Mick's Playlist » Folk

Neil Young: After the Gold Rush

Mick — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 12:10:05 +0000

Let’s face it, Neil Young has one of the most annoying voices on the planet. His high tones remind of what a eunuch would sound like if they were to sing. But Neil Young has a gift for songwriting and makes that ridiculously high voice work to his advantage. It just goes to show that you don’t need to have the most beautiful voice in the world to be a successful musician; which brings hope to people like me.

If I could describe this album with one word, it would be ‘raw.’ Some of Young’s later works sound over-produced and too blocky. While listening though the album you’ll hear Young playing guitar, piano, and harmonica, all of which add a singer/songwriter feel to his music. This album is one Young’s best by a long shot.

After the Gold Rush was originally released in 1970, just a few months after Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s album Deja Vu. This album went gold only two months after its’ release, and then in 1986 it went double platinum. Though Harvest is helped make Young known to the world, Gold Rush may be considered his crown jewel.

Rating 5/5

Annie Lynch and the Beekeepers

Mick — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:38:13 +0000

This album, which is self titled, was a pleasant surprise. I had no idea what to expect when the album started, but from the first track Charlotte’s Web I was captivated.

Album Cover

Someone once told me that an accordion has no place in modern music. This may true in the sense that polka is not longer as popular as it once was (thankfully), Annie Lynch and other artists have really done a good job at reintroducing the instrument as a vital part to modern folk.

Their style is reminiscent of Nickelcreek, which is a pretty high standard to meet. If you are a fan of the Folk/Bluegrass genre, definitely add this to your playlist.

Eventually I could see this album receiving 5 points, as I’m sure I will continue to listen and enjoy, but for now I can only give it a 4 star rating.

Neil Young: Live at Massey Hall

Mick — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:20:56 +0000

Neil Young’s Live at Massey Hall is part of his private archive collection that has been released in recent years. This recording dates back to 1971 and was finally released to the public in 2007. I was never a fan of Neil Young, not because of distaste but from lack of exposure. While working at Starbucks when this album was released I had no choice but to listen. What had I missed out on all these years?

Since that time my Neil Young collection has expanded because of this one album. Where most times Young is with his band, Crazy Horse, Live at Massey Hall features a solo performance in the most laid back of ways. You are transported to the audience as everything is captured; from a comment about dropping a pick to detuning his guitar to a drop-D position, to stories about the origins of several songs.

This album is recommended for both fans of Neil Young and people who are not quite sure if they will enjoy his music. If you are a fan of the modern folk or singer/songwriter genres, this is definitely worth a listen. After going through this album, it is evident why Neil Young has the popularity and reputation that still thrives today.

Rating: 4/5