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Neil Young - Prairie Wind Audio CD

A fair review of the Neil Young "Prairie Wind" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all Neil Young reviews here, or go back to the Neil Young tabs.

Neil Young Band: Neil Young
Title: Prairie Wind
Rating:
Release Date: 2005-09-27
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: Painter 2: No Wonder 3: Falling Off the Face of the Earth 4: Far From Home 5: It's A Dream 6: Prairie Wind 7: Here For You 8: This Old Guitar 9: He Was the King 10: When God Made Me

He's not just older, he's better
I find myself singing the songs in my head long after listening. This is a wonderful album. His writing has matured along with us and the song topics just fit our generation. MUsic is beautiful and haunting.


Looking back through the prairie wind
" "The Painter" quietly offers up laid-back but nostalgic lyrics sung in a wary, classic Neil Young voice; a beautiful slide guitar intersperses the gentle guitar plucking; light drums and a dependable bass lend weight to the composition. The breezy, mellow feel to the opening song on this CD, "The Painter," perfectly sets the pace and tone of "Prairie Wind. Undoubtedly, "Prairie Wind" was an ideal title for this album. The following tune, "No Wonder," contains a darker sound, but the song's lyrics uphold the naturistic feel of the CD, and convey a sense of one's own mortality.

The down-home instrumentation and vocals make it seem as if these tunes could be played on the rustic porch of a windswept prairie in the middle of nowhere. "Falling Off the Face of the Earth" is an example of Young's amazing ability to mesmerize simplistically, without bells and whistles. Whether he's rocking out electrically with his Crazy Horse band or playing lighter fare, as on "Falling," many of Young's songs have a way of sneakily sucking you in in a catchy, repetitive manner that's lulling, both vocally and musically. On some of Young's tunes, seven minutes have passed by before you realize it; but somehow, the composition doesn't drag.

Not all of "Prairie Wind" is soothing Western ballads played on the Badlands. "Far From Home" has a good-time, old-fashioned vibe that's endearing like an enjoyable family reunion; the title track dares to flex its acoustic muscle with hardened but longing lyrics and great backing vocals by a slew of talented female musicians; "He Was the King," a tune about Elvis in all his incarnations, is pure rock and roll fun, while "When God Made Me" is a piano-soaked gospel relic that questions just as much as it faithfully believes.

As poignant as all these songs are, perhaps none are more so than the sublime "This Old Guitar," sung and played plaintively by Young, but somehow stirring up emotion by the truckload. The song is indicative of this entire heartwarming album, which thrives on simplicity, feeling and easy hooks. .


It's Better Than "Silver and Gold"
I'm simply someone who was introduced to Neil Young's music by a friend, some 15 years ago. First off, I'm no Neil Young expert. I don't own every Neil album- not even close. But Young fascinates me, and when he releases the kind of album that I think I'll like, I buy it.
This doesn't strike me as the 3rd piece to a Harvest trilogy. Neither did "Silver and Gold". But this album comes closer to ranking with the 2 'Harvest' classics. There's a lot more depth and added instrumentation to this album.
Some of the best: "No Wonder" is a powerful 911 song that even quotes Chris Rock, of all people. "Falling Off the Face of the Earth" is classic Neil, with brooding verses, and high intricate melodies that only Neil could reach in the chorus. "This Old Guitar" is the best track on the album, and would've fit right in on "Harvest Moon". It's in the "Hank to Hendrix" vein, and also features Emmylou Harris on harmony (oh, sweet Emmy). The somber "When God Made Me" closes the album and includes a gospel chorus.
Two tracks, the title cut and "Far From Home", kind of threw me for a loop because they included horns. At first, it seemed blasphemous. Neil Young? With horns? But after a few listens, you realize it works, particularly on the bluesy, bouncy, title track.
The only thing I really don't like about the album is "He Was the King". Do we really need to hear another song about Elvis? It's carefree, fun, and actually not that bad. It's just a personal pet peeve. He wanted to throw something on here that wasn't so serious, but it just doesn't feel like it belongs.
All in all, a solid album that I won't hesitate to play. Especially in October and November, when I get in my 'Neil' moods. :) .


Generations
I am a seasoned Neil Young fan and I am excited to order his Prairie Wind concert DVD for my 30-year-old son, who has music ambitions of his own. I too recently saw Neil Young and his friends perform on Shotime at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Neil Young has so much to teach this generation and I am comfortable with the way he models for our young music aspirants. .


Pretty Neil
Even after classic after classic , Neil still can write a beautiful melody. Strong , pretty melodies. Lyrically intelligent and musically brilliant. Another keeper from Mr. Eclectic.


You can see a complete list of all Neil Young discography, or go back to the Neil Young tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.

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