21/09/2004

Neil Young reverts to his classic songbook

Neil Young is a giant amongst poprockers - one of only a handful of artists from the singer/songwriter generation who will still have an audience in 50 years. He's a genuine creative artist, following his whim wherever it may lead him.

Greendale, Young's most recent project, split the fan base. Many revered it. I thought it was avoidable hokum: I've played the album twice. Young's worldview just doesn't engage me; I turn off at the first sign of his political sloganeering.

So, normally, Farm Aid would leave me cold. But the recent gig, in Seattle, was notable because the setlist was a Greendale-free zone: it might signal a return to varied setlists. Maybe I can start booking Young gigs again?

Farm Aid setlist:

Pocahontas
Harvest Moon
Journey Thru The Past
On The Way Home
Cowgirl In The Sand
Don't Let It Bring You Down
Birds
Human Highway
Old King
Four Strong Winds

What a wonderful collection, from one of the great songbooks.

I got the setlist from Bad News Beat, a highly recommended web site/email service which reports all the Neil Young hard news, and avoids the fan junk which spoils so many internet sites.

http://www.bad-news-beat.org

Gerry Smith

[Previous entry: "Bruce Springsteen's Tunnel Of Love"]

[Next entry: "Dylan's autobiography and new lyrics collection imminent"]

[Latest Daily Update]

Search entries:

Copyright © Music for Grown-Ups Ltd. 2005
The words Music for Grown-Ups^® and the logo design constitute a registered trademark of Music for Grown-Ups Ltd.

www.musicforgrownups.co.uk
Email: info@musicforgrownups.co.uk

[Latest Update]

[Archives]

[Previous entry: "Bruce Springsteen's Tunnel Of Love"]

[Next entry: "Dylan's autobiography and new lyrics collection imminent"]

Top | Back

Site design by watson press website design & authoring