Customer Reviews
Arrgh...
g. The original version of "Living with War," with its choir, has its charms, and some songs on it just don't work as well without the extra voices (e. the "flip flop" section of "Let's Impeach The President").
That being said, it's inarguable that once you remove the non-rock choir section, you're left with pure rock. Pure Neil Young rock. Cherry.
However -- what the hell is up with Neil Young releasing two versions of everything recently? "Greendale" comes to mind. Don't like having to buy two versions of the same album.
Living with War
What is ment by that is the return of authentic Neil, this is his first album in several years that is fully impassioned. Neil Young-Living With War *****
Released in 2006 and Living With War was the return of Neil Young. You can since the ergency in Youngs songs here. Living With War is an album of satire and propaganda that you are either going to love or hate, there will be no middle ground with this album and Young lost and gained a number of fans over this album as well. Being a Canadian Young took a bold risk by making an entire album critisizing the American government. Now if he were to make an album about the Canadian parliment maybe that would be more suitable but then again Neil Young is about as American as you can get. This was a move I did not give a chance at first but then decided if I am a real Neil Young fan I will give it a chance and did and loved it.
Released in packaging that resembles a paper sack for authenticity and minimalism, which is what the entire album is about. It opens with 'After The Garden' a song about what will happen when the world ends in a nuclear holocaust. It is a rockin' track and one that really sets the pace for the album. Easily on of Neils better tracks as of late. 'Living With War,' the title trackis written from a soilders point of view. It is another great song witha chorus sure to grab your attention. 'The Restless Consumer' is easily the best song Young has released since Ragged Glory. With his patent harmonies as only his voice can deliver, and his conviction even if you disagree with what he is saying he makes you want to believe in it, and if you ask me that is the mark of a great song. The great guitar playing during the song is classic Neil Young. Destend to become and anthem is 'Shock And Awe. ' A killer track with anthemic chorus' andpower resembling the power of the Young classic 'Rockin In The Freeworld' from the freedom album. The song speaks of days past with a less corrupt government so to speak. 'Families' is a great song with lots of good guitar work and great vocals, especially the harmonies. But the song does not realy do much to stand out on the album. 'Flags Of Freedom' is a great song. A song of hope and desperation at the same time. Speaking of the youth and how they have a voice and a choice to make and need to use both to change what needs to change. 'Lets Impeach The President' is forced and contrived to say the least. Though it does make the point, calling George W. Bush a Flip-Flopper but I just wish the song would have been written better, but the use of audio clips from Bush's speaches does add a nice touch. The song is entertaining to say the least even though it does stretch a little. 'Lookin For A Leader' is a personal favorite. It is a plea for a leader, a real, great upstanding leader of the old days to come and help rebuild the country and take it to the full potential. 'Roger And Out' is a slower song with some heavy guitar. One of the best songs on the album, easily. While the song is still slightly political it is really loosly political because there is much more subject matter behind it then just the government. The album ends with 'America The Beautiful' which is sung with an entire chior and done wonderfully. It is a really sentimental and touching way to end an album that is anything but that.
While I may not totally agree with Youngs views on the country (though some I do), and even though he is not an American citizen he does live in America and this album shows that. He clearly knows what he is singing about and you can really tell that the man loves his country. For those who say Neil has no buisness making and album like this and that this is not him, he is just an old hippie and it is about time that he released a politicaly charged album, and because he waited so long I am convinced that is why it turned out as fabulous as it did. This album is highly recomended.
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Bernie in TO
There is nothing remotely "raw" here, just a background vocals stripped version of the original recording. Does anyone really need this disc? As an avid fan for 30 years or more and possesing most of the catalogue it is disheartening to find ol' Neil putting out a purely redundant disc such as this. True, the more austere sound here makes for a more personal, vunerable listen than the original. But it is not the raw we expect from ol' Shakey. Raw is Mirrorball, raw is Baby What You Want Me To Do, that old Jimmy Reed tune that fills out Broken Arrow. "Raw" is a case of misleading advertising, pure and simple. His fans deserve better.
. You can see a complete list of all Neil Young discography, or go back to the Neil Young tabs
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