What can I say about Neil that hasn’t been said already? Few artists possess the intense purity and passion of voice and song such as Neil Young. I suppose it’s not easy for Neil being Neil; that is, how do you begin to appease the expectations of nearly 4 generations of fans who all love something different about Neil and his music. For me, “I Believe in You” was the highlight of the evening. His new songs are probably some of the best stuff he has written in years (Daniel Lanois [U2 "Joshua Tree"] is producing the new album due later this year. Was that an old Gretsch Neil pulled out for “Ohio”? Something tells me he first bought that guitar here in Winnipeg back in ’62…amazing sound!
If there were any disappoitments, it had nothing to do with Neil. Too many people talking during the show, too many people who can’t sit still for a lousy 90 minutes, too many people who can’t hold their liquor. Nobody’s saying you can’t express your appreciation for the performer and the performance, however save the screaming for when the song is finished. Unlike a big arena show with Crazy Horse, there is a certain decorum one needs to observe for an intimate performance such as last night’s show.
