Neil Young 2017 Year in Review: Year of the "Sabbatical/Non-Sabbatical"

Neil Young Inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame
Massey Hall, Toronto - September 23, 2017


Neil Young: “CSNY Has Every Chance Of Getting Together”
"The Situation: It begs to be described"
MOJO 280 - January 27, 2017


Music video of Neil Young's song "My Pledge" from the album "Peace Trail"

INTERVIEW: Neil Young on Promise of the Real, Paul McCartney and Telling an Earth Story | Relix

Lukas Nelson on Neil Young: "His inspiration has just exploded the lurking genius in all of the musicians of this band"
Promise of the Real


Official Lyric Video: "Indian Givers" by Neil Young


Neil Young's "Ditch Quadrilogy" Re-Re-Release is Finally Coming! Official Release Series Discs 5-8 (4CD): May 12 Release


David Letterman Replacing Neil Young to Induct Pearl Jam Into Rock Hall
Neil Young Illness “Nothing Major,” Representative Says


Super Jam Full Performance:
 2017 Hall of Fame "Rockin' In The Free World" by Pearl Jam, Yes, Journey, Rush + More

Update on Neil Young's 2017 Sabbatical
Neil Young w/ Willie Nelson's Band
Stagecoach Country Music Festival, Indio, CA - April 29, 2017
Photo by Vanessa Franko, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG

Xstream: Neil Young’s New Streaming Service


It's Official: No Bridge School Benefit Concert in 2017


VIDEO: Pegi Young & The Survivors - "Trying To Live My Life Without You"

Official Music Video by Neil Young + Promise of the Real of "Children of Destiny"

For more on Neil Young + Promise of the Real's new song "Children of Destiny", see:

• NEW Official Music Video: Neil Young + Promise of the Real - "Children of Destiny" (55+ comments)
• Statement by Neil Young + Orchestra Video Version of "Children of Destiny" (35+ comments)
• A Happy 4th of July To All of Our "Children of Destiny": Some Commentary on Neil Young's New Song w/ Forbes Magazine's review by author David Alm (20+ comments)
• Forbes Magazine Responds To Thrasher's Wheat: Review of "Children of Destiny" by Neil Young (10+ comments)
• Comments of the Moment:"Children of Destiny" by Neil Young + Promise of the Real (15+ comments)
• Neil Young's Muse: The Passion, The Pathos & The 4% (10+ comments)
• Comments of the Moment: Statement by Neil Young on "Children of Destiny" (10+ comments)
 

 
 
Ralph Molina and Billy Talbot - 2017 
 Photo by Ellen Goffin
 
Neil Young | Hitchhiker 
(Click to enlarge & preview tracks)
More on Neil Young's New Album "Hitchhiker":
• REVIEW: Neil Young's Hitchhiker | American Songwriter (15+ Comments)
• Neil Young's Live Facebook Session on August 31 (15+ Comments)
• STREAMING: Neil Young's New Album "Hitchhiker" | NPR (25+ Comments)
• Tweet From Neil Young on "Hitchhiker" Release (25+ Comments)
• UNCUT Review: Neil Young's Upcoming Album "Hitchhiker" (2+ Comments)
• Comment of the Moment: Neil Young's Next Studio Album "Hitchhiker" (20+ Comments)
• UPDATE ON NEW ALBUM: Neil Young's "Hitchhiker" Now Due September 8 + Preview Track (10+ Comments)
• Neil Young's Indigo Ranch "Hitchhiker" 1976 Sessions Revealed: Behind the Scenes w/ Richard Kaplan - Part #1 (10+ Comments)
• Neil Young's Indigo Ranch "Hitchhiker" 1976 Sessions Revealed: Behind the Scenes w/ Richard Kaplan - Part #2 (15+ Comments)

Neil Young Cover Issue - Acoustic Guitar Magazine (October 2017)

Neil Young + Promise of the Real
Capitol Studios, ~June 2017

A Note From Neil: Online Archive: "Opening Soon"

"F*!#in' Up"
Neil Young + Promise Of The Real
Farm Aid 2017 Concert: Burgettstown, PA, Saturday Sept 16
Photo by thrasher


Neil Young's Setlist For December 1?
December 1st Will Be A Very, Very Big Day For Neil Young Fans On The EARTH


PREVIEW: Neil Young Online Archives - December 1st Launch Date


December 1
The Visitor Arrives + Neil Young's Archives Goes Online + "Somewhere In Canada" Concert


Neil Young's "A Once in a Lifetime Event: Somewhere In Canada" Concert on December 1


An Eyewitness Report From Neil Young's "Somewhere In Canada" Concert by Sharry (Up in Omemee keepin’ jive alive)
Welcome to Omemee, Ontario, Canada
Photos by Sharry Wilson


"The Best Yard Sale in the World"
AUCTION: Neil Young Collectibles on December 9, 2017
PROPERTY FROM THE COLLECTION OF NEIL YOUNG

Bob Purdy at Neil Young's "Somewhere In Canada" Concert
Coronation Hall - Omemee, Ontario, Canada
Photo by CLIFFORD SKARSTEDT/PETERBOROUGH EXAMINER/

And we remember those who have passed this way...


Jonathan Demme: 1944 - 2017
Musician Neil Young and Director Jonathan Demme - 2012
Photo by Victoria Will/AP

Tom Petty: 1950 - 2017
"My Back Pages"
Bob Dylan and Tom Petty & Neil Young

BobFest: Madison Square Garden, New York City - 1992

Gord Downie: 1964 - 2017
Gord Downie & Neil Young
Live8 Concert in Canada


Unlike some of those years of Neil Young past -- 2017 was one of the least "newsworthy" ever -- in terms of quantity -- yet highest quality -- years of all. While 2017 was the year "Touring Sabbatical/Non-Sabbatical", it ended on December 1 with one of the most remarkable and memorable days in Neil Young history.

All in a dream...

We began 2017 as the looming "Big Shift" rolls on, yet here we all are -- both irrevocably changed -- and yet still much the same as we ever were.

2017 had many amazing highlights as noted above for both Neil Young and Thrasher's Wheat.

We here at Thrasher's Wheat say thank you so much for all of the love and support over the past decades from the rustie fan communities.

Once again, we ponder that age old question: Is Neil burning out or fading away? We argue that he is neither. Neil Young is the quintessential survivor.

We had our moments here on TW in 2017 as you can see both above and below. And we must be doing something right here at TW. Afterall, Facebook suspended our account in 2015 and we continue to be blocked on a number of fronts when trying to exercise our freedom of speech. So much chaff (fake news). So little wheat (truth).

But we've got a job to do. This is our journey, our self-appointed task. And we won't quit.

Nonetheless, we celebrate the music, achievements and all the good folks at Shakey Pictures. Onwards to 2018!

As for us? Well, Thrasher's Wheat will continue to celebrate Neil Young, his music and the fan community. So stay tuned for some hopefully exciting announcements in the months ahead as we celebrate our remarkable little milestone as the longest running music blog on the internet. So we'll see you down the road in 2018.

peace & love,
thrasher & thrashette

"An Evening With Neil Young" - February 29, 2016
Down by the Corner (Somewhere between The Land of OZ & Greendale)
ps - and here are a few concerts that the Thrashers attended in 2017 with our Concert Ticket Stub Review:



enjoy!

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Lukas Nelson And Promise Of The Real | World Cafe

Lukas Nelson & Promise of The Real joins Talia Schlanger on World Cafe to discuss their latest album with Neil Young, The Visitor.

Lukas Nelson & Promise of The Real - “Find Yourself” - Lukas Nelson & Promise of The Real
Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real - “Find Yourself” - Recorded Live for the World Cafe
Neil Young - “Walk On” - On the Beach
Tom Petty - “Free Fallin’” - Full Moon Fever
Lukas Nelson & Promise of The Real - “Set Me Down On A Cloud” - Recorded Live for the World Cafe
Willie Nelson - “On The Road Again” - Honeysuckle Rose
Lyle Lovett & Al Green - “Funny How Time Slips Away” - Rhythm Country and Blues
Patsy Cline - “Crazy” - The Patsy Cline Story
Ray Charles - “Georgia On My Mind” - Genius Hits The Road
Lucinda Williams - “2 Kool 2 B Forgotten” - Car Wheels On A Gravel Road

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ANALYSIS: Neil Young & Crazy Horse's August 5th, 2012 Setlist | Rolling Stone

Here is an interesting analysis of Neil Young and Crazy Horse's setlist from Red Rocks on August 5th, 2012.

From Neil Young 'Alchemy' Summer Tour: Behind the Set List by Andy Greene:

Neil Young and Crazy Horse's 2012 Alchemy summer tour was supposedly in support of their new album Americana, which featured garage rock renditions of standard tunes like "This Land Is Your Land" and "Tom Dula."

But when the tour began in August, he essentially ignored the entire thing, playing "Jesus Chariot" a mere three times and not going near the other songs at any point. Instead, they busted out tunes from their entire history, including many that had yet to even be released. Check out this video where we examine the group's setlist from Red Rocks on August 5th, 2012.

It was a magic night that featured explosive renditions of "Powderfinger," "Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black)" and the grand finale of "Over and Over," a deep cut from Ragged Glory he hadn't touched since 1990.

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 

 

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Thrasher's Wheat 2017 Concert Ticket Stub Review

Here's a rundown of concert ticket stubs from 2017.

Another wonderful year for music @ Thrasher's Wheat!

Thank you musicians, crews and fellow audience.

Keep on rockin'!

ps - Up next ... the Annual Neil Young Year in Review. In the meantime, last year's Neil Young 2016 Year in Review:



Neil Young 2016 Year in Review:
The Year of The Wheat

pss - this stub's for you Mr Henry!

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DRAM & Neil Young - Campfire (from Bright: The Album) [Official Audio]

DRAM & Neil Young - Campfire (from Bright: The Album) [Official Audio]

And now for something completely different...

Neil Young and DRAM (born in Munich, Germany) recorded the song in the Shangri La Studios with producer Rick Rubin. Simultaneously, Neil Young worked on the album "EARTH", which DRAM had backing vocals for the song "People Want To Hear About Love".

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PODCAST: Year of the Neil (The Life of Neil Young) | BDWPS - Episode #9

Year of the Neil (The Life of Neil Young)
Podcast via Bob Dylan Wrote Propaganda Songs Dot Com

From Bob Dylan Wrote Propaganda Songs Dot Com, a new episode of "Year of the Neil", we see Neil Young step away from his music to take care of his disabled, newborn son. We also explore his music experimentations in the early 80s.



Here is the full series of Year of the Neil (The Life of Neil Young), episodes #1 - #8.



And if you're really into Neil Young podcasts, check out the archive of Thrasher's Wheat Radio Hour, podcasts archived here.

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Support The Bridge School This Holiday Season: J. Micah Nelson's Space Gnomes Playing Cards

Space Gnomes Playing Cards - Bridge School Edition
(Click photo to enlarge)

This holiday season, you can help out the The Bridge School.


The Bridge School
Micah Nelson has designed and created a playing cards game called Space Gnomes. Each card is and designed, from faces to numbers. The 54 card deck is poker sized and $10 from each deck is donated to The Bridge School. Ten dollars from the sale of each playing card pack is pledged and will be donated to The Bridge School, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, educating children with severe speech and physical impairments through innovative and creative solutions.

Here is a video Micah has created which explains the Space Gnomes Playing Cards game.

Stocking Stuffer Special!

There is a Stocking Stuffer Special! If you buy 4 Space Gnomes Playing Card Decks, you can get one set free. $10 from each deck is donated to The Bridge School.

Happy Holidays from The Space Gnomes!

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Five Essential Neil Young Songs: Jim James | WFUV.org

Roger Waters, Neil Young & Jim James
2016 Bridge School Benefit Concerts

We here at Thrasher's Wheat have long held respect for Jim James and My Morning Jacket due to their sound being influenced by Neil Young.

Jim James's new album Tribute To 2 includes cover songs of The Beach Boys, Sonny and Cher, Dianne Izzo, Ray Noble and Al Bowlly, Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Emerson Lake and Palmer, and Abbey Lincoln. From Jim James: Five Essential Neil Young Songs | WFUV.org by Sarah Wardrop: (Thanks HtH!)

Jim James: Five Essential Neil Young Songs:

"Don't Be Denied," Time Fades Away (1973)
This song always fills me with the spirit of Neil: that big, bold, raw spirit of his that never has been denied, it seems. I love playing this for people who have never heard it. It takes me back to the early days of touring and how tough that is, but also how exciting it is — starting and pursuing what seems like an impossible dream. What a message for anyone to hear: "Follow your dreams, don’t be denied!"

"Comes A Time," Comes A Time (1978)
I’ll never forget at Bridge School a few years ago, Neil played this as the closer when everyone comes onstage. It was like some holy vision standing there on stage with Neil and so many other beautiful souls in a place filled with so many wonderful ideas and thoughts and goodwill visions. All of us were singing this holy song together, caught up in the rapture of love and unity with time passing and standing still.

"Hey Babe," American Stars 'n Bars (1977)
This song feels like falling in love to me, and I don’t even mean the lyrics (though they feel that way too). I mean the way my heart feels when I am falling in love is the way the pedal steel feels when it hits my ears, or the way the harmonies feel as they melt my heart. And when I hear it in my darkest, loneliest hour, it brings me hope that perhaps things will change and love, once more, might brighten up my door.

"The Old Laughing Lady," Neil Young (1969) and Unplugged (1993)
I first heard this song on MTV Unplugged. I was maybe 13 years old or so and I thought it was such a crazy visual experience. Then I heard the original master recording and was just blown away by the soundscape and soulful nature of the song. I wish Neil would do more experimenting in the studio like he does on this song. I would love to produce a record with him one day that was just so f***ed up. We would go out in the woods and knock rocks against trees for snares, rustle leaves in the wind for cymbals, and howl at the moon for guitars. There would be no actual acoustic or electric guitars or harmonicas or any of his familiar ingredients other than sheer madness, raw power, Mother Nature, and his voice. Of course, his voice.

"Like A Hurricane," American Stars 'n Bars (1977) and Unplugged (1993)
I also originally heard this on MTV Unplugged and it destroyed me hearing him at his ancient lords organ. But then I heard the original recording and more than perhaps any other song in history for me, the original recording of this song has inspired and informed my own lead guitar playing. His lead guitar rips my cloudy brain to pieces, lights it up, and scatters it out amongst the stars.

- Jim James
November 2017

More on Jim James, My Morning Jacket and their sound being influenced by Neil Young.

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Neil Young Online Archives: Best Audio Experience Options?

Timeline - Neil Young Online Archives

As folks continue to explore the Neil Young Online Archives (NYOA), there has been a range of reactions (see comments here and here.)

Similar to the Blu-Ray release back in 2009, audiophiles have a lot of questions about how to best experience Neil Young Online Archives. Neil Young himself strongly advises following recommendations provided on the Archives website and the tutorial video.

A discussion has sprung up on the PONO community and here's a posting by member Dan:

So maybe this is a good time to discuss the various Streaming boxes music lovers can use to stream from services like NYA or Qobuz or Deezer, to a very decent quality, but non-streaming Audio Receiver.

The Baby Boomer demographic has to be heavily skewed with music lovers that bought a good home stereo in the last 20 years, but now, it is not giving them access to the music streaming services... Since Qobuz is actively trying to help it's listeners better use what they have, there is a page on their site that actually shows the names and some info on about 30 different Streaming boxes or Network Players....Of this list which I went through with diligence, I found around 6 or 7 that look like they need to be looked in to much more deeply by people on the PONO group, and by this Baby Boomer demo in general.

Among these , and NOT ranked by any order whatsoever : WTX Microstreamer ; D-Stream Audio WR-100D Wi-Fi Audio Adapter ; Klipsch Gate ( though tech support was horrific according to existing reviews, so this might be dangerous to try till you know more) ; iFi - SPDIF iPurifier Power Conditioner ( you would use this with chromecast Audio to dramatically reduce jitter from the optical digital connection, and then allow the DAC in your receiver to do the digital to audio conversion) ...

Does anyone have any experience with any of these? I am considering buying something in this category for my Living room stereo...a Pioneer SC05 Receiver with 2 big Bowers and Wilkens towers. Good sounding stereo, but as it was from around 2007 or 8, there was no streaming even considered( though it does do DLNA, and my PC can send J River music to it over the wifi, but this crashes /fails so often I have written this off ) ...

The Pioneer SC 05 has a good anti-jitter system built in to it -- to help its DAC with CD players or other optical input jitter....and this is a very clean sounding system. Right now I am streaming to it with Qobuz using my Android phone ( LG V 20) and a Chromecast Audio dongle with the optical cable accessory. I don't actually hear any jitter --maybe due to the PQLS or Precision Quartz Lock System Pioneer built into it...never intended for Chromecast, but maybe ideal for it...Even so, I would be inclined to improve this source quality, and in the future, will probably want to get the Qobuz Sublime 24 bit 192 subscription, rather than the CD quality I have now for streaming.

I am assuming there are plenty of people in the same boat with this type of set up ???? And ultimately, the Neil Young Archives will benefit from this discussion :-)

We're very interested in hearing from others about how they are connecting their computers to their audio systems. Let us know what seems to be working.

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TODAY - AUCTION: Neil Young Collectibles - Guitars, Cars, Trains + More

PROPERTY FROM THE COLLECTION OF NEIL YOUNG
(Click photo to enlarge)

Today, Saturday, December 9, -- what has been described as "The Best Yard Sale in the World" -- a major Neil Young collectibles auction will be held by Julien's Auctions.

The auction begins at 10:00 AM PST.

1935 Martin F-7 Acoustic Guitar
PROPERTY FROM THE COLLECTION OF NEIL YOUNG

JUST SOLD for $35,200! This 1941 Chrysler Series 28 Windsor Highlander! Sold in our "Property From The Collection of Neil Young" auction happening right now! Head over to Julien's Live to watch the auction live and bid online at https://t.co/TiME89uOXn! #NeilYoung #Auction pic.twitter.com/xiU4BY1ZCe

— Juliens Auctions (@JuliensAuctions) December 10, 2017

JUST SOLD for $43,750! A 1977 Martin D-19 acoustic 6-string guitar Neil Young played on the songs "Goin’ Back” and "Human Highway” on the 1978 Comes a Time album and on "Lost in Space” from the 1980 album Hawks & Doves! https://t.co/TiME89uOXn! #NeilYoung #Memorabilia #Auction pic.twitter.com/pmwl1xIsSK

— Juliens Auctions (@JuliensAuctions) December 9, 2017

JUST SOLD for $21,875! A Fender 52 reissue Telecaster guitar! Sold in our "Property From The Collection of Neil Young" auction happening right now! #JuliensAuctions #Auction #LiveAuction #NeilYoung #RockNRoll #Guitars #Instruments #Memorabilia pic.twitter.com/P22KkygaTg

— Juliens Auctions (@JuliensAuctions) December 9, 2017

JUST SOLD for $11,250! A table-top pump organ used on the recording of "From Hank to Hendrix”! Sold in our "Property From The Collection of Neil Young" auction happening right now at https://t.co/TiME89uOXn! #JuliensAuctions #Auction #LiveAuction #NeilYoung #Memorabilia pic.twitter.com/SaBd1wCJ6s

— Juliens Auctions (@JuliensAuctions) December 9, 2017

JUST SOLD for $10,000! "The Whizzer", a custom device designed to control the knobs of Neil Young's amplifier and turn them to preset positions, used on tour in 1975-76. Sold in our "Property From The Collection of Neil Young" auction happening now at https://t.co/TiME89uOXn! pic.twitter.com/D3ZvfJI4XH

— Juliens Auctions (@JuliensAuctions) December 9, 2017

JUST SOLD for $10,000! The hurdy-gurdy used on Neil Young's song "Red Sun" from his album Silver and Gold. Sold in our "Property From The Collection of Neil Young" auction happening right now! #JuliensAuctions #Auction #NeilYoung #RockNRoll #Guitars #Instruments #Memorabilia pic.twitter.com/p0cEZTGpeO

— Juliens Auctions (@JuliensAuctions) December 9, 2017

JUST SOLD for $31,250! This 1948 Buick Roadmaster Hearse Built by Flxible! Sold in our "Property From The Collection of Neil Young" auction happening right now at https://t.co/TiME89uOXn! #JuliensAuctions #Auction #LiveAuction #NeilYoung #Guitars #Instruments #Memorabilia pic.twitter.com/uVWf6W2Xxl

— Juliens Auctions (@JuliensAuctions) December 9, 2017

JUST SOLD for $10,000! This Custom Painted Horde Tour Commodore Vanderbilt Hudson 4-6-4 Locomotive! Head over to Julien's Live to watch the auction live and bid online at https://t.co/TiME89uOXn! #JuliensAuctions #Auction #NeilYoung #RockNRoll #TrainCollection #Trains pic.twitter.com/BsVKTPfHwF

— Juliens Auctions (@JuliensAuctions) December 9, 2017

The rock and roll portion of our "Property From The Collection of Neil Young" auction will be starting soon... it picks up again at 2:00 PM PST today. Be sure to check back in online to watch and bid at https://t.co/TiME89uOXn! #JuliensAuctions #Auction #NeilYoung #Memorabilia pic.twitter.com/6YGxUdpuq8

— Juliens Auctions (@JuliensAuctions) December 9, 2017

The next session of our "Property From The Collection of Neil Young" auction will pick up at 2:00 PM PST! Head over to Julien's Live to watch the auction live and bid online at https://t.co/TiME89uOXn!#JuliensAuctions #Auction #NeilYoung #Guitars #Instruments #Memorabilia pic.twitter.com/Asf4jmv1YZ

— Juliens Auctions (@JuliensAuctions) December 9, 2017

Our "Property From The Collection of Neil Young" auction happening right now! Head over to Julien's Live to watch the auction live and bid online at https://t.co/TiME89uOXn! #JuliensAuctions #Auction #LiveAuction #NeilYoung #RockNRoll #Guitars #Instruments #Memorabilia pic.twitter.com/8FkItpERlh

— Juliens Auctions (@JuliensAuctions) December 9, 2017

Thank you to all who attended our VIP Reception for the "Property From The Collection of Neil Young" auction. The auction is coming on Saturday, December 9th! https://t.co/TiME89uOXn #JuliensAuctions #Auction #LiveAuction #Exhibit #NeilYoung #RockNRoll #Trains #Memorabilia pic.twitter.com/Phwz2kCfen

— Juliens Auctions (@JuliensAuctions) December 8, 2017

Here are some photos from Thursday night's VIP Reception for the "Property From The Collection of Neil Young" auction. The auction is happening on Saturday, December 9th at https://t.co/TiME89uOXn!#JuliensAuctions #Auction #LiveAuction #Exhibit #NeilYoung #Memorabilia pic.twitter.com/gLB3FUptj6

— Juliens Auctions (@JuliensAuctions) December 8, 2017

More photos from Thursday night's VIP Reception for the "Property From The Collection of Neil Young" auction. The auction is happening on Saturday, December 9th at https://t.co/TiME89uOXn!#JuliensAuctions #Auction #LiveAuction #Exhibit #NeilYoung #Memorabilia pic.twitter.com/k2B3TNWJzL

— Juliens Auctions (@JuliensAuctions) December 8, 2017

Additional photos from Thursday night's VIP Reception for the "Property From The Collection of Neil Young" auction. The auction is happening on Saturday, December 9th at https://t.co/TiME89uOXn!#JuliensAuctions #Auction #LiveAuction #Exhibit #NeilYoung #Memorabilia pic.twitter.com/GnPpMUUnZz

— Juliens Auctions (@JuliensAuctions) December 8, 2017

Additional photos from Thursday night's VIP Reception for the "Property From The Collection of Neil Young" auction. The auction is happening on Saturday, December 9th at https://t.co/TiME89uOXn!#JuliensAuctions #Auction #LiveAuction #Exhibit #NeilYoung #Memorabilia pic.twitter.com/GnPpMUUnZz

— Juliens Auctions (@JuliensAuctions) December 8, 2017

More photos from Thursday night's VIP Reception for the "Property From The Collection of Neil Young" auction. The auction is happening on Saturday, December 9th at https://t.co/TiME89uOXn!#JuliensAuctions #Auction #LiveAuction #Exhibit #NeilYoung #Memorabilia pic.twitter.com/E1SmbCsSaR

— Juliens Auctions (@JuliensAuctions) December 8, 2017

Here are some photos from Thursday night's VIP Reception for the "Property From The Collection of Neil Young" auction. The auction is happening on Saturday, December 9th at https://t.co/TiME89uOXn!#JuliensAuctions #Auction #LiveAuction #Exhibit #NeilYoung #Memorabilia pic.twitter.com/TCVROehQyV

— Juliens Auctions (@JuliensAuctions) December 8, 2017

NEIL YOUNG PAINTED DESK CHAIR

From catalog: "A vintage wood desk chair on casters that has been painted with variegated geometric shapes by a company called One of Designs. The seat back bears the inscription, “If you rest.. ..You Rust..” Signed, Nancy Woods, and dated, 2013, in black marker to the underside."

More on AUCTION: Neil Young Collectibles on December 9, 2017 and Neil Young Auctioning His Model Train Collection.

Also, see What I Learned While Staring at Neil Young’s Flannel Shirts by By Amanda Petrusich:

As we circled the gallery, Nolan told me that they were receiving registrations for the auction from unusual places, rural places—“not New York City, but upstate New York.” Young was precise and exacting about the train descriptions in the auction catalogue, in part because he knew that specialty collectors who had little to no interest in his musical career would want to bid for those. “He wanted to make sure we were getting it right,” Nolan said. “He didn’t worry at all about the guitars and the equipment. But he said, ‘I want to be involved with the trains. Collectors of trains are fanatical, and they’ll want the right information.’ ”

...

While I stared intently at it, Nolan described the process of curating the auction as both collaborative and cathartic for Young. “This was hard for him,” he said. “It was hard letting go—especially of the trains. He didn’t really have a hard time with the equipment or the guitars, but the trains were hard. He’s had many back-and-forths, emotional ups and downs.” And such is the purest validation of the metaphysical worth of stuff—decluttering is virtuous, sure, but ridding ourselves of material histories can feel like dismantling our own skeletons, bone by bone. It makes it easier for us to disappear from the world.

From Julien's Auctions:

Julien’s Auctions has announced that PROPERTY FROM THE COLLECTION OF NEIL YOUNG will close the world-record breaking auction house’s 2017 season on December 9, 2017.

Property from the two time inducted Rock and Roll Hall of Fame legend will be presented in a single owner sale, and include his extraordinary personal collection of model trains, classic cars, guitars, recording gear, clothing, memorabilia and more. Over 200 items from Young’s vast Lionel train collection will be presented, featuring dozens of rare and unique items such as prototypes for Lionel production locomotives and rolling stock, many of them from the fabled Lionel archives. Highlights include the Lionel Hudson Factory Prototype locomotive (estimate: $4,000-$9,000), the Lionel Western Pacific "1954" Blue Feather Boxcar Factory Prototype (estimate: $3,000-$6,000); the Lionel Santa Fe "Clear Shell" F-3 locomotive (estimate: $2,000-$5,000) and the H.O.A.R.D. Tour Psychedelic Vanderbilt Hudson locomotive (estimate: $3,000-$6,000) that ran in a layout Young brought to the Horizons of Rock Developing Everywhere Tour.

Neil Young’s classic cars, that served as muses many of his songs are featured including a 1954 Cadillac Fleetwood Imperial 8-Passenger Limousine (estimate: $30,000-$40,000) with the Cadillac crest styled "Broken Arrow" emblem found on the rear passenger door that harkens back to Buffalo Springfield's 1967 song and ranch of the same name in Portalo Valley, California; a 1948 Buick Roadmaster Hearse built by Flxible (estimate: $8,000-$10,000) used by Young and his band, The Squires, to haul their equipment to gigs in the early 1960's, decorated with backstage passes and bumper stickers and served as the theme of Young's song, "Long May You Run;" a 1953 Buick Roadmaster code 76X Skylark Convertible Buick's 50th anniversary special edition, (total production 1,690) with a steering wheel hub that denotes "customized for Neil Young" (estimate: $100,000-$130,000) and a 1941 Chrysler Series 28 Windsor Highlander 2-Door 3-Person Coupe (estimate: $15,000-$20,000), considered the most prestigious model Chrysler had to offer.

Studio gear, recording equipment and instruments featured include two Studer A800 Mark III Master recorders known as 'The Twins' and used together in Young's studio (estimate: $10,000-$12,000); four Marshall Full Stack Amplifiers (estimates ranging from $2,000-$3,500); a 1935 Martin F-7 acoustic guitar (estimate: $4,000-$4,500); a 1965 Gibson ES-345 left handed electric guitar, with a Varitone, original tailpiece, original pickguard, a strap and a handwritten chord chart (estimate: $3,500-$5,000); a 1999 Gretsch White Falcon SS (estimate: $2,000-$2,500) sixteen Universal Audio 610 preamp console modules (estimate: $9,000-$12,000) and a hurdy gurdy used on Young's song "Red Sun" from his album Silver and Gold (estimate: $200-$400). Young's clothing worn on stage and at events will also make an appearance including an Abercrombie & Fitch red and blue plaid flannel shirt worn in a performance with Paul McCartney at a benefit concert for the Bridge School (estimate: $300-$500); a tan and cream striped seersucker J. Crew jacket, worn in a performance at Hard Rock live in Hollywood, Florida (estimate: $400-$600) as well as bolo ties and designer jackets.

Full auction details at Julien's Auctions.

Also, see Neil Young's 1993 Harley-Davidson Softail on eBay.


Chrome Dreams
Neil Young's 1993 Harley-Davidson Softail on eBay
(Neil Young News - Friday, November 06, 2009)

Neil Young and Lionel Trains
Classic Toy Trains - March 1993

1953 Buick Roadmaster (?) & Martin D-28 Guitar Case (?)
Neil Young @ Bridge School Concert, October 30, 2005
Photo by Jay Blakesberg

Neil Young
8+ guitars/banjos, 2 pianos, 1 organ and one man.
Carnegie Hall in New York City - Monday. January 6, 2014 - Show #1
Photo by Tony T.

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Neil Young's Online Archives: Homegrown and Meadow Dusk Albums

Neil Young Archives

There is little doubt already that the Neil Young Online Archives is a masterpiece in presentation that leapfrogs other artist archival projects and sets a new standard.

Here's a comment on "So What Might We Find on The Neil Young's Online Archives?" by bigmrbee914:

Homegrown is by far the most coveted and therefore the most desired of all the unreleased albums.

Most are skeptical as to whether Neil will stick to the original planned album or update it to suit how he feels these days. My thoughts are that Neil is a stickler for historical accuracy. When he is ready, he will present that album as it was intended in 1975 before the playback of Tonight's The Night led to a change of mind. Regarding other material recorded during the time, expect to see those tracks appear on the timeline and file cabinet as standalone recordings. As with Archives Vol. 1, there were some tracks that were left on the cutting room floor during sessions for an album and they made it to the Archives. Just because it didn't make the cut for the album didn't mean it remained unreleased forever.

Also of note, Neil is clearly not opposed to including tracks that made it to later albums as can be seen with Hitchhiker. Captain Kennedy is an example here, found on both Hitchhiker and Hawks And Doves. When it comes to the archives online, as the material is made available and the information as well, purchase of the newly released recordings could lead to fans purchasing just those recordings they don't already have and compiling the lost albums with provided information. However, knowing Neil's true fans, we will buy the albums as they come out.

Regarding Meadow Dusk, it seems that this was along the same lines as the 1969-1970 concept that Neil had for Oh Lonesome Me, so far that he had designed an mock up of a proposed album cover and had two variations of a potential track listing. The proposed cover and track listings can be seen in the documents for Oh Lonesome Me on the Archives Online. Neil may have recorded material but the overall project never materialized or was left incomplete (ie only some of the material was recorded). However, the Oh Lonesome Me project could manifest itself as the Early Crazy Horse album that is showing up in the timeline for the period, although it is more likely the idea was scrapped when Neil joined with CSN and then further developed the After The Gold Rush concept.

Regarding Neil's use of unfinished recordings, I don't think it would be impossible for him to have attempted Hitchhiker with Crazy Horse in 1975 for Dume, even if it was unfinished. Crazy Horse was about a raw energy, not a polished product. A prime example is the abrupt ending on Going Home, clearly an unfinished (or perhaps deliberate) ending.

As for other unreleased material, it would be nice to see placeholder info cards for many of the unreleased songs. I can see the desire to hold back the recordings until the respective project is ready for release but the information cards would at least show what Neil recorded. If anything, this would contribute to the further speculation as to what songs would make the cut on the unreleased albums, furthering the discussions.

Thanks bigmrbee914 for thoughts on potential Homegrown and Meadow Dusk Albums.

We're still digging around the early years and we're interested in hearing from others on their experiences.

And, all apologies for the misinfo posted the other day. Interestingly, the original source for the image was Neil's himself via Instagram in 2015. But, we take it all in stride. So, we continue.

"Every time I make a mistake, I cheer for myself on the inside."
~~ Neil Young, Somewhere in Canada, December 1, 2017

Neil Young Archives Tutorial

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Comment of the Moment: Neil Young's "Somewhere In Canada" Concert

Neil Young
"Somewhere In Canada" Concert - December 1, 2017
Coronation Hall - Omemee, Ontario, Canada

Many of Neil Young's fans are still recovering from the emotional Neil Young's "Somewhere In Canada" Concert last week.

Here is a Comment of the Moment from Neil Young's "Somewhere In Canada" Concert (report by Sharry Wilson) by Minke T.:

Dear all,

Watching Neil’s homecoming was such an event. It shook me thoroughly. It was beautiful and confusing, and utterly gripping. Neil’s performance moved me to tears at several points. Emotive highlights were Someday and Don’t be denied, both so highly personal, made for this moment and occasion, and both getting such sweet, vulnerable and poignant renderings.

To see Neil’s musicality so captivatingly alive was an enormous joy. But so see him almost fall over, groping in the mist of bad eyesight, so dependent on his helpers, reminded so much of our mortality, of dying light, of the shakiness of things. Neil has always been there and now we see him, as we see those around us, preparing to slip away, someday.

I can't fathom whether the concert was good or bad, technically speaking. Perhaps the performances of some songs will not stand stand up to repeated listening, from a greater time distance, out of the moment and the ambiance. There were bad notes, mistunings, mistakes, awkward endings. It was the first time I had the feeling that something was sliding away from him, that he was not on the top of his technical game. Perhaps this was most visible in his guitar technique. always so immaculate and well-aimed, but now more faltering, more putative – and the more moving for it.

It was grandiose.

In the run-up to the event, I sometimes thought he was really moving to Canada, selling his stuff, leaving his California stardom, letting this be a homecoming and a farewell -- but to what? Settling in old age, running the business and doing the politics. But who knows.

Whatever comes next, Neil gave us the ultimate gift of a musical genius that adjusts itself to the possibilities and limitations of moment, age, to the present state of his body and mind. Forget the slips, the spirit was there. A new spirit, more intimate than ever, fragile, with such a strong sense of looking back, on the way home, and as true as ever.

After all, the emotive assault on our inner tunings tells it all. I guess this is what true fandom is, despite the glitches, the let-downs, the exasperation, frustration sometimes, to be moved to the core.

Thanks Neil, thanks Thrasher

And thank you Minke for that heartfelt tribute.

There's not much we can add that others didn't add after your comment.

Let the record just show that on December 1, 2017, Neil Young made the whole world both laugh and cry -- and experience every emotion in between. We are the lucky ones...

Bob Purdy at Neil Young's "Somewhere In Canada" Concert
Coronation Hall - Omemee, Ontario, Canada
Photo by CLIFFORD SKARSTEDT/PETERBOROUGH EXAMINER/

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UPDATED - Neil Young's Online Archives: What Have We Found Thus Far?

UPDATE: The image below has been confirmed as "fake news" and removed. All apologies. Details in comments below.

Roxy Live Album Cover?

With all of the big Neil Young news excitement recently, we have not had much of a chance to fully dig into Neil Young's Online Archives. As announced last month, the Online Archives will be initially be free -- Neil's gift to his fans: "In the beginning, everything is free."

There is little doubt already that the Neil Young Online Archives is a masterpiece in presentation that leapfrogs other artist archival projects and sets a new standard,

But already, some "Easter Eggs" are starting to reveal themselves to those who seek. From a note from Stan:

I've been an avid reader of Thrashers Wheat for some years now and thought I'd share something I've stumbled upon.

I've been going thru some of the code in the amazing new archives and managed to dig up something I presume is the album cover for the Roxy Live album. I haven't been able to find any covers of the other unreleased albums which might be a hint that Roxy Live is next in line for release.

Anyway, I thought I'd share the cover with you if you would want to post it. I think it's very cool and have no doubt readers of TW would enjoy it.

Peace out,
Stan

Thanks Stan! very cool and thanks for sharing. Keep us posted on your other findings!

UPDATE: Stan - You've got some explaining to do. Please respond to our emails and/or comment below.

The image above has been confirmed as "fake news". All apologies. Details in comments below.

Neil Young Archives

Here's another nice "Easter Egg" find from bigmrbee914 on a comment on "PREVIEW: Neil Young Online Archives - December 1st":

So there are a few goodies that are previously unknown or harder to find.

While we may not have any of the Geffen material, no I'm Goin' or Interstate, and previously unreleased material from beyond 1972 has yet to come, we did get a couple of items that caught my attention. Remember the hidden track on Archives Vol 1 with the alternate mix of I Believe In You? Well, it's here. But real surprise so far was the version of Birds from August 1969 with Crazy Horse. You remember... the first verse only version...? Well, the Neil Young Archive online has delivered the full recording with the 2nd verse intact.

A Note From Neil - August, 2017

Last August, Neil Young announced that an "online archive" -- with nearly all of his recordings -- will be made available.

"Every single, recorded track or album I have produced is represented," Neil says in a old school typewriter letter posted on the Neil Young Archives website.

Neil Young Archives Tutorial

Timeline - Neil Young Archives

Neil types: "View all albums currently released and see albums still unreleased and in production just by using the controls to zoom through the years. Unreleased album art is simply penciled in so you can where unreleased albums will appear on the timeline, once they are completed." The Archives site -- organized using the "Filing Cabinet" system -- will let fans “choose, purchase and set up your equipment to hear the absolute best streaming music at your location."

Filing Cabinet - Neil Young Archives

Neil explains that Xstream Music, a high resolution "adaptive streaming service" with access to "pure uncompressed masters," will vary the quality of the stream depending on the bandwidth the user has available. XStream will deliver super high-res, 6,000-kilobits-per-second (kbps) quality. If using data on a mobile devices, a 700-kbps stream will deliver compact disc-quality audio. XStream will also have access to the Young promised.

Track Details - Neil Young Archives

“View all albums currently released and see albums still unreleased and in production just by using the controls to zoom through the years. Unreleased album art is simply penciled in so you can where unreleased albums will appear on the timeline, once they are completed.”

As Neil says in tutorial video: "Try not to get lost."

I bristle at any website that needs a "how-to-use-this-thing" video guide. But Neil Young gets a permanent pass. https://t.co/96ZPM3N6v1 @jnd1er @asktog @lukew @skrug https://t.co/ieLnzuiy3v pic.twitter.com/UsUYgTkJ0b

— Drew Stephens (@collegewebguy) December 7, 2017

Also, see:

• So What Might We Find on The Neil Young's Online Archives ... Someday?
• Comment of the Moment: Neil Young Announces Online Archive: "Opening Soon"
• The Mythical "Meadow Dusk" Album by Neil Young: NYA Online Archives
• Xstream: Neil Young’s New Streaming Service

Everything You've Ever Wanted To Know About
The Neil Young Archives
But Were Afraid To Ask



Archives Sticky Open Threads

- Thoughts & Commentary
- Technical Questions
- Easter Eggs, Hidden Tracks &

BD Live

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