canada.gif

gb.gif

de.gif

us.gif
Neil Young's new release ""World Record" w/ Crazy Horse is now available for pre-order. Order here
(Please shop locally & independently. But if you can't, we appreciate your supporting Thrasher's Wheat by clicking this link or YOUR COUNTRY's FLAG. Thank you!!!)
ADVERTISEMENT
<-Older Posts Blog Home Newer Posts->

Tuesday, July 16, 2024

On The Beach Album by Neil Young: A 50 Year Old Masterpiece

Rare "On The Beach" Poster with Neil facing camera
 (Click photo to enlarge)

 

The album On The Beach by Neil Young has long been considered to be essential and core to the "Ditch Trilogy/Quadrilogy/Quintology/Sextology".

In honor of the album's 50th anniversary we bring you "On The Beach: A 50 Year Old Masterpiece" by Mike "Expecting To Fly". (via RUST Group)


On The Beach: A 50 Year Old Masterpiece 

Neil Young's On The Beach - 1974
 (Click photo to enlarge) 
 
 
On The Beach was released on July 19, 1974.  I remember listening to it over and over.
 
I didn't really know what to make of it at first because it was so different than anything else I had ever heard from Neil or from anyone for that matter. But the album kind of crawled into my mind and shaped itself into one of the best listening experiences I have ever had. 
 
The songs are so incredibly intense. 
 
I just loved the answer to critics expecting another Harvest in the form of the songs Walk On (and later on Ambulance Blues.) The beauty of the song written 5 years earlier See The Sky About To Rain, the best (I think) version of the song ever. "I'm a black bat baby, hangin' on your window pane" and other lyrics foretell Neil's later relationship with oil and the companies who produce it on Vampire Blues.
 
And then there is side 2, possibly the best album side of all time by anyone. 
 
"I need a crowd of people, but I can't face them day to day"; oh, the consequences of becoming famous for your work. The title song of the album has some of Neil's best bluesy jazzy guitar work and some really moving lyrics. The atmosphere it creates is hauntingly exhilarating and beautiful. 
 
"Well all those people, they think they've got it made, but I wouldn't buy sell borrow or trade anything I have to be like one of them. I'd rather start all over again." 
 
These are some of the hard-hitting lyrics in Motion Pictures and are deeply important to me. The wonderful Ambulance Blues closes out the album. The entire song is compelling and I can listen to it in my head anytime I want but I love to play the record to listen. "I never knew a man could tell so many lies, he had a different story for every set of eyes, how could he remember who he's talking to, 'cause I know it ain't me and I hope it isn't you" is a verse that resonates through generations.
 
I love the On The Beach album. It's an important part of my life, then and now. If anyone asks about an album that has aged well, think of this one.
 
Mike
Expecting To Fly

Thanks so much for the memories here E2F & RUST Group!  And it is definitely that time of year to not only be on the beach but in the water.  Stay cool and keep reaching for those seagulls.

More on Neil Young's "Ditch Quadrilogy": "Time Fades Away", "Tonight’s the Night", "On the Beach" & "ZUMA". 

+ "Ditch Trilogy/Quadrilogy/Quintology/Sextology"

Neil Young's "Ditch Quadrilogy":
"Time Fades Away", "Tonight’s the Night", "On the Beach" & "ZUMA"

Labels: , , , , ,


10 Comments:

At 7/16/2024 03:57:00 PM, Blogger Richie Cruz said...

One can make the case that After The Goldrush, Tonight's The Night, Rust Never Sleeps are better all around albums. Heck, I might even vote for Ragged Glory or Sleeps With Angels.

Make no mistake, though, the 2nd side of On The Beach, those 3 dreary tunes, are as good as Neil ever got. That's as deep in the ditch that Neil ever traveled. How many times did I sit question in my room listening to that side of the album? Countless times. Still to this day.

 
At 7/16/2024 07:46:00 PM, Blogger The Metamorphic Rocker said...

Speaking of memorable designs… the cover photo must be one of the most deliberate and coordinated in NY’s catalogue. Presumably someone buried all those “artifacts” and dug them up again after. A lot of prep time and energy for something many may not even think about.

“I need a crowd of people but I can’t stand them day to day…though my problems are meaningless, that don’t make them go away.” Every now and again, that verse floats right to the top of my mind. It’s the cleanest and most balanced of the Ditch Trilogy. Whether it’s the best I wouldn’t care to judge.

Side 2 flows like a dream, a trance state. More than anything, it reminds me of the first half of Hawks & Doves, aka fragments of Homegrown. “Deep sea blues” is the mood.

 
At 7/16/2024 11:09:00 PM, Blogger Richie Cruz said...

I always thought that if you put side 1 of Hawks And Doves with side 2 of On The Beach, you might have Neil's greatest album, at least on the acoustic side of things.

 
At 7/18/2024 03:16:00 AM, Blogger Soids said...

I could listen to "See the sky.." 40 times in a row then come back the next day and do it again.

 
At 7/18/2024 01:47:00 PM, Blogger The Metamorphic Rocker said...

Richie, musically we seem to be thinking along similar lines. Just goes to show the universal language of good songs. Knowing me, I’d mix it up a little with other cuts from the period. Maybe an ambitious double album: all of Homegrown, side 2 of Beach, and one side of Lost in Space, Old Homestead, Revolution Blues, etc.

 
At 7/18/2024 02:31:00 PM, Blogger Richie Cruz said...

Well, if we're talking double album, I need the solo acoustic Hitchhiker, at least Seperate Ways and Vacancy from Homegrown, and of course Will To Love. Pure acoustic Neil, maybe the solo Powderfinger as well. I'm getting hungry now.

 
At 7/19/2024 02:14:00 PM, Blogger Kevin D. said...

Cool write up on this 50th anniversary from Rolling Stone https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/neil-young-on-the-beach-anniversary-1235055965/

It seems the famous magazine didn't even review back when released, at least my searches cannot find one. How times change.

I have commented on my love of this album in other posts here at Thrasher Wheat over the years so will not repeat here but for those folks who may be new to it - do yourselves a favor and give it a spin. You won't be disappointment.

Kevin D. in Morro Bay

 
At 7/24/2024 02:42:00 PM, Blogger Abner Snopes said...

Hi Kevin D. Rolling Stone gave "On the Beach" a great review a few weeks after it was released in 1974. The name of the review is: Neil Young, The Sands of Time.

Try that on a google search.

 
At 7/24/2024 03:20:00 PM, Blogger thraserswheat said...

Thanks Abner. Actually archived on TW @
http://www.thrasherswheat.org/tnfy/on_the_beach_rolling_stone_092674.htm

 
At 7/24/2024 03:38:00 PM, Blogger Kevin D. said...

@Abner and @Thrasher - Thanks folks I should have known better and searched TW first.

Kevin D. in Morro Bay

 

Post a Comment

<< Home

<-Older Posts Blog Home Newer Posts->

Willie for a Nobel!
#Willie4Nobel

Willie Nelson for Nobel Peace Prize
for Farm Aid and his work on
alternative fuels, and world peace initiatives.

farm-aid-logo.gif
Farm Aid

Go Farmers Markets!


"In the >field< of opportunity
It's plowin' time again."

SUPPORTER
logo
Silverline Communications

(Home of the FarmAidians)
Tecumseh, Ontario, Canada
(519) 737-7979



This blog supports free speech!


Demand justice for Aaron:
Support "Aaron's Law" and inquiry into his prosecution

(... he didn't kill himself either...) #AaronDidntKillHimself

Induct Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame



Please Help Support Independent Media &
Non-Corporate Advertising
This Blog's For You!


The Hypocrisy of the Mainstream Media

It's Been Called The
"Missing Link" in the Ditch Trilogy

time-fades-away-banner2a

Sign the Release "Time Fades Away" Petition
Join The 10,000+ Who Have Already Signed


broken-arrow-mag-new-logo.gif

Neil Young Appreciation Society


sugar-mtn-logo.jpg
Sugar Mountain

Neil Young Setlists
rust-radio-new
Rust Radio


bumpersticker-neil-concert.jpg


i-l-ove-neil-young-sm.jpg
Bands Covering Neil Young songs


bumper-sticker-live-music-better-sm.jpg
LIVE MUSIC IS BETTER


ny-times-logo.jpg
Official Neil Young News Site

bridgeschool_logo
The Bridge School


The Bridge School Concerts
25th Anniversary Edition

**100% of Proceeds to Benefit Bridge School***

linda-eastman-neil-young-sugar-mtn-sm.jpg
The Essential Neil Young

neil-young-sleeveless.jpg
Fans Favorite Neil Albums

neil-young-heart-of-gold-film-still
Top 50 MP3
Neil Young Song Downloads


Top 10 Best Selling Neil Albums Today
amazon-neil-store.GIF
Support Thrasher's Wheat
via Purchases from:
United States - Amazon.com us.gif
Canada - Amazon.ca canada.gif
United Kingdom - Amazon.uk gb.gif
Germany - Amazon.de de.gif



Neil Young Songbook Project

In the fields of wheat

"Children of Destiny" will NOT be harvested
However, the chaff will be burned by unquenchable fire

Neil Young + Promise of the Real

Europe 2016 Tour Dates



2015 Rebel Content Tour


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
Neil Young & Crazy Horse

Thrasher's Wheat Radio Supporters Go To Europe

jttp-film-poster-sm.jpg
Neil Young Films

musicares-neil-young-2010.jpg
2010 MusiCares Honors Neil Young

Features Elvis Costello, Crosby Stills & Nash, Sheryl Crow, Josh Groban, Ben Harper, Elton John, Norah Jones, Lady Antebellum, Dave Matthews, James Taylor, Keith Urban, and others.
Proceeds from sales go to MusiCares,
which helps musicians in need of
financial and medical assistance.

live-rust-promo-poster.jpg


"There's more to the picture
Than meets the eye"

#BigShift

trans-promo



Neil Young FAQ:
Everything Left to Know About the Iconic and Mercurial Rocker
"an indispensable reference"

paul-neil-bridge2004-sat-sfc-kkomenich-sm.jpg
Paul McCartney and Neil Young

woodstock-poster.jpg


"You can make a difference
If you really a try"

lennon_peace_liberty
John Lennon and Neil Young


"hailed by fans as a wonderful read"

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young:
csny-1974-poster.jpg
The Supergroup of the 20th Century



Director Jonathan Demme's Exquisite film "Heart of Gold"

eddie & neil
Eddie Vedder and Neil Young

buffalo-springfield-poster.jpg
Revisiting The Significance of
The Buffalo Springfield


"The revolution will not be televised"
... it will be blogged, streamed,
tweeted, shared and liked
The Embarrassment of Mainstream Media

Turn Off Your TV & Have A Life


"Everything Is Bullshit" +
"Turn Off The News"
Turn Off the News (Build a Garden)


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

Kurt Cobain
Kurt Cobain and Neil Young

Neil Young's Feedback:
An Acquired Taste?

Young Neil: The Sugar Mountain Years
by Rustie Sharry "Keepin' Jive Alive in T.O." Wilson

"the definitive source of Neil Young's formative childhood years in Canada"

neil & joni
Joni Mitchell & Neil Young

europe 1987.jpg


dylan-young-crop
Bob and Neil

weld
So Who Really Was "The Godfather of Grunge"?


Four Dead in Ohio
kent state
So What Really Happened at Kent State?


The Four Dead in Ohio



May The FOUR Be With You #MayThe4thBeWithYou

concert-pass-europe-2003-solo.jpg


dissent is not treason
Dissent is the highest form of patriotism

Rockin' In The Free World



Sing Truth to Power!
When Neil Young Speaks Truth To Power,
The World Listens

emmylou-harris-neil-young-0305-crop
Emmylou Harris and Neil Young

wilco-062305-wide-background.jpg
Wilco and Neil Young

bluenotes-pass-young88crewlam-sm.jpg

bruce-springsteen-neil-young-bridge-oct-1986.jpg
Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young

europe87concertpass


elton-john-neil-young-crop-sm.jpg
Elton John and Neil Young

ronnie-vanzant-neil.jpg
Lynyrd Skynyrd and Neil Young

+

The Meaning of "Sweet Home Alabama" Lyrics


Neil Young Nation -
"The definitive Neil Young fan book"

powderfinger
"Powderfinger"
What does the song mean?

Random Neil Young Link of the Moment
neil-sad.jpg

Bonnie Raitt and Neil Young

Wisconsin-solidarity.jpg
I'm Proud to Be A Union Man

UNITED WE STAND/DIVIDED WE FALL


When Neil Young is Playing,
You Shut the Fuck Up


Class War:
They Started It and We'll Finish It...
peacefully

A battle raged on the open page...
No Fear, No Surrender. Courage
WE WON'T BACK DOWN. NEVER STAND DOWN.

"What if Al Qaeda blew up the levees?"
Full Disclousre Now


"I've Got The Revolution Blues"

Willie Nelson & Neil Young
Willie Nelson for Nobel Peace Prize



John Mellencamp:
Why Willie Deserves a Nobel

willie_picnic_poster_070503


BOYCOTT HATE

Love and Only Love

"Thinking about what a friend had said,
I was hoping it was a lie"


We're All On
A Journey Through the Past

Neil Young's Moon Songs
Tell Us The F'n TRUTH
(we can handle it... try us)

Freedom:
freedom-video
Does Anything Else Really Matter?

"Nobody's free until everybody's free."
~~ Fannie Lou Hamer

Here Comes "The Big Shift"
#BigShift

Maybe everything you think you know is wrong? NOTHING IS AS IT SEEMS
"It's all illusion anyway."

Propaganda = Mind Control
NOTHING IS AS IT SEEMS
Guess what?
"Symbols Rule the World, not Words or Laws."
... and symbolism will be their downfall...

Brighter Planet's 350 Challenge
Be The Rain, Be The Change

csny2k-plate.jpg
the truth will set you free
This Machine Kills Fascists


"Children of Destiny" - THE Part of THE Solution

(Frame from Official Music Video)

war is not the answer
yet we are
Still Living With War

"greed is NOT good"
Hey Big Brother!
Stop Spying On Us!
Civic Duty Is Not Terrorism

The Achilles Heel
#NullifyNSA
Orwell (and Grandpa) Was Right
“Emancipate yourself from mental slavery.”
~~ Bob Marley

The Essence of "The Doubters"



Yes, There's Definitely A Hole in The Sky


Even Though The Music Died 50+ Years Ago
,
Open Up the "Tired Eyes" & Wake up!
"consciousness is near"
What's So Funny About
Peace, Love, & Understanding & Music?

churchsign

Show Me A Sign

"Who is John Galt?"
To ask the question is to know the answer

"Whosoever shall give up his liberty for a temporary security
deserves neither liberty nor safety."

~~ Benjamin Franklin

Words

(Between the lines of age)


And in the end, the love you take
Is equal to the love you make

~~ John & Paul

the zen of neil
the power of rust
the karma of the wheat

~Om-Shanti.

Namaste