UPDATED: New BARN Video + Neil's Message + 1st IMPRESSIONS: "Heading West" by Neil Young & Crazy Horse from Upcoming Album BARN

EARLY REACTION IS NO SURPRISE NYA | Times-Contrarian 

We interrupt  our  "unplanned/forced sabbatical" here at Thrasher's Wheat, with  an update on a new song from BARN --  the upcoming album by Neil Young & Crazy Horse -- "Heading West" which is previewing now on Neil Young Archives.

 

Here is Neil Young's latest message on NYA's front page (November 4th): "authenticity whatever it takes." (Thanks Dionys!)

EARLY REACTION IS NO SURPRISE

11-4-21

Every time we put out a record, there are many folks who share their opinions, feelings and thoughts. I love that they are there and involved. Some yearn for the hard core rock and roll Crazy Horse has lived. Some are into the ballads and easy refections on life that come along occasionally. But all are interested in what we have to offer each time we put out some new music. That is a gift I am thankful for.

All of BARN is real. It came from the heart. We may have cried after some takes…… in happiness… in elation…. A band of brothers, we have all known one another since our beginnings. We made ‘Only love can break your Heart’ and ‘Southern Man’ on the same album. We made ‘Round and Round’ and ‘Down by the River’ on the same album. We made “Don’t forget about Love’ and ‘Human Race’ on the same album. Welcome Back. It’s not the same.

Barn may be our best album ever. [ed: emphasis added]
ny

Well.  Certainly words that will be debated long after we're all gone, for sure.  Just judging by some the comments here on TW, it's almost like a pre-emptive move before the doubters, complainers and grifters emerge.  Oh wait... they already have begun to sharpen their knives based on a single track ... 

 

 Neil Young / Crazy Horse - Heading West (Official Audio)

 

Neil Young / Crazy Horse - Heading West (Official Video) | NYA

 

Last month, as a first impression of BARN --  the upcoming album by Neil Young & Crazy Horse -- some 21st century rusty readers were underwhelmed by the gentle, mellow calming gorgeousness of "Song Of The Seasons".  (More on our thoughts on SotS on Thrasher's Wheat Radio 2.0 Vodcast - Episode #11)  Or maybe they were expecting a full blown, raw, crunchy barn burner Crazy Horse rocker jam out!?  Reportedly, the album BARN will contain extended epic sonic jams.

BARN
 by Neil Young & Crazy Horse"10 new songs that capture the raw, idiosyncratic rock and roll spirit and lyrical beauty that epitomizes a classic NYCH collaboration. Recorded this summer under a full moon, in a restored off-grid 19th century barn high up in the Rockies, the Horse was right at home and the album’s stunning love songs, reflective ballads and powerhouse rockers naturally burst into life."

 

Now comes the second preview song from  BARN titled "Heading West".  Here's  Neil Young's thoughts on the song "Heading West" on NYA:

10-28-21

What a great ride with the Horse on this one! Larry Cragg had my guitar sounding so alive.

My mom and I travelled across the country together, heading west. She was on her way back home to start over. I was on my way there with her. Here’s a song about me and my mom and those ‘growing up’ times. It’s so great to remember her this way!
love
thanks
n

 

Neil Young Archives Infocard: "Heading West"  

by Neil Young & Crazy Horse  

 

And here's a long time TW reader/supporter first impressions on "Heading West" by Thos:

I’ll leave the philosophising to you lot!

Just wanted to say I think Heading West is the best, and most honest, thing Neil has recorded in ages, probably since Le Noise. [ed: emphasis added]

Whilst issues such as genetically modified wheat and protecting the environment are absolutely crucial, I’m not always convinced they make great songwriting material.

Inspired to get a great guitarist like Nils in and put him to work on piano and accordion! Can’t wait to hear the full album.

Thos

Thank you so much for your thoughts, contributions and steadfastness in these times of darkness on seas of madness, Thos. 

 

Neil Young Archives Infocard: "Song Of The Seasons" 

by Neil Young & Crazy Horse  

(See more on 1st IMPRESSIONS: "Song Of The Seasons" by Neil Young & Crazy Horse)

 

 

And here's another long time TW reader/supporter first impressions on "Heading West" by Dan:

I really like ‘Heading West’ a lot, and I can hear the Horse taking this song to the stratosphere when they play it live. 

This has the potential to be a long jam in concert, and I hope I get the chance to get that experience. The short running time leaves me wishing it was longer which is a very good sign. 

Once again,  What exactly does an artist owe to their audience? As Dionys commented in response to the initial lukewarm reactions for SotS:

"Nobody ever said to Van Gogh: 'Paint the Starry Nights again'" (Joni Mitchell on Miles of Aisles)."

 

 

SONG OF THE SEASONS 

SHORT FILM by dhlovelife

"The film of the same title - BARN captures this legendary band in their element - in the wild, their easy humor, their brotherhood, their humanity, and of course, the music, live, recorded in their unique spontaneous way. A Blu-ray of the film directed by Daryl Hannah, will be available as a stand-alone release."

This subject of "what an artist owes to their audiences" (& see Artists who challenge their audiences) has been a long running passion here @TW over the decades. and it will become even more pertinent as time marches ahead relentlessly and predictably. 

MORE BARN!!!

Produced by The Volume Dealers – Neil Young and Niko Bolas, the album will be available on vinyl (special edition), CD, cassette and Deluxe Box set. The special edition vinyl contains 6 behind-the-scenes photographs from the Barn sessions. Available as a numbered first pressing, the Deluxe Box set contains the special edition LP, CD and Blu-ray of the film Barn.

(Watch out for The Greedy Hand)

 

So will BARN be another FITR?  Who knows, of course. Looking back at FITR in 2009, we here @ TW were so stunned and ecstatic to hear lines so close to our hearts ("keep on bloggin' til the power goes out/batteries dead") that little else mattered.  And we still crank FITR on our road trips to this very day.

Thank you Dionys, Dan and so many others for being here and keeping the neil-rust conversations burning during our  "unplanned/forced sabbatical"!

Read more on an artist who challenges his audience,  commentary and Greendale reviews. It'll be like deja vu all over again.  Also, see more on obligations to audiences on Artistic Freedom and Commerce.

You either "get Neil" or you don't.  it's really that simple. and yes everyone is allowed to have their own opinion on all things always ...  

"Just Singing A Song Won't Change The World" -
Neil YoungDeja Vu Press Conference - Berlin, February, 2008(See more on 1st IMPRESSIONS: "Song Of The Seasons" by Neil Young & Crazy Horse)

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