Neil Young At His Electric Best: Crazy Horse in Late February 1991
"Like A Hurricane"
Neil Young w/ Crazy Horse - February 19, 1991 - Hartford, CT
An all over the map discussion has ensued over the recent post Winter Wheat by John K. Samson: Heavily Influenced by Neil Young's On the Beach .
Somehow commenters veered into best concert memories and other assorted digressions. Well, it's all good, we suppose.
Here's a comment on the 1991 Ragged Glory/Weld tour with Crazy Horse by Scotsman:
It's a shame that many Neil fans have never watched the complete captivating video from Concord 1993, with one of the most sinister and vicious versions of Down By The River ever performed.Thanks Scotsman! Yes, the 1991 Ragged Glory/Weld tour with Crazy Horse really set a high bar for electric Neil. It hasn't really been purer -- before or since. There was definitely an intensity where nothing was left on stage by the end of the night. We're so lucky that WELD was released so soon after the tour completed.
Or Like A Hurricane from Hartford 1991 (the film of this concert is on youtube, in acceptable quality), filmed only three days after the epic Weld version. If I wanted to fully demonstrate the soulful beauty of Crazy Horse, then this is one performance I would play.
Indeed, anything from late February 1991 represents Neil Young at his electric best; the golden years, as good as Hendrix.
And I've recommend the heart-piercing, beautifully-restrained electric version of Cortez from Winnipeg 1996 several times now, and if only one person finds a copy and enjoys it then my work here is done.
I'm not talking about moderately-good, "great for an old guy" performances. If musical Gods existed, this would be the sound of them channeling themselves through Neil Young and enriching the lives of anyone who cares to listen. Powerful stuff.
Scotsman.
A good thread. We're always searching for wheat - not scrounging for chaff.
Labels: concert, crazy horse, neil young, video
by thrasher@PermaLink: 11/01/2016 06:47:00 PM
31 comments
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31 Comments:
Neil Young is my favorite, but he still isn't as good of a guitarist as Jimi Hendrix, obviously. Being the greatest guitarist / songwriter / singer EVER still belongs to Hendrix, though he had just 3 years of fame and recorded material to secure his legacy. According to the Nobel people, Dylan is more significant than any other (poet) songwriter. Blowin' in the Wind. Masters of War. The Times They are a'Changin' 1965-66, The Basement Tapes, Blood on the Tracks, umpteen bootleg series albums. But what does Dylan sound like this year? He sounds like shit with a great backing band. Neil Young, however, still sounds great. His singing isn't quite as strong as it used to be, but still good or great, depending on how much weed he has been smoking, etc. He is the greatest living angry hippie, the Godfather of Grunge, with dozens and dozens of acoustic and electric gems in his popular catalogue. The one who never sold out. Friend to the Natives. Backer of Bernie. Hater of Monsanto and poison. This guy wears his heart on his sleeve and keeps on fighting for the causes he believes in. And he keeps cracking open the Heavens with his axe, like a perpetually pissed off Thor. I saw him in 91 with Crazy Horse, yes. He was great. No better than in 1996 during the warm up shows. And certainly no better than the Promise of the Real shows. He is always great live, year after year.
Alan, I disagree with your comment about Dylan. I like Neil better too but they're both fantastic
"Somehow comments veered into....":
... thus succinctly summing up the comments section of TW! :-)
Alan: As a fan of 1996 as well, I would say he was better in 1991 than that year (though I agree that some of the OPL gigs were largely a comparable standard). By later in 1996, the distorted drone and lazy noise-making that TopangaDaze mentioned had started to set in, and his lead guitar playing was just a tad less accomplished as well.
There's a purposeful fluency to his playing, one perfect note cascading into the next, that is unique to the 1991 gigs. He was also more economical with his soloing; the notes he DIDN'T play were as important as the ones he did. In contrast to the "hit-everything-and-see-what-happens" approach sometimes taken in more recent years. The sons were long, but not TOO long. 1991 is known for it's extreme volume, but the quality of the playing for me makes it more like listening to a classical record. Listen to it more quietly and it sounds just as impressive, if not more so.
As for 2015/2016, whatever it's benefits (including, for me, some of the new acoustic songs), his lead electric guitar playing is simply not on the same level as it was in 1991. This should be apparent from the most cursory of listens to the above video. I mean, this isn't at all surprising: he's 25 years older. His playing still sounds remarkably good; and even more so when they avoid the extended and directionless noodling around that is hard to avoid in a triple-guitar band.
Scotsman.
What i saw in '97 blew away what i saw in '96 however perhaps it was a difference in venue size (camden 8/16/96 vs. catalyst 5/19/97). But those first two '97 shows (as seen in the 5/8/97 Trocadero show and a short clip on YT of 5/19) were as urgent and explosive as anything I ever remember … maybe its personal preference but those early '97 set lists w MB gems, other breakouts and new tunes are way more interesting than the fall '97 set lists which are admittedly great but nothing so out of the ordinary and to boot Neil and CH just kill it in those shows … unfortunately Neil had to cancel the rest of that '97 tour and then was on HORDE for the remainder of the year which I'd guess doesn't lend itself to optimal performances.
Scots, love your passion and keen insights, thanks for contributing so much to the dialog!!
I thought 1991 shows were spurred on by the opening bands, Sonic Youth and Social Distortion, being in your face type of bands. That is what we got with Neil and the Horse during that tour. The performances were edgy and bordered on anarchy. One of the most surreal shows I ever attended was the show at West Point with the sight of cadets jumping up and down along with the announcement of the beginning of the Gulf war.
But my favorite show out of the many I have seen over the last 40 years was the MSG show in 1996. The show was a ethereal spacy presentation that was intense and having Neil killing it on guitar.
@Alan, my belief is that in this year, 2016, Neil did sell out. It was the performance on January 25 when Neil & POTR played the private show for ultra-billionaire Eduardo Carmignac & his consortium. To my mind, Carmignac should have had to buy a ticket to a regular gig like anybody else, but that is not how it went down.
paul dionne
Cow Palace 1978?
What Neil has done with his recent songwriting and environmental activism has impressed me a great deal. He still carries the torch. Yes, at 70, we can evaluate his recordings and decide what the utmost era or night may be. On any given night, Neil Young still blisters the fabric of the universe with Old Black, threatening to wipe us all out with… Awesomeness!. I love so many eras of Neil Young. Blue Note Cafe, for instance, is killer. I love his modern output. He has written to many amazing songs of the current day, the Now. Le Noise was Epic and impressive, I thought. Psychedelic Pill was incredible with its sweeping numbers and a few catchy new classics thrown in. I love the Neil Young that is alive and doing it, today. I delve deeply into his catalogue and live recordings and I always love what I get. Very few bad albums overall. So many hundreds of incredible songs. Fork in the Road was a weird album that had 3 classic songs on it and a good dose of "Neil as Prophet" as we catch a glimpse of his insight into the ways of Gov't in the US, as one can understand, especially if you don't watch Mainstream News, which is actually just a way for them to tell you what to think. Yes, 6 corporations own the "News." Neil Young visited the DAPL protest and the Standing Rock Sioux. He wrote new songs about the Water Protectors. What other rock star is out there staying relevant and kicking ass on stage with a furious attack on his guitar. I am listening to Hard Luck Stories, Scotsman is right about that song from Trocadero. Insane. I imagine one day I will not have Neil Young coming out with new albums every 10 months or so. One day I may only have the recordings and no more live shows to enjoy. It is then that I will keep on with my study and enjoyment of Neil Young, in a much diminished world. The Gods loaned us Neil Young. I believe in a positive eternity, perhaps. To see Neil Young play in the next life would be at the top of my list. And Jimi. Light a Candle. -Alan in Seattle
Dylan WAS a great singer...Neil still is. Can Bob still write great original songs ? Does Neil have another CLASSIC album in him ? Stay tuned !! :-)
Ya, the private gig. True, he did play for the ultra rich. I bet some of them have been listening to his new music, too. It might make some of them think. Neil Young Stands for Standing Rock. Hillary doesn't. Barack Obama sure as hell doesn't. Trump of course is like the idiot cowboy shooting buffalo from the train. He and Hillary both have money in that DAPL pipeline project. Neil Young built an electric car after paying people to do the R & D. He believes in causes. He has played a million benefit shows, way more than any other rock star. He gives money to causes he believes in. We don't know how much money he gives away. I do know that I am happy to give him more of my money for music, blu rays, and hopefully many more concerts. I still believe in Neil Young. Precious few celebrities are standing up for the Natives in ND. I'm still living the dream we had. For me, its not over.
-Alan in Seattle
Neil's latest album, Earth, is a very cool album and very strong. Asking if Neil has another classic album in him is like asking if the lava will flow in Hawaii. Its flowing. Psychedelic Pill was one of so many classic albums. Le Noise, a true classic. It all builds on his legend. Living with War was a classic album. I prefer the RAW version w.o. chorus, but it was a barn burning kick in the ass at a time when the country was a bunch of slack jawed idiots, getting played after 9/11 while we wave the flag and our Gov't drops the bombs. Neil Young is ahead of his time somehow, in old age, thriving. He is definitely not done recording new classic albums. Great Spirit: Keep Neil Strong and plugged into the Muse. Let his artistic creations flow out. Help the Natives at Standing Rock. Attend a protest. Write a letter. Make a phone call. Keep on Rockin' in the Free World. -Alan in Seattle
Dan'l gets credit for Trocadero comment. Oops. Every night at the OPL killed it. I saw a stadium tour later in the tour and it felt so lame after being in all the little shows with the 8" stage. Yes, Dylan sounds shitty live these days, often times, tho I am a fan. His latest 2 albums are Sinatra songbook covers, and he sounds surprisingly good. This is what we get from Zimmy. It'd be something if Dylan showed up at Standing Rock to join the Sioux in trying to protect their water.
I've got used to some of the hyperbole here but this takes the biscuit 'Being the greatest guitarist / songwriter / singer EVER still belongs to Hendrix' - songwriter oh stop it.
Alan, holy crap you're on fire!! love the passion and so well said!
Scotsman,
Love the video. I was at the Providence Civic Center the very next night after Hartford and Neil burned it up there as well. The "Hey Hey My My" show opener had the arena shaking from the rafters, getting a lengthy ovation. At one point during the show, Neil fell over on his back and kept playing like a lunatic with his feet in the air. It was nonstop pandemonium, with Neil's piercing solos leading the way.
Such a LOUD show, as many have noted about the '91 tour. Social Distortion and Sonic Youth were hard hitting openers, then the Horse just took it louder. I've been to somewhere around 250 shows in my life, and that night in Providence is still the loudest I've ever attended.
I like this one......
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gbay4CptzDQ
I often wonder if Neil asks himself,
"Is it strange I should change? I don't know.....
Why don't you ask (everybody here)...?"
"Ya, the private gig. True, he did play for the ultra rich. I bet some of them have been listening to his new music, too. It might make some of them think." @ Alan - yes, he did play for the ultra rich, sorry I don't think Neil gets his "very special" points across by playing exclusively at an ultra rich man's exclusive event. He really did not play to get his causes across. He played for a very very lucrative benefit - his own.
I have watched cheerleading for a number of years, that forgives Neil in all he does, because he believes those "lost causes". Everyone believes firmly in their own "lost causes".
I do not believe the ultra rich suddenly stand up and go at a Neil performance they are paying him millions to do ,and saying "oh, I get him now." No, they are thinking I paid that guy that much, and he came and played Heart Of Gold for me. It ain't luck, it ain't glory, it's nostalgia and control.
So, but it continues to be just me....
paul dionne
OPL what a dive and strangers are not very welcome. Great Italian food right across the street though, Mezzuluna. Made from scratch and very reasonable prices if you ever get to Pillar Point Harbor(HMB). I used to live over there. All those favorites were electric lest we forget the solo acoustic tour of 99. The BCT show was total bliss and the most respectful crowd. You could hear a pin drop. Mesmerizing.
Surely playing a single lucrative private gig for a wealthy admirer enables Neil Young to make even greater contributions to his various charitable concerns. An indirect way of getting a rich man to pay for worthy causes. A win win situation. I am really unable to identify the problem here.
the title track from Peace Trail is streaming on Tidal.
Also available as a single now through iTunes/Amazon, and as a download by pre-ordering the album through neilyoung.com - very different feel from the live version.
@Paul - regarding Neil selling out for a private show for ultra-billionaire Eduardo Carmignac....
Here's what we said at the time @ http://neilyoungnews.thrasherswheat.org/2016/01/private-gig-report-neil-young-promise.html
"Well, whatever one might think of this, we must say that the irony and richness of a billionaire singing "Why do I keep Fuckin' Up"? is very rich indeed, in more ways than one.
Certainly having a net worth estimate of $1.54 Billion giving you a rank at only #1190 on Forbes World's Billionaires list must hurt deeply and cause much despair. We're sure that Mr Carmignac must ask him self this very question everyday. Such a pity....
Maybe Mr Carmignac made a special setlist request? Afterall -- as they say -- he who pays the piper calls the tune.
btw, we didn't see "Ordinary People" on the setlist.
Lastly, we are reserving full judgement on all of this until a more detailed understanding of this event surfaces. Sometimes there really is much, much more to the picture than meets the eye... "
Since then there hasn't been anymore details about this arrangement. Pay to play? Sure it was.
We'll try to be a bit more nuanced here. Legitimate criticism? Yes. Giving Neil a pass? No, not necessarily.
Here's the deal. We ALL have blood on our hands. If you pay U.S. taxes, you paid for drones to drop bombs on wedding parties, etc.
Now, did Neil take blood $'s? Yes. Was it in exchange for playing a bunch of songs or something far more nefarious? We say the former. What will Neil do with his blood $'s? Something evil? Or will he use the $'s to raise awareness of causes like Farm Aid, Bridge, GMO's, environment, etc? We say yes.
We see this as a Robin Hood event - stealing from the rich to give to the poor.
power to Neil and we need much, much more of it.
Neil Young, to himself - either January 24, 25, or 26, 2016 - "the Carmignac gig - you see, I am the last of the believer in the human highway, the causes, the pipelines, lincvolt, the native Americans, rock n roll, idealism, hippie dream - so I'm going to play that concert for him, because we all know Carmignac can't buy a ticket to a regular gig, like the peons; you see, I'm going to preach to him and he will know; HE WILL KNOW. And though the rest of the world will think I sold out to a money grab, the ones who know me will know better. It's called IRONY, folks - I've been coasting on irony now for the last 25 years or so..."
but like I said, it's just me.....
paul dionne
paul, how does your outrage in this instance compare to the private parties the Obama's host w Beyonce, Prince, and JayZ performing? Isn't Obama = "ultra-billionaire Eduardo Carmignac"? the artists are just hired help for the ruling class ...
you beef is what? Neil should turn down millions to play a private gig? in his shoes would you really, honestly turn it down? struggling w the outrage, Neil is a real person with bills to pay, an ex-wife, a few disabled kids, charities to support, a lifestyle that enables him to be creative ... is he required to turn down a job because its not open to everyone? Is Indio not worse, that was 100,000 "rich people" vs. here might have been 1 ... where does the line get drawn?
Thrasher, I don't think we have blood on our hands, we are just pawns paying taxes because its the law of the land ... the ruling class decides how much of our hand earned cash goes to guns, how much to butter, and how much to their private parties where Prince and Beyonce and JayZ entertain.
This comment has been removed by the author.
The indio shows and private gig are probably the reason why Neil can afford to play the rest of his shows in small venues ... in europe and some recent shows he was playing to crowds of less than 5,000 people, to Piggy back on Thrasher's comment there's a bit of Robin Hood there too ...
"....Sponsored by NOBODY!..."
It's always funny to me how when I call out what, to me, seems a contradiction (and yes playing the ultrabillionaire's private gig is definitely a contradiction to what I thought somebody stood for somethings), that it's always mentioned "well, the Beyonces, and the Jay-Z's, the Prince's, the Rolling Stones etc...." are ok with it, why shouldn't Neil? Same thing with the exorbitant concert tickets - "everybody else is doing it..." la de da like I said, it is just me....
@Paul - No, it's not just you. We know that lonely feeling of being outside of the fence looking in. Actually, it's sort of where we live out here on the outskirts of Greendale.
And we're always open to exploring alternative solutions to preparing for "The Big Shift" ...
“The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs.
There's also a negative side.”
~~ Hunter S. Thompson
Flawed heroes always produce the most interesting results.
It's their humanity's contradictions that create the mystery.
Embrace humanity's imperfections and realize one can never be unhappy with a grateful heart....
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