Released in 1969, Young's second solo album also marks the debut of his collaborations with backing band Crazy Horse. Fresh from his success with Buffalo Springfield and the release of his eponymous debut, this is the first LP to really showcase the unique sound Young would develop during this period. Opener "Cinnamon Girl" is one of Young's very finest songs, pretty folk music with a melody that you'll never forget and Young's broken voice bringing an emotional pull to the otherwise quietly simplistic composition. "Round & Round" is purpose built for extended jamming between Young and Crazy Horse members, Danny Whitten (Guitar), Billy Talbot (Bass) and Ralph Molina (Drums) - a truly awesome proposition as anybody with a love for quality rock & roll will agree - and also features Robin Lane on vocals (who would go on to front the Chartbusters). "Down By The River" is another of Young's very best moments as a composer, a nine minute epic with a storyline like some sort of John Ford western, it's been covered several times but here in its original form is at it's most powerful, brokenhearted and surreal. The other true classic contained on the album, "Cowgirl In The Sand", is perhaps the least known but no less essential, another epic that contains some beautiful interplay, the understanding between the musicians almost telepathic, and Young still plays the song live showing how much this material still appeals to infamously difficult star. Though more consistent albums were to come, in the context of Young's career this record still remains one of his best, the powerful songs are testament to his immense talent, something Young has always struggled with, yet he is the master of making Americana enjoyable for everybody, and for that we owe a great debt. Essential.
This version is part of the ‘Neil Young Archives Official Release Series’ of classic Neil Young albums remastered from the original
analog master tapes. Released in August 2009
|
