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Neil Young Then and Now

Posted by: Jeff Woods | Nov 12 2009 7:00AM
Updated: Nov 12 2009 7:10AM

Last night I put on Decade, the classic double album best-of from Neil Young. It has been a long time staple in the Woods residence.

Cortez the Killer just does something to me. It came on my 'shuffle' the morning I was driving home from my first date with the woman I'm about to marry, which needless to say, made it all the more poignant.

And a song like The Campaigner. Who but Neil Young would have gone against the grain and said something positive about Richard Nixon??? ('even Richard Nixon has got soul').

To me, other than David Bowie, no solo artist has been more profilic and more interesting, than Neil Young.

High on my list of 'perfect songs perfectly recorded' is Neil's 'Heart of Gold'. One of those that never gets old, despite 10 million spins on radio.

If you have never seen it - this early live performance is a must.

"It's very confusing, I just started playing this and I get my thumb caught in this all the time".

Happy Birthday to Toronto born, Neil Young, 64 today.

Cheers,

Jeff.

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Filed Under: Legends of Classic Rock

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COMMENTS (7)

Star
RE:Neil Young Then and Now
Nov 20 2009 9:44PM
Right On!! I luv him. I was fortunate to see him perform live in 2008. He was awesome! I agree, Bowie is a very unique artist. Was also fortunate to see him in 2003. He has always been ahead of the times. Rock On, Jeff.

Jeff Woods: Cheers S.

sharron
RE:Neil Young Then and Now
Nov 14 2009 11:37AM
Wow you are the best what memory's you bring back. I want to live searching for a heart of gold. Yes we are all getting older.

Jeff Woods: older, and better :)

Mike Hansford
RE:Neil Young Then and Now
Nov 12 2009 2:01PM
Neil is also my all time favourite. Seems I have been listening to him almost 40 years. Gone through three or four copies of Harvest. His songs will live forever, saw him last spring in London, he played so many songs, mostly his older material, another fabulous show. Doesn't matter what he is playing, in my mind, he never disappoints. Can't wait to see him the next time he is around, doesn't matter who he plays with. Happy Birthday Neil

Jeff Woods: Cheers Mike.

Mexdale
RE:Neil Young Then and Now
Nov 12 2009 12:08PM
Well a hearty HAPPY Birthday to Neil Young.Keep doing what your doing.You will always have my ear. Cortez the Killer also hits me pretty hard.The summer before i married my fabulous Mexican wife my bro and i were at Molson Park for Neil and the Hip.When he started playing Cortez i got all teary eyed.At the exact moment 2 attractive women approached us and i just got up and walked away.My bro was pissed with me but he saw just exactly where my head was at.HAPPY BIRTHDAY NEIL "LONG MAY YOU RUN"

Jeff Woods: Great story. Thanks Mex.

VME
RE:Neil Young Then and Now
Nov 12 2009 9:06AM
Yes, Neil is quite special. A true preformer and entertainer. His career is a storied one as well as a turbulent one. He has managed to remain relatively sane and unchanged, his music is golden! Not many people in the music industry can claim that "New Trends" have had little effect on the music they make, Mr Young can, and if you listen to his lyrics and the music the raspy, raw music is still there from the early days. True artisan he is!

Jeff Woods: Cheers Vince. Well put. The only thing I would add with all respect, is that Neil was influenced by new trends, not that it's been a bad thing to some. Consider for instance the experimental 'Trans' as well as his pairing with Pearl Jam. True artisan indeed. Gracias.

debbie m/over 25yrlistner
RE:Neil Young Then and Now
Nov 12 2009 9:02AM
Hi Jeff, "Old man take a look at my life Im alot like you" For some reason every time I hear this I think of my Dad who is no longer with me and the song tweeks my heart. cheers

Jeff Woods: Nice. Thanks.

Elaine
RE:Neil Young Then and Now
Nov 12 2009 7:50AM
he is a monument to my youth!

Jeff Woods: :)

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Since 2001, Jeff Woods has given classic rock fans the stories behind the music that defined a generation. Combining a mix of album tracks and hits, rarities and live recordings, Legends brings you the colour and content that will bring back tons of memories and deepen your appreciation for the greatest music of the past 40 years. The Legends of Classic Rock debuted in 2001 on radio station Classic Rock Q107 Toronto. Since then it's taken a life of its own. Consider: More than 270 different one hour episodes have been produced, making it the premiere Classic Rock documentary produced in Canada. More than 1,000 one-minute daily features have been written and produced. Legends of Classic Rock is syndicated on virtually every major Classic Rock station and website in Canada.
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