart of Gold, Old Man, Ctk in many forms, No Hidden Path (omg, so awesome- watched through some nice optics to see how he works that guitar like that). Point is... Wait long enough, patiently for that rabbit (like he told Patti, remember?) he does get around to almost everything one could want ... Can't wait to now experience the Horse, they're gonna blow the roof off the dump!