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As one who did that last year or so, be patient and walk into the 89s with no expectations- not as easy to get through as the 70s.
Well, I've slowly made my way through the 80's in the last several weeks, and it's been quite a journey. I still have Freedom left which I know is likely going to be the high water mark, but I've enjoyed the diversity of the styles during this decade.
Hawks & Doves - the first half had the 70s folk feel which I enjoyed. Little Wing is a highlight but I had already heard it on Homegrown previous to this, so didn't impact me as much here. Same thing with Captain Kennedy which I liked a lot on Hitchhiker. The Old Homestead and Lost in Space were other ones that stand out looking back. Overall nice little album.
Re*act*or - I liked the sound of this one up front but on first listen I thought T-Bone would be a skip going forward. However, after repeat listens I changed my mind on this one. Surfer Joe is probably my favorite on the album, but I also love Shots, Opera Star and Southern Pacific. Overall, Re*act*or is near the top of my favorites from the 80's. Not a lyrical masterpiece, but Crazy Horse is going off which is probably my favorite type of Neil.
Trans - I knew there was going to be some vocal trickery on this one, so I was surprised when I heard the straight-forward Little Thing Called Love to kick it off. The new style then became apparent on track 2 with Computer Age. Interesting that Neil smashed together his scrapped Island in the Sun record with the other songs using the vocoder into 1 album. It took me a few listens to really digest it but I came around on the vocoder and now really enjoy songs like Computer Cowboy and Sample and Hold. The latter reminded me of an old Twilight Zone episode Number 12 Looks Just Like You. I read somewhere that Trans was like a postcard from the future and that sums it up nicely for me.
Everybody's Rockin' - Wonderin' and Mystery Train are two tracks I like, but I don't see myself reaching for this one often. 25 minute experiment is fine, so no problem with this one.
Old Ways - This one just doesn't do it for me. Listened once and tried a second time but couldn't make it through.
Landing on Water / Life - I'm putting these two together because although I listened to both a few times, they blur together in my mind. Nothing stands out too much although Hippie Dream is definitely a highlight. Touch the Night and Inca Queen were also good. This period sounds most "80s" to me with the loud drums, etc.
This Note's For You - This one really surprised me as I didn't expect much. The slow burners like Coupe de Ville and One Thing make some great late night listening.
Bluenote Cafe - The live album with the Bluenotes is fantastic and makes me appreciate TNFY more as well. This is my first time hearing Ordinary People, which I know comes on a later album, and I can't get enough of it. This live set is a bit long, but Neil rewards the listener with a scorching 19 minute Tonight's the Night to close it out.
A Treasure - I disliked Old Ways, but this live set from that time period is strong. I like how he reinvented Southern Pacific from Re*act*or. The revelation here though is the last track, Grey Riders. Holy smokes, did not expect this one!
Eldorado - Listened to this one last night for the first time, and it was worthy of several repeat listens in a row. It's a sonic assault that begins with Cocaine Eyes and doesn't let up. I know some of these songs end up on Freedom, so now looking forward to that one even more as I continue on.
I would say Ragged Glory and then watching Year Of The Horse made me a super fan. After that, of course, Mirror Ball.
Will have to watch that one. Mirror Ball was my first Neil album for obvious reasons back when it came out. Always loved it and the one time I saw Neil live was at the PJ show in Toledo in '04. Regret not seeing him live otherwise. I've mainly now listened to his 70s and 80s output and a few other albums and his catalog is ridiculously rich and diverse. Definitely a legend.
Im super blessed i saw Neil with Crazy Horse back in 2001. It was mind blowing.
Neil & the Horse live - I'm sure it was amazing!
It was incredible...at first it was announced he was coming alone, and i was yeah, thats so cool!! and then he announced the band was coming and i was just in heaven.
Yes. No word on reissuing the studio album on LP. I love this record. Legit was the album that made me obsessed with Neil Young and forced me to dig into his catalo beyond the hits.
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