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An unofficial news blog for Neil Young fans from Thrasher's Wheat with concert and album updates, reviews, analysis, and other Rock & Roll ramblings. Separating the wheat from the chaff since 1996.
Labels: concert, neil young, review
by thrasher@PermaLink: 4/02/2014 11:21:00 PM
41 comments
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41 Comments:
This was my 49th Neil Young concert... I gave the opening night at the Dolby a grade of B.... The last show of the series.. The crowd without a doubt on their best behavior.. You want to leave the Los Angeles crowd blown away.. Didn't happen..Neil was quiet throughout the show.. And trust me after all these years Neil Young is usually quiet. I thought that this 4 show series with his die hard fans, Neil, might come out of that closet and share a little more. Considering his sobriety and his health scares I was hoping.. And the last night it felt like we got less. Don't get me wrong it was a good show, but my close friend and I who have seen Neil over a 100 times combined couldn't put this show even in the top 10 performances.. Maybe it's his age, he is 68. Maybe I'm looking for that youthful Neil who blew me away time after time. But little things could have been done to alter these shows and make them immortal classics.. Everyone I talked to said the same thing over and over.."Cover Tunes?"....Why is he doing this..I know why because he's Neil Young..That's Neil.. But at this late in life singing to your core audience and at these prices, maybe we can skip the covers and add "Looking for a Love"..or how about blow the crowd away with "Will to Love" on piano..Even a tune or two from Rust Never Sleeps.... But this is Neil, and this is what you have to get use to when your a Neil fan like myself..And regretfully he encored with Thrasher and walked off..We were disappointed no Long May You Run... Oh well that's Neil..I give this show a B-...Now I will get my hopes up for Neil Young & Crazy Horse later this year...Yep I will keep on going...He is unpredictable, yet brilliant... That's Neil
Thrasher:
After all these years, I'm still amazed at comments from people that claim to be long-time fans, yet go on and on about what Neil "should have done" at a particular concert.
I love the fact that when I'm there with Neil (and thousands of other people) we get what we get from Neil...whatever he's inspired to do, and I don't know what it is until I get it.
I love the surprises like "Get
Back To The Country" at Madison Square Garden in December 2008. That blew my socks off.
I so want to say, "Just be thankful people that you have the opportunity to be with him. Generations from now people will be wishing they could!
Thanks for all you do for us, Thrasher!
Marian M.
Yonkers, NY
"Cover Tunes?"....Why is he doing this..
Well, Big Guy, because Changes is the most beautiful song that Neil hasn't written. Phil Ochs wrote it for him and for us. And now Neil is singing the song for us because Phil can't sing it anymore. I can only hope he wants to sing the song for me this summer.
I wish I could go to a Neil Young concert where I was disappointed that he finished on "Thrasher" :)
Watching Neil perform "Ohio," "After The Gold Rush," and "Thrasher" was worth the price of admission alone.
Reading the comments it seems like the rude audience member(s) early in the Dolby stint spoiled the mood somewhat, albeit still sound like very good shows ... because the Carnegie Show(s), at least the one I saw, and the comments from others suggested Neil at his best, on top of his game, unforgettable shows ... when he broke out covers at Farm Aid I was very skeptical and went into the Carnegie shows cold having not heard any recordings and was very moved by both 'Changes' and 'Needle Of Death' and came around to having to re-learn that (IMHO) Neil knows what he's doing, he's playing what moves him, and if it moves him it usually moves us ... that said, I like the covers he played in NYC a lot more than the Gordon Lightfoot cover video i watched from Dolby ... but all in all when you've seen 50-100 shows getting into the top 10 is probably a feat, especially because Neil doesn't really play a bad show ...
When Neil has faded away I hope people hounor him by covering his tunes. I like hearing a few covers at any show I go to. I think its a matter of respect. A few months ago I went to a bare nakid ladies show. Their onchore was zeppelins Whole Latta Love. Thats right Whole Lotta Love, no joke. The place went nuts, they absolutly nailed it with their own flair. Sometimes you gotta just go with the flow. Don't sweat the pety stuff and don't pet the sweaty stuff.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6xWtYDdXQM
Dug
I have to somewhat agree with Theebigguy....I have been to dozens of NY shows. I have left some of these performances feeling completely spent of emotion and completely satisfied with everything that Neil brings. The reason for those feelings of complete contentment is that Neil, on stage in those shows, gave everything he could possible give to his audience.
Last night I just didn't feel that. I left happy. I certainly didn't feel that I wasted my time or money, its just that it seemed Neil was just kind of going through the motions. He didn't seem very inspired and his stage presence lacked energy.
Maybe the first three shows did take away some of that energy. The fans last night really did show that you can go to a Neil Young show and LISTEN. He even commented how quite we all were and that he liked that about this crowd.
Don't get me wrong....I thoroughly enjoyed being there. Every Neil Young show I have attended has been an unforgettably experience for this life long NY fan (I get to finally meet him in Oct. @ The Ritz Carlton, Half Moon Bay) it's just that last night left me wanting for a bit more, not only for me, but maybe for Neil....
Marian f/Yonkers...I was at that MSG show too! That was a GREAT surprise. And I think all would agree that with GREAT artists, such as Neil, you enjoy the ride. I'd rather that than "same old-same old"!
49 Neil Young shows and still has not figured out what makes Neil run. As he pointed out at Farm Aid, Neil doesn’t work for anybody but himself. As for bemoaning that “you (only)got Thrasher as an encore,” I would have killed for that. I was at the Sunday show and any chance of him doing Thrasher during the encore was probably nixed when that idiot who kept screaming for Cinnamon Girl all through the show caused Neil to snap back. My show was the only show of the LA run where he didn’t do it. As the wise man once said, “learn to count your blessings.”
i went tuesday and wednesday and thought both were magical. there did seem to be a touch less energy onstage, and in the room, on wednesday, but i still loved it. on tuesday, he told a bunch of stories, both funny and touching; i'm surprised to hear people think he wasn't sharing enough. he was a bit more rambly and brief with his chattiness on wednesday, suggesting stories without actually telling them. maybe he was tired of telling them, or maybe he assumed half the room had already heard all of ''em. "mellow my mind" banjo was for the ages. i adore where his singing voice is at right now.
Been awhile since I visited this site but I wanted to see what was up with Neil and his solo shows. After a quick spin thru the comments, I won't offer on the set list or whether Neil played tired. I will say I stopped visiting this long-time, personal favorite site some time ago because of the hostility of the fanatical a-hole worshippers of the guy whose music we all love. God forbid you weigh in with some honest thoughts on a show or anything else Neil like Theebigguy did. I myself appreciated his candor and perspective. Jesus, after reading the comments/responses, you would have thought he called Rassy a protitute. Somehow, Theebigguy's take is less valid, less real, less honest than your own. I feel sorry for those of you always on the attack and in defense of NY. If it wasn't such a turnoff it would be comical. You know, funny thing, after Neil takes a dump, he doesn't need to spray like you and I. Comes out smelling just like the latest fragrance from Glade. I heard they're working together on a new scent called Ranch. Where can I get some? Too bad the same idiots are still wrecking TW. I see I haven't missed anything.
Thrasher is the perfect song to finish this show with! I'd love to hear it live.
The Flying Scotsman.
To anon 1:55 -
There is hardly any negative reaction at all to thebigguy's comment. There is one comment disagreeing with him, another replying to him, and a bunch that are agreeing with his comments about the energy of the show.
Care to point out the "hostility" in these comments? Care to point out the comments that make you think the prostitute reference? The comments which imply thebigguy's comments are less valid?
Because I'm not seeing a single one anywhere in the realm of the comments you have made.
I talked to a friend of mine this morning who went to last night's show, and he loved every minute. Said that his guitar playing was magnificent, his stories were funny, and his voice sounded great. He had no idea that it had been 30+ years since Neil had done "Thrasher", but was thrilled to hear it. Not a single complaint about what was, for him, a rare night out with a friend to see a show. He couldn't have been happier.
Maybe if you only saw one show, that would have been enough, especially these days when the set rarely changes, and you know that, going in.
Sure wish I'd been able to catch one of these acoustic gigs...
Meanwhile back on the East Coast, here's what some of us were doing last night:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhU0RrE8ASA
Wonderful opening set from Barbara Manning, who flew in from LA just for the show and hadn't performed in Boston in years. And she plays a Black Gibson! Then a fantastic music Suite from James McNew of Yo La Tengo fame...perfect blend of John Fahey meets Jim O'Rourke.
The Bevis Frond headlined and played a full 90 minute set, with Nick Saloman and Paul Simmons weaving their guitar magic. Nick was very funny (as usual), and the crowd was great. The night was a celebration of Jon Bernhardt's 30 years DJing on WMBR, and it was even better than the 25th party, which I was also at.
Bevis Frond are performing live tomorrow morning on WMBR during Jon's show, and they invited everyone there to come on down to the station. You gotta love Rock and Roll! Check it out if you can Friday at 9 am edt on wmbr.org.
The show was peaking just around the time Neil was coming on out in LA. Would have been nice to be there, but then I wouldn't have been here. Music is an enormous tent, with lots of room for all types and tastes...but then you already know that.
haha, ummmm. any particular reason you are sharing your completely unrelated story with us Mr. Henry?
...glad you had a good night...?
As any Neil fan knows, Neil is his own man. Isn't that why we love him and his music? I thoroughly enjoyed trying to figure where he was going from one song to another. After all, he has his reasons, and it is up to us to track him, not vice versa.
To those fanatics, I say, "too bad". It reminds me of my first Broadway play starring Jason Robards in a Eugene O'Neil play. I thought the performance was incredible. The stuff shirt Broadway regulars sat on their hands.
Likewise, last night I thought Neil's voice was strong, the sound was flawless and the show was one I will never forget...even if I have only seen him a handful of times since 1972, when I saw him first and Linda Ronstadt opened.
Keep up the good work Neil.
He also skipped "Long May You Run" on the last night of the Carnegie run.
Even a Giant like Mr. Neil is entitled to have an "offday" at work.
And even then, the quality of his work is way better than what I do on an offday at work...
I'll always be grateful if I get a chance to see him, and will enjoy and love every second of a Neil Young Concert.
how about blow the crowd away with "Will to Love" on piano..Even a tune or two from Rust Never Sleeps....
He did play a tune from Rust Never Sleeps...THRASHER!
@Anon 6:36 pm Sorry to stray from the serious debate going on here...my bad, man. Will try to stick to comments about the comments that were made about the comments about the comments....
And yeah, I had a great night...thanks for (kind of) asking! Like someone once said "It's all one song".
"The line between saying and thinking is blurred."
--William Burroughs
RIP Gary Burger
People run
Ain't it fun for you
I feel very lucky to have attended the last of a four night run in such an iconic theatre. Acoustics (A+) Neils' vocal....spot on, its from the heart, and at times, angelic.
I'm a huge fan and for the most part IMHO Neil can do no wrong.
But, I was up front in some excellent seats, and I must point out that this performance can be chalked up to a bit of an off night.
e.g. He lost focus and forgot the beginning verse to "Philadelphia" Hey he's entitled, but I saw him shake his head after the song and comment something about the mistake. I also noticed the guitar work he did when he played "Harvest Moon" was void of some hammer-ons and some of the harmonics that I think are an integral part of the song. It just sounded a bit flat to me. Obviously he ment to play it that way. He's Neil...
Who knows...maybe the the moon phase was just a little of alignment. I know he has had alot on his plate as of late with the PONOmusic launch and all. He also mentioned something about a recent 11 hour sleep, and that his sleep patterns have changed.
Something else I know is that this is a musician of legendary status, but he's also human. I like that he showed a slightly vulnerable side to him and even something less than 100% makes for a wonderful, wonderful evening.
Well...how to say...
Lucky those of you who are counting their 49th Neil shows or even more.
I live in Italy, Neil has visited my country in 1980 for the first time and for sure he has not been here that often.
Latest I saw him was July last year. He blew me away, though he didint play LAH or CITS or whatever I would have heard from him. Never saw him live alone and acustic...Lucky you..
Long may you run :-)
Roberto
@Roberto - thanks for the perspective. We think you speak for many here that are unspoken. Some of those who have spoken aren't necessarily representative of the greater Neil appreciation society.
but to each their own...
Let's all agree to disagree!
Neil would be pleased....
For what it's worth, I am one of those guys who has seen Neil many times(Last Waltz, Ducks 3 times, Rust Never Sleeps cow palace, boarding house residence,etc)
I saw Neil fifth row center 4th night at Dolby.
It was pretty disquieting:
the crowd seemed tentative and a bit intimidated by Neil.
Ushers scurried around busting those who took pics and/or video
Neil's jaunty cover of reason to believe failed to capture the elegance of Hardin's (and Rod Stewart's) versions.
Read Your Mind was a poor second choice to Early Morning Rain
Neil was off his game, as some of the others have mentioned.
Mr Soul on the organ with a Tom Waits growl was a failed experiment
Man needs a maid's simple beauty was marred by an unnecessary mini-organ intro and outro
And yet...
In most cases, you could physically feel Neil's intensity and the effort he was exerting, which clearly takes more of a toll at 68
Changes was brilliant, Gold Rush too
Thrasher was unparalleled.
Gonna see him in Dallas and chicago so will be intrigued to compare
Not for nuthin, saw emmylou and LanOIS at the wiltern the night after Neil.
SPECTACULAR and it was sad to compare the joy, collegiality, collaboration of this performance in a GREAT rock n roll venue to Neil's rather sterile, pompous setting the night before.
I'm sensing there is more than a little self-importance and artistic arrogance in Neil that is becoming very unattractive(a la Joni Mitchell) and unnecessary
Maybe Elliot ought to trot out the "pissin in the wind" warning to Neil again!
The complete absence of that coupled with the eager interplay and audience APPRECIATION of emmylou and Danny last night gave me pause with regards to Neil.
Having seen NY 38 times and absorbed and studied him all these years, my observations should have some validity.
I would submit the ability to CONSTRUCTIVELY criticize is a necessary part of any analysis and understanding of an artist.
It does not diminish one's appreciation of the artist's
oeuvre but rather enhances it, at least in my case.
Seeing both Tuesday and Wednesday shows I felt that Neil was in a much better mood on Tuesday. He told more stories and appeared to enjoy the audience. Wednesday he appeared to me to be angry with those in a section of the pit, demonstrated by repeatedly shaking the water from his harps at them.
@Anon 8:45
"I'm sensing there is more than a little self-importance and artistic arrogance in Neil that is becoming very unattractive"
and yet...
you're going to travel to Dallas and Chicago to see him more?
btw, The pump organ version of Mr Soul is my favorite of the many versions of the song.
- vertigone
<>
that was right in front of me. he was grinning as he did so, and it seemed pretty clear, at least to me, that he was doing it in the spirit of fun.
(above comment is on response to the comment about neil shaking his harp water at people in the pit.)
Viva la difference, vertigone!
holy crap. reading these posts it has become clear to me that we, as a society, the sum and whole, have become complacent, to the point of critical, with our shared hero.
people, please, let us not lose sight.
I am in awe of Neil's talents and abilities. even on his "worst" days. a little slack. it's more than earned @ this point. we are all just so friggin spoiled. re-read the dude from Italy's post.
thank the geographic gods for yer good fortune.
I've seen Neil 174 times and I give the recent shows in Hollywood a C+, B, B-, and C-, in that order. "Thrasher" for an encore? ho-hum. I saw it 15 times in 1978. How about blowing the crowd away by playing "Revolution Blues" on clarinet? C'mon Neil, stop just going through the motions!
Also, his artistic arrogance is getting really unattractive. Just to make sure, I'm going to travel all around the country so I can give you all the accurate grades for each show going forward.
One more thing..."CINNAMON GIRL!!!"
I am a NY thought police sheep who believes everything he does is sublime, regardless of quality, venue, staging, effort, muscianship and setlst selection.
In order to be a NY fan one must blindly extoll his virtues without any acknowledgement of his humanity and one must never think critically or appraise intelligently any of his performances or albums, especially regardless of ticket price or geography, because there are some people somewhere who have never seen NY.
I am threatened by anyone who has a different opinion than those of us who worship NY like lemmings and I can't be bothered to invest any critical assessment, time or money in NY cause that would be snobbish
One last thing...Nice thing about America should be you can disagree and still be friends....
"we, as a society, the sum and whole, have become complacent, to the point of critical, with our shared hero."
Exacta mundo.
Reading some of these comments, its almost like April Fool's Day never ended.
But seriously, as we remarked to our Italian friend above, some of the criticisms here are like suggesting Da Vinci should have used a different brush and palette on the Mona Lisa.
As someone else said: "What?! You get Thrasher as an encore and are complaining???" really
"They were hiding behind hay bales,
They were planting in the full moon
They had given all they had for something new
But the light of day was on them,
They could see the thrashers coming
And the water shone like diamonds in the dew."
I think you're right Thrash...its good for the whole month!
Just keepin' it real....
Why does Neil miss Briggs the most?
He was the only one smart enough and honest enough to tell Neil the Truth.
Heard the recording of 2nd April....had me applauding in my living room. Top class. Thrasher was magical.
One other comment: Hope Neil is writing some new tunes for the CH tour!
The Flying Scotsman.
9 Musicians Remember Kurt Cobain:
http://time.com/50739/kurt-cobain-anniversary-nirvana/
(Neil is one of the nine)
Ted
"That winter afternoon in the Kunalaika, the low sunlight in the south glancing off black silhouetted ridges and shattered into frozen blades by the black trees, the ringing clarity of the great cat tracks on the snow glazed ice, the blood trace and stark signs of the elk's passage--that was pure joy."
--from Tigers in the Snow
RIP Roshi
I saw the world through your words and the universe in your amazing blue eyes
"If you are truly aware of five minutes a day, then you are doing pretty well. We are beset by both the future and the past, and there is no reality apart from the here and now."
--Peter Matthiessen
Getting difficult to seperate the "ironic" comments from the merely "self important" within this thread! Let's bring out the thrashing machine but hope Neil leaves the clarinet at home.
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