|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A SoundPress.net CD Review
 In the late 1980's I had the pleasure of listening to an audience recording from a September 9th, 1985 Neil Young concert at the Garden State Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey. Neil Young was touring under the identity that best suit him during what some call his "lost" decade - as the leader of a country outfit called The International Harvesters. Other incarnations in that time period included rockabilly, computer based, and simply more experimental bands - but this combination of players resonated most with the fans during the days Neil spent on Geffen records. The music and audience reaction to the songs performed on the recording we heard was infectious and incredibly exciting. The tape that captured the particular concert was a treasure. Now, the latest installment of Neil Young's Live Archive Series includes a compilation of songs this group performed during their 1984 / 1985 U.S. tour - and is appropriately called, "A Treasure". The 12-track live album includes five previously unreleased songs. Among those, "Grey Riders" is the first single and serves as an anthem for the old-timers Neil plays with and paid homage to on this tour. A Treasure features Young's onstage work with some of the greatest artists in the history of country music, including the late, great Ben Keith on steel and slide guitar and Rufus Thibodeaux on fiddle, along with living legends Spooner Oldham and Hargus "Pig" Robbins on piano, Tim Drummond and Joe Allen on bass, Anthony Crawford on mandolin & guitars and Karl Himmel on drums, among many others. The live album captures this iconic artist during a fascinating time in his career, when he was facing criticism and lawsuits from his then current record company for exploring a more traditionally country sound. "You can call me erratic," Young said when asked at the time about his tendency toward musical shape-shifting, "but I've been consistent about it, consistently erratic." Always celebrated for his musical versatility, A Treasure, is akin to a sonic time capsule, instantly transporting the listener to the time and place when it was made. "I love this record," Young says. "I hadn't heard these takes in 25 years, but when we unearthed them co-producer Ben Keith said, 'This is a treasure.'" Many songs from Neil's back catalog we're given the country update on this tour and they are served well in this setting. "Flying On The Ground Is Wrong" is given new wings since it's Buffalo Springfield days and it flies again here. "Are You Ready For The Country?" is anthemic and upbeat as Young introduced his country era with aplomb. Of note on the record are new takes from the overlooked Re-ac-tor album that are well served in the updated country mold. "Motor City" rolls on with a tale of a down-turning industrial sector which seems just as relevant today. "Southern Pacific" chugs along with power and delivers a sonic helping of the best goods Mr. Young and Co. have to offer. "Nothing Is Perfect" was later released on CSN&Y's American Dream album but it is more perfectly placed on this CD with it poignant countrified arrangement in tact. Over the years, Young's fans have always had an abundant harvest of new Neil material to choose from. The artist has been so prolific that's it's likely not many fans own every title in his discography. However - the late, great Mr. Ben Keith was right - these tracks are a treasure and this is one release that's worth owning. • Info: -- USA/CA 2011: www.neilyoung.com (Richard J. Lynch/SoundPress.net) |
|
|
|
|
|
Kweevak.com | Music Community | Music Products | Press Releases | Radio Show | Search Site Send Music | SP Blog | Sponsors Page | Sponsor Us | Venue Directory | Win Prizes
industry advertising, and related business inquiries at: PHONE: 973.556.5400|E-MAIL Monday - Friday / 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST in the USA!
© 2013 SoundPress.net | All Rights Reserved
|
