ECLIPSED: What's The Deal with Neil Young & The Moon?

 

A Message From Neil Young: RISING WITH THE MOON

 

Today is the day ... the day of the Big Eclipse of 2024 in North America.

Paths of Totality - April 8

UPDATE: View from TW's Glass Enclosed Nerve Center/Control Room/HQ

As many Neil Young fans know so well, Neil has a "special" relationship with the Moon.

Neil Young has consistently tried to be in the peak recording zone in during the full moon phase. Key tour dates will align with a full Moon.  It would seem whenever there is a full moon, Neil makes all attempts to lock into the creative forces which a full moon inspires.

 

 

 Neil Young's Harvest Moon

Neil Young's 1992 "Harvest Moon" is the followup to his most commercially successful album "Harvest" -- some 20 years later.

So why is a Harvest Moon so special to Neil Young fans?

But there's a full moon risin'
Let's go dancin' in the light
We know where the music's playin'
Let's go out and feel the night.

If you take a look at the comments on YouTube for Neil Young's "Harvest Moon", you begin to better understand the song's intense emotional draw and deep resonance across the generations and over the decades.

With nearly 100 million views and 22,000+ comments, it is the most popular Neil Young song on YouTube. (See some example comments on  "Harvest Moon"'s appeal).

For us here @ Thrasher's Wheat, Harvest Moon has held a sacred spot in the discography and concert spaces of Neil Young's music.

 

Many may recall back in 2008, when Steve and his girlfriend Danielle made a request for "Harvest Moon" to played when Neil Young visited Brisbane, Australia. And by some extremely wonderfully little miracle, Neil Young actually did perform "Harvest Moon" that night and it brought a tear of joy for many around the world.

Then in 2009, Gavin in Ireland Requested "Harvest Moon" in memory of his father. Wish granted. And shortly thereafter, another Wish for "Harvest Moon" was Granted to Liza in Germany.

So we here at Thrasher's Wheat hold the song and this night very dearly. 3 fans that we've never met, on 3 continents touched by Harvest Moon magic. We know that some of you may not understand.Reviews of Neil Young's Harvest Moon.

Last we checked years ago, there are dozens and dozens of Moon references in  Neil Young's songs. For example:

• After The Goldrush: I was lyin' in a burned out basement With the full moon in my eyes.
• Amber Jean:  Every morning got sun to shine Every day got plenty of time  Every night there's a moon so fine  There for you, my Amber Jean.
• Berlin: Lights are shining in the German sky  Cosmic walls between the  moon and I  Don't know where I started from
• Big Green Country: Across the plain flew the lone grey rider  Leather bag  pounding on his back  Above the clouds the moon was climbing higher ...
• Cinnamon Girl:  A dreamer of pictures, I run in the night, You see us  together, chasing the moonlight..
• Coastline: Oooweee, baby, what a night  That old moon sure is shinin' bright  We'll be dancin' 'til the mornin' comes
• Don't Let It Bring You Down:  Old man lying by the side of the road  With the  lorries rolling by,  Blue moon sinking from the weight of the load...
• Give Me Strength: I'm riding down swept road in my old car  The moon is  almost full except for stars.
• Harvest Moon:  But there's a full moon risin'  Let's go dancing in the light  We know where the music's playin' Let's go out and feel the night..
• Hawaiian Sunrise:  Pretty Maui Mama  Lying over the water  With my moon in  your eyes  From my hotel window in the clouds  I love you right out loud..
• Helpless: Blue, blue windows behind the stars, Yellow moon on the rise,  Big birds flying across the sky, Throwing shadows on our eyes.
• I'm The Ocean: On the long plain  See the rider in the night  See the  chieftain  See the braves in cool moonlight  Who will love them...
• Let It Shine:  There's a moon roof over my head, my Lord  And my Lincoln is  still the best thing built by Ford  Let it roll, let it roll although...
• Like a hurricane: Far across the moonbeam  I know that's who you are,  I saw your brown eyes  Turning once to fire.
• Opera Star:  Well you grew up on a corner  And you never missed a moonlit  night.
• Over And Over:  At night when the sky is clear and the moon is shining down  My heart goes running back to you
• Sail Away:  As long as we can sail away  There'll be wind in the canyon Moon on the rise  As long as we can sail away
• Southern Pacific:  Roll on  Southern Pacific  On your silver rails  Through  the moonlight
• Sweet Joni:  Sweet Joni from Saskatoon  There's a ring for your finger  It shines like the sun  But it feels like the moon.
• The Old Country Waltz:  Out the window the moon shines  On the roofs of the  cars  While I knock down tequila and salt, oh.
• The Old Homestead:  Up and down the old homestead  The naked rider gallops  through his head  And although the moon isn't full  He still feels the pull  (...)  And the sky was darkened by a prehistoric bird  Who flew between the  unfulfilled moon  And the naked rider...
• This Old House:  Later, we came back in the moonlight  And made love right  where the kitchen is
• Thrasher:  They were hiding behind hay bales,  they were planting in the full  moon  They had given all they had for something new
• Time Fades Away:  All night sentries watch the moonglow  All are waiting till  the time is right
• Train Of Love: Sail along, sail along silver moon  Don't be blue  Throw  shadows in my room... 

Also, see:

• Moons and Neil Young Songs by Anne - Lady of Northern Moons
• Review: Neil Young's Dreamin' Man - A live "Harvest Moon" album

Also, here's a collection of album reviews and commentary of Neil Young's Harvest Moon.

• Harvest Moon review in FUNHOUSE! by Uncle Dave and track listing 

• Neil Young Songs on Moons  

"Harvest Moon"
Neil Young: Silver and Gold
Bass Concert Hall, Austin, Texas

 

(More on Neil Young's "Harvest Moon" ) 

 

VIDEO: 'Wolf Moon" - Neil Young and Promise of the REAL 

 

"They were hiding behind hay bales,  

they were planting in the full moon  

They had given all they had for something new" 

 

Enjoy your Totality!!! 

ps - Tired of eclipse chatter b/c you're outside of the Totality zone? Then this video *might* be for you ... but maybe not. Titled "This Video Is Not About the Eclipse" by Truthstream Media, this is tough stuff.  If you can handle "The Big Shift", then maybe this video is for you. WARNING: Video gets very emotional about half way in so buckle up, take a deep breath, get some tissues, and prepare to take a fork in the road.   (thanks Mel!)

"Do something that makes you feel joy today. Do not allow the fearmongers to pull you down into the pit. Rise above them. Love you all."

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The Joy and Heartbreak of Neil Young's "Harvest Moon"

 

 Neil Young's Harvest Moon

 

Neil Young's 1992 "Harvest Moon" is the followup to his most commercially successful album "Harvest" -- some 20 years later.

So why is a Harvest Moon so special to Neil Young fans?

But there's a full moon risin'
Let's go dancin' in the light
We know where the music's playin'
Let's go out and feel the night.

If you take a look at the comments on YouTube for Neil Young's "Harvest Moon", you begin to better understand the song's intense emotional draw and deep resonance across the generations and over the decades.

With nearly 100 million views and 22,000+ comments, it is the most popular Neil Young song on YouTube. Some example comments on  "Harvest Moon"'s appeal :

 

Many may recall back in 2008, when Steve and his girlfriend Danielle made a request for "Harvest Moon" to played when Neil Young visited Brisbane, Australia. And by some extremely wonderfully little miracle, Neil Young actually did perform "Harvest Moon" that night and it brought a tear of joy for many around the world.

Then in 2009, Gavin in Ireland Requested "Harvest Moon" in memory of his father. Wish granted. And shortly thereafter, another Wish for "Harvest Moon" was Granted to Liza in Germany.

So we here at Thrasher's Wheat hold the song and this night very dearly. 3 fans that we've never met, on 3 continents touched by Harvest Moon magic. We know that some of you may not understand.

Reviews of Neil Young's Harvest Moon.

Also, see:

Moons and Neil Young Songs by Anne - Lady of Northern Moons

Review: Neil Young's Dreamin' Man - A live "Harvest Moon" album. 

 

Also, here's a collection of album reviews and commentary of Neil Young's Harvest Moon.

• Harvest Moon review in FUNHOUSE! by Uncle Dave and track listing 

• Neil Young Songs on Moons  

"Harvest Moon"
Neil Young: Silver and Gold
Bass Concert Hall, Austin, Texas

(More on Neil Young's "Harvest Moon" )

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Guster, Wood Brothers & David Wax Museum Cover Neil Young's “Harvest Moon” | JamBase

Guster, Wood Brothers & David Wax Museum Cover Neil Young's “Harvest Moon”  (Click photo to enlarge) 

Neil Young's “Harvest Moon” was covered by Guster with The Wood Brothers and David Wax Museum at Rose Music Center at The Heights, Ohio on Tuesday, June 14. 

 

See full review on  Guster, Wood Brothers & David Wax Museum Cover Neil Young In Ohio | JamBase by Scott Bernstein.

More on  Neil Young's  beloved song "Harvest Moon".

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Neil Young Reflects on Harvest Moon Benefit Concert for The Painted Turtle & The Bridge School on September 14, 2019

The Painted Turtle
via The Painted Turtle | NYA

Neil Young reflects on this past weekend's Harvest Moon Benefit Concert for The Painted Turtle & The Bridge School on The Painted Turtle | NYA.

Everyone is urged to read Neil's thoughts on the importance of children and family as a "life gift". The special benefit concert featured Father John Misty, Norah Jones, and Neil Young performing over the Harvest Moon weekend.


Neil Young - Bridge School and Painted Turtle Benefit - FULL SHOW 09-14-19

More on Harvest Moon Gathering: Benefit for The Painted Turtle & The Bridge School - September 14, 2019.

"Harvest Moon" by Neil Young w/ Norah Jones and her band, & Father John Misty
2019-09-14 - Painted Turtle Camp, Lake Hughes, California, USA
via rjrjr8

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Harvest Moon Gathering: Benefit for The Painted Turtle & The Bridge School - September 14, 2019

Harvest Moon Gathering: Benefit for The Painted Turtle & The Bridge School

UPDATE:

"I Am A Child" by Neil Young
2019-09-14 - Painted Turtle Camp, Lake Hughes, California, USA
via rjrjr8

Setlist via Sugar Mountain
Neil Young
2019-09-14
Painted Turtle Camp, Lake Hughes, California, USA
Harvest Moon - A Gathering
Solo

1. Sugar Mountain (acoustic guitar)
2. I Am A Child (acoustic guitar)
3. Comes A Time (acoustic guitar)
4. Heart Of Gold (acoustic guitar)
5. Old Man (acoustic guitar)
6. Rainbow Of Colors (acoustic guitar)
7. I Do (acoustic guitar)
8. Eternity (piano)
9. Green Is Blue (piano)
10. Only Love Can Break Your Heart (acoustic guitar)
11. Tell Me Why (acoustic guitar)
12. War Of Man (acoustic guitar)
13. New Mama (acoustic guitar) (first time played since Aug 12, 1977)
14. Harvest Moon (acoustic guitar; accompanied by Norah Jones and her band)
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15. The Losing End (acoustic guitar; accompanied by Norah Jones)


Neil Young - Bridge School and Painted Turtle Benefit - FULL SHOW 09-14-19

"Harvest Moon" by Neil Young w/ Norah Jones and her band, & Father John Misty
2019-09-14 - Painted Turtle Camp, Lake Hughes, California, USA
via rjrjr8

Also, see comments below for more concert updates.

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Tomorrow, Saturday, September 14, a special benefit concert will happen under a full Harvest Moon, the Harvest Moon Gathering: Benefit for The Painted Turtle & The Bridge School.

Father John Misty, Norah Jones, and Neil Young

Father John Misty, Norah Jones, and Neil Young will perform at the Harvest Moon Gathering benefit concert.

For the first time since 2000, #FridayThe13th coincides with the full moon. 🌚 https://t.co/h5qcZBQXYt

— Twitter Moments (@TwitterMoments) September 13, 2019

And in other Harvest Moon news, today is Friday The 13th/#FridayThe13th. For the first time since 2000, a full moon falls on Friday The 13th and the next full moon to land on Friday The 13th won't happen until 2049. Only about 1% of full moons fall on a Friday the 13th. This one is even rarer occurring near apogee, the furthest point in the Moon's orbit. This last happened in 1832 and won't happen again for more than 500 years. So enjoy the night!

Neil Young's 1992 "Harvest Moon" is the followup to his most commercially successful album "Harvest" - 20 years later.

"Harvest Moon" was recorded with many of the same original musicians who appeared on "Harvest", such as Ben Keith, on pedal steel guitar, and Linda Rondstadt and James Taylor on backing vocals. The intentional sequel nature of "Harvest Moon" created high expectations which for the most part were fulfilled. The album was accompanied with music videos and extensive interviews. All indicators of both the record label Reprise's support and even the normally reticent Young himself.



On a Canadian radio interview, Young denied that 'Harvest Moon' was a sequel to 'Harvest':

"The whole idea of following up the 'Harvest' album is something that's contrived more from the standpoint of record companies, and mostly questions. You know, people see the correlation between the two, and it's kind of a plus to be able to refer back 20 years and see the same people and do that. But the thrust of the albums is different, even though the subject matter is similar, so I tend to shy away more from comparisons between them - they're reference points for one another. I mean, people who have never heard of 'Harvest' may really like Harvest Moon and may end up referring back to 'Harvest' because of all this conversation about how the two of them go together..."

So why is a Harvest Moon so special to Neil Young fans?

Many may recall back in 2008, when Steve and his girlfriend Danielle made a request for "Harvest Moon" to played when Neil Young visited Brisbane, Australia. And by some extremely wonderfully little miracle, Neil Young actually did perform "Harvest Moon" that night and it brought a tear of joy for many around the world.

Then in 2009, Gavin in Ireland Requested "Harvest Moon" in memory of his father. Wish granted. And shortly thereafter, another Wish for "Harvest Moon" was Granted to Liza in Germany.

So we here at Thrasher's Wheat hold the song and this night very dearly. 3 fans that we've never met, on 3 continents touched by Harvest Moon magic. We know that some of you may not understand.


But there's a full moon risin'
Let's go dancin' in the light
We know where the music's playin'
Let's go out and feel the night.
Some instructions for best viewing: "Keep an eye on the Moon as it creeps above the eastern skyline. The golden orb may appear strangely inflated. This is the Moon illusion at work. For reasons not fully understood by astronomers or psychologists, a low-hanging Moon appears much wider than it really is. A Harvest Moon inflated by the moon illusion is simply gorgeous."

Reviews of Neil Young's Harvest Moon.

Also, see:

Moons and Neil Young Songs by Anne - Lady of Northern Moons

Review: Neil Young's Dreamin' Man - A live "Harvest Moon" album.


"Harvest Moon" - Neil Young, MTV Unplugged - 1993

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From a Harvest Moon review in FUNHOUSE!:

"Harvest Moon is the quintessential down-home-mom's-apple-pie American folk album. It's one of the few Neil Young albums that you can share with the one you love, along with a bottle of something nice, without having to apologetically hit the fast forward button or move the tracking arm forward.

But not all fans agreee that "Harvest Moon" is one of Neil's finest albums. Dave Sigler writes in a Harvest Moon album review :

"In my opinion, there is not a single cut on 'Harvest Moon' that does not sound better in its 'original state: solo acoustic. Neil has always said he prefers simplicity. Always the advocate of live recording whether it be in the studio or the concert hall, Neil has always been able to capture the essence of his music at its most spontaneous. There is nothing on 'Harvest Moon' that strikes me as spontaneous...or even close. It is the kind of slick, overly produced product that record companies dream about. Reprise must certainly be happy with it. With its heavy country sound, 'Harvest Moon' arrives just in time to (hopefully) capture a share of the market in the current country/western music fad/phase we seem to be in the midst of. "

From a Jack Feeny review:

"'Harvest Moon' is often regarded as the follow-up to 'Harvest' but I hardly think it is a clear-cut affair. It is less ambitious in its scope (after Young's genre confusion in the eighties) but its modesty is also the key to its success. I guess the fact that the Stray Gators return to the fore echoes 'Harvest' but the arrangements on here are mainly acoustic based and only at times sound like his unfairly critically savaged watershed release. 'Comes a Time' is a more accurate comparison, if you ask me, although the musical themes on this album are more varied. The songwriting is certainly as strong as Comes a Time although not every song is a veritable masterpiece."

From a review on Nude as the News by Ben French:

"The 'simple man' image of Harvest Moon may become a tad overplayed at times -- especially on songs like 'Dreamin' Man' and 'One Of These Days' -- but it never seems to become overbearing. Neil Young often misrepresents himself as a plain man, but this album proves his more simple approaches to songwriting can often yield his most perfectly enjoyable results."

From a review onQ Music Magazine by Mark Cooper:

"Simplicity has always been one of Young's greatest strengths and weaknesses, so while he occasionally merely re-creates the moon-eyed dreamer of yore, he has surrounded his meditations in some of his simplest, most gorgeous melodies in years. This is Young taking stock, recalling old friends in One Of These Days, paying tribute to a departed hound in Old King and apparently re-evaluating his marriage in a succession of heartwarming, sometimes troubled love songs.

Best of all are the opening Unknown Legend and the title track, tender shuffles with celebratory choruses that rekindle old flames while acknowledging the passing of time. Nostalgia is often the last resort of scoundrels but Harvest Moon is ultimately not content to be Harvest 2, even as it re-affirms and re-examines Young the naif romantic, still dreaming after all these years."

From RollingStone.com on comparing "Harvest Moon" and "Harvest":

"Harvest Moon, on the other hand, is a chronicle of survival, focusing on loss and compromise and the ultimate triumphs of being a married father approaching fifty. It's full of bittersweet tributes to lost friends, dead hounds and love grown old. 'What this album is about is this feeling, this ability to survive and continue and grow and get higher than you were before,' says Young. 'Not just maintain, not just feel well. Not just 'I'm still alive at forty-five.' You can be more alive.'"

Harvesting wheat crop under a harvest moon near Cremona, Alta., Canada
Photo by Jeff McIntosh

Also, here's a collection of album reviews and commentary of Neil Young's Harvest Moon.

• Harvest Moon review in FUNHOUSE! by Uncle Dave and track listing
  

• Harvest Moon - Review by Dave Sigler

• Harvest Moon - Re: Harvest Cartoon? - Oct 10, 1996 From: Zain Patel

• Neil Young Songs on Moons

Neil Young's Harvest Moon

Track list, MP3 samples, and more details @ Neil Young's Harvest Moon.

What better way to commemorate #FridayThe13th than with a #HarvestMoon? 🌕🌾 pic.twitter.com/GWbu02TyEy

— The Weather Network (@weathernetwork) September 12, 2019

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"Pink Moon": Neil Young & Crazy Horse's New Album Title

CRAZY HORSE PLAYBACK!
via Neil Young Archives | Times Contrarian

The title of the new, upcoming Neil Young & Crazy Horse's album is "Pink Moon" per the posting for Album Of The Week | NYA.

EVERYBODY KNOWS THIS IS NOWHERE : 5Oth anniversary edition
Album Of The Week | NYA

In the posting on EVERYBODY KNOWS THIS IS NOWHERE : 5Oth anniversary edition on NYA, Neil writes "Now, coming from the Horse fifty years later, we have ‘Pink Moon’. That’s our next studio album."

Earlier, Neil Young disclosed that "Pink Moon" will have 11 new songs, ranging from 3 minutes to 14 minutes of music each, which: "We believe we have a great Crazy Horse album, one to stand alongside ‘Everybody Know’s this is Nowhere’, ‘Rust Never Sleeps’, Sleeps With Angels’, ‘Psychedelic Pill’ and all the others."

Neil went on to declare that "Pink Moon" is "one of the most diverse albums I have ever made".

The title "Pink Moon" -- while it *might* be a nod to Nick Drake's album -- is, most likely, titled thusly because the album was recorded under the Pink Moon (April-ish).

"Pink Moon" by Nick Drake (1972)

(Also, see more on the "Pink Moon". Also, see more on the "Harvest Moon". Also, see more on the "Wolf Moon". Lastly, what is the deal with Neil Young and Songs on Moons?. Incidentally, last time we checked with "Anne, our Lady of Northern Moons" -- who did a tally of Neil Moon Songs -- she counted 26 different moon songs in 1995?! That's certainly increased in last several decades. Sheer lunacy.)

Updated Header Banner on Rusted Moon

(is there any doubt that rusties have sort of fixation on moons? "But there's a full moon risin' / Let's go dancing in the light / We know where the music's playin' / Let's go out and feel the night.." Or maybe this all just some sort of phase we're going through on our way to The Big Shift?)

More on Neil Young Archives | Times Contrarian. Also, see Neil Young has been in the studio with Crazy Horse recording a new album.

NYCH
Billy, Neil, Nils, & Ralph
via Neil Young Archives | Times Contrarian
photo: dhlovelife

Neil Young also indicates that a "Full Scale Crazy Horse Tour" tour is in the works.

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Neil Young's Harvest Moon Vinyl Release for Record Store Black Friday

Neil Young's Harvest Moon - 1992

The 25th Anniversary Edition of Neil Young's Harvest Moon album is newly remastered and presented for the first time on vinyl in North America, in case-wrapped 2xLP gatefold jacket. (Thanks kahunasunset!)

The 1992 album official vinyl reissue for this year’s Record Store Black Friday on November 24. The release is limited to 5000 copies.


Neil Young Vinyl Shopping - April 16, 2011
Plan9 Music, Richmond, Virginia
Photo by Emaleigh Franzak
Neil Young's 1992 "Harvest Moon" is the followup to his most commercially successful album "Harvest" - 20 years later.

"Harvest Moon" was recorded with many of the same original musicians who appeared on "Harvest", such as Ben Keith, on pedal steel guitar, and Linda Rondstadt and James Taylor on backing vocals. The intentional sequel nature of "Harvest Moon" created high expectations which for the most part were fulfilled. The album was accompanied with music videos and extensive interviews. All indicators of both the record label Reprise's support and even the normally reticent Young himself.

On a Canadian radio interview, Young denied that 'Harvest Moon' was a sequel to 'Harvest':

"The whole idea of following up the 'Harvest' album is something that's contrived more from the standpoint of record companies, and mostly questions. You know, people see the correlation between the two, and it's kind of a plus to be able to refer back 20 years and see the same people and do that. But the thrust of the albums is different, even though the subject matter is similar, so I tend to shy away more from comparisons between them - they're reference points for one another. I mean, people who have never heard of 'Harvest' may really like Harvest Moon and may end up referring back to 'Harvest' because of all this conversation about how the two of them go together..."

So why is a Harvest Moon so special to Neil Young fans?

Many may recall back in 2008, when Steve and his girlfriend Danielle made a request for "Harvest Moon" to played when Neil Young visited Brisbane, Australia. And by some extremely wonderfully little miracle, Neil Young actually did perform "Harvest Moon" that night and it brought a tear of joy for many around the world.

Then in 2009, Gavin in Ireland Requested "Harvest Moon" in memory of his father. Wish granted. And shortly thereafter, another Wish for "Harvest Moon" was Granted to Liza in Germany.

So we here at Thrasher's Wheat hold the song and this night very dearly. 3 fans that we've never met, on 3 continents touched by Harvest Moon magic. We know that some of you may not understand.


But there's a full moon risin'
Let's go dancin' in the light
We know where the music's playin'
Let's go out and feel the night.
Some instructions for best viewing: "Keep an eye on the Moon as it creeps above the eastern skyline. The golden orb may appear strangely inflated. This is the Moon illusion at work. For reasons not fully understood by astronomers or psychologists, a low-hanging Moon appears much wider than it really is. A Harvest Moon inflated by the moon illusion is simply gorgeous."

Reviews of Neil Young's Harvest Moon.

Also, see:

Moons and Neil Young Songs by Anne - Lady of Northern Moons

Review: Neil Young's Dreamin' Man - A live "Harvest Moon" album.


"Harvest Moon" - Neil Young, MTV Unplugged - 1993

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From a Harvest Moon review in FUNHOUSE!:

"Harvest Moon is the quintessential down-home-mom's-apple-pie American folk album. It's one of the few Neil Young albums that you can share with the one you love, along with a bottle of something nice, without having to apologetically hit the fast forward button or move the tracking arm forward.

But not all fans agreee that "Harvest Moon" is one of Neil's finest albums. Dave Sigler writes in a Harvest Moon album review :

"In my opinion, there is not a single cut on 'Harvest Moon' that does not sound better in its 'original state: solo acoustic. Neil has always said he prefers simplicity. Always the advocate of live recording whether it be in the studio or the concert hall, Neil has always been able to capture the essence of his music at its most spontaneous. There is nothing on 'Harvest Moon' that strikes me as spontaneous...or even close. It is the kind of slick, overly produced product that record companies dream about. Reprise must certainly be happy with it. With its heavy country sound, 'Harvest Moon' arrives just in time to (hopefully) capture a share of the market in the current country/western music fad/phase we seem to be in the midst of. "

From a Jack Feeny review:

"'Harvest Moon' is often regarded as the follow-up to 'Harvest' but I hardly think it is a clear-cut affair. It is less ambitious in its scope (after Young's genre confusion in the eighties) but its modesty is also the key to its success. I guess the fact that the Stray Gators return to the fore echoes 'Harvest' but the arrangements on here are mainly acoustic based and only at times sound like his unfairly critically savaged watershed release. 'Comes a Time' is a more accurate comparison, if you ask me, although the musical themes on this album are more varied. The songwriting is certainly as strong as Comes a Time although not every song is a veritable masterpiece."

From a review on Nude as the News by Ben French:

"The 'simple man' image of Harvest Moon may become a tad overplayed at times -- especially on songs like 'Dreamin' Man' and 'One Of These Days' -- but it never seems to become overbearing. Neil Young often misrepresents himself as a plain man, but this album proves his more simple approaches to songwriting can often yield his most perfectly enjoyable results."

From a review onQ Music Magazine by Mark Cooper:

"Simplicity has always been one of Young's greatest strengths and weaknesses, so while he occasionally merely re-creates the moon-eyed dreamer of yore, he has surrounded his meditations in some of his simplest, most gorgeous melodies in years. This is Young taking stock, recalling old friends in One Of These Days, paying tribute to a departed hound in Old King and apparently re-evaluating his marriage in a succession of heartwarming, sometimes troubled love songs.

Best of all are the opening Unknown Legend and the title track, tender shuffles with celebratory choruses that rekindle old flames while acknowledging the passing of time. Nostalgia is often the last resort of scoundrels but Harvest Moon is ultimately not content to be Harvest 2, even as it re-affirms and re-examines Young the naif romantic, still dreaming after all these years."

From RollingStone.com on comparing "Harvest Moon" and "Harvest":

"Harvest Moon, on the other hand, is a chronicle of survival, focusing on loss and compromise and the ultimate triumphs of being a married father approaching fifty. It's full of bittersweet tributes to lost friends, dead hounds and love grown old. 'What this album is about is this feeling, this ability to survive and continue and grow and get higher than you were before,' says Young. 'Not just maintain, not just feel well. Not just 'I'm still alive at forty-five.' You can be more alive.'"

Also, here's a collection of album reviews and commentary of Neil Young's Harvest Moon.

• Harvest Moon review in FUNHOUSE! by Uncle Dave and track listing
  

• Harvest Moon - Review by Dave Sigler

• Harvest Moon - Re: Harvest Cartoon? - Oct 10, 1996 From: Zain Patel

• Neil Young Songs on Moons

Neil Young's Harvest Moon

Track list, MP3 samples, and more details @ Neil Young's Harvest Moon. Also, see the ZUMA payload post in the context of black Fridays, black budgets, Black Balloon Productions, EMP black-outs, BLM and other "black" days. Have a Merry Black Friday to all!!!

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Tonight's The Harvest Moon Night!

Tonight's the Harvest Moon night!

So why is a Harvest Moon so special to Neil Young fans?

Many may recall back in 2008, when Steve and his girlfriend Danielle made a request for "Harvest Moon" to played when Neil Young visited Brisbane, Australia. And by some extremely wonderfully little miracle, Neil Young actually did perform "Harvest Moon" that night and it brought a tear of joy for many around the world.

Then in 2009, Gavin in Ireland Requested "Harvest Moon" in memory of his father. Wish granted. And shortly thereafter, another Wish for "Harvest Moon" was Granted to Liza in Germany.

So we here at Thrasher's Wheat hold the song and this night very dearly. 3 fans that we've never met, on 3 continents touched by Harvest Moon magic. We know that some of you may not understand.


But there's a full moon risin'
Let's go dancin' in the light
We know where the music's playin'
Let's go out and feel the night.
Some instructions for best viewing: "Keep an eye on the Moon as it creeps above the eastern skyline. The golden orb may appear strangely inflated. This is the Moon illusion at work. For reasons not fully understood by astronomers or psychologists, a low-hanging Moon appears much wider than it really is. A Harvest Moon inflated by the moon illusion is simply gorgeous."

Reviews of Neil Young's Harvest Moon.

Also, see:

Moons and Neil Young Songs by Anne - Lady of Northern Moons

Review: Neil Young's Dreamin' Man - A live "Harvest Moon" album.


"Harvest Moon" - Neil Young, MTV Unplugged - 1993

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Happy Valentine's Day to All of Our Hearts of Gold Out There!

Happy Valentine's Day!

It's been roughly 45 years now since "Heart of Gold" entered our lives, and we'd like to wish that every day could be Valentine's Day.

And no Neil Young song seems to say Happy Valentine's Day more than "Harvest Moon" it would seem by gauging the song's popularity as a "First Dance" song.

So there comes a time for a delightfully heart-warming little love story or ...Understanding Neil Young's Music.

Often, we've found ourselves trying to explain Neil Young's music to others with varying degrees of success. In the end, we find that his music isn't really something that can be explained.

While we've expended quite a few words on this blog making an attempt, it really is the stories of others which transcend the gap much better.


Art by Susan Farrington

So Happy Valentine's Day to all of the hearts of gold out there.




Here's a very rare performance of Neil Young's "Love in Mind" at Carnegie Hall, NYC on 1/9/14. As everybody knows, "Love in Mind" -- from Time Fades Away -- is only available on vinyl*. (* As everybody knows, "Love in Mind" also is on the "Live at Massey Hall" CD (same tour as the TFA version, different date)

And Happy Valentine's Day to my Heart of Gold, Thrashette. I love you!

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Also, see Top 10 Neil Young Love Songs.

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Happy Valentine's Day with a "Harvest Moon"

Happy Valentine's Day!

It's been 40 years now since "Heart of Gold" entered our lives, and we'd like to wish that every day could be Valentine's Day.

And no Neil Young song seems to say Happy Valentine's Day more than "Harvest Moon" it would seem by gauging the song's popularity as a "First Dance" song.

So there comes a time for a delightfully heart-warming little love story or ...Understanding Neil Young's Music.

Often, we've found ourselves trying to explain Neil Young's music to others with varying degrees of success. In the end, we find that his music isn't really something that can be explained.

While we've expended quite a few words on this blog making an attempt, it really is the stories of others which transcend the gap much better.


Art by Susan Farrington

So Happy Valentine's Day to all of the hearts of gold out there.



And Happy Valentine's Day to my Heart of Gold, Thrashette. I love you!

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Also, see Top 10 Neil Young Love Songs.

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