Neil Young Then and Now

10 months ago by Jeff Woods | November 12, 2009 6:48 am

Last night I put on Decade, the classic double album best-of from Neil Young.  It has been a long time staple in the Woods residence. 

Cortez the Killer just does something to me.   It came on my ‘shuffle’ the morning I was driving home from my first date with the woman I’m about to marry, which needless to say, made it all the more poignant.

And a song like The Campaigner.  Who but Neil Young would have gone against the grain and said something positive about Richard Nixon??? (‘even Richard Nixon has got soul’).

To me, other than David Bowie, no solo artist has been more profilic and more interesting, than Neil Young.

High on my list of ‘perfect songs perfectly recorded’ is Neil’s ‘Heart of Gold’.  One of those that never gets old, despite 10 million spins on radio.

If you have never seen it – this early live performance is a must.  

"It’s very confusing, I just started playing this and I get my thumb caught in this all the time".

Happy Birthday to Toronto born, Neil Young, 64 today.

Cheers,

Jeff.

Send to a friend Filed Under: Legends of Classic Rock
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  • Elaine
    November 12, 2009 at 7:50 am

    he is a monument to my youth!

    (Reply)
  • debbie m/over 25yrlistner
    November 12, 2009 at 9:02 am

    Hi Jeff,
    “Old man take a look at my life Im alot like you”
    For some reason every time I hear this I think of my Dad who is no longer with me and the song tweeks my heart.
    cheers

    (Reply)
  • VME
    November 12, 2009 at 9:06 am

    Yes, Neil is quite special. A true preformer and entertainer. His career is a storied one as well as a turbulent one. He has managed to remain relatively sane and unchanged, his music is golden!
    Not many people in the music industry can claim that “New Trends” have had little effect on the music they make, Mr Young can, and if you listen to his lyrics and the music the raspy, raw music is still there from the early days.
    True artisan he is!

    (Reply)
  • Mexdale
    November 12, 2009 at 12:08 pm

    Well a hearty HAPPY Birthday to Neil Young.Keep doing what your doing.You will always have my ear. Cortez the Killer also hits me pretty hard.The summer before i married my fabulous Mexican wife my bro and i were at Molson Park for Neil and the Hip.When he started playing Cortez i got all teary eyed.At the exact moment 2 attractive women approached us and i just got up and walked away.My bro was pissed with me but he saw just exactly where my head was at.HAPPY BIRTHDAY NEIL “LONG MAY YOU RUN”

    (Reply)
  • Mike Hansford
    November 12, 2009 at 2:01 pm

    Neil is also my all time favourite. Seems I have been listening to him almost 40 years. Gone through three or four copies of Harvest. His songs will live forever, saw him last spring in London, he played so many songs, mostly his older material, another fabulous show. Doesn’t matter what he is playing, in my mind, he never disappoints. Can’t wait to see him the next time he is around, doesn’t matter who he plays with. Happy Birthday Neil

    (Reply)
  • sharron
    November 14, 2009 at 11:37 am

    Wow you are the best what memory’s you bring back. I want to live searching for a heart of gold. Yes we are all getting older.

    (Reply)
  • Star
    November 20, 2009 at 9:44 pm

    Right On!! I luv him. I was fortunate to see him perform live in 2008. He was awesome! I agree, Bowie is a very unique artist. Was also fortunate to see him in 2003. He has always been ahead of the times. Rock On, Jeff.

    (Reply)

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