Neil Young - Live at Massey Hall (CD/DVD)
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Free Music Notes for Live at Massey Hall (CD/DVD)
Free Music Review: What else?
Hit: 5 Stars
A release like this and the Filmore concert really make one wonder about what else hasn't been released (I'm excited about the archives set supposed to come out this year of course!) This is a very intimate concert and reaffirms (as an article printed on the sleeve notes) that Neil is one of the most genuine artists that there is. As a prior reviewer noted, Neil's voice is not what is generally considered "good," yet it is ideal for his music and an idispensable part of it; his songs rarely sound half as good sung by anyone else. His voice doubtlessly suits his songs perfectly and the clarity of his vocals on this recording is truly special. If you have no other live Neil albums (which is criminal, he's the best live rock artist), then you will be amazed that unlike several artists, his live discs are not just collector's items, but vital parts of his music. The songs are the same songs, and the studio versions are still tremendous, but he brings something else to the songs (though his versions are uncannily true, as far as reproducing the melodies, remembering his lyrics etc., unlike several artists), and his stripped down, no nonsense approach to these songs is refreshing. All of the songs are well done and at least worth a listen. Sure the "Down By the RIver" and "Cowgirl" rock like nothing else when Neil plays his monster solos on the album and Filmore versions, but they are also beautifully done here in shortened, solo acoustic arrangements. Neil's songs are really a part of him and one senses this throughout the recording. If you are a Neil fan, don't hesitate to check this one out, and if you're not a Neil fan, then, eh if you're not a Neil fan, there may be little hope for you... j/k if you're not a Neil fan, check this out anyway, maybe it will convert you.Free Music Review: one acoustic guitar and a thin voice--astounding
Hit: 5 Stars
i've seen neil live, acoustic, solo, in new york around the time "silver and gold" came out, and he was absolutely amazing, after all the years between that performance and the one on this CD/DVD. frankly - and you don't have to share this opinion - i get a little bored with "folky" soloists who strum quietly for over an hour, even if i am a fan of the artist's studio effort. but neil is unique: he doesn't merely "strum:" his peculiar syncopated guitar playing has such a powerful "traction" to it that he gives you a sense of forward motion and the need for foot-tapping even with the softest songs. a good example are the perennial cowgirl in the sand and down by the river, which have a totally different quality acoustically than they do electrically - but are just as gripping emotionally . i already own most of these performances on a very good bootleg, but the sound here is pristine: you get something like studio quality with the warmth of neil playing in his living room. for any other artist, if i owned as many versions of his songs as i do of neil's, i'd say this is absolutely not necessary - but i am more than happy to own this, and i think you will be too. the unreleased "bad fog of loneliness" is not a highlight, the rest is impeccable.
this is not a very detailed review because i see that others are already pouring in and doing a good job - no need for redundancy; my five stars speak for themselves, and there must be very few humans on this planet who don't already know these songs.
a quick mention in response to one reviewer's comment: "time fades away" DOES exist on cd - i own it, and i see that amazon had it at some point, although it is not available now.
Free Music Review: Young Unplugged
Hit: 5 Stars
Since I have been a Neil Young fan from the beginning, I didn't hesitate to order Live at Massey Hall when it was issued. Not only is it filled with songs I like, it gave me a chance to hear Neil Young unplugged, something which I had never had the pleasure of doing.
Some might consider this set to be overkill. The songs on the CD are exactly the same on the DVD and besides the film on the DVD is grainy. So why have both? Well, many of us have never seen Neil Young in concert when he was young and so the DVD here is a splendid opportunity to do so. Then there is the frisson of nostalgia huge numbers of his Toronto area fans will feel when they see the footage of Massey Hall. That's gotta be pushing some sales. Then there is the emotional aspect. Its one thing to hear Neil Young sing, but the full emotional impact hits when you watch him as he sings. And finally there is the price. Its so reasonable its almost silly to carp about video quality. My only complaint is the flimsiness of the casing which yawned wide open as it lay out when empty. I have other cardboard CD cases and this is the first to which that has happened.
As others have said, many of these old classics were new when this concert took place. My favorites here are Tell Me Why, Old Man, Cowgirl In The Sand, Don't Let It Bring You Down, Down By The River and Dance, Dance , Dance. I may not watch the DVD as often as I listen to the CD, but Live at Massey Hall is going to get a lot of ear time.
If you are a old fan of Neil Young, here's a good opportunity to feel once again as you felt the first time you heard these songs. Highly recommended!
Free Music Review: Journey Through The Past
Hit: 5 Stars
I was introduced to Young's music more than 30 years ago - I was barely 14 then. Of course, the album was "Harvest". I soon got hold of nearly all of the Loner's then available lp's. "After The Gold Rush", "Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere" and "Tonight's The Night" rapidly took their place up there in my personal Pantheon. There was enough to fulfill a melancholy teenager in that music: from the violent despair of "Down By The River" (my favourite) through the jangly "Tell Me Why" to the sad loneliness of "Albuquerque". Then Punk came by and I sort of let Neil down...
Nostalgia crept in some 15 years ago and now this, "Live at Massey Hall". All I can say is that Young's unparalleled artistry shines throughout its 17 tracks. Stripped-down versions of "Old Man", A Man Needs A Maid" and "There's A Word" are vastly superior to those to be found on "Harvest". Less known/never realeased numbers like "On The Way Home", "Bad Fog Of Loneliness" are first rate material.
What baffles me most now that I am much older is the maturity of Young's lyrics - remember he was only 25 at the time! There's something about the passing of time in them - "Old Man", "Journey Through The Past" spring to mind - that wouldn't seem out of place in songs written by someone twice his age.
Anyway, this record also brings back memories of days gone by - Hello Annelise, Barbara and countless others, may be you're out there somewhere reading this!
All we have to do now is wait for the next opening up of the NY vaults. In the meantime, we can rely on "Live at Massey Hall" to make the wait bearable.
Free Music Review: Neil Young - The Best Acoustic Release - Massey Hall
Hit: 5 Stars
- I'm a owner of all of Neil Young's released material from buying Unplugged to 80s material 70s, 60s, to the present, my review is from the heart of a true fan. -
This is Neil Young's best acoustic release hands down. Point out critical points. A Man Needs a Maid/Heart of Gold suite is awesome with slightly different lyrics on A Man Needs a Maid (the chorus). Heart of Gold on piano then going back and finishing on A Man Needs a Maid is a classic. Neil's voice hear is clear as a whistle, and the acoustic guitar is as well. Neil is like sitting in your home playing to you...I know thats a cliche' but its true ;o). Neil talks here and there, the story of the ranch for Old Man. He cracks a joke here and there as well. Talks about the Johnny Cash show, and the funny story about a song written for it.
The DVD is video of the concert and video of his ranch/animals/photos of his old town. The video switches between the concert and the personal reflections of Neil which is great. The video quality of the concert is dark, and grainy, but the music and reflections carries the day. Great DVD, I fully recommend the CD/DVD.
Anyways, sum up everything. This must be in your Neil Young Library. You'll be playing this over and over until the disc melts in your CD player (don't think thats possible! lol.) If your a fan of good music just add this to your collection, you will not be disappointed.
Highlights: Everything...