Comment of the Moment: Overview of Neil Young's Last 18 Years of Albums

The Man In The Black Hat
(or "Rockin' In The Free World")
Neil Young + Promise Of The Real
Telluride, Colorado - 10/1/16
Photo by thrasher
(Click photo to enlarge)

A few weeks ago, we posted a comment In Defense of Neil Young's Late-Late Style.

The comment by Minke T. deals eloquently -- and bluntly -- with the twilight years of Neil Young's output -- both recently as well as the future years to come. A very worthwhile read if you missed the original posting.

Which brings us to our latest Comment of the Moment on a summary overview of Neil Young's last 18 years of recorded output by Rog:

Wow, who else has released so much in the last 18 years?! My thoughts:

Silver and Gold - I like this album, but it's not one I come back to very often. Song quality is good.

Road Rock - I think this sounds decent, but I'd rather have a full gig, so I'm more likely to put a bootleg on. The DVD from this tour is great though.

Are You Passionate - I've never understood why this gets a hard time, I love it! Particularly Mr Disappointment, Let's Roll, Goin' Home and the title track.

Greendale - absolutely brilliant! Sun Green especially.

Living With War - When Neil Young used to protest something, he would write a song. From the 00s onwards, he would write an album instead. This is one of the successful ones, it still feels concise and has a great sound. After The Garden is a highlight for me.

Prairie Wind - Lovely record. Even with the Nashville/Harvest connection, I don't think this is quite like anything else.

Chrome Dreams II - His last brilliant "songs" collection. Ordinary People throws it a bit off balance, but Spirit Road, No Hidden Path, The Believer, all brilliant.

Fork in the Road - a couple of good tunes only, this should have been the theme for a song or two, not a whole album (see LWW comment). His weakest in years.

Le Noise - could have done with a little more variety, but it's a great sounding and interesting record. Again, it's like nothing else. Unusual for someone who has done so much to keep making such unique moves.

Americana - this is a fun record

Psychedelic Pill - I'm not interested in lyrics about MP3s, but it's a great record all the same. I like that they went for a pure style this time, instead of editing the jams down to traditional lengths. Walk Like A Giant was amazing on the tour.

A letter Home - Just horrible, the spoken word stuff is cringeworthy.

Storytone - Awful syrupy songs. Too Disney. No edge. Could barely get through it. Loved the Horse version of Who's Gonna Stand Up, glad that at least got an EP release.

The Monsanto Years - Again, full album on a theme which could have just been a song or two. However, it's saved by how good the music and production is. It's a great sounding record! Big Box and Monsanto Years especially. Really like the Promise Of The Real stuff.

Earth - Unconventional live album but a great listen.

Peace Trail - A bit slight, but some good stuff here. Particularly the title track.

The Visitor - Decent. His most varied record since Chrome II. A grower.

Whilst I'm still hungrily waiting for a slice of Toast, the archive releases have also been superb. Particularly Massey Hall, Cellar Door and Bluenote Cafe.

Thanks Rog! Nice summary overview of Neil's last 18 years of albums. It is quite a range of listening experiences. As always, live music is better. Although relatively little of this period made it to the stage and as has been the case, played once on tour and never again.

More on In Defense of Neil Young's Late-Late Style.

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