As much as I enjoy the music of Neil Young, I am in complete agreement with everything you just posted.

I was somewhat of a Neil Young freak in the 70's, had everything. And that was a stupendous streak of great records back then. I also saw him at The Forum in L.A. in the 70's, just that one time. It was good. But I haven't bought anything since Rust Never Sleeps, and that was a LONG, long time ago. I'd like to hear more but just have not taken the time to do it. Actually I remember getting a rockabilly vinyl by him, may have been after Rust Never Sleeps, but offhand I can't remember the name of it. I think it had a pink cover and it was a real throwback record. If I remember I bought it used at the local swap meet. That was kinda the end of Neil for me, I thought it just didn't measure up. I'd like to hear Psychedelic Pill.

[Edited on 11/8/2014 by robslob]

Actually I remember getting a rockabilly vinyl by him, may have been after Rust Never Sleeps, but offhand I can't remember the name of it. I think it had a pink cover and it was a real throwback record. If I remember I bought it used at the local swap meet. That was kinda the end of Neil for me, I thought it just didn't measure up. I'd like to hear Psychedelic Pill.

You are talking about Everybody's Rockin'

The record company didn't want to hear his country stuff in 1983. They wanted more 'rock and roll'. So he gave it to them 😉

I'd like to hear Psychedelic Pill.

Psychedelic Pill is like hearing NY & CH circa 1975. The sound of the thing is huge. It is a bit of a sprawling mess, and if you do not like one of the mammoth songs (Driftin' Back, Ramada Inn, Walk Like A Giant), you likely won't appreciate the album, because those three songs take up so much of the thing. There are a few shorter things that aren't bad, and the 8 minute 'She's Always Dancing' has great guitar; it's just that the songwriting IMO is a bit weak.

Found it on Amazon, Everybody's Rockin' as Rust1 said. It's a 1950's record and I remember thinking.........."Ouch.....what the hell is Neil doing here?" It just didn't fly, at least for me.

The thing I like the most about Neil is that he seems to do whatever he feels like doing. So if you don't like a particular direction he goes in, he'll probably do something else later and maybe you'll like that better. I mostly have his older stuff and I do think Psychedelic Pill is great.

Neil is one of a number of artists whose albums I used to buy automatically but those days have long gone (both for him and others).

Everything I want/need to hear is on EKTIN, Goldrush, Zuma etc and some of the Performance Series releases.

I was always more interested in the Crazy Horse stuff than the Country and haven't even heard the Rockabilly, Trans stuff.

[Edited on 11/8/2014 by Shavian]

Neil is one of a number of artists whose albums I used to buy automatically but those days have long gone (both for him and others).

Everything I want/need to hear is on EKTIN, Goldrush, Zuma etc and some of the Performance Series releases.

I was almost more interested in the Crazy Horse stuff than the Country and haven't even heard the Rockabilly, Trans stuff.

I'm the same way.

I have heard his 80s stuff like Trans and the Rockabilly music he did, and it's really bad.

Someone I know he and his wife saw Neil when he was in his Rockabilly phase with the shocking pinks, and they left the concert early since it was that bad.

I liked some of his music in the 70s with Crazy Horse, and CSNY; but apparently he's angry at Crosby, who doesn't like Neil dating Daryl Hannah.

I also found this article.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/neil-young-opens-up-about-sobriety-20120919

Rolling Stone | September 19, 2012
Neil Young has been sober for a year after drinking and smoking pot for decades, he reveals in a new profile in the New York Times. During a recent interview at his sprawling home in the redwood forest south of San Francisco, Young speaks about writing his upcoming autobiography, Waging Heavy Peace, the many obsessions that have fueled his career and his decision to get clean.

"I did it for 40 years," he says. "Now I want to see what it's like to not do it. It's just a different perspective."

In the book, he elaborates: "The straighter I am, the more alert I am, the less I know myself and the harder it is to recognize myself. I need a little grounding in something and I am looking for it everywhere."

I liked some of his music in the 70s with Crazy Horse, and CSNY; but apparently he's angry at Crosby, who doesn't like Neil dating Daryl Hannah.

Crosby needs to STFU then.

I'm a fan of Neil's acoustic stuff. I love his songs. I like Marley says, he pretty much does what he wants. Through his career he has run the gamut. Rockabilly, bluegrass, metal ... He's the original box of chocolates! With Neil young, there's no telling what youre going to get!
Personally, I loved Prarie Wind. Interestingly, not many hard core Neil fans liked that one.

Seems like Neil Young is doing what he did in the 80s..... He's making strange albums (known as "Genre exercises"), which aren't typical of his regular output. Back in the 80s he was eventually sued by his record company (Geffen) for doing this.

30 years or so later, he's back to his old tricks!!! But this time, the genre exercises have been released in a more subtle fashion, so I don't think the fans or critics will really take notice, or care. He has made a lot of great records, so Neil's current releases won't cause too much fuss.

[Edited on 11/8/2014 by BarrySmith]

Neil has put out a hell of alot of good music since the 80's , You just have to listen to all of it to get to the good stuff ,Le noise from a few years back is excellent, as is Chrome Dreams and living with war. Neil does what he wants and does not give a shit what people think , he has also released a few live chesnuts from back in the 70's.
He also has written 2 grate books books since 2010 , he is very far from fading away

I'm a big Neil fan too and for a while, I always bought his latest and greatest. The last purchase was a greatest hits cd I purchased 8 years ago. I just kind of lost interest in buying his new stuff.

Neil has put out a hell of alot of good music since the 80's , You just have to listen to all of it to get to the good stuff ,Le noise from a few years back is excellent, as is Chrome Dreams and living with war. Neil does what he wants and does not give a shit what people think , he has also released a few live chesnuts from back in the 70's.
He also has written 2 grate books books since 2010 , he is very far from fading away

Yes, I like Chrome Dreams II quite a bit actually. One of my favorites from the latter day Neil.

Le Noise did not last for me for some reason...some of those songs were supposed to be with Crazy Horse from what I read (in a Sampedro interview I believe).

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/neil-young-opens-up-about-sobriety-20120919

Rolling Stone | September 19, 2012
Neil Young has been sober for a year after drinking and smoking pot for decades, he reveals in a new profile in the New York Times. During a recent interview at his sprawling home in the redwood forest south of San Francisco, Young speaks about writing his upcoming autobiography, Waging Heavy Peace, the many obsessions that have fueled his career and his decision to get clean.

"I did it for 40 years," he says. "Now I want to see what it's like to not do it. It's just a different perspective."

In the book, he elaborates: "The straighter I am, the more alert I am, the less I know myself and the harder it is to recognize myself. I need a little grounding in something and I am looking for it everywhere."

Yep, I read that when it came out....and I also recently read in an interview where he said he is back to smoking occasionally.

I think it's just the songs--to me, IMO--seem to literal now I guess is what I'm trying to say. Lines like "stick around while the clown who is sick does the trick of disaster" somehow moved me more than: "daddy went walkin', pushing tall weeds right out of his way".

The last NY album that did anything for me was WELD with Crazy Horse.

I also saw them for the only time on that tour.

Kick ass.

Period.

The last NY album that did anything for me was WELD with Crazy Horse.

I also saw them for the only time on that tour.

Kick ass.

Period.

Weld was a great live album.

But then, he pulled another "Neil" and included the album Arc as a bonus, and as a standalone release. Arc was basically 30 + minutes of distorted guitar amplifier rumble and feedback ; Neil's very own tribute to Lou Reed's infamous Metal Machine Music.

Business as usual for the "follow my muse man "...:)

[Edited on 11/9/2014 by les_paul_sunburst]

This is an interesting post as I have been a hard core Neil Young fan since I first heard Cinnamon Girl and that magnificent one note solo as a teenager.

But I would be the first to say that as an artist, Neil will follow his muse wherever it takes him...and damn commercial sales or accessibility. He has always been that way so his recent string of weird releases is just business as usual for him.

And sometimes that leaves a true NY fan, either completely turned off, bemused, or confused when it is time for a new album.

IMO, there were far more hits then misses during his early Warner Brothers/Reprise years IMO. So, I own them all. No brainer.

But, most of the Geffen stuff is OK at best to just plain odd at worst, and sits in my collection more due to my completest nature than to any real allegiance to the music .

I liked his big horn experiment THIS NOTE'S FOR YOU , but that one still seemed like a final genre bending jab at David Geffen that actually did not make it to Geffen Records in time to be a Geffen release, so he just made it his first post Geffen WB/Reprise release.

Then. out of nowhere, we get the incredible one-two punch of FREEDOM and RAGGED GLORY, a great NY songwriters album and another awesome Crazy Horse record. Yeah!

Then came the live WELD, another fine album , matched with the weird ARC, already mentioned in PhotoRon's post above.

After that , surprise time again with the quite nice, acoustic based HARVEST MOON and UNPLUGGED, an album highlighting his MTV Unplugged appearance.

Next up, SLEEPS WITH ANGELS, another quite good NY & CH release with the title and some of the musical material referring to Curt Cobain, whose tragic demise obviously touched Neil.

After Sleeps With Angels, is the point where Neil becomes more inconsistent and hit and miss for me than he ever has. .

MIRROR BALL - OK but not all your fans are also Pearl Jam fans Neil

DEAD MAN- A Soundtrack album that demonstrates that Neil is not a soundtrack kinda guy but kind of works as weird ambient music

BROKEN ARROW- Another Crazy Horse record, and I ALWAYS buy the next Crazy Horse record but this one is hit and miss. The hits are pretty cool and the misses annoyingly so.

YEAR OF THE HORSE- Too soon after Weld for another live one IMO, but still a NY & CH live album so ........OK

SILVER AND GOLD- Harvest Moon liite if that is possible. And not just "lite" but "light" as there are some good songs here that are recorded almost too quietly to be fully effective. Acoustic Neil with the volume on 1 .

ROAD ROCK VOL. 1: FRIENDS AND RELATIVES- What? Another live album? Already? I passed on this one and have never got around to buying it. I heard it was OK though, but as I already have Weld, that's where I go instead of the record store.

ARE YOU PASSONATE? - Here's an idea. I'm gonna make an album with Booker T and the MG s! . I bought this one out of loyalty and also for the song Let's Roll, Neil's heartfelt tribute song to the brave men and women on the tragic 9/11 Flight 93. I really like that song and am still moved by it. The rest of the album? not so much.

GREENDALE-I love this album! I love the songs ! I love the confusing, rambling narrative. I understand why many of his fans don't but I don't care. I love this one !

PRARIE WIND- Back to acoustic Neil. And this time......very nice acoustic Neil. Great songs !

LIVING WITH WAR- I really don't like George W Bush, so I am going to do an anti Bush album! Well....OK Neil. It is America after all but maybe you could have taken more than 1/2 hour writing and recording the songs ?

LIVE AT THE FILLMORE- Neil Young and the ORIGINAL Crazy Horse. That's all you need to know. The late Danny Whitton was Neil's ultimate guitar foil. Damn this is a great album!

LIVE AT MASSEY HALL- Well, we just got the very best of early Crazy Horse with Live At The Fillmore East, now, we get the very best of Neil solo acoustic. Another great record!

CHROME DREAMS II- Leave it to Neil to name an album after a formerly completed album that he then scrapped and never released! This one is a bit inconsistent, but has enough good songs to recommend it.

FORK IN THE ROAD- Neil loves cars. He also wants to see us all someday drive electric cars. So he takes this boat of a automobile; a 1959 Lincoln Continental, converts it to electric, then drives it all over the country to demonstrate that it can be done. Then he writes an entire album about the car! You have to admire his conviction and environmental consciousness, but I gave it two listens and have never gone back to it. Of course, your mileage may vary...

DREAMIN' MAN LIVE 1992- Another live one that features songs from around Harvest Moon- Nice one but one that really need to explore a bit more.

LE NOISE- Oh boy. Here we go again. You forgot to invite the rest of the band to join you in the studio Neil.

A TREASURE- Live Music from his Geffen album Old Ways tour. Interesting stuff but I have not gotten around to purchasing it yet.

AMERICANA- Neil Young & Crazy Horse so they had me at hello. The concept is odd.... loud electric versions of classic folk songs, but hey.....not one of the best YH & CH albums but I like it enough to give it an occasional spin .

PSYCHEDELIC PILL- Wow! Back to back Neil Young & Crazy Horse albums? 20 minute songs? Loud , long, meandering guitar solo's in the classic YH & CH tradition. Yes! It is a bit of a mess but I LOVE IT.

A LETTER HOME- They sound like nice songs. Too bad you can't hear them. This thing sounds like it was recorded back in the 1940's in one of those cheap "make a record recording booths".....

What? He did? You're kidding me !

STORYTONE- Sorry. I have not been brave enough to tackle this one yet. But I will.....

OK. So, looking back, Neil is still doing what he has always done. Following his muse no matter what. And letting us judge the results without really caring what we think of it.

And......making new plans to no doubt confound us yet again.

But even with that.....I still love the guy.

This is an interesting post as I have been a hard core Neil Young fan since I first heard Cinnamon Girl and that magnificent one note solo as a teenager.

But I would be the first to say that as an artist, Neil will follow his muse wherever it takes him...and damn commercial sales or accessibility. He has always been that way so his recent string of weird releases is just business as usual for him.

And sometimes that leaves a true NY fan, either completely turned off, bemused, or confused when it is time for a new album.

IMO, there were far more hits then misses during his early Warner Brothers/Reprise years IMO. So, I own them all. No brainer.

But, most of the Geffen stuff is OK at best to just plain odd at worst, and sits in my collection more due to my completest nature than to any real allegiance to the music .

I liked his big horn experiment THIS NOTE'S FOR YOU , but that one still seemed like a final genre bending jab at David Geffen that actually did not make it to Geffen Records in time to be a Geffen release, so he just made it his first post Geffen WB/Reprise release.

Then. out of nowhere, we get the incredible one-two punch of FREEDOM and RAGGED GLORY, a great NY songwriters album and another awesome Crazy Horse record. Yeah!

Then came the live WELD, another fine album , matched with the weird ARC, already mentioned in PhotoRon's post above.

After that , surprise time again with the quite nice, acoustic based HARVEST MOON and UNPLUGGED, an album highlighting his MTV Unplugged appearance.

Next up, SLEEPS WITH ANGELS, another quite good NY & CH release with the title and some of the musical material referring to Curt Cobain, whose tragic demise obviously touched Neil.

After Sleeps With Angels, is the point where Neil becomes more inconsistent and hit and miss for me than he ever has. .

MIRROR BALL - OK but not all your fans are also Pearl Jam fans Neil

DEAD MAN- A Soundtrack album that demonstrates that Neil is not a soundtrack kinda guy but kind of works as weird ambient music

BROKEN ARROW- Another Crazy Horse record, and I ALWAYS buy the next Crazy Horse record but this one is hit and miss. The hits are pretty cool and the misses annoyingly so.

YEAR OF THE HORSE- Too soon after Weld for another live one IMO, but still a NY & CH live album so ........OK

SILVER AND GOLD- Harvest Moon liite if that is possible. And not just "lite" but "light" as there are some good songs here that are recorded almost too quietly to be fully effective. Acoustic Neil with the volume on 1 .

ROAD ROCK VOL. 1: FRIENDS AND RELATIVES- What? Another live album? Already? I passed on this one and have never got around to buying it. I heard it was OK though, but as I already have Weld, that's where I go instead of the record store.

ARE YOU PASSONATE? - Here's an idea. I'm gonna make an album with Booker T and the MG s! . I bought this one out of loyalty and also for the song Let's Roll, Neil's heartfelt tribute song to the brave men and women on the tragic 9/11 Flight 93. I really like that song and am still moved by it. The rest of the album? not so much.

GREENDALE-I love this album! I love the songs ! I love the confusing, rambling narrative. I understand why many of his fans don't but I don't care. I love this one !

PRARIE WIND- Back to acoustic Neil. And this time......very nice acoustic Neil. Great songs !

LIVING WITH WAR- I really don't like George W Bush, so I am going to do an anti Bush album! Well....OK Neil. It is America after all but maybe you could have taken more than 1/2 hour writing and recording the songs ?

LIVE AT THE FILLMORE- Neil Young and the ORIGINAL Crazy Horse. That's all you need to know. The late Danny Whitton was Neil's ultimate guitar foil. Damn this is a great album!

LIVE AT MASSEY HALL- Well, we just got the very best of early Crazy Horse with Live At The Fillmore East, now, we get the very best of Neil solo acoustic. Another great record!

CHROME DREAMS II- Leave it to Neil to name an album after a formerly completed album that he then scrapped and never released! This one is a bit inconsistent, but has enough good songs to recommend it.

FORK IN THE ROAD- Neil loves cars. He also wants to see us all someday drive electric cars. So he takes this boat of a automobile; a 1959 Lincoln Continental, converts it to electric, then drives it all over the country to demonstrate that it can be done. Then he writes an entire album about the car! You have to admire his conviction and environmental consciousness, but I gave it two listens and have never gone back to it. Of course, your mileage may vary...

DREAMIN' MAN LIVE 1992- Another live one that features songs from around Harvest Moon- Nice one but one that really need to explore a bit more.

LE NOISE- Oh boy. Here we go again. You forgot to invite the rest of the band to join you in the studio Neil.

A TREASURE- Live Music from his Geffen album Old Ways tour. Interesting stuff but I have not gotten around to purchasing it yet.

AMERICANA- Neil Young & Crazy Horse so they had me at hello. The concept is odd.... loud electric versions of classic folk songs, but hey.....not one of the best YH & CH albums but I like it enough to give it an occasional spin .

PSYCHEDELIC PILL- Wow! Back to back Neil Young & Crazy Horse albums? 20 minute songs? Loud , long, meandering guitar solo's in the classic YH & CH tradition. Yes! It is a bit of a mess but I LOVE IT.

A LETTER HOME- They sound like nice songs. Too bad you can't hear them. This thing sounds like it was recorded back in the 1940's in one of those cheap "make a record recording booths".....

What? He did? You're kidding me !

STORYTONE- Sorry. I have not been brave enough to tackle this one yet. But I will.....

OK. So, looking back, Neil is still doing what he has always done. Following his muse no matter what. And letting us judge the results without really caring what we think of it.

And......making new plans to no doubt confound us yet again.

But even with that.....I still love the guy.

I loved your post--thank you

I'm a 'second generation' Neil fan; I got on the bus with it in 1989 when I was at a friend's house and he was playing Van Halen, and then put on this other album and I will never forget my reaction (the album was Freedom): everyone else in the room just casually went on chatting, but I was like a laser over to that stereo to see what it was. I had been aware of Neil when I was in high school, with things like 'Wonderin' on MTV, and then a couple of Landing on Water videos, but this opening song just grabbed me.

THE ONLY OTHER TIME I'VE EVER HAD A REACTION LIKE THAT WAS WITH....ABB LAFE. Hence my two favorite artists...

Anyway, back to Neil...

I agree that it's been more hit or miss since that early 90's resurgence you talked about. When I first got Silver & Gold, I clearly remember being underwhelmed...it was the first time I had been...bored by a NY album. I think that's what separates it all. Of course I know all about the follow the muse thing, I'm a Neil nut. But I'd never felt BORED before. And that has happened since. Prairie Wind.

I know it's all good. Glad to still have my music hero putting out music. And Psychedelic Pill rocks. Greendale? Well it's been 11 years and the jury's still out for me on that one...the SOUND is great, and I like the fact they are a 3-piece without Sampedro, it has less of a bashing away feel and you can really hear the dynamics. I wanted that record to be as good as Zuma. It sounds just as good, but I thought it could have used a couple other acoustic songs and maybe chop off a song or two on the end. But enjoyable nonetheless.

I thought Le Noise had some weak songwriting, but was an interesting experiment. A different sound for sure.

If I had to pick a post-1994 favorite, it would be a toss up between Psychedelic Pill and Chrome Dreams II and Year of the Horse.

As for Year of the Horse and Broken Arrow, those were after David Briggs--which I might add is a HUGE factor in all of this--but were great for me because they played some obscure tracks like 'Danger Bird' and 'When Your Lonely Heart Breaks', plus great takes on Pochahontas & Mr. Soul. But Briggs was the guy that got the best out of Neil. When he passed away in 1995, well, I really thing that's the moment where it turned into the more hit or miss, lesser material we have. Remember, some of the releases post 2000 have been bolstered with older tracks.

Good stuff, it's all good...please, one more Crazy Horse album (whatever happened to 'Toast' from 2001? It's apparently finished, but hasn't been released. That's Neil & The Horse with some of the 'Are You Passionate' songs.

Gotta love Neil.

There was a New York Times or WSJ writer that did an article on Neil, stating something along the lines of how Neil is so self-absorbed and never reads any books, is uninformed about anything other than Neil's world, etc.

Keep in mind Neil needs a lot of money from you all to fund his muse, whether that is building toy train parks or housing all his cars on the half of California that he owns (here's a guy concerned about 'carbon footprints', LOL). That's why you have had to buy 6 versions of each recent album. You didn't have to do that in 1972. Now it's Living With War and Living With War Raw. Greendale you have to buy twice so you can get the different bonus CD's. And with Chrome Dreams II, there was something where you had to buy the album a bunch of times so you could get the one different song that was put in as a 'bonus'.

Just having fun here, keep in mind. Love Neil.

He's real, even if a bit hypocritical...

[Edited on 11/9/2014 by Rust1]

Neil is Neil - he follows his muse wherever it takes him. Fans don't have to follow him there and we really do have to preview his latest releases before we buy it. I am a Crazy Horse fan and I watched other fans complaining and actually leave the shows during the Psychadelic Pill tour. They were there to see acoustic Neil. I think that if you buy tickets in advance to see Neil live you should check out youtube to see what he's playing and decide whether to keep 'em or sell 'em. Neil doesn't want to be a greatest hits tribute band to his past and we gotta respect that. I think he is still relevant but I certainly don't always enjoy his latest wanderings. Thank god he's still around. At his age some of his compadres are dropping off this world. RIP Rick Rosas, Ben Keith and I wish a full recovery to Billy Talbot.

Thank god he's still around. At his age some of his compadres are dropping off this world. RIP Rick Rosas, Ben Keith and I wish a full recovery to Billy Talbot.

Thank God he is still around is right.

Read in an interview that Talbot asked Sampedro to come and record with him (after the recent CH tour), so he said that Billy is doing better and has been playing.

I just want one more NY & CH tour

This is an interesting post as I have been a hard core Neil Young fan since I first heard Cinnamon Girl and that magnificent one note solo as a teenager.

But I would be the first to say that as an artist, Neil will follow his muse wherever it takes him...and damn commercial sales or accessibility. He has always been that way so his recent string of weird releases is just business as usual for him.

And sometimes that leaves a true NY fan, either completely turned off, bemused, or confused when it is time for a new album.

IMO, there were far more hits then misses during his early Warner Brothers/Reprise years IMO. So, I own them all. No brainer.

But, most of the Geffen stuff is OK at best to just plain odd at worst, and sits in my collection more due to my completest nature than to any real allegiance to the music .

I liked his big horn experiment THIS NOTE'S FOR YOU , but that one still seemed like a final genre bending jab at David Geffen that actually did not make it to Geffen Records in time to be a Geffen release, so he just made it his first post Geffen WB/Reprise release.

Then. out of nowhere, we get the incredible one-two punch of FREEDOM and RAGGED GLORY, a great NY songwriters album and another awesome Crazy Horse record. Yeah!

Then came the live WELD, another fine album , matched with the weird ARC, already mentioned in PhotoRon's post above.

After that , surprise time again with the quite nice, acoustic based HARVEST MOON and UNPLUGGED, an album highlighting his MTV Unplugged appearance.

Next up, SLEEPS WITH ANGELS, another quite good NY & CH release with the title and some of the musical material referring to Curt Cobain, whose tragic demise obviously touched Neil.

After Sleeps With Angels, is the point where Neil becomes more inconsistent and hit and miss for me than he ever has. .

MIRROR BALL - OK but not all your fans are also Pearl Jam fans Neil

DEAD MAN- A Soundtrack album that demonstrates that Neil is not a soundtrack kinda guy but kind of works as weird ambient music

BROKEN ARROW- Another Crazy Horse record, and I ALWAYS buy the next Crazy Horse record but this one is hit and miss. The hits are pretty cool and the misses annoyingly so.

YEAR OF THE HORSE- Too soon after Weld for another live one IMO, but still a NY & CH live album so ........OK

SILVER AND GOLD- Harvest Moon liite if that is possible. And not just "lite" but "light" as there are some good songs here that are recorded almost too quietly to be fully effective. Acoustic Neil with the volume on 1 .

ROAD ROCK VOL. 1: FRIENDS AND RELATIVES- What? Another live album? Already? I passed on this one and have never got around to buying it. I heard it was OK though, but as I already have Weld, that's where I go instead of the record store.

ARE YOU PASSONATE? - Here's an idea. I'm gonna make an album with Booker T and the MG s! . I bought this one out of loyalty and also for the song Let's Roll, Neil's heartfelt tribute song to the brave men and women on the tragic 9/11 Flight 93. I really like that song and am still moved by it. The rest of the album? not so much.

GREENDALE-I love this album! I love the songs ! I love the confusing, rambling narrative. I understand why many of his fans don't but I don't care. I love this one !

PRARIE WIND- Back to acoustic Neil. And this time......very nice acoustic Neil. Great songs !

LIVING WITH WAR- I really don't like George W Bush, so I am going to do an anti Bush album! Well....OK Neil. It is America after all but maybe you could have taken more than 1/2 hour writing and recording the songs ?

LIVE AT THE FILLMORE- Neil Young and the ORIGINAL Crazy Horse. That's all you need to know. The late Danny Whitton was Neil's ultimate guitar foil. Damn this is a great album!

LIVE AT MASSEY HALL- Well, we just got the very best of early Crazy Horse with Live At The Fillmore East, now, we get the very best of Neil solo acoustic. Another great record!

CHROME DREAMS II- Leave it to Neil to name an album after a formerly completed album that he then scrapped and never released! This one is a bit inconsistent, but has enough good songs to recommend it.

FORK IN THE ROAD- Neil loves cars. He also wants to see us all someday drive electric cars. So he takes this boat of a automobile; a 1959 Lincoln Continental, converts it to electric, then drives it all over the country to demonstrate that it can be done. Then he writes an entire album about the car! You have to admire his conviction and environmental consciousness, but I gave it two listens and have never gone back to it. Of course, your mileage may vary...

DREAMIN' MAN LIVE 1992- Another live one that features songs from around Harvest Moon- Nice one but one that really need to explore a bit more.

LE NOISE- Oh boy. Here we go again. You forgot to invite the rest of the band to join you in the studio Neil.

A TREASURE- Live Music from his Geffen album Old Ways tour. Interesting stuff but I have not gotten around to purchasing it yet.

AMERICANA- Neil Young & Crazy Horse so they had me at hello. The concept is odd.... loud electric versions of classic folk songs, but hey.....not one of the best YH & CH albums but I like it enough to give it an occasional spin .

PSYCHEDELIC PILL- Wow! Back to back Neil Young & Crazy Horse albums? 20 minute songs? Loud , long, meandering guitar solo's in the classic YH & CH tradition. Yes! It is a bit of a mess but I LOVE IT.

A LETTER HOME- They sound like nice songs. Too bad you can't hear them. This thing sounds like it was recorded back in the 1940's in one of those cheap "make a record recording booths".....

What? He did? You're kidding me !

STORYTONE- Sorry. I have not been brave enough to tackle this one yet. But I will.....

OK. So, looking back, Neil is still doing what he has always done. Following his muse no matter what. And letting us judge the results without really caring what we think of it.

And......making new plans to no doubt confound us yet again.

But even with that.....I still love the guy.

I loved your post--thank you

I'm a 'second generation' Neil fan; I got on the bus with it in 1989 when I was at a friend's house and he was playing Van Halen, and then put on this other album and I will never forget my reaction (the album was Freedom): everyone else in the room just casually went on chatting, but I was like a laser over to that stereo to see what it was. I had been aware of Neil when I was in high school, with things like 'Wonderin' on MTV, and then a couple of Landing on Water videos, but this opening song just grabbed me.

THE ONLY OTHER TIME I'VE EVER HAD A REACTION LIKE THAT WAS WITH....ABB LAFE. Hence my two favorite artists...

Anyway, back to Neil...

I agree that it's been more hit or miss since that early 90's resurgence you talked about. When I first got Silver & Gold, I clearly remember being underwhelmed...it was the first time I had been...bored by a NY album. I think that's what separates it all. Of course I know all about the follow the muse thing, I'm a Neil nut. But I'd never felt BORED before. And that has happened since. Prairie Wind.

I know it's all good. Glad to still have my music hero putting out music. And Psychedelic Pill rocks. Greendale? Well it's been 11 years and the jury's still out for me on that one...the SOUND is great, and I like the fact they are a 3-piece without Sampedro, it has less of a bashing away feel and you can really hear the dynamics. I wanted that record to be as good as Zuma. It sounds just as good, but I thought it could have used a couple other acoustic songs and maybe chop off a song or two on the end. But enjoyable nonetheless.

I thought Le Noise had some weak songwriting, but was an interesting experiment. A different sound for sure.

If I had to pick a post-1994 favorite, it would be a toss up between Psychedelic Pill and Chrome Dreams II and Year of the Horse.

As for Year of the Horse and Broken Arrow, those were after David Briggs--which I might add is a HUGE factor in all of this--but were great for me because they played some obscure tracks like 'Danger Bird' and 'When Your Lonely Heart Breaks', plus great takes on Pochahontas & Mr. Soul. But Briggs was the guy that got the best out of Neil. When he passed away in 1995, well, I really thing that's the moment where it turned into the more hit or miss, lesser material we have. Remember, some of the releases post 2000 have been bolstered with older tracks.

Good stuff, it's all good...please, one more Crazy Horse album (whatever happened to 'Toast' from 2001? It's apparently finished, but hasn't been released. That's Neil & The Horse with some of the 'Are You Passionate' songs.

You're welcome and thank you back....:D

I agree with you 100% on Freedom. That was such an incredible return to form that it was a very pleasant surprise to the faithful. I am not surprised that it made you a fan as a first time listener.

You make an excellent point about David Briggs that I neglected to factor in. An irreplaceable loss, and that has been stated by Neil himself in more than one interview.

I enjoyed reading your other comments on his albums as well. And yes , we true Neil fans always respect the man for never wavering from his own personal vision, even if we sometimes feel left out and I can tell from both your posts that you are a true fan as well so nice to meet ya.

Agree with you as well about Toast. Maybe someday....:)

This is an interesting post as I have been a hard core Neil Young fan since I first heard Cinnamon Girl and that magnificent one note solo as a teenager.

But I would be the first to say that as an artist, Neil will follow his muse wherever it takes him...and damn commercial sales or accessibility. He has always been that way so his recent string of weird releases is just business as usual for him.

And sometimes that leaves a true NY fan, either completely turned off, bemused, or confused when it is time for a new album.

IMO, there were far more hits then misses during his early Warner Brothers/Reprise years IMO. So, I own them all. No brainer.

But, most of the Geffen stuff is OK at best to just plain odd at worst, and sits in my collection more due to my completest nature than to any real allegiance to the music .

I liked his big horn experiment THIS NOTE'S FOR YOU , but that one still seemed like a final genre bending jab at David Geffen that actually did not make it to Geffen Records in time to be a Geffen release, so he just made it his first post Geffen WB/Reprise release.

Then. out of nowhere, we get the incredible one-two punch of FREEDOM and RAGGED GLORY, a great NY songwriters album and another awesome Crazy Horse record. Yeah!

Then came the live WELD, another fine album , matched with the weird ARC, already mentioned in PhotoRon's post above.

After that , surprise time again with the quite nice, acoustic based HARVEST MOON and UNPLUGGED, an album highlighting his MTV Unplugged appearance.

Next up, SLEEPS WITH ANGELS, another quite good NY & CH release with the title and some of the musical material referring to Curt Cobain, whose tragic demise obviously touched Neil.

After Sleeps With Angels, is the point where Neil becomes more inconsistent and hit and miss for me than he ever has. .

MIRROR BALL - OK but not all your fans are also Pearl Jam fans Neil

DEAD MAN- A Soundtrack album that demonstrates that Neil is not a soundtrack kinda guy but kind of works as weird ambient music

BROKEN ARROW- Another Crazy Horse record, and I ALWAYS buy the next Crazy Horse record but this one is hit and miss. The hits are pretty cool and the misses annoyingly so.

YEAR OF THE HORSE- Too soon after Weld for another live one IMO, but still a NY & CH live album so ........OK

SILVER AND GOLD- Harvest Moon liite if that is possible. And not just "lite" but "light" as there are some good songs here that are recorded almost too quietly to be fully effective. Acoustic Neil with the volume on 1 .

ROAD ROCK VOL. 1: FRIENDS AND RELATIVES- What? Another live album? Already? I passed on this one and have never got around to buying it. I heard it was OK though, but as I already have Weld, that's where I go instead of the record store.

ARE YOU PASSONATE? - Here's an idea. I'm gonna make an album with Booker T and the MG s! . I bought this one out of loyalty and also for the song Let's Roll, Neil's heartfelt tribute song to the brave men and women on the tragic 9/11 Flight 93. I really like that song and am still moved by it. The rest of the album? not so much.

GREENDALE-I love this album! I love the songs ! I love the confusing, rambling narrative. I understand why many of his fans don't but I don't care. I love this one !

PRARIE WIND- Back to acoustic Neil. And this time......very nice acoustic Neil. Great songs !

LIVING WITH WAR- I really don't like George W Bush, so I am going to do an anti Bush album! Well....OK Neil. It is America after all but maybe you could have taken more than 1/2 hour writing and recording the songs ?

LIVE AT THE FILLMORE- Neil Young and the ORIGINAL Crazy Horse. That's all you need to know. The late Danny Whitton was Neil's ultimate guitar foil. Damn this is a great album!

LIVE AT MASSEY HALL- Well, we just got the very best of early Crazy Horse with Live At The Fillmore East, now, we get the very best of Neil solo acoustic. Another great record!

CHROME DREAMS II- Leave it to Neil to name an album after a formerly completed album that he then scrapped and never released! This one is a bit inconsistent, but has enough good songs to recommend it.

FORK IN THE ROAD- Neil loves cars. He also wants to see us all someday drive electric cars. So he takes this boat of a automobile; a 1959 Lincoln Continental, converts it to electric, then drives it all over the country to demonstrate that it can be done. Then he writes an entire album about the car! You have to admire his conviction and environmental consciousness, but I gave it two listens and have never gone back to it. Of course, your mileage may vary...

DREAMIN' MAN LIVE 1992- Another live one that features songs from around Harvest Moon- Nice one but one that really need to explore a bit more.

LE NOISE- Oh boy. Here we go again. You forgot to invite the rest of the band to join you in the studio Neil.

A TREASURE- Live Music from his Geffen album Old Ways tour. Interesting stuff but I have not gotten around to purchasing it yet.

AMERICANA- Neil Young & Crazy Horse so they had me at hello. The concept is odd.... loud electric versions of classic folk songs, but hey.....not one of the best YH & CH albums but I like it enough to give it an occasional spin .

PSYCHEDELIC PILL- Wow! Back to back Neil Young & Crazy Horse albums? 20 minute songs? Loud , long, meandering guitar solo's in the classic YH & CH tradition. Yes! It is a bit of a mess but I LOVE IT.

A LETTER HOME- They sound like nice songs. Too bad you can't hear them. This thing sounds like it was recorded back in the 1940's in one of those cheap "make a record recording booths".....

What? He did? You're kidding me !

STORYTONE- Sorry. I have not been brave enough to tackle this one yet. But I will.....

OK. So, looking back, Neil is still doing what he has always done. Following his muse no matter what. And letting us judge the results without really caring what we think of it.

And......making new plans to no doubt confound us yet again.

But even with that.....I still love the guy.

I loved your post--thank you

I'm a 'second generation' Neil fan; I got on the bus with it in 1989 when I was at a friend's house and he was playing Van Halen, and then put on this other album and I will never forget my reaction (the album was Freedom): everyone else in the room just casually went on chatting, but I was like a laser over to that stereo to see what it was. I had been aware of Neil when I was in high school, with things like 'Wonderin' on MTV, and then a couple of Landing on Water videos, but this opening song just grabbed me.

THE ONLY OTHER TIME I'VE EVER HAD A REACTION LIKE THAT WAS WITH....ABB LAFE. Hence my two favorite artists...

Anyway, back to Neil...

I agree that it's been more hit or miss since that early 90's resurgence you talked about. When I first got Silver & Gold, I clearly remember being underwhelmed...it was the first time I had been...bored by a NY album. I think that's what separates it all. Of course I know all about the follow the muse thing, I'm a Neil nut. But I'd never felt BORED before. And that has happened since. Prairie Wind.

I know it's all good. Glad to still have my music hero putting out music. And Psychedelic Pill rocks. Greendale? Well it's been 11 years and the jury's still out for me on that one...the SOUND is great, and I like the fact they are a 3-piece without Sampedro, it has less of a bashing away feel and you can really hear the dynamics. I wanted that record to be as good as Zuma. It sounds just as good, but I thought it could have used a couple other acoustic songs and maybe chop off a song or two on the end. But enjoyable nonetheless.

I thought Le Noise had some weak songwriting, but was an interesting experiment. A different sound for sure.

If I had to pick a post-1994 favorite, it would be a toss up between Psychedelic Pill and Chrome Dreams II and Year of the Horse.

As for Year of the Horse and Broken Arrow, those were after David Briggs--which I might add is a HUGE factor in all of this--but were great for me because they played some obscure tracks like 'Danger Bird' and 'When Your Lonely Heart Breaks', plus great takes on Pochahontas & Mr. Soul. But Briggs was the guy that got the best out of Neil. When he passed away in 1995, well, I really thing that's the moment where it turned into the more hit or miss, lesser material we have. Remember, some of the releases post 2000 have been bolstered with older tracks.

Good stuff, it's all good...please, one more Crazy Horse album (whatever happened to 'Toast' from 2001? It's apparently finished, but hasn't been released. That's Neil & The Horse with some of the 'Are You Passionate' songs.

You're welcome and thank you back....:D

I agree with you 100% on Freedom. That was such an incredible return to form that it was a very pleasant surprise to the faithful. I am not surprised that it made you a fan as a first time listener.

You make an excellent point about David Briggs that I neglected to factor in. An irreplaceable loss, and that has been stated by Neil himself in more than one interview.

I enjoyed reading your other comments on his albums as well. And yes , we true Neil fans always respect the man for never wavering from his own personal vision, even if we sometimes feel left out and I can tell from both your posts that you are a true fan as well so nice to meet ya.

Agree with you as well about Toast. Maybe someday....:)

Check my memory here...did you post at one time about tinnitus, years back? Your username looks familiar. I had it for years and remember someone asking about it in a thread, thought it might be you. I remember saying your brain will adapt...it will get better in time, etc. If that was you, hope you are feeling better. If not, oh well
Brian

This is an interesting post as I have been a hard core Neil Young fan since I first heard Cinnamon Girl and that magnificent one note solo as a teenager.

But I would be the first to say that as an artist, Neil will follow his muse wherever it takes him...and damn commercial sales or accessibility. He has always been that way so his recent string of weird releases is just business as usual for him.

And sometimes that leaves a true NY fan, either completely turned off, bemused, or confused when it is time for a new album.

IMO, there were far more hits then misses during his early Warner Brothers/Reprise years IMO. So, I own them all. No brainer.

But, most of the Geffen stuff is OK at best to just plain odd at worst, and sits in my collection more due to my completest nature than to any real allegiance to the music .

I liked his big horn experiment THIS NOTE'S FOR YOU , but that one still seemed like a final genre bending jab at David Geffen that actually did not make it to Geffen Records in time to be a Geffen release, so he just made it his first post Geffen WB/Reprise release.

Then. out of nowhere, we get the incredible one-two punch of FREEDOM and RAGGED GLORY, a great NY songwriters album and another awesome Crazy Horse record. Yeah!

Then came the live WELD, another fine album , matched with the weird ARC, already mentioned in PhotoRon's post above.

After that , surprise time again with the quite nice, acoustic based HARVEST MOON and UNPLUGGED, an album highlighting his MTV Unplugged appearance.

Next up, SLEEPS WITH ANGELS, another quite good NY & CH release with the title and some of the musical material referring to Curt Cobain, whose tragic demise obviously touched Neil.

After Sleeps With Angels, is the point where Neil becomes more inconsistent and hit and miss for me than he ever has. .

MIRROR BALL - OK but not all your fans are also Pearl Jam fans Neil

DEAD MAN- A Soundtrack album that demonstrates that Neil is not a soundtrack kinda guy but kind of works as weird ambient music

BROKEN ARROW- Another Crazy Horse record, and I ALWAYS buy the next Crazy Horse record but this one is hit and miss. The hits are pretty cool and the misses annoyingly so.

YEAR OF THE HORSE- Too soon after Weld for another live one IMO, but still a NY & CH live album so ........OK

SILVER AND GOLD- Harvest Moon liite if that is possible. And not just "lite" but "light" as there are some good songs here that are recorded almost too quietly to be fully effective. Acoustic Neil with the volume on 1 .

ROAD ROCK VOL. 1: FRIENDS AND RELATIVES- What? Another live album? Already? I passed on this one and have never got around to buying it. I heard it was OK though, but as I already have Weld, that's where I go instead of the record store.

ARE YOU PASSONATE? - Here's an idea. I'm gonna make an album with Booker T and the MG s! . I bought this one out of loyalty and also for the song Let's Roll, Neil's heartfelt tribute song to the brave men and women on the tragic 9/11 Flight 93. I really like that song and am still moved by it. The rest of the album? not so much.

GREENDALE-I love this album! I love the songs ! I love the confusing, rambling narrative. I understand why many of his fans don't but I don't care. I love this one !

PRARIE WIND- Back to acoustic Neil. And this time......very nice acoustic Neil. Great songs !

LIVING WITH WAR- I really don't like George W Bush, so I am going to do an anti Bush album! Well....OK Neil. It is America after all but maybe you could have taken more than 1/2 hour writing and recording the songs ?

LIVE AT THE FILLMORE- Neil Young and the ORIGINAL Crazy Horse. That's all you need to know. The late Danny Whitton was Neil's ultimate guitar foil. Damn this is a great album!

LIVE AT MASSEY HALL- Well, we just got the very best of early Crazy Horse with Live At The Fillmore East, now, we get the very best of Neil solo acoustic. Another great record!

CHROME DREAMS II- Leave it to Neil to name an album after a formerly completed album that he then scrapped and never released! This one is a bit inconsistent, but has enough good songs to recommend it.

FORK IN THE ROAD- Neil loves cars. He also wants to see us all someday drive electric cars. So he takes this boat of a automobile; a 1959 Lincoln Continental, converts it to electric, then drives it all over the country to demonstrate that it can be done. Then he writes an entire album about the car! You have to admire his conviction and environmental consciousness, but I gave it two listens and have never gone back to it. Of course, your mileage may vary...

DREAMIN' MAN LIVE 1992- Another live one that features songs from around Harvest Moon- Nice one but one that really need to explore a bit more.

LE NOISE- Oh boy. Here we go again. You forgot to invite the rest of the band to join you in the studio Neil.

A TREASURE- Live Music from his Geffen album Old Ways tour. Interesting stuff but I have not gotten around to purchasing it yet.

AMERICANA- Neil Young & Crazy Horse so they had me at hello. The concept is odd.... loud electric versions of classic folk songs, but hey.....not one of the best YH & CH albums but I like it enough to give it an occasional spin .

PSYCHEDELIC PILL- Wow! Back to back Neil Young & Crazy Horse albums? 20 minute songs? Loud , long, meandering guitar solo's in the classic YH & CH tradition. Yes! It is a bit of a mess but I LOVE IT.

A LETTER HOME- They sound like nice songs. Too bad you can't hear them. This thing sounds like it was recorded back in the 1940's in one of those cheap "make a record recording booths".....

What? He did? You're kidding me !

STORYTONE- Sorry. I have not been brave enough to tackle this one yet. But I will.....

OK. So, looking back, Neil is still doing what he has always done. Following his muse no matter what. And letting us judge the results without really caring what we think of it.

And......making new plans to no doubt confound us yet again.

But even with that.....I still love the guy.

I loved your post--thank you

I'm a 'second generation' Neil fan; I got on the bus with it in 1989 when I was at a friend's house and he was playing Van Halen, and then put on this other album and I will never forget my reaction (the album was Freedom): everyone else in the room just casually went on chatting, but I was like a laser over to that stereo to see what it was. I had been aware of Neil when I was in high school, with things like 'Wonderin' on MTV, and then a couple of Landing on Water videos, but this opening song just grabbed me.

THE ONLY OTHER TIME I'VE EVER HAD A REACTION LIKE THAT WAS WITH....ABB LAFE. Hence my two favorite artists...

Anyway, back to Neil...

I agree that it's been more hit or miss since that early 90's resurgence you talked about. When I first got Silver & Gold, I clearly remember being underwhelmed...it was the first time I had been...bored by a NY album. I think that's what separates it all. Of course I know all about the follow the muse thing, I'm a Neil nut. But I'd never felt BORED before. And that has happened since. Prairie Wind.

I know it's all good. Glad to still have my music hero putting out music. And Psychedelic Pill rocks. Greendale? Well it's been 11 years and the jury's still out for me on that one...the SOUND is great, and I like the fact they are a 3-piece without Sampedro, it has less of a bashing away feel and you can really hear the dynamics. I wanted that record to be as good as Zuma. It sounds just as good, but I thought it could have used a couple other acoustic songs and maybe chop off a song or two on the end. But enjoyable nonetheless.

I thought Le Noise had some weak songwriting, but was an interesting experiment. A different sound for sure.

If I had to pick a post-1994 favorite, it would be a toss up between Psychedelic Pill and Chrome Dreams II and Year of the Horse.

As for Year of the Horse and Broken Arrow, those were after David Briggs--which I might add is a HUGE factor in all of this--but were great for me because they played some obscure tracks like 'Danger Bird' and 'When Your Lonely Heart Breaks', plus great takes on Pochahontas & Mr. Soul. But Briggs was the guy that got the best out of Neil. When he passed away in 1995, well, I really thing that's the moment where it turned into the more hit or miss, lesser material we have. Remember, some of the releases post 2000 have been bolstered with older tracks.

Good stuff, it's all good...please, one more Crazy Horse album (whatever happened to 'Toast' from 2001? It's apparently finished, but hasn't been released. That's Neil & The Horse with some of the 'Are You Passionate' songs.

You're welcome and thank you back....:D

I agree with you 100% on Freedom. That was such an incredible return to form that it was a very pleasant surprise to the faithful. I am not surprised that it made you a fan as a first time listener.

You make an excellent point about David Briggs that I neglected to factor in. An irreplaceable loss, and that has been stated by Neil himself in more than one interview.

I enjoyed reading your other comments on his albums as well. And yes , we true Neil fans always respect the man for never wavering from his own personal vision, even if we sometimes feel left out and I can tell from both your posts that you are a true fan as well so nice to meet ya.

Agree with you as well about Toast. Maybe someday....:)

Check my memory here...did you post at one time about tinnitus, years back? Your username looks familiar. I had it for years and remember someone asking about it in a thread, thought it might be you. I remember saying your brain will adapt...it will get better in time, etc. If that was you, hope you are feeling better. If not, oh well
Brian

Hiya Brian. Yes. It was I.

I still have it and right now, it really tends to vary in intensity. On some days, it gets so loud that it is hard for me to concentrate, especially at work. And the intensity can also give me a headache by the end of the day. On those days, I can't enjoy listening to music or play my guitar at all. Those are bad days for obvious reasons.

Then it will calm down some for a couple days. It will still be moderately loud but on those days , I can listen to music (and play) and be able to block it out just enough where it is still there, like moderate tape hiss, but I can focus more on the music than the noise.

I am sure that as more time goes by, I will get better at blocking it out but until then, it's just day by day.

But what the hell. Other people are dealing with worse. I just keep on keeping on, ya know.

But I really do appreciate your kind words and concern.....:D

Thanks brother...:D

[Edited on 11/9/2014 by les_paul_sunburst]

Neil is Neil - he follows his muse wherever it takes him. Fans don't have to follow him there and we really do have to preview his latest releases before we buy it. I am a Crazy Horse fan and I watched other fans complaining and actually leave the shows during the Psychadelic Pill tour. They were there to see acoustic Neil. I think that if you buy tickets in advance to see Neil live you should check out youtube to see what he's playing and decide whether to keep 'em or sell 'em. Neil doesn't want to be a greatest hits tribute band to his past and we gotta respect that. I think he is still relevant but I certainly don't always enjoy his latest wanderings. Thank god he's still around. At his age some of his compadres are dropping off this world. RIP Rick Rosas, Ben Keith and I wish a full recovery to Billy Talbot.

Hey Paul! It's nice to see you ! Hope all is well with you !

From your US "Neil brother"...:)

[Edited on 11/10/2014 by les_paul_sunburst]

This is an interesting post as I have been a hard core Neil Young fan since I first heard Cinnamon Girl and that magnificent one note solo as a teenager.

But I would be the first to say that as an artist, Neil will follow his muse wherever it takes him...and damn commercial sales or accessibility. He has always been that way so his recent string of weird releases is just business as usual for him.

And sometimes that leaves a true NY fan, either completely turned off, bemused, or confused when it is time for a new album.

IMO, there were far more hits then misses during his early Warner Brothers/Reprise years IMO. So, I own them all. No brainer.

But, most of the Geffen stuff is OK at best to just plain odd at worst, and sits in my collection more due to my completest nature than to any real allegiance to the music .

I liked his big horn experiment THIS NOTE'S FOR YOU , but that one still seemed like a final genre bending jab at David Geffen that actually did not make it to Geffen Records in time to be a Geffen release, so he just made it his first post Geffen WB/Reprise release.

Then. out of nowhere, we get the incredible one-two punch of FREEDOM and RAGGED GLORY, a great NY songwriters album and another awesome Crazy Horse record. Yeah!

Then came the live WELD, another fine album , matched with the weird ARC, already mentioned in PhotoRon's post above.

After that , surprise time again with the quite nice, acoustic based HARVEST MOON and UNPLUGGED, an album highlighting his MTV Unplugged appearance.

Next up, SLEEPS WITH ANGELS, another quite good NY & CH release with the title and some of the musical material referring to Curt Cobain, whose tragic demise obviously touched Neil.

After Sleeps With Angels, is the point where Neil becomes more inconsistent and hit and miss for me than he ever has. .

MIRROR BALL - OK but not all your fans are also Pearl Jam fans Neil

DEAD MAN- A Soundtrack album that demonstrates that Neil is not a soundtrack kinda guy but kind of works as weird ambient music

BROKEN ARROW- Another Crazy Horse record, and I ALWAYS buy the next Crazy Horse record but this one is hit and miss. The hits are pretty cool and the misses annoyingly so.

YEAR OF THE HORSE- Too soon after Weld for another live one IMO, but still a NY & CH live album so ........OK

SILVER AND GOLD- Harvest Moon liite if that is possible. And not just "lite" but "light" as there are some good songs here that are recorded almost too quietly to be fully effective. Acoustic Neil with the volume on 1 .

ROAD ROCK VOL. 1: FRIENDS AND RELATIVES- What? Another live album? Already? I passed on this one and have never got around to buying it. I heard it was OK though, but as I already have Weld, that's where I go instead of the record store.

ARE YOU PASSONATE? - Here's an idea. I'm gonna make an album with Booker T and the MG s! . I bought this one out of loyalty and also for the song Let's Roll, Neil's heartfelt tribute song to the brave men and women on the tragic 9/11 Flight 93. I really like that song and am still moved by it. The rest of the album? not so much.

GREENDALE-I love this album! I love the songs ! I love the confusing, rambling narrative. I understand why many of his fans don't but I don't care. I love this one !

PRARIE WIND- Back to acoustic Neil. And this time......very nice acoustic Neil. Great songs !

LIVING WITH WAR- I really don't like George W Bush, so I am going to do an anti Bush album! Well....OK Neil. It is America after all but maybe you could have taken more than 1/2 hour writing and recording the songs ?

LIVE AT THE FILLMORE- Neil Young and the ORIGINAL Crazy Horse. That's all you need to know. The late Danny Whitton was Neil's ultimate guitar foil. Damn this is a great album!

LIVE AT MASSEY HALL- Well, we just got the very best of early Crazy Horse with Live At The Fillmore East, now, we get the very best of Neil solo acoustic. Another great record!

CHROME DREAMS II- Leave it to Neil to name an album after a formerly completed album that he then scrapped and never released! This one is a bit inconsistent, but has enough good songs to recommend it.

FORK IN THE ROAD- Neil loves cars. He also wants to see us all someday drive electric cars. So he takes this boat of a automobile; a 1959 Lincoln Continental, converts it to electric, then drives it all over the country to demonstrate that it can be done. Then he writes an entire album about the car! You have to admire his conviction and environmental consciousness, but I gave it two listens and have never gone back to it. Of course, your mileage may vary...

DREAMIN' MAN LIVE 1992- Another live one that features songs from around Harvest Moon- Nice one but one that really need to explore a bit more.

LE NOISE- Oh boy. Here we go again. You forgot to invite the rest of the band to join you in the studio Neil.

A TREASURE- Live Music from his Geffen album Old Ways tour. Interesting stuff but I have not gotten around to purchasing it yet.

AMERICANA- Neil Young & Crazy Horse so they had me at hello. The concept is odd.... loud electric versions of classic folk songs, but hey.....not one of the best YH & CH albums but I like it enough to give it an occasional spin .

PSYCHEDELIC PILL- Wow! Back to back Neil Young & Crazy Horse albums? 20 minute songs? Loud , long, meandering guitar solo's in the classic YH & CH tradition. Yes! It is a bit of a mess but I LOVE IT.

A LETTER HOME- They sound like nice songs. Too bad you can't hear them. This thing sounds like it was recorded back in the 1940's in one of those cheap "make a record recording booths".....

What? He did? You're kidding me !

STORYTONE- Sorry. I have not been brave enough to tackle this one yet. But I will.....

OK. So, looking back, Neil is still doing what he has always done. Following his muse no matter what. And letting us judge the results without really caring what we think of it.

And......making new plans to no doubt confound us yet again.

But even with that.....I still love the guy.

I loved your post--thank you

I'm a 'second generation' Neil fan; I got on the bus with it in 1989 when I was at a friend's house and he was playing Van Halen, and then put on this other album and I will never forget my reaction (the album was Freedom): everyone else in the room just casually went on chatting, but I was like a laser over to that stereo to see what it was. I had been aware of Neil when I was in high school, with things like 'Wonderin' on MTV, and then a couple of Landing on Water videos, but this opening song just grabbed me.

THE ONLY OTHER TIME I'VE EVER HAD A REACTION LIKE THAT WAS WITH....ABB LAFE. Hence my two favorite artists...

Anyway, back to Neil...

I agree that it's been more hit or miss since that early 90's resurgence you talked about. When I first got Silver & Gold, I clearly remember being underwhelmed...it was the first time I had been...bored by a NY album. I think that's what separates it all. Of course I know all about the follow the muse thing, I'm a Neil nut. But I'd never felt BORED before. And that has happened since. Prairie Wind.

I know it's all good. Glad to still have my music hero putting out music. And Psychedelic Pill rocks. Greendale? Well it's been 11 years and the jury's still out for me on that one...the SOUND is great, and I like the fact they are a 3-piece without Sampedro, it has less of a bashing away feel and you can really hear the dynamics. I wanted that record to be as good as Zuma. It sounds just as good, but I thought it could have used a couple other acoustic songs and maybe chop off a song or two on the end. But enjoyable nonetheless.

I thought Le Noise had some weak songwriting, but was an interesting experiment. A different sound for sure.

If I had to pick a post-1994 favorite, it would be a toss up between Psychedelic Pill and Chrome Dreams II and Year of the Horse.

As for Year of the Horse and Broken Arrow, those were after David Briggs--which I might add is a HUGE factor in all of this--but were great for me because they played some obscure tracks like 'Danger Bird' and 'When Your Lonely Heart Breaks', plus great takes on Pochahontas & Mr. Soul. But Briggs was the guy that got the best out of Neil. When he passed away in 1995, well, I really thing that's the moment where it turned into the more hit or miss, lesser material we have. Remember, some of the releases post 2000 have been bolstered with older tracks.

Good stuff, it's all good...please, one more Crazy Horse album (whatever happened to 'Toast' from 2001? It's apparently finished, but hasn't been released. That's Neil & The Horse with some of the 'Are You Passionate' songs.

You're welcome and thank you back....:D

I agree with you 100% on Freedom. That was such an incredible return to form that it was a very pleasant surprise to the faithful. I am not surprised that it made you a fan as a first time listener.

You make an excellent point about David Briggs that I neglected to factor in. An irreplaceable loss, and that has been stated by Neil himself in more than one interview.

I enjoyed reading your other comments on his albums as well. And yes , we true Neil fans always respect the man for never wavering from his own personal vision, even if we sometimes feel left out and I can tell from both your posts that you are a true fan as well so nice to meet ya.

Agree with you as well about Toast. Maybe someday....:)

Check my memory here...did you post at one time about tinnitus, years back? Your username looks familiar. I had it for years and remember someone asking about it in a thread, thought it might be you. I remember saying your brain will adapt...it will get better in time, etc. If that was you, hope you are feeling better. If not, oh well
Brian

Hiya Brian. Yes. It was I.

I still have it and right now, it really tends to vary in intensity. On some days, it gets so loud that it is hard for me to concentrate, especially at work. And the intensity can also give me a headache by the end of the day. On those days, I can't enjoy listening to music or play my guitar at all. Those are bad days for obvious reasons.

Then it will calm down some for a couple days. It will still be moderately loud but on those days , I can listen to music and (play) and be able to block it out just enough where it is still there, like moderate tape hiss, but I can focus more on the music than the noise.

I am sure that as more time goes by, I will get better at blocking it out but until then, it's just day by day.

But what the hell. Other people are dealing with worse. I just keep on keeping on, ya know.

But I really do appreciate your kind words and concern.....:D

Thanks brother...:D

[Edited on 11/9/2014 by les_paul_sunburst]

I thank both of you for your posts , you said what I feel about Neil , been a Neil fan since I first heard After the Gold Rush. It is hit or miss with him but at least he's doing it. I just caught the Mule o ween show and that was a big hit , but you can't miss with the Mule and they hit on just about every Neil period except for the last 10 years

The last album which I bought and kept seems to be Chrome Dreams II so I've just given it a listen.

Apart from one obvious NY classic - Ordinary People at over 18 mins - it's the most mixed of bags.

Dirty Old Man is as bad the title would suggest and Shining Light, The Believer and The Way are, whether they are serious or tongue in cheek, not what I would ever expect to find on a NY album.

I don't mind genre-jumping from album to album but an album which is as patchy and uneven as this isn't of much interest to me.