Neil Young

televiking · October 5th, 2006, 01:37 AM

Listening to Neil yesterday I thought that for some reason he really moves me.
He has a high and shaky voice, sure.
He cannot play very fast or technically, sure.
His studio tone is sometimes wimpy, his live tone sometimes too brutal.

But like Tom Waits (another of my great favourites) he has something in his music that deeply affects me. Maybe it is the sincerity, maybe not. But damn it feels good to hear him playing a 2 note solo, but just the right notes at a right time.

And of course he has the coolest Gibby ever. Old Black is just too cool. And on Tonight's the night he played a Tele..

http://www.thrasherswheat.org/sound.htm

How does Neil affect you?

Televiking

getbent · October 5th, 2006, 01:50 AM

I play the weld cd and comes a time every week while I work... I love those songs and I dig Brother Neil...

'look out mama there's a white boat comin' up the river' good stuff man... good stuff.

Stuco · October 5th, 2006, 01:51 AM

Neil is a kind of artist who reaches people in a very emotional way. I feel he would be effective as a painter, musician whatever. There is something very familiar about him, he is really kind of shy. I know he spent a lot of time alone as a child

jjw43 · October 5th, 2006, 01:58 AM

Is great also the acoustic DVD that came with the Greendale CD. There just isn't any BS with him. Straight forward and still making music that is interesting.

Tonights the night...tonights the nnniiighttt.

crawdad · October 5th, 2006, 03:30 AM

When I saw the "Prarie Wind" film, I realized why I'd always liked Neil. He creates from his heart with integrity. While so many artists are trying to sound like somebody else, or attempting to craft music dictated by major label bean counters, Neil just keeps forging on, listening to his inner voice and concocting music that reflects what he is and what he feels.

No, I don't love everything he's done, but he's REAL. What he puts out is exactly what his passion is at the time. I saw him doing a sideshow performance at the H.O.R.D.E festival a few years back and I was shocked at the charisma and presence he has on stage, even sitting on a stool and playing acoustic guitar. The guy is totally original and true to himself. A primal genius songwriter and performer. When I hear his best stuff, I know he's not BS'ing me. He speaks from the depths of his soul. A wise old soul it is, too.

byrdbrain · October 5th, 2006, 03:43 AM

From Buffalo Springfield to the present.
At the moment, On the Beach is my favourite album.
And I've been listening to "The Emperor of Wyoming" from the first solo album
a lot lately – beautiful Gretsch sound and Jack Nietzsche strings.

Tim Bowen · October 5th, 2006, 04:31 AM

My God, I do love Neil.

This wasn't always the case. As a young man, I didn't quite "get" Neil, or Bob Dylan, or Hank Williams, or Thelonius Monk, or Gram Parsons, or The Band, or Son House, or Miles Davis. My head and ears were wrapped around a bunch of stuff at that time that now seems completely foreign to me - music that I currently have difficulty in understanding, as to just what it was that initially moved me. I guess it's just part of getting older, and experiencing the evolution of what one actually enjoys listening to.

My working projects are hardcore into structure and arrangement, and this is something that I love, and something that I will never abandon. However, I've little doubt that, at some point during my live job with my pop band on Friday, we'll launch into a totally unrehearsed fifteen minute (or so) reading of "Down By The River", or "Cortez The Killer", or some other Neil Young chestnut. I can't wait. Playing a Neil Young tune is, for me, very similar to playing a Miles Davis composition.

Big John · October 5th, 2006, 06:15 AM

People are arguing elsewhere about a thread called "What makes a musician" or something and here we are loving Neil Young !, lousy voice, looser than loose playing style, erratic album performances but somehow utterly, utterly brilliant !

No, i dont know what it is either, every album is different to the last yet equally as good, some take longer to get under your skin but whatever he has i wish i could bottle it and sell it.

RollingThunder75 · October 5th, 2006, 06:31 AM

Neil is one of the greatest ever and one of my favorite artists. He's also my favorite guitarist ever. Like you guys have mentioned, he's not as "technically" gifted as many other guitarists out there, like that's supposed to mean something. I just connect with his sound on a very deep level. I'm not sure why or how. Acoustic, electric, playing harmonica, it doesn't matter. He can be a folkie, or he can sound like the Apocalypse. I never play out, just in my basement, but when I want to crank the amp up, I'm usually playing something of Neil's, albeit badly. Like A Hurricane, Powderfinger, Rockin' in the Free World, stuff from Greendale, anything else. Genius songwriter, genius musician. I can't say enough, so I'll stop trying.

Oskar · October 5th, 2006, 07:19 AM

He's a person of high integrity, doesn't follow trends, not lured by the status, speaks his mind, is true to his beliefs, and also writes some damn good songs.
Even if you don't like him as a musician, you have to respect him as a person.

hegn · October 5th, 2006, 07:51 AM

I like him both as a musician and a person!

Sarge · October 5th, 2006, 08:24 AM

One of the first Neil Young tunes that I learned to play was Powder Finger, the lyric's and his solo's are moving. And who can't forget Cinnamon Girl? The man's voice isn't spectacular nor is his guitar playing, but it all just seems to come together very well. You either like him or don't. I had a lot of his music on 8 tracks and have been replacing them with CD's so I can listen to his older tunes in the truck.

goldtopper · October 5th, 2006, 08:25 AM

Anyone got the specs on his old Les Paul? The pups look like chrome dog eared p90s. I love anything that comes out of his guitar, even if it is "tuning optional"

I think he's done more for Bigsby the Gretsch.

1293 · October 5th, 2006, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RollingThunder75

Neil is one of the greatest ever and one of my favorite artists. He's also my favorite guitarist ever. Like you guys have mentioned, he's not as "technically" gifted as many other guitarists out there, like that's supposed to mean something. I just connect with his sound on a very deep level. I'm not sure why or how. Acoustic, electric, playing harmonica, it doesn't matter. He can be a folkie, or he can sound like the Apocalypse. I never play out, just in my basement, but when I want to crank the amp up, I'm usually playing something of Neil's, albeit badly. Like A Hurricane, Powderfinger, Rockin' in the Free World, stuff from Greendale, anything else. Genius songwriter, genius musician. I can't say enough, so I'll stop trying.

+1

Neil proves that the conventional standards for judging singing and guitar playing ability don't mean squat. It's like judging a book by the grammar and syntax.

rand z · October 5th, 2006, 09:35 AM

neil, like all of the greats, is truly ORIGINAL. he follows his muse.

he's a sonic painter.

and there will never be another neil young.

rnd z tropicalsoul.net

Dan R · October 5th, 2006, 09:54 AM

Godfather of Grunge, cosmic cowboy poet, protest songwriter, anything you want to call the guy - He defies all labels. There are not many artists that have been around as long as Neil that remain fresh and relevant. I've enjoyed Neil since the Buffalo Springfield days. Harvest was one of the first records I ever bought. Heart of Gold is the very first song I learned to play on the guitar. I also learned the harmonica part. All my friends were big NY fans while growing up. We'd buy each album as they came out and learn as many of the songs as we could. Keep on Rockin' in the Free World, Neil.

Reno Sepulveda · October 5th, 2006, 10:04 AM

I love alot of Neil Young's music, I hate alot of Neil Young's music. But I'll always listen to alot of Neil Young's music.

CharlieO · October 5th, 2006, 11:23 AM

It's kind of funny that this thread started today. I just walked into the house from my car, where I had Decade cranked up on the stereo. Just the other day, I put both discs in my player, and have listened to them a couple of times. Prior to this week, I haven't listened to much of Neil's music for at least a couple of years. I'd have to agree with nearly everything that has been written about him in the preceding posts.

Listening to the CD's got me thinking, and I realized that I have never seen Neil in concert, except with Crosby, Still, Nash and Young. I'd like to see one of his own shows. I have had plenty of opportunities, but just never did.

yegbert · October 5th, 2006, 11:26 AM

I've always loved Neil's music. I agree with the other observations here. His work is poetic at the core - his subject matter, words, his shaky vocals, his loose feel in his playing and the timbre of his guitar.

There once was a good article describing his gear linked to HyperRust, the link is still there but broken.

Here's what I remember from that article. The info in this wikipedia article on Neil is I think consistent with this.

Originally a P90 equipped goldtop LP, painted black early on, the bridge pickup failed since Neil had it and was replaced with a Firebird minibucker. The minibucker is very beat up and very microphonic. Deep pits in the fretboard and frets bardly worn. He doesn't want it any of it changed.

His tweed Deluxe apparently has a couple of sweet spots not exactly like those he has found in other tweed Deluxes, and he has bought a few hundred of them trying to find another one like it. He controls the Deluxe through his Whizzer, an electronic remotely controlled device that robotically turns the knobs to those sweet spots. They keep the amp cool in concerts with electric fans and have it positioned somewhere like under the stage on a platform to isolate it from vibrations of the stage. (Miked of course.)

A few of Neil's early songs were some of the first songs I liked enough and found suitable, that I learned them all the way through vocals and chords and a little picking mixed in with the chords. Like the wooden version of Cowgirl in the Sand from Woodstock.

hekawi · October 5th, 2006, 12:27 PM

i tend to lean more to the acoustic side with Neil's stuff...
favorite songs: "Birds", "Only Love Can Break Your Heart", "Star of Bethlehem"
favorite albums: AFTER THE GOLD RUSH, HARVEST, COMES A TIME

tele-martini · October 5th, 2006, 12:54 PM

I know exactly what you guys mean. I've been moved by Neil's songwriting and playing since his first solo lp. There is just a certain or special chemistry he brews when he's on stage and it comes across in his recordings too.
martini

RichardL · October 5th, 2006, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goldtopper

Anyone got the specs on his old Les Paul? The pups look like chrome dog eared p90s. I love anything that comes out of his guitar, even if it is "tuning optional"

I think he's done more for Bigsby the Gretsch.

Looks like a P90 and a mini-bucker to me.

Chip · October 5th, 2006, 04:29 PM

Here is my Les Paul

J-man · October 5th, 2006, 04:51 PM

I know what you mean... by all rights he should be laughably bad, but he just manages to pull it all together into wonderful music.

Seanycaster · October 5th, 2006, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oskar

He's a person of high integrity, doesn't follow trends, not lured by the status, speaks his mind, is true to his beliefs, and also writes some damn good songs.
Even if you don't like him as a musician, you have to respect him as a person.

+1. Neil also does the best version of All Along The Watchtower since Jimi Hendrix:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNqr2wWIRIo

jmintzer · October 5th, 2006, 06:21 PM

I LOVE Neil! His music has inspired me for years.

During my 'Acoustic Folkie' phase in the late '70s, I constantly was playing his music.

One of these days, I'll master the lead to Cinnamon Girl. I know it'll take years of practice, but dammit! I will learn it!!!

Jamie

RomanS · October 5th, 2006, 06:48 PM

Neil Young has always been one of my favorites - I have about 20 albums of his. I always liked how he was very open-minded to various musical styles, yet always had his own personality showing through whatever he played. To many great albums to pick out only one, but among my favorites are 'Live Rust', 'Ragged Glory' and the lesser known 'Reactor' (a very noisy, loud album, almost punk rock).

Wildhawk · October 5th, 2006, 08:31 PM

My favorite artist.
The weapon above made for some rock classics.

eryque · October 5th, 2006, 09:52 PM

He's one of those blessed people who manages to use his talent for connecting emotionally with people to make up for his technical shortcomings. He also makes 3 chords tell a story unlike anyone else.

I watched the "Prarie Wind" dvd a couple of weeks ago and found it lacking that edge and fire he used to have. They were great songs for sitting on the front porch and singing to your family and friends one evening while watching the sun go down, but I wholeheartedly believe that if those songs had been done by someone else the CD would have gone no further than the Americana section at the local music store and how ever many he could give away at his CD release gig.

zombywoof · October 5th, 2006, 10:38 PM

My wife loves the guy although admits he can be one heck of a prima donna live - she has seen him get quite offended when he feels people are making noise at inappropriate times during his set.

weelie · October 6th, 2006, 03:07 AM

I love Neil Young. Not that I listen to him that often. I remember reading a list joke about differences betwene men and women. IIRC, It might've talked about women having a monthly period and men having an annual Neil Young period. I am like that, once a year (or whatever) I'll dig up the dozens of NY I have and listen them, and for the rest of the year they stay in their cases.

My fave albums are the 70s ones, of course. Gold rush, Harvest, Comes a time, Rust... and then also Harvest Moon (that's when I got into his music) and Sleeps with angels. Broken Arrow, Silver&Gold and Prairie Wind feel as good as old worn shoes, but aren't as vital to me. The latest album doesn't do anything to me. I guess I'm getting old, the overdriven tone of his doesn't really do it to me anymore (though the best album of that tone, Ragged Glory, has it's fine moments).

bigdog · October 6th, 2006, 05:12 PM

OK while we are on this topic, Our band has started to add in a few NY tunes to our list with Powderfinger being the first. While researching the song I read about an acoustic version that was bootlegged back in that time frame. Does anyone know where an acoustic version of Powderfinger might be available legally (Maybe a live version ) ?

fierce_carrot · October 6th, 2006, 07:40 PM

I first saw Neil way back in the very early 70's when he was playing with Crazy Horse, and his opening act was Linda Ronstadt and the Stone Pony's.

Neil and the band smoked it. I've seen hundreds of concerts in my years, most "under the influence" and not memorable, but I sure remember that one!

Been a huge NY fan ever since, and man, can we do a bar busting medley of Southern Man, Cinnamon Girl, Cortez the Killer and Down by the River!

Wildhawk · October 6th, 2006, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fierce_carrot

.... can we do a bar busting medley of Southern Man, Cinnamon Girl, Cortez the Killer and Down by the River!

Please do

If you know Powderfinger, Into the Black, Free World, Cowgirl in the Sand then feel free to let those rip also. Where's the bar...........?

studio1087 · October 6th, 2006, 11:17 PM

WildHawk......Thanks for the photos of the Black Les Paul !
Chip.............WOW ! I actually sent the link to this thread to several guitar buddies. That's amazing.

Neil Young is one of my favorite musicians/guitar players. My wife, my inlaws and I just saw the Freedom of Speech show in Milwaukee from the 8th row. It was fantastic. 3 1/2 hour show! When Neil and Steven Stills did an acoustic D-28 duet of Tree Top Flyer the screaming was just mind blowing.

Neil dragged out the end of Rockin in the Free World untill he broke all 6 strings on the black Les Paul. He was on fire.

Considering Neil's recent surgery and the death of his father not too long ago, the show and energy that he put forward was amazing. Neil is a sincere,soulful and honest musician. He can put many 22 year olds to shame. The Prarie Wind CD is a favorite of mine. I've seen Neil over 10 times in the last 15 years. The 2000 tour with the Pretenders was one of the most entertaining shows that I've seen.

I want to see a Martin D-28 Signature guitar with a Lionell Electric Train on the head stock! If the price could be under $5,000.00, I'd work weekends for years to pay one off.

dogggone · October 6th, 2006, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichardL

Looks like a P90 and a mini-bucker to me.

Old black was originally a goldtop.
The bridge pup was from a firebird. It has been said that the firebird pup was so microphonic you could speak into it and be heard.
Somewhere along the line the bridge pup was swapped out by a guitar tech much too Neil's chagrin.
The neck pup is a P90.
The year of old black predates PAF humbuckers.

OutlawSteph1975 · October 6th, 2006, 11:51 PM

I've been a Neil Young fan ever since I found Buffalo Springfield's first album in a second hand record store. Flying on the Ground stood out as a type of song you didn't see much of in the mid 60s. It showed the dark side of what was going on in that era. From there I got into Harvest. I generally like his folk and country rock the best, but I do appreciate the passion and intensity of Crazy Horse. I've been listening to some of the International Harvesters era material circa 1983, and they were so great live even though Old Ways came out so poorly. I'll never forget what he did to Wooden Ships on this year's tour.. Neil blew me away. I love how he's always reinventing himself and not getting stuck in that 'oldies' trap like so many others from the 60s.

NEPATelecaster · October 7th, 2006, 01:00 PM

Sorry...I don't want to be THE negative guy here BUT...

Talent aside now...

Neil Young and James Taylor are just two guys I CANNOT listen to AT ALL...

Although I can appreciate their talent, history, relevance, influence, etc, I can't get into them, nor have I ever wanted to...

maggieo · October 7th, 2006, 01:38 PM

NEIL IS GOD!

Heh. I love they guy. One of the best shows I've ever been to, easily top five of all-time was the January 22nd, 1991 Social D- Sonic Youth- Neil Young show at the Target Center during the Ragged Glory tour. You can hear it on the awesome Young boot, Warpath, where it takes up 1/2 of disc 3 and all of disc 4.

Kingtone · October 7th, 2006, 09:14 PM

Neil Youngs music will always have a special place in my heart and soul. One of my favorite LPs is Decade. I remember the first time I heard Cortez on record,the words seemed to jump off the vinyl and swirl around me. I'll never forget that...

October 5th, 2006, 01:37 AM	#1 (permalink)
televiking Tele-Meister Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Finland, Helsinki Age: 38 Posts: 489 18 Photos	Neil Young Listening to Neil yesterday I thought that for some reason he really moves me. He has a high and shaky voice, sure. He cannot play very fast or technically, sure. His studio tone is sometimes wimpy, his live tone sometimes too brutal. But like Tom Waits (another of my great favourites) he has something in his music that deeply affects me. Maybe it is the sincerity, maybe not. But damn it feels good to hear him playing a 2 note solo, but just the right notes at a right time. And of course he has the coolest Gibby ever. Old Black is just too cool. And on Tonight's the night he played a Tele.. http://www.thrasherswheat.org/sound.htm How does Neil affect you? Televiking __________________ "As soon as you start playing to impress other musicians, you have completely lost the whole point of playing music." Keith Richards Last edited by televiking; October 5th, 2006 at 01:40 AM. Reason: added a link

October 5th, 2006, 01:50 AM	#2 (permalink)
getbent Moderator Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Benito County, California Posts: 12,853 37 Photos	I play the weld cd and comes a time every week while I work... I love those songs and I dig Brother Neil... 'look out mama there's a white boat comin' up the river' good stuff man... good stuff. __________________ 'It is said that 98% of people are sheep. The other 2% are evenly split between sheepdogs and wolves.' -James Mattis

October 5th, 2006, 01:58 AM	#4 (permalink)
jjw43 Tele-Meister Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Ventura Posts: 148	Heart of Gold DVD Is great also the acoustic DVD that came with the Greendale CD. There just isn't any BS with him. Straight forward and still making music that is interesting. Tonights the night...tonights the nnniiighttt. __________________ employee discount?

October 5th, 2006, 03:43 AM	#6 (permalink)
byrdbrain Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Sweden Age: 51 Posts: 1,669 4 Photos	From Buffalo Springfield to the present. At the moment, On the Beach is my favourite album. And I've been listening to "The Emperor of Wyoming" from the first solo album a lot lately – beautiful Gretsch sound and Jack Nietzsche strings. __________________ In vino securitas

October 5th, 2006, 04:31 AM	#7 (permalink)
Tim Bowen Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Age: 48 Posts: 3,783	My God, I do love Neil. This wasn't always the case. As a young man, I didn't quite "get" Neil, or Bob Dylan, or Hank Williams, or Thelonius Monk, or Gram Parsons, or The Band, or Son House, or Miles Davis. My head and ears were wrapped around a bunch of stuff at that time that now seems completely foreign to me - music that I currently have difficulty in understanding, as to just what it was that initially moved me. I guess it's just part of getting older, and experiencing the evolution of what one actually enjoys listening to. My working projects are hardcore into structure and arrangement, and this is something that I love, and something that I will never abandon. However, I've little doubt that, at some point during my live job with my pop band on Friday, we'll launch into a totally unrehearsed fifteen minute (or so) reading of "Down By The River", or "Cortez The Killer", or some other Neil Young chestnut. I can't wait. Playing a Neil Young tune is, for me, very similar to playing a Miles Davis composition. __________________ "Everyone is different in how they learn, but for me, it's turning the pegs and just playing." - BB

October 5th, 2006, 01:51 AM	#3 (permalink)
Stuco Friend of Leo's Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: GA Posts: 3,833	Neil is a kind of artist who reaches people in a very emotional way. I feel he would be effective as a painter, musician whatever. There is something very familiar about him, he is really kind of shy. I know he spent a lot of time alone as a child

October 5th, 2006, 03:30 AM	#5 (permalink)
crawdad Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 1,514	When I saw the "Prarie Wind" film, I realized why I'd always liked Neil. He creates from his heart with integrity. While so many artists are trying to sound like somebody else, or attempting to craft music dictated by major label bean counters, Neil just keeps forging on, listening to his inner voice and concocting music that reflects what he is and what he feels. No, I don't love everything he's done, but he's REAL. What he puts out is exactly what his passion is at the time. I saw him doing a sideshow performance at the H.O.R.D.E festival a few years back and I was shocked at the charisma and presence he has on stage, even sitting on a stool and playing acoustic guitar. The guy is totally original and true to himself. A primal genius songwriter and performer. When I hear his best stuff, I know he's not BS'ing me. He speaks from the depths of his soul. A wise old soul it is, too.

October 5th, 2006, 06:15 AM	#8 (permalink)
Big John Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Suffolk UK Posts: 5,962 38 Photos	People are arguing elsewhere about a thread called "What makes a musician" or something and here we are loving Neil Young !, lousy voice, looser than loose playing style, erratic album performances but somehow utterly, utterly brilliant ! No, i dont know what it is either, every album is different to the last yet equally as good, some take longer to get under your skin but whatever he has i wish i could bottle it and sell it. __________________ If you are going to be a bear, be a grizzly !!

October 5th, 2006, 06:31 AM	#9 (permalink)
RollingThunder75 Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: WV Posts: 420	Neil is one of the greatest ever and one of my favorite artists. He's also my favorite guitarist ever. Like you guys have mentioned, he's not as "technically" gifted as many other guitarists out there, like that's supposed to mean something. I just connect with his sound on a very deep level. I'm not sure why or how. Acoustic, electric, playing harmonica, it doesn't matter. He can be a folkie, or he can sound like the Apocalypse. I never play out, just in my basement, but when I want to crank the amp up, I'm usually playing something of Neil's, albeit badly. Like A Hurricane, Powderfinger, Rockin' in the Free World, stuff from Greendale, anything else. Genius songwriter, genius musician. I can't say enough, so I'll stop trying. __________________ Live every week like it's Shark Week.

October 5th, 2006, 07:19 AM	#10 (permalink)
Oskar Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Northampton, MA Posts: 3,233	He's a person of high integrity, doesn't follow trends, not lured by the status, speaks his mind, is true to his beliefs, and also writes some damn good songs. Even if you don't like him as a musician, you have to respect him as a person.

October 5th, 2006, 07:51 AM	#11 (permalink)
hegn Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Copenhagen, Denmark Posts: 162 1 Photos	I like him both as a musician and a person! __________________ Meet the "family"

October 5th, 2006, 08:24 AM	#12 (permalink)
Sarge Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2004 Location: Pgh,Pa Age: 53 Posts: 3,549	One of the first Neil Young tunes that I learned to play was Powder Finger, the lyric's and his solo's are moving. And who can't forget Cinnamon Girl? The man's voice isn't spectacular nor is his guitar playing, but it all just seems to come together very well. You either like him or don't. I had a lot of his music on 8 tracks and have been replacing them with CD's so I can listen to his older tunes in the truck.

October 5th, 2006, 08:25 AM	#13 (permalink)
goldtopper Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell Age: 47 Posts: 1,173	Neil's Old Black Anyone got the specs on his old Les Paul? The pups look like chrome dog eared p90s. I love anything that comes out of his guitar, even if it is "tuning optional" I think he's done more for Bigsby the Gretsch. __________________ ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

October 5th, 2006, 09:35 AM	#15 (permalink)
rand z Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 1,063	neil, like all of the greats, is truly ORIGINAL. he follows his muse. he's a sonic painter. and there will never be another neil young. rnd z tropicalsoul.net

October 5th, 2006, 09:54 AM	#16 (permalink)
Dan R Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Charleston, SC Age: 51 Posts: 921	Godfather of Grunge, cosmic cowboy poet, protest songwriter, anything you want to call the guy - He defies all labels. There are not many artists that have been around as long as Neil that remain fresh and relevant. I've enjoyed Neil since the Buffalo Springfield days. Harvest was one of the first records I ever bought. Heart of Gold is the very first song I learned to play on the guitar. I also learned the harmonica part. All my friends were big NY fans while growing up. We'd buy each album as they came out and learn as many of the songs as we could. Keep on Rockin' in the Free World, Neil.

October 5th, 2006, 10:04 AM	#17 (permalink)
Reno Sepulveda Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Nowhere man Posts: 1,362	I love alot of Neil Young's music, I hate alot of Neil Young's music. But I'll always listen to alot of Neil Young's music. __________________ "I'm just kidding about that really."

October 5th, 2006, 11:23 AM	#18 (permalink)
CharlieO Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Sarasota, FL Age: 57 Posts: 1,594 10 Photos	It's kind of funny that this thread started today. I just walked into the house from my car, where I had Decade cranked up on the stereo. Just the other day, I put both discs in my player, and have listened to them a couple of times. Prior to this week, I haven't listened to much of Neil's music for at least a couple of years. I'd have to agree with nearly everything that has been written about him in the preceding posts. Listening to the CD's got me thinking, and I realized that I have never seen Neil in concert, except with Crosby, Still, Nash and Young. I'd like to see one of his own shows. I have had plenty of opportunities, but just never did.

October 5th, 2006, 11:26 AM	#19 (permalink)
yegbert Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Clinton, Maryland (US) Age: 55 Posts: 5,503 95 Photos	I've always loved Neil's music. I agree with the other observations here. His work is poetic at the core - his subject matter, words, his shaky vocals, his loose feel in his playing and the timbre of his guitar. There once was a good article describing his gear linked to HyperRust, the link is still there but broken. Here's what I remember from that article. The info in this wikipedia article on Neil is I think consistent with this. Originally a P90 equipped goldtop LP, painted black early on, the bridge pickup failed since Neil had it and was replaced with a Firebird minibucker. The minibucker is very beat up and very microphonic. Deep pits in the fretboard and frets bardly worn. He doesn't want it any of it changed. His tweed Deluxe apparently has a couple of sweet spots not exactly like those he has found in other tweed Deluxes, and he has bought a few hundred of them trying to find another one like it. He controls the Deluxe through his Whizzer, an electronic remotely controlled device that robotically turns the knobs to those sweet spots. They keep the amp cool in concerts with electric fans and have it positioned somewhere like under the stage on a platform to isolate it from vibrations of the stage. (Miked of course.) A few of Neil's early songs were some of the first songs I liked enough and found suitable, that I learned them all the way through vocals and chords and a little picking mixed in with the chords. Like the wooden version of Cowgirl in the Sand from Woodstock.

October 5th, 2006, 12:27 PM	#20 (permalink)
hekawi Friend of Leo's Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: greenville, sc Posts: 2,396	Neil Young i tend to lean more to the acoustic side with Neil's stuff... favorite songs: "Birds", "Only Love Can Break Your Heart", "Star of Bethlehem" favorite albums: AFTER THE GOLD RUSH, HARVEST, COMES A TIME

October 5th, 2006, 12:54 PM	#21 (permalink)
tele-martini Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Hilton, NY Age: 49 Posts: 1,036 11 Photos	I know exactly what you guys mean. I've been moved by Neil's songwriting and playing since his first solo lp. There is just a certain or special chemistry he brews when he's on stage and it comes across in his recordings too. martini __________________ "Ask Me About My Smell"

October 5th, 2006, 04:29 PM	#23 (permalink)
Chip Tele-Meister Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Medina, Ohio Age: 41 Posts: 211	This is how much I like Neil Here is my Les Paul __________________ Jemima Surrender, I'm gonna give it to you, I'll bring over my Fender And I'll play all night for you. L.Helm and J.R.Robertson

October 5th, 2006, 04:51 PM	#24 (permalink)
J-man Moderator Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: North Wales/Scarborough Age: 20 Posts: 6,965 19 Photos	I know what you mean... by all rights he should be laughably bad, but he just manages to pull it all together into wonderful music. __________________ Wings: the band The Beatles could have been. - Alan Partridge

October 5th, 2006, 06:21 PM	#26 (permalink)
jmintzer Tele-Meister Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Potomac, MD Posts: 348	I LOVE Neil! His music has inspired me for years. During my 'Acoustic Folkie' phase in the late '70s, I constantly was playing his music. One of these days, I'll master the lead to Cinnamon Girl. I know it'll take years of practice, but dammit! I will learn it!!! Jamie Last edited by jmintzer; October 5th, 2006 at 09:09 PM.

October 5th, 2006, 06:48 PM	#27 (permalink)
RomanS Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Vienna, Austria Age: 37 Posts: 3,626 16 Photos	Neil Young has always been one of my favorites - I have about 20 albums of his. I always liked how he was very open-minded to various musical styles, yet always had his own personality showing through whatever he played. To many great albums to pick out only one, but among my favorites are 'Live Rust', 'Ragged Glory' and the lesser known 'Reactor' (a very noisy, loud album, almost punk rock).

October 5th, 2006, 08:31 PM	#28 (permalink)
Wildhawk Tele-Meister Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Madison WI Posts: 404	My favorite artist. The weapon above made for some rock classics.

October 5th, 2006, 09:52 PM	#29 (permalink)
eryque Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: albany, ny [not chicago] Posts: 7,393 44 Photos	He's one of those blessed people who manages to use his talent for connecting emotionally with people to make up for his technical shortcomings. He also makes 3 chords tell a story unlike anyone else. I watched the "Prarie Wind" dvd a couple of weeks ago and found it lacking that edge and fire he used to have. They were great songs for sitting on the front porch and singing to your family and friends one evening while watching the sun go down, but I wholeheartedly believe that if those songs had been done by someone else the CD would have gone no further than the Americana section at the local music store and how ever many he could give away at his CD release gig. __________________ my blog: eryque.blogspot.com Updated 9.17.08! Subscribe_____________________

October 5th, 2006, 10:38 PM	#30 (permalink)
zombywoof Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Back in the Heartland Posts: 3,021 17 Photos	My wife loves the guy although admits he can be one heck of a prima donna live - she has seen him get quite offended when he feels people are making noise at inappropriate times during his set. __________________ "I don't play a lot of fancy guitar. I don't want to play it. The kind of guitar I want to play is mean, mean licks." John Lee Hooker

October 6th, 2006, 03:07 AM	#31 (permalink)
weelie Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Helsinki, Finland, Yer-up Age: 35 Posts: 1,985 12 Photos	I love Neil Young. Not that I listen to him that often. I remember reading a list joke about differences betwene men and women. IIRC, It might've talked about women having a monthly period and men having an annual Neil Young period. I am like that, once a year (or whatever) I'll dig up the dozens of NY I have and listen them, and for the rest of the year they stay in their cases. My fave albums are the 70s ones, of course. Gold rush, Harvest, Comes a time, Rust... and then also Harvest Moon (that's when I got into his music) and Sleeps with angels. Broken Arrow, Silver&Gold and Prairie Wind feel as good as old worn shoes, but aren't as vital to me. The latest album doesn't do anything to me. I guess I'm getting old, the overdriven tone of his doesn't really do it to me anymore (though the best album of that tone, Ragged Glory, has it's fine moments). __________________ <- I don't need smileys, I'm smiling already.

October 6th, 2006, 05:12 PM	#32 (permalink)
bigdog Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 126	OK while we are on this topic, Our band has started to add in a few NY tunes to our list with Powderfinger being the first. While researching the song I read about an acoustic version that was bootlegged back in that time frame. Does anyone know where an acoustic version of Powderfinger might be available legally (Maybe a live version ) ?

October 6th, 2006, 07:40 PM	#33 (permalink)
fierce_carrot Tele-Holic Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Iowa Age: 53 Posts: 985	I first saw Neil way back in the very early 70's when he was playing with Crazy Horse, and his opening act was Linda Ronstadt and the Stone Pony's. Neil and the band smoked it. I've seen hundreds of concerts in my years, most "under the influence" and not memorable, but I sure remember that one! Been a huge NY fan ever since, and man, can we do a bar busting medley of Southern Man, Cinnamon Girl, Cortez the Killer and Down by the River!

October 6th, 2006, 11:17 PM	#35 (permalink)
studio1087 Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: May 2003 Location: Near Milwaukee Age: 45 Posts: 5,363 34 Photos	WildHawk......Thanks for the photos of the Black Les Paul ! Chip.............WOW ! I actually sent the link to this thread to several guitar buddies. That's amazing. Neil Young is one of my favorite musicians/guitar players. My wife, my inlaws and I just saw the Freedom of Speech show in Milwaukee from the 8th row. It was fantastic. 3 1/2 hour show! When Neil and Steven Stills did an acoustic D-28 duet of Tree Top Flyer the screaming was just mind blowing. Neil dragged out the end of Rockin in the Free World untill he broke all 6 strings on the black Les Paul. He was on fire. Considering Neil's recent surgery and the death of his father not too long ago, the show and energy that he put forward was amazing. Neil is a sincere,soulful and honest musician. He can put many 22 year olds to shame. The Prarie Wind CD is a favorite of mine. I've seen Neil over 10 times in the last 15 years. The 2000 tour with the Pretenders was one of the most entertaining shows that I've seen. I want to see a Martin D-28 Signature guitar with a Lionell Electric Train on the head stock! If the price could be under $5,000.00, I'd work weekends for years to pay one off. __________________ JLG Carry On

October 6th, 2006, 11:51 PM	#37 (permalink)
OutlawSteph1975 Friend of Leo's Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 2,159 7 Photos	I've been a Neil Young fan ever since I found Buffalo Springfield's first album in a second hand record store. Flying on the Ground stood out as a type of song you didn't see much of in the mid 60s. It showed the dark side of what was going on in that era. From there I got into Harvest. I generally like his folk and country rock the best, but I do appreciate the passion and intensity of Crazy Horse. I've been listening to some of the International Harvesters era material circa 1983, and they were so great live even though Old Ways came out so poorly. I'll never forget what he did to Wooden Ships on this year's tour.. Neil blew me away. I love how he's always reinventing himself and not getting stuck in that 'oldies' trap like so many others from the 60s.

October 7th, 2006, 01:00 PM	#38 (permalink)
NEPATelecaster Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Archbald - NEAR Scranton PA Age: 35 Posts: 1,278	Sorry...I don't want to be THE negative guy here BUT... Talent aside now... Neil Young and James Taylor are just two guys I CANNOT listen to AT ALL... Although I can appreciate their talent, history, relevance, influence, etc, I can't get into them, nor have I ever wanted to...

October 7th, 2006, 01:38 PM	#39 (permalink)
maggieo Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 266	NEIL IS GOD! Heh. I love they guy. One of the best shows I've ever been to, easily top five of all-time was the January 22nd, 1991 Social D- Sonic Youth- Neil Young show at the Target Center during the Ragged Glory tour. You can hear it on the awesome Young boot, Warpath, where it takes up 1/2 of disc 3 and all of disc 4. __________________ Blog -- Music -- Photos

October 7th, 2006, 09:14 PM	#40 (permalink)
Kingtone Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Camillus, NY Age: 50 Posts: 540 5 Photos	Neil Youngs music will always have a special place in my heart and soul. One of my favorite LPs is Decade. I remember the first time I heard Cortez on record,the words seemed to jump off the vinyl and swirl around me. I'll never forget that...