Neil Young - Harvest Moon

When Neil Young seems about to zig, he zags. Two years after 1990's loud Ragged Glory, he retreats to an old world of steel guitars, gentle folk melodies, and pristine country choruses. (That's Linda Ronstadt, who helped make 1972's Harvest a hit album, singing backup on the follow-up.) Young name-drops Hank Williams, Jimi Hendrix, and his old dog, King, in rich reminiscences about the musical ride he and his fans have shared since the late '60s. The album, as Young sings in "One of These Days," is "a long letter to all the good friends I've known." --Steve Knopper Amazon.com

Neil Young - Sequal To Harvest

After experiencing a huge commercial comeback at the start of the decade with the "Ragged Glory" album, Young did another 360 and released what is essentially a sequel to his most popular album of the 70's "Harvest". Like the original, "Harvest Moon" is the folk, country Neil Young with him and his band using mostly acoustic instruments and arrangements. In fact the backing musicians and singers on "Harvest Moon" are many of the same that he used on the original "Harvest" album including Ken Buttery, Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor, Nicolette Larson, and others. The album is very subdued and mellow. There are no "godfather of grunge" tunes to be found on this one. Highlights include "Unknown Legend", "From Hank To Hendrix", "Harvest Moon", "War Of Man", and the 10 minute "Natural Beauty". The amount that you like this album will probably depend on which of Neil's many incarnations you prefer. I tend to like the more rocking Young, but I can also enjoy his acoustic side which this album serves up like an old comfortable shoe. A few of these tunes have been around for a while and have appeared on other albums ("Decade" and "Unplugged"). The album is not a classic, but good solid acoustic Neil Young. August 14, 2008

Harvest Moon ,Not Perfect

Harvest Moon is a great album,you can't beat Unknown Legend,Natural Beauty,You And Me,all instant Neil Young classic's.The problem with Harvest Moon,some of the song's on here,not the best Neil Young melodies and wouldn't be missed if they were left out,for example the klunker,Old King,or the boring way to mellow,Such A Woman,and Dreamin' Man is not to far from this category.Harvest Moon,not quite the perfect Neil Young recording,just good. June 23, 2008

One of his best.

Simply put, I never tire of listening to this album. Neil Young has many great albums in many different styles but this one has such a fine mixture of simple sounds, engaging rhythms and moving words that it stands out as one of his best. Classic Neil Young sound and writing. If you're like me you'll find yourself singing along on at least one song every time you listen. January 27, 2008

Reaping Harvest Rewards...........

Hi people! I'm back for another review! .......Well, don't all jump up with joy at the same time! :( Anyway, I forgot to tell you a story about this last Christmas. Sometimes your Metamorpho, in his dreamstate, has his molecular energy substance transported to all sorts of places. Anyway, Christmas day I found myself in a Lionel train caboose. I foolishly thought I was under the tree. But, no. I was in one of Neil Young's massive, trailer-long train set ups. As you all know, he is a great hobbyist for this sort of thing. The scenery and ice-capped mountains were very life-like. Why, he even had a harvest moon hanging in the sky! I almost totally enjoyed all this except for that stupid mechanical coyote that wouldn't leave me alone. Yes, yes.... I enjoy hobbies too. But I can do without the fang bites, thank-you. ;)
Well, what about "Harvest Moon", you might ask? Well, with Neil you never really know what new direction he will go in. But, with this album I think it's safe to say that it is mainly an acoustic adventure. Everything here is understated and deceptively elementary. But, I just don't know. With Neil you think the lyrics are very simple and then, after a few listenings, you begin to realize the depth in his songs. Very considerable artist.
Now, none of these songs will grate your nerves. They rely on acoustic guitar, slide guitar, banjo, harmonica, piano, moderate bass and drums. You will not be hit over the head with any of these tunes. You can actually see yourself sitting on the front porch somewhere in the American frontier as Neil drops by, with friends, for a musical evening. I think it's that intimate.
And what is contained herein you may ask? How bold. To me, it conveys how we envision ourselves and how we envision our lives to be. He writes of daydreams, aspirations, longings and regrets - and alot about love. That is what is so rich about his music, especially here. He gives you backdrops but it's up to you to provide your own answers.
In "Unknown Legend" he relates the tale of a woman who was really something in her youth but, reality and life set in. Still, in that perfect memory, she still rides that Harley Davidson and is an unknown legend in Neil's mind. Who are we really? What other's tell us? What we believe to be so? Or what dreams tell us? I warned you that Neil would test your brain cells, and mine are screaming now! ;)
"From Hank to Hendrix" is a sad song relating a divorce to come and asking if there isn't a way to avoid it. I especially like the way he bookmarks change in relating the growth the couple has gone through. From Hank to Hendrix, from Marilyn to Madonna - they survived so much together through those times. Neil just has that succinct way of putting it. I, also like the line "the same thing that makes you live, can kill you in the end". He knows just how to sneak those gem lyrics in people.
Some other standouts would be "Harvest Moon" that exudes easy going celebration that people do stay in love. "One of These Days" finds Neil writing a letter to friends who have become disconnected over time. I especially like the double meaning of "it won't be long". Does he mean the day, the letter, or both? With Neil, alot of the time it's left up to your own interpretation.
I almost forgot that in "You and Me" Neil includes a melody almost identical to "Old Man" on his "Harvest" album. A subtle, or not so subtle way in which these two are connected.
My only objection to this album is that although most of the tunes are excellent and laid back, there are times when it is too laid back. It could have used a bounce every now and again, but that is just me. Nothing at this point could detract from his artistry. This is a fine collection of songs and shows Neil maturing in all the right areas.
In closing, you are probably wondering how I made it out of that caboose and trailer? Well people, never underestimate the power of a crafty Seer. No. When Neil came in to feed the coyote, I made my attempt at a getaway. Unfortunately, he caught me. Fortunately, I was able to use my superb Seer social skills and abject hand-wringing to my advantage. He let me go. But, I'll always wonder if it was my great method acting or my promise of a good review that did the trick. With Neil Young, you never know. ;) 4 1/2 stars. A solid, superb effort.

railing as usual - your precocious. Metamorpho

January 6, 2008

Truly a special album

There's something about this album that really made me fall in love with Neil Young again. Who would have guessed that such a masterpiece of his would come in 1992? This is an absolute timeless piece of music that takes you back in time because of it's nostalgic sound that Young mastered. Vocally, this album is spot on with the smooth and echoed harmonies and musically the somber key signatures, reverb, and steel guitar come together in perfect symphony.

This album is special and you can clearly hear that from the very beginning. If you're even considering this album I have this one piece of advice: Get your hands on Harvest Moon right away. October 18, 2007

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