Neil Young 1966-1975

[CRAZY-HORSE]

NEIL YOUNG "neil young" 1968,cd. #143 US

after the bust-up of the Springfields "warner brothers" decided they could only keep one member on their books due to financial reasons, so they kept Stephen Stills thinking he was the most gifted of the group and able to make more money for the label. they did however urge their subsiduary label "reprise records" to sign up Neil Young.
this album is the only NY release not to make the US top 100 in his career. it is also a unique NY album as it was heavily produced and over dubs used extensively and IMO gives it a stuffy,dense sound. despite this "the loner" which is the standout track on this on signals the birth of the electric edge he would develop throughout his career.
the album opens up with an instrumental track,proving even back then that Young would do things his way, for who would open their debut album with one when he had not recorded one previously. another instrumental(track 6) is a waste of space, the third surprise on the album is the final track which lasts for ten minutes which was relatively unheard of back in 1968,especially on a folk/rock album. one track that failed to make the final cut of the album called "sugar mountain" and was issued as the b-side to "the loner" single has become a firm favourite amongst fans in his live sets through the decades.
also, this album was not released in the UK until after the success of "after the goldrush" in 1970.
the album is IMO overall a good link between Buffalo Springfield and his next album which would feature Crazy Horse

I LIKE THIS ALBUM

worst track: the last trip to tulsa
best track: the loner

tracks:

1. the emporer of wyoming**
2. the loner***
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6H3P5Om6NU live audio
3. if i could have her tonight**
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maOEzI4SnGI audio
4. ive been waiting for you**
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJz_9UIXTjM audio
5. the old laughing lady**
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqoU_8Qd7q8 live
6. string quartet from boot hill*
7. here we are in the years**
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8pfGxdFZYI audio
8. what did you do to my life?**
9. ive loved her so long**
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEofTlm-09o audio
10.the last trip to tulsa*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9LdFWZXVKw audio

bonus track: sugar mountain***
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsACIBI5NPk live from 'live aid'

3s=1
2s=7
1s=2

rating: 1.9