Neil Young: Live at Massey Hall

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
4 Records

2009
07/10
CATEGORY
Classic Rock
Folk
Singer/Songwriter
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Wilco: Wilco (the Album)

I first became a Wilco fan with their Yankee Hotel Foxtrot back in 2002.  I remember one of my friends (or so I thought) told me after seeing the album cover that I wouldn’t like the band.  Were they ever wrong… jerks.  So it wasn’t until a couple years later that I actually got a chance to listen to Wilco.

I have to admit that A Ghost Is Born was disappointing.  Sky Blue Sky made a decent recovery, but Wilco (the Album) has blown the socks off of all its predecessors.  Particularly once the third track (One Wing) started, I was instantly won over.

Jeff Tweedy’s vocals still have that authentic sound that is what helps give Wilco their distinct sound.  Wilco (the Album) delivers a solid performance, one of the best I have heard this year. 

They are still defining who they are as a band, but that shows that they are not afraid of maturing as musicians (unlike so many other bands that exist today doing the same thing over and over).  Because of this, I have a high respect for the band not only in their music, but also as artists.

Rating: 4/5
4 Records

2009
07/09
CATEGORY
Alternative
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Bon Iver: For Emma, Forever Ago

One of the greatest things about music is finding those pieces of gold in the mountain.  Bon Iver’s For Emma, Forever Ago is definitely one of those pieces as it continues to be one of my favorite albums of all time.  Iver goes about performing in a very simple manner throughout the album, however, every piece fits perfectly together.

With the high melodies soaring over the modern folk instruments, Bon Iver has managed to create a unique sound and his own identity as a musician.  The closest thing I could compare him to is Iron & Wine, but even then there is a sharp contrast.  This album has a very natural, unproduced sound that makes for one of the most enjoyable listens I have had in recent years.

Rating: 5/5
5 Records

2009
07/04
CATEGORY
Modern Folk
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Jose Gonzalez: In Our Nature

In Our Nature is Jose Gonzalez’ second major release.  This Swedish singer/songwriter has been gracing us with beautiful guitar melodies since he his the scene.  His vocals (like most music) are not done in a way that is supported by the band.  Rather, Gonzalez seems to make everything go together to make one great piece of music.

Two noteworthy songs on this album are “Down The Line” (see below), and “Killing for Love.”  Often times I will find myself singing phrases from these songs as I go about my day, and it always brings a smile to my face.

Rating: 4/5
4 Records

2009
06/26
CATEGORY
Modern Folk
Singer/Songwriter
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Death Cab for Cutie: Narrow Stairs

Another album by one of today’s most appealing bands, Death Cab for Cutie.  At first I was a little thrown off with a song that front-man Ben Gibbard sang almost entirely solo.  Soon I was taken on an adventure through a band that really does well with dynamics.

Every album progresses and shows the bands ability to not only continually put out a quality recording, but also the band’s ability to grow musically, which keeps fans waiting for the next thing.  Their latest release has (dare I say) even topped Plans and Transatlanticism, which is hard to believe.

Though Narrow Stairs is on the short side for a full length album, it is well worth picking up.  I found myself hitting the play button again after the first listen… and the second.

Rating: 4/5
4 Records

2009
06/25
CATEGORY
Alternative
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