tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621501513493185029.post7470177829397096895..comments2024-03-27T12:50:36.135-04:00Comments on Everybody's Dummy: Neil Young 21: Lifewardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825405583474881509noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621501513493185029.post-88681379914192826752022-01-21T18:56:41.739-05:002022-01-21T18:56:41.739-05:00Agreed -- I have a soft spot for this album, as it...Agreed -- I have a soft spot for this album, as it was the first "new" Neil album that came out after I became immersed in his catalog.wardohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07825405583474881509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621501513493185029.post-81094491993884394612022-01-21T17:53:21.009-05:002022-01-21T17:53:21.009-05:00The best Young release since "Live Rust"...The best Young release since "Live Rust", without question, I didn't really notice, at first, that the songs had been recorded on the 1986 tour, so that they sounded quite familiar to me. I don't agree on they sound of the keyboards. Maybe they sound a but dated now. However, after several tries, Neil finally figured out how to incorporate synths into his music. (Of course, now that he had, he would then pretty much abandon them). I love the "Reactor"-type rockers, too. I suppose that I like "Too Lonely" more than I should because I misunderstood the lyrics in the first verse. "Prisoners of Rock 'n' Roll" is a very funny kiss-off to Geffen Records, as is the album cover.<br /><br />I think that Young fans don't hold this album in high enough regard. I especially don't get why people think "Freedom" is so much better. I think the opposite. "Freedom" has some good stuff, but it has a lot of draggy spots and it's too long. This one is a much tighter listen at 40 minutes. And it's got some fun along with the seriousness. It's one of my favorites.<br /><br />Third time for me to see a Neil Young tour. This was the most surprising one of all. First, a solo acoustic set, with expected and unexpected oldies ("For the Turnstiles"!) and some yet unheard newies ("Someday", "This Note's For You", "Last of His Kind" -- which has yet to resurface, I think). Then, the curtain pulls back, revealing Crazy Horse and the very unexpected appearance of the Bluenotes horn section. Three more unheard tracks (including, once again, "This Note's For You"). Then, just Crazy Horse. Neil finally got around to promoting the album he was touring, with three "Life" songs. We also heard "Name of Love", which explains why he would toss it off to CSNY. Finally, electric classics ("Powderfinger" for the third time! I had no idea it was a standard in a set with CH). <br /><br />I should note that the whole show was bookended by the acoustic and electric versions of "My, My Hey, Hey". "Rock and roll will never die". Nobody thought at the time that Neil would be wrong. But it was great while it lasted.trfesokhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12631886869696528704noreply@blogger.com