Comment of the Moment: "Talkin' To The Trees" by Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts
Last week, Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts released the title track for the upcoming album "Talkin To The Trees".
Here is the Comment of the Moment on the song "Talkin To The Trees" by Tomatron:
From the new album I’d like to hear Big Change live. That song rips.While TTTT ["Talkin To The Trees"] title track doesn’t make for a great single, I expect it eases in nicely as an album track, a peaceful respite from the heavy energy of the songs that precede it. He seems to be doing something different with that song. It has no narrative or chorus; the melody is minimal. It exists only to express a present moment.Neil’s lyrical method of late, to capture the idea as it comes without further refinement, is used to full effect to provide a glimpse of his thoughts, one minute of a day in the life.Aficionados of his classic work crave the figurative language that elevates much of his 70s songcraft; it’s still there, but it lives between the lines now. Some have called TTTT bland. I think plain is a better descriptor. The song reminds me of the plain art tradition of American folk art, capturing the honest essence of a restful moment.A picture of peace.
Thanks Tomatron. "A picture of peace." Yes, we can all use a bit of that these days. Good insights. And -- as speculated elsewhere -- we'll likely hear album cuts on this summer's tour.
The album "Talkin' to the Trees," recorded with Chrome Hearts, will be released on CD, vinyl, and digital on June 13.Earlier this month, Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts have released a new Official Music Video for the song "Lets Roll Again".
In January, Neil Young dropped a track from his latest album titled "big change is coming". In addition, an Official Music Video was released featuring the band The Chrome Hearts.
by Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts
(Video Frame via Official Video)
Labels: album, chrome hearts, neil young, Official Music Video, song, tracklist, video
by thrasher@PermaLink: 5/28/2025 10:46:00 AM
26 comments
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26 Comments:
From what I have heard so far of TTTT, (like Neil's collaborations with POTR) his work with The Chrome Hearts, lacks life or inspiration. Only Crazy Horse, the original but one iteration with Poncho Sampedro, seemed to spark real life. Maybe the muse does not come upon him with the other groups.
World Record too was disappointing. We should not kid ourselves that everything that Neil records is of the best quality. Some sadly is fairly mediocre.
I watched Coastal in the cinema the other day - most of Neil's performances were mesmerising. But he does not really sparkle with Willy's boys.
Toast on the other hand was, and is superb. As was Before and After. And lots of his other albums. But they are not all great and we should not claim to have found gold when there is only coal.
I agree with Tomatron : 'Neil’s lyrical method of late, to capture the idea as it comes without further refinement, is used to full effect to provide a glimpse of his thoughts, one minute of a day in the life.' But compared to his many songs that are written with thought, care and craft - and the muse - the result is bland and uninvolving.
He could and should do better.
I am in agreement with Julia. A day in the life of Neil requires a reason to care about a day in the life of Neil. There is nothing in the lyrics or the music that inspires me to return to the song. I recall first listen to Sleeps with Angels and I was driven to listen over and over again (especially Change Your Mind). Julia looks for the sparkle and I look for the edges. I keep going back to Homegrown and the song Vacancy. Neil has settled for banality and a much easier path. I used to see revelation in his music, strange and mysterious ideas which could become dangerous and intrepid. In this disgusting Trump world, could Neil do a song similar in depth as Campaigner? Perhaps not.
The song Chevrolet was great though. It really captures that unique spark.
I appreciate Tomatron's taking the time to unpack this new song a bit. While I agree that Talkin' to the Trees doesn't "demand" attention, and certainly doesn't precipitate danger or intrepidity, I'd venture to say some of the responses are missing its point. Or maybe that point doesn't, and can't, resonate with everyone the same.
As I hear it, this song is clearly about living in--and appreciating-- the present. Not worrying too much about what comes next. The quest for the quest, so to speak, can itself be a cause of anxiety. The words are foregrounding the idea that no two days, and no two moments, are exactly the same: "Today again, like I've never seen it... Rooster crowing, like I've never heard it." So don't neglect to take in everything the moment has to offer, like the "sun on the mountain rise" for instance.
The song is a day in the life of a human (Neil), a day in the life of a dog, and a day in the life of a tree--how these lives overlap and diverge. It's true there's no chorus or hook. There are some recurring words and image-motifs. Moreover, there's a discernible ascending/descending structure, a sort of give and take, like the sun or waves rising and falling, representative of trying to live in tune with the rhythms of the earth.
I can't help wondering, if someone heard all about a day in my life (or anyone's), would they find that story wanting in value or meaning? And since we can listen to the song for free, how much value is a fair exchange exchange for 3.5 minutes of time and attention? (Of course, it depends on the person, the day, and circumstances--I'm don't mean to imply there's one right answer. )
Not for me. POTR gave Neil an invigorating jolt. Sure, Monsanto Years is uninspiring as a studio album, but the live sets with POTR circa 2015/16 were barn burners. And, I'll take The Visitor over the last 3 CH studio albums any day. Yes, each of those has maybe one or two tracks I like, but the rest is pretty forgettable. So, while I don't have high expectations for the Chrome Hearts album, I'm betting the tour is great.
@Knowledge Nomad : Quite right, Lukas Nelson & promise of the Real were a fantastic backing band for Neil live. Boise 2016 was one of my all time favorite shows. Neil Sounded phenomenal with that band doing Peace Trail songs. It was epic. His harmonica thru the guitar amp lit the night on fire. And sparks flew at sound check for those 6 songs I witnessed. Including Surfer Joe! What a great show.
I loved seeing Micah play with the Horse in San Diego. And I loved seeing Micah play live with Particle Kid in Seattle. It was a musical multi media extravaganza with the spotlight never on his face. No ego, no flash. Just bashing out psychedelic songs full of energy and spirit. Singing very well. With projection equipment working optimally!
Talkin’ To The Trees? I’ve heard worse from NY. His singing voice is not in top form. I have heard the years a bit in his singing these last 10 years. It’s hard to sound 39 when you’re 79. But LN & PotR DID breathe life into him. NY & the Chrome Hearts will liven Neil up & us as well. I notice the band acronym is NYCH in a way. Something for us to chew on.
I have enjoyed a lot of Neil’s music of the last 10 years and I do like World Record. I look forward to hearing the new record. They usually don’t start out as classics. But most of them end up that way. “Human Race” is one of many truly searing, fiery songs Neil has given us lately. Can’t breathe fire all day.
Is it so much to ask for a career defining masterpiece at this late hour? I’ll settle for some good songs! I am just glad the man is still walking the Earth! And recording music. He is still my favorite living songwriter. He has more for us, rest assured. You can say the feelings gone…… just be sure that yours is not the one.
If Neil can get back into the country, health holds for all, if it can be… this tour is gonna be one pissed party! And Trump just got a ruling that he has no power to Tariff! Oh Boo Hoo! Those mean judges! Rand Paul may actually save the nation from ceaseless Drumph Dick-Tator ship! This big ugly bill has some sneaky stuff in there like “I don’t need to listen to judges.” Oh yes, let’s shred the socialist constitution!
Best wishes to all & to all a good night.
Your Brother Alan in Seattle
PS- “America doesn’t know what to do with its old heroes.” -Jakob Dylan
With full acknowledgement that my love of NY's music - and just the loyalty I'll give to artists that truly move me - gives me a huge critical bias... it's no surprise that I agree with Alan and Nomad (though I really love reading anybody's opinion when there is thought behind it. Anyone who bothers to write anything about this musician we all share a love for is of value to me). I do agree especially that when he took to the road with POTR there was a vibrancy and element of surprise that was wholly welcomed and will keep a comfy position in my memory for years to come.
TTTT, the single not the album (so far), really moves me. It's appropriate that he references Dylan since the song reminds me - in spirit - of Dylan's "Highlands". Certainly not as sprawling as "Highlands" but they both share that immediacy and intimacy... like being privy to their thoughts as they occur. To me, it's a special feeling and it's a special feeling accomplished successfully.
But one of the cool things about NY is just how prolific he is. Even in this thread alone I've heard people mention several albums of his released in the last decade alone. Even if you don't include archival releases, his output is faster and larger than that of bands a third his age. So if you don't connect with this one, you don't like it, you miss him working in a certain mode or mood, color, with the Horse, whatever... you're in luck because there will be another album right around the corner and another chance to have it hit or miss. We're all very lucky. Even if you haven't enjoyed an album of his since before the millennium, it's rad how many times we've been able to come together, hear something new, and share a thousand different views on it. That's pretty damn rad.
I appreciate everyone’s input here, and agree with the many observations already made. As a Neil Young completest I have found much joy in everything he has released over the decades. Some more than others, but each record has brought me joy.
There is one point that I would like to add, and that is time. When I was in my twenties, I could stay out until the early morning hours, and still have the energy, and the inclination to make it work the next day with ease. The candle had plenty of wax to burn brightly at both ends.
When I hit forty I had all this life experience and wisdom to use to help navigate my future. The world still had so much to offer.
Then I got to fifty , and I was ready to implement everything I had discovered through the decades. Life was still filled with promise.
Then came the sixties, and I began to realize that I had far more time behind me, than in front of me. My priorities began to change dramatically, and I felt the need to reevaluate the choices I had made in the past. Time became more finite.
What I’m trying to communicate here is that Neil is approaching eighty, and this past twenty years of his life has taken many twists and turns. Just like mine have. He’s not the same person he was when he was twenty, or thirty years younger. And neither are any of us.
It’s easy for us to expect Neil to release another Sleeps With Angels, or On The Beach again, but it simply isn’t possible, or realistic. That Neil doesn’t exist anymore. That’s why I simply take each record as it comes, with the understanding that he has moved on from the last one. I make the effort to go into it with no expectations at all. Because I’m on a different journey than he is, yet I’m always fascinated to find out where he’s at….. in this moment in time.
Peace🙏
Reflecting on the recent albums, I felt World Record was a positive step, or improvement, in the way of developing fresh combinations of musical sounds to create emotional resonances—soundscapes for mind-scapes. Some of which may have been the Rick Rubin Effect.
This may sound like too much pontificating, but I recommend spending some time on jazz, classical, anything that doesn’t require or center on lyrics. Different genres can expand one’s view of what music does and how it causes those effects.
The long guitar passages of Cowboy, Change Your Mind, or Walk like a Giant—which are almost an art form in themselves—are a good case study. The core is not just ambiance but texture. Talkin’ to the Trees doesn’t reach these dizzying elevations of synesthesia, but it does help clear my mind to prepare for other things.
Dan, I agree. My comments were hasty. Your words are wise.
@Abner : Your comment was fill with excellent observations about what moves you musically, and that is the beauty of the art form. Everyone hears it differently. We can go years, or decades, and hear a song in a completely different way. Not because the song has changed, but that we have changed.
Peace 🙏
On most of Neil's albums from recent years there is always at least a few really good songs. On some of those albums there's a lot of good songs. But in my opinion the last great album was psychedelic pill
This new song is a step up from most of his recent material, much better to me than Let's Roll Again.
The last good album: Peace Trail
The last really good one: Psychedelic Pill
The last great one: Greendale
The last iconic one: Sleeps With Angels
I actually found World Record to be a genuine contender for masterpiece. It struck me as a complete work, and not just a collection of songs. It usually takes me a few listens before a record settles into place, but this just knocked me out on the first spin. As Meta mentioned earlier, it might just be the Rick Rubin Effect, but even now when I listen to this album, it just sounds like a brilliant release.
I definitely agree that Psychedelic Pill was an amazing Crazy Horse album, and the last one with Poncho. That tour was a real mind blower, and rates right up there with the best of them.
But as I’ve said before; I have found each and every album Neil has released throughout his entire career to well worth owning. There hasn’t been a single album that I have perceived as a mistake. Each one holds something special and uniquely Neil Young.
Peace 🙏
Reviews, responses, and other criticism sometimes tells us as much, or more, about the critic as about the artist. That’s not a bad thing. In this case, Neil’s songs help us learn about ourselves.
There are moments of World Record that seemed, on first listening, to be trying for a new kind of music. Maybe just new to me. You might call it Earth Age, or Green Age. (Or Homegrown Music?)
In about two weeks, we’ll hear Neil’s first album of new material in 2 and 1/2 years. I suppose we’ll find out any longterm effects of the Rick Rubin collaboration, but as far as art goes, I can’t complain much about someone who’s still trying new stuff after all those years.
3rd listen, and TTTT is a good Neil Young song! This album has potential. I hear the years less & the feel of the song gets more interesting and positive. I am officially very excited to hear the new album.
This ain’t coal. This is vital green
One further, salient point: I agree with Dan that none of Neil’s albums strike me as a mistake. I’m not even sure what could qualify as a mistake in art. There may be technical flaws, imperfections of craft or workmanship, but the only kind of mistake I can see harming the creative process is one impeding the process or experience, of either the artist or the audience (an experience, in the end, subjectively negotiated between artist, art, and audience).
If nothing else, all of Neil’s albums are authentic. Even the Shocking Pinks! None may have told the whole story, but they were all true at the time.
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Everybody's Rocking true at the time? He recorded it because David Geffen said he wanted a rock 'n' roll album. Neil took him at his word and produced a piece of crap. That will teach Mr Geffen.
Malicious compliance with the pressure of payola. Geffen found the gesture meaningful enough to try suing.
Gimme anything in the Geffen era compared to post 1996 Broken Arrow. Greendale has a few nice moments. Chrome Dreams II I like very much. Of course it's mostly songs written earlier. I bought Landing on Water on cassette. Used to play it in my 70 Barracuda. Wasn't thrilled w it at first. But things like Weight of the World ( funny video ! ), Hippie Dream, Violent Side, Touch the Night I appreciate allot. Everybody's Rockin not a waste of time IMO. Old Ways listenable. Blue Notes very fun. One Thing stands out. But the rest are good also. Trans I don't know. So everything after 1996 is so derivative of previous work I can't listen to it. Psychedelic Pill is just a self indulgent mess of rehashed and redundant melody. I can see how CR are the blank canvas for him to paint. Are you there Jonathan ? You hated me fiercly when my handle was Proud Doubter lol No enough for me. POTR a great backing band. These young men get the now Old Man. Not fan of the records I sampled. Barn and Colorado unnecessary. I don't know what happened. I wish David Briggs had lived longer. I hope that's not too harsh. Everybody has their own 2 cents. Have loved everyone of the 50 shows I've seen. May even make it 51 this year. Am mulling Denver BD, or Shoreline my long time buddies BD.
I would not be here posting on the TW blog if I felt the same way as wsanjose1. I would have split way back. But the live shows keep some coming back. There is crucial, hardcore metal sludge of the heavenly variety on Barn. Human Race. Rocks harder than “Cocaine Eyes.”
Obviously myself and most of the people we hear from have found a LOT to enjoy in the many albums Mr Young has crafted since 1996.
Is the Geffen era better or worse than the latest decade? It’s up for debate. I’m still Kinda Fonda Wanda. Alan Freed, Payola(!), yes, the things they’re doing today would make a saint out of you!” See DT’s grifts.
I am stoked Neil is still doing it, & I cannot wait for the next album, gonna buy it day 1, as I have since 1991.
If Neil wasn’t still interesting and making good Art, why would any of us be here still?
Have a great day.
Your Brother Alan in Seattle
I would not be here posting on the TW blog if I felt the same way as wsanjose1. I would have split way back. But the live shows keep some coming back. There is crucial, hardcore metal sludge of the heavenly variety on Barn. Human Race. Rocks harder than “Cocaine Eyes.”
Obviously myself and most of the people we hear from have found a LOT to enjoy in the many albums Mr Young has crafted since 1996.
Is the Geffen era better or worse than the latest decade? It’s up for debate. I’m still Kinda Fonda Wanda. Alan Freed, Payola(!), yes, the things they’re doing today would make a saint out of you!” See DT’s grifts.
I am stoked Neil is still doing it, & I cannot wait for the next album, gonna buy it day 1, as I have since 1991.
If Neil wasn’t still interesting and making good Art, why would any of us be here still?
Have a great day.
Your Brother Alan in Seattle
Trans, imho, is one of his most important albums. The worst I can say about Everybody's Rockin' is that the '80s digital recording probably didn't do it any favors, plus it wasn't properly finished because Geffen ended the sessions. My sense is the Shocking Pinks was both a joke on Geffen and just something NY wanted to do for fun, to blow off steam. Obviously, Geffen saw a big commercial liability--but artistically, NY may have seen it as low stakes.
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My old grandad used to work with cars all his life. After he retired in his mid 60s he still tinkered with them, and talked about them lots, but he never really finished any big projects or did much but basic repairs.
Ive seen this happen countless times with retirees, they tinker with old hobbies, or get excited about them for a little while then fall back into the easy chair. It’s probably the same with a lot of you old timers on here.
The sad truth is, that in reverse the line ‘old man take a look at your life, I’m a lot like you’ isnt true for Neil. He, as all humans do, became a shadow of himself in old age.
Being a fan of him these years reminds me of listening to my old grandad, you felt obliged to respect the old guy but really he was just rambling in old age and didn’t have as much to say.
So I’ll listen to this new record in the spirit of visiting an ageing relative in an old people’s home. Give them an hour or so, maybe talk about the old times and the weather, but leave knowing next time youll both get less out of it.
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