Great Songs!, November 15, 2003

Neil Young's basic appeal is that his music is so strong and tuneful. In his day, a good tune was what sold the song, literally and figuratively. He writes a memorable tune to accompany solid, honest lyrics. In this age of melodically-challenged popular musicians/songwriters, the 30-year-old "Tonight's The Night" stands in stark contrast as raw and honest, yes, but the tunes are very memorable, and are as strong and consistent as anything he's written. Ironically, in one song, the delicate "Borrowed Tune," Young acknowledges that its melody was taken "from The Rolling Stones," but their sophomoric lyric is replaced entirely by one of great beauty and honesty. Songs like "Mellow My Mind," and "New Mama" are in a similar vein, while others, like "Speakin' Out," "Albuquerque," and "Tired Eyes" lope along with an almost late-night, bluesy feel. The more upbeat numbers, which are not necessarily blazing rockers, "Roll Another Number (For The Road)," and "Come On, Baby, Let's Go Downtown" with a vocal by the late Crazy Horse guitarist, Danny Whitten, nevertheless bring the mood up and will have you rocking your way down the highway. If you're looking for polished, crafted work, look elsewhere, but if you want great songs, you've come to the right place. All told, there is little else like this record. It will likely be among the most-played in your collection.

Young's career has taken him from the middle of the road to the ditch at the side of the road (paraphrasing his own description), but unlike so many others, these trips were largely by design; following his muse wherever the mood strikes him. As a fan, it has been an interesting ride. He may not ever do what is expected, but he never disappoints, even if it takes the listener several years to catch up to him. Neil Young's work, and particularly this collection, deserves a prominent place in any music-lover's collection.