Sure, sounds good. I prefer “electric-guitar god” Neil to “acoustic guitar” Neil, but even the latter has its moments.
“Live at Massey Hall (CD/DVD)” (Neil Young)
David Marchese - Salon
Given that he possesses both unrivaled stature and a legendary trove of unreleased material, it's a surprise that Neil Young waited until last year to get all archaeological on our asses. Another surprise is just how excellent his newly released archival material has proven to be. Last year's stomping, exploratory “Live at Fillmore East” -- taken from a 1970 show -- caught Young in full-on guitar jam mode. Recorded only a year later, “Live at Massey Hall” finds the ever-mercurial one having switched modes, delivering 17 songs solo, alternating between spinning flecks of silver from an acoustic guitar to sending out gentle ripples from behind his piano. If nothing else, “Massey Hall” does a thrilling job of showcasing Young's remarkable songbook. Classics like “Helpless,” “Old Man” and “Ohio” are matched by lesser-known gems like “See the Sky About to Rain” and “Journey Through the Past.”Everything shines in the unadorned setting, with the fundamental strength of Young's compositions coming through plainly, beautifully. But aside from being a fantastic collection of songs, the album is elevated by its audio vérité feeling: Young's halting, self-deprecating song introductions; his admonition of the cameramen after their clicking shutters throw off his rhythm; the lonesome, cracked beauty of Young's singing voice. They all add up to a portrait of a young man fiercely protective of a gift that allowed him to write such searing, soulful music, and few albums in his vast catalog showcase Young's talent with such simple and forceful clarity.
Tags: review
I equally admire both Neils--shrieking electric landscapes and harmonica folksy--and have enjoyed them both in concert.
I refuse to buy this stuff, however, until Time Fades Away appears on CD.