Main Forums => Artists => Topic started by: Fredmando on March 19, 2007, 06:06:03 AM

Title: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: Fredmando on March 19, 2007, 06:06:03 AM
Ok, I have mixed feelings about live albums. Sometimes, the bands or performers change the arrangements of my favorite songs or the sound isn't quite up to par. So, I wasn't really expecting a lot when I pulnked down the cash for the CD/DVD set of this Neil collection.
All I can say is "wow." The audio is amazing and makes me want to dig out a turntable. They say that Neil won't release anything with questionable sound quality. That is part of the reasn it has taken him so long to put together his boxed sets.
I like this CD a lot and don't realy want to share it with my friends who are "so-so" Neil fans, you know? The DVD is awesome and I won't spoil it for you. The concert footage is good, but the rest is creative as hell.
I am very glad my best friend gave me a bad copy of Decade 20 some years ago. This is a "Major Find" in the "CDAS" books!
:nana_guitar
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: ronmac on March 19, 2007, 07:08:30 AM
I'll have to see if I can snag a copy. Thanks for the review.
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: Denis on March 19, 2007, 07:12:16 AM
Quote from: Fredmando on March 19, 2007, 06:06:03 AM
Ok, I have mixed feelings about live albums. Sometimes, the bands or performers change the arrangements of my favorite songs or the sound isn't quite up to par. So, I wasn't really expecting a lot when I pulnked down the cash for the CD/DVD set of this Neil collection.
All I can say is "wow." The audio is amazing and makes me want to dig out a turntable. They say that Neil won't release anything with questionable sound quality. That is part of the reasn it has taken him so long to put together his boxed sets.
I like this CD a lot and don't realy want to share it with my friends who are "so-so" Neil fans, you know? The DVD is awesome and I won't spoil it for you. The concert footage is good, but the rest is creative as hell.
I am very glad my best friend gave me a bad copy of Decade 20 some years ago. This is a "Major Find" in the "CDAS" books!
:nana_guitar

Hey Fred, I just picked this up on Friday and did some listening over the weekend.  I've been listening to Neil Young for years and years as well and this is one of my favorite albums now.  Obviously the songs we've all heard before but the "unplugged" versions on this CD/DVD are more intimate, more personal.  You really feel like he's sitting there, playing it just for you.  And the songs...wow, Cowgirl in the Sand gives me goosebumps just thinking about it, Old Man, Needle and the Damage Done, Down by the River, Ohio, Helpless...awesome.  I love this album and I think even casual Neil Young fans should pick it up.  
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: jimmy buffett on March 19, 2007, 07:56:38 AM
When I first read about the upcoming release of this CD, I circled the release date on my calandar, because I was there!  I took my girlfriend at the time to see Neil do this solo concert at Massey Hall, and over the years I have read many articles that refernce this event.

One memory that stuck with me was how NY had dropped his pick leading into a song (Helpless), and every single time I drop my own pick I am reminded of seeing him do this live in concert.  Never forgot it over these 36 years and I was dying to see if this was included in the live CD.  Well guess what, it was!  Way too cool...

Anyway, I agree with the above comments.  I'm not a big fan of live recordings, but I have played this one several times over the past week and I appreciate it a little more each time it's played.  Since many of these tunes were being played live prior to their eventual release, we never knew that  many of these songs would go on to become NY classics.  Kind of like the wallpaper of your life at the time.  I haven't played the DVD yet, but I highly recomend this set for NY fans.

I wonder what ever happened to the girl...

jimmy
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: Fredmando on March 19, 2007, 10:00:32 AM
Denis--
Yeah, I think the album really grows on you. It's not a "greatest hits" by any means, but the quality is right in your face.
The DVD is quite the deal. It reminded me of the Jonathan Demme approach in the Neil movie.
Jimmy, that is a great story. I think that must have been some concert. I have met Neil Young before and he is quite a guy.
I have seen him with Crazy Horse and solo--during his country period and all out rock. It's something to see this DVD after reading David Crosby's second autobiography. Crosby is closer to Nash as far as frienship, but he talks about how much common sense and talent Neil has.
But, I listened to this Massey Hall CD and I thought "where has this been hiding for over 30 years?"
Great stuff!!!
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: Fredmando on March 20, 2007, 05:52:48 AM
Hey, does anyone know which Martins Young is playing in the Massey Hall concert? I think it would have been too early for the Hank Williams Martin, right? I heard that Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young all bought consecutively numbered D-35's...is that right?
Anyway, I love how his low-E string is tuned so low it is flopping! :roll
File that under "don't try this at home!"
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: Denis on March 20, 2007, 07:09:36 AM
Quote from: Fredmando on March 20, 2007, 05:52:48 AM
Hey, does anyone know which Martins Young is playing in the Massey Hall concert? I think it would have been too early for the Hank Williams Martin, right? I heard that Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young all bought consecutively numbered D-35's...is that right?
Anyway, I love how his low-E string is tuned so low it is flopping! :roll
File that under "don't try this at home!"

Not D-35's but D-45.  Look on the back of the album, that's one of the four CSNY had made back in ...69 I think.  I think it's a D-28 that he's playing most of the time.  I'm not sure if it's the Hank Williams D-28 though....can you even imagine what kind of feeling it must be to play that guitar?  I remember reading that the D-45 is what he's used for all his studio recordings ever since he's owned it. 

I like the album more and more as I listen to it Fred.  Cowgirl in the Sand  and Don't let it bring you down just suck you right in.  What a phenominal songwriter.  One of the best that ever came out of Canada along with Joni Mitchell, Robbie Robertson and Gordon Lightfoot. 
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: Fredmando on March 20, 2007, 01:07:57 PM
Neil said in an interview that he loaned his tour bus to Willie Nelson once and left Hank's guitar in the master bedroom for Willie to play.
Talk about a generous guy!
Nothing against Willie, but would you let him play your gutar? Look at the "helicoptor" marks on what is left of Willie's guitar top! :roll
Yeah, the album is awesome. A friend of mine didn't like the seguay from "A Man Needs A Maid" to "Heart of Gold." I thought it worked well, but the Maid song is not my favorite Neil tune.
The sound...I can't get over the sound.
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: fado on March 20, 2007, 02:02:46 PM
I've never been a NY fanatic but I've always been able to appreciate his genius. Having said that, I absolutely love this CD. It sounds fantastic. It's been getting heavy rotation on the CD player at home. Even the kids are starting to pick up on the chorus'.

Rob
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: Fredmando on March 22, 2007, 05:29:36 AM
Hey, I did some reading up on the Net and found that this album was supposed to be the follow up to "After The Gold Rush." Young's longtime producer, David Briggs, really wanted this album to come out as a bridge between Gold Rush and Harvest. I guess Young won out and Harvest was released instead. That explains the excellent sound on this CD. Again, I can't believe work like this was been in a vault for all of these years.
I had a friend of mine listen to it yesterday--a friend who is a real guitar player and performs in some local groups. He was taken by the sound and we launched into a great conversation about "micing" guitars in the old days versus the pick-up system of present day. This all reminds me of my brother and I experimenting with a CD versus vinyl on his Thorens turntable. We were listening to Rush 2112 thorugh headphones, JBL speakers and comparing the two. Granted that the early days of CD recording was kind of touch and go, you can really hear the difference between most CD's and vnyl.
Anyway, I wonder if the fact that this master was on reel-to-reel tape helped the sound quality of the Neil CD?
--Fred
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: jimmy buffett on March 22, 2007, 07:46:36 AM
...and one week after it's release, this CD is now the top selling disc in Canada!  After all these years, I guess we jusy cain't get enough of Neil and his down home sound.

jimmy
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: canoe65 on March 22, 2007, 02:03:18 PM
About a month ago I bought Neil Young's "Heart of Gold' DVD and it is amazing ... often more than 4-5 guitar attack ... "Comes A Time" ... "One Of These Days" ... "Four Strong Winds"... awesome stuff.

Just yesterday, I picked up Young's 1971 Massey Hall CD/DVD set and ... all I can say to anyone who doesn't have it is, "Get It".

The new Massey Hall Solo effort has a mix of some of his greatest songs (circa 1971) and Neil does an incredible job on some songs that I am less familiar with.

AND I've only listened to the CD.  My friends tell me that when I can get a chance to see the DVD part of the 2-disc set ... I will really be amazed. ... Neil Young ... solo ...  acoustic ... WOW !!    :thumbsup
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: Fredmando on March 23, 2007, 07:24:23 AM
Canoe, you have some very smart friends!! :nana_guitar
Happy Friday Neil Fans!!!! :donut :donut2
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: canoe65 on March 23, 2007, 08:29:40 AM
Quote from: Fredmando on March 23, 2007, 07:24:23 AM
Canoe, you have some very smart friends!! :nana_guitar

Fredmando,

I DO have some smart friends ... a wife of 32 years that, once in a while, slows down and lets me catch her ... three kids that aren't costing me as much as they used to ... the Neil Young 'Live' CD/DVD ... the Larrivée Guitar Forum ... AND my Larrivée L-03 ... I have been blessed and LIFE is very GOOD !!   :cheers
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: Tycho on March 23, 2007, 08:31:24 AM
I really love this album in the week or so that I've had it. 

The DVD that comes with it is quirky Neil at his quirkiest.
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: Fredmando on March 23, 2007, 08:56:12 PM
Quote from: canoe65 on March 23, 2007, 08:29:40 AM
Fredmando,

I DO have some smart friends ... a wife of 32 years that, once in a while, slows down and lets me catch her ... three kids that aren't costing me as much as they used to ... the Neil Young 'Live' CD/DVD ... the Larrivée Guitar Forum ... AND my Larrivée L-03 ... I have been blessed and LIFE is very GOOD !!   :cheers

Canoe--
I've had a long week and your message made me grin. Man, 32 years is something to cherish and be very, very proud of. So, thanks for reminding me of how good life is. I've been married 10 years and I wish I would have met my wife when I was 20.
The L-03 rules.
I listend to Decade today and I really love that collection of Neil's work. But, the "in your face" sound of the Massey Hall CD keeps pulling me back.
Thanks for sharing!
Fred
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: Celticjam on March 24, 2007, 09:25:58 AM
Neil has always been one of my favorites since I was in 8th grade (35 years ago!).  My best friend's brother got "Harvest" for Christmas that year and we wore it out.  This cd has the "Neil is in my house" feel.  If ever there was an album to use to figure out tab and chords, this is it. It feels like you can just reach out and grab the notes. I just love listening to him tune that guitar...better than an electronic tuner.

This cd is moving into the top ten of my desert island picks.

Kevin
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: myom on March 26, 2007, 01:02:40 PM
If you are reading this and you don't have this CD yet, I can only assume you aren't a fan. :tongue: This is by far the best live album I've heard, and one I'll treasure for years. Go buy it! Being a young man, I've never had the chance to see him live, so this is the next best thing! :smile:
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: Celticjam on March 26, 2007, 01:43:32 PM
This cd is giving me a big GAS pain!! I need a big rosewood Martin...ARGGG! Neil ain't dead yet and he still plays some great live stuff.

Kevin
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: jcbuggs on March 26, 2007, 04:53:11 PM
Kevin,

I know exactly what you mean!!! Love the way the guitars sound on this CD. Just that big ol' Martin and Neil. Doesn't get much better than that for me.

Joe
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: Fredmando on March 27, 2007, 05:00:03 AM
Quote from: Celticjam on March 26, 2007, 01:43:32 PM
This cd is giving me a big GAS pain!! I need a big rosewood Martin...ARGGG! Neil ain't dead yet and he still plays some great live stuff.

Kevin

Kevin, I know exactly what you mean. I've been thinking the same thing since I first saw Neil's movie and then this CD only reinforced that.
He is pulling some real sound out of his Martins. :nana_guitar
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: Celticjam on March 27, 2007, 08:15:36 AM
I am no Neil, not by a long shot, but I went to a GC yesterday and played some D-28's...yikes!  I forgot how great they sound (rusty strings and all). The sound is still haunting me...I think I'm going to have to stop listening to Neil for awhile and start listening to some old Bruce Cockburn or Barenaked Ladies until I get some money. :crying: 

I'm still loving my Larrivees.

Kevin
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: Fredmando on March 28, 2007, 04:50:41 AM
Quote from: Celticjam on March 27, 2007, 08:15:36 AM
I am no Neil, not by a long shot, but I went to a GC yesterday and played some D-28's...yikes!  I forgot how great they sound (rusty strings and all). The sound is still haunting me...I think I'm going to have to stop listening to Neil for awhile and start listening to some old Bruce Cockburn or Barenaked Ladies until I get some money. :crying: 

I'm still loving my Larrivees.

Kevin

Yeah, but the Martins are different from the Larrivees I've played. I think the ideal collection would have a Martin, a Larrivee or two, a Gibson and a Taylor 12-string. But, my favorite Martins are the vintage and the D-41 special. I think I have that model right. It has a lot of bling on it and vintage bracing.
I also like the HD-28V's I have played.
--Fred
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: Denis on March 28, 2007, 07:43:06 AM
Quote from: Fredmando on March 28, 2007, 04:50:41 AM
Yeah, but the Martins are different from the Larrivees I've played. I think the ideal collection would have a Martin, a Larrivee or two, a Gibson and a Taylor 12-string. But, my favorite Martins are the vintage and the D-41 special. I think I have that model right. It has a lot of bling on it and vintage bracing.
I also like the HD-28V's I have played.
--Fred

Yeah, I like the HD-28V as well but the D-28 Marquis...huge, monstrous tone and volume.  I like you ideal collection except I am not a Taylor fan.  I've played a couple of their 12 strings and they are good but I would love to try a Larrivee 12 one day.

Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: Notchback on March 29, 2007, 10:48:48 AM
Well I have never listened to much Neil Young, but based on this thread I picked up a copy of this CD.  All I can say is wow.  I am blown away. 
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: Tycho on March 30, 2007, 02:43:07 PM
When I was 14, in 1971, I went to a friend's cottage on an early spring weekend.  Music wasn't portable in those days; all we had to listen to  was a big old reel-to-reel tape recorder and a tape containing three albums: the Dead's American Beauty, Neil's After the Gold Rush, and Elton John's Tumbleweed Connection.  That weekend made me a fan for life of Neil and the Dead.  (As for Elton...uh, well, I still think Tumbleweed Connection is a good album!)

I mention it because listening to Live at Massey Hall has brought me right back to what it felt like that weekend discovering Neil for the first time.
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: FNG on March 30, 2007, 03:22:04 PM
Quote from: Fredmando on March 28, 2007, 04:50:41 AM
Yeah, but the Martins are different from the Larrivees I've played. I think the ideal collection would have a Martin, a Larrivee or two, a Gibson and a Taylor 12-string. But, my favorite Martins are the vintage and the D-41 special. I think I have that model right. It has a lot of bling on it and vintage bracing.
I also like the HD-28V's I have played.
--Fred

I got serious GAS for a D-41 Special.   :guitar :guitar :guitar
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: Notchback on April 16, 2007, 11:39:38 AM
Hi there,

I'm a serious beginner... I have two or 3 songs that I am working on and starting to get down... Learning chords etc.  I picked up this CD and I would love to learn how to play a few of these tunes; "Old Man", "Ohio", "Helpless"... 

I was wondering anyone had a link or a lead on some tabs or chord charts for some of the songs on this CD...

I keep reading that NY stuff is easy and good for beginners... Listening to this CD makes me wonder how accurate that is.  The sounds he gets out of that guitar are amazing.  Lot's of little subtle notes in between chord changes and stuff... Walking bass lines, etc.  I would love to be able to learn some of that stuff.

I'm just hoping someone can point me in the right direction...

Thanks, and  :donut2 :coffee :donut for all..

Doug
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: Denis on April 16, 2007, 11:46:27 AM
Quote from: Notchback on April 16, 2007, 11:39:38 AM
Hi there,

I'm a serious beginner... I have two or 3 songs that I am working on and starting to get down... Learning chords etc.  I picked up this CD and I would love to learn how to play a few of these tunes; "Old Man", "Ohio", "Helpless"... 

I was wondering anyone had a link or a lead on some tabs or chord charts for some of the songs on this CD...

I keep reading that NY stuff is easy and good for beginners... Listening to this CD makes me wonder how accurate that is.  The sounds he gets out of that guitar are amazing.  Lot's of little subtle notes in between chord changes and stuff... Walking bass lines, etc.  I would love to be able to learn some of that stuff.

I'm just hoping someone can point me in the right direction...

Thanks, and  :donut2 :coffee :donut for all..

Doug

Lots of stuff here Doug:

http://www.hyperrust.org/
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: Notchback on April 16, 2007, 11:54:42 AM
Thanks Dennis... I will check it out :-)  :nana_guitar
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: ducktrapper on April 16, 2007, 02:07:48 PM
It's a fine chronicle and Neil's singing has never been better but am I only one who thought that the guitars(at times) didn't sound that great. Especially on some of the lower tunings. I think he would have sounded much better on a J45 or 50. Singers don't need that boominess like bluegrassers. Hey I also thought the Hank William's Martin on Prairie Wind sounded terrible so what do I know? Great CD and intimate concert though. One of the best from that period.   
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: Tycho on April 17, 2007, 09:28:30 AM
Mileage varies, as always.  I love the sound Neil gets out of those Martins.
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: Walkerman on April 20, 2007, 07:46:06 AM
Back in the day....very early 70's......I was partying around Isla Vista and stopped into a small record shop.  I snagged a copy of "Wooden Nickle"......it had a lot of the same stuff, except Heart of Gold was played on his guitar instead of the piano.  I ended up giving it to a visitor from Germany.  I didn't realize that I would never be able to find another copy...Massey Hall is a good replacement.
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: Caleb on April 23, 2007, 02:27:40 PM
Been a NY fan for years, but I don't own that much of his stuff for some reason. 

This thread caught my attention today because as I type this I'm listening to Prairie Wind, which I'm still deciding if I "like" or "love".  It's got some great sounds, but I'm having a hard time getting a true feel for the record.  I'll give it a few more spins.  Normally when I do a few more spins stuff starts leeping out that didn't appear to be there before. 

As far as Neil goes, I think he's a great songwriter and one of the most interesting acoustic players around.  Really simple stuff that sounds so tastefully done.  He truly plays for the song.  Now his electric playing.....I wouldn't give you a quarter for. 

I have heard through the years that he's a very tough boss to work for.  I've heard that he's walked off rehearsal stages and fired the whole lot at times for not taking things as serious as he'd like. Apparently if things are not perfect, he does into orbit.  How true that is, I'm not sure, but giving his history with CSNY, it is likley true.  He'd just dissapear from CSNY and the other guys wouldn't know if he was in or out.  He sounds like a truly strange guy.
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: guitargeorge on April 30, 2007, 03:55:36 PM
I too am a long time Neil fan and seen him many times in concert.  Overall I really like the Massey Hall release.  I am wondering why on some songs (DVD) you don't see Neil but an old reel to reel recorder.  Is that some kind of conceptual thing or were they lacking useable film footage on those songs?

One thing I noticed that I have not heard mentioned is peculiar.  It sounds like "Down by the River" is played in dropped D and that does not make sense since the song is in E minor.  It really sounds off to me and I wonder if Neil noticed it too late and decided to finish the song anyway or what?  Anybody else notice this?
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: Tycho on April 30, 2007, 04:19:56 PM
Quote from: guitargeorge on April 30, 2007, 03:55:36 PM
I too am a long time Neil fan and seen him many times in concert.  Overall I really like the Massey Hall release.  I am wondering why on some songs (DVD) you don't see Neil but an old reel to reel recorder.  Is that some kind of conceptual thing or were they lacking useable film footage on those songs?

I assumed it was the latter; for whatever reason the footage wasn't any good.
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: bucky1 on May 01, 2007, 04:50:50 AM
If you want to learn a bit more about Neil Young, I recommend that you read Shakey: Neil Young's Biography by James Mcdonough. There is a lot of information about his time in the recording studio, his time with CSNY, and his sole days. The author talks about Neil's trait of not using the best back up musicians. He also talks about Neil's long term project to release a box set of everything he ever recorded. It likely won't ever see the light of day from the way it is described. Did you know that he owned Lionel trains for a while? Maybe he still does.
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: jimmy buffett on May 01, 2007, 07:58:36 AM
Quote from: bucky1 on May 01, 2007, 04:50:50 AM
Did you know that he owned Lionel trains for a while? Maybe he still does.

I understand that NY created a monster train set in his shed so that he could put his energy to use, away from other more destructive hobbys.

I haven't seen the DVD of that concert yet (how lazy can you be when you can't even make time to watch TV?).  As far as the songs where you see only the tape recorder, I understand that these were the last 2 songs of the evening and they ran out of tape.  What is amazing to me is the fact that someone actually thought that it would be worthwhile to record this event.  I mean, what did they think they were going to do with the material.  This was long before anyone even thought of VCRs, and no one ever thought that you would actually be able sit in your living room and say, "Let's watch that Neil Young concert from Massey Hall tonight"!  What were they thinking?  A documentary?  I'm sure that was compelling to them in 1971...

jimmy
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: Big Eric on May 03, 2007, 02:35:43 PM
I don't think NY has any ownership left in Lionel.  He was a minority owner for a while.

Based on everyone else's recommendation, I picked up the CD/DVD yesterday.  Have only listened to part of the CD so far.  Sounds awfully good.  Was too busy riding bike last night to listen any more.  Maybe it'll rain one night soon and I'll spend time watching/listening.

Only have seen Mr. Young once in concert.  It was a good show, but loud.  Actually, too loud for my taste.  Even with ear plugs.

Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: canoe65 on May 03, 2007, 08:25:38 PM
Quote from: Big Eric on May 03, 2007, 02:35:43 PM
Only have seen Mr. Young once in concert.  It was a good show, but loud.  Actually, too loud for my taste.  Even with ear plugs.

Hey Big Eric,

If it starts raining for a long time, before you get started on the ark, may I recommend Neil Young's DVD, "Heart of Gold" ... it was released in 2006 and Neil and friends are all 'acoustic'.  It's a real treat.    :cheers
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: Tycho on May 03, 2007, 10:19:42 PM
QuoteAs far as the songs where you see only the tape recorder, I understand that these were the last 2 songs of the evening and they ran out of tape.

I've only watched the DVD once, but IIRC you see the tape recorder more often than that.
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: Fredmando on May 04, 2007, 05:18:21 AM
Quote from: bucky1 on May 01, 2007, 04:50:50 AM
If you want to learn a bit more about Neil Young, I recommend that you read Shakey: Neil Young's Biography by James Mcdonough. There is a lot of information about his time in the recording studio, his time with CSNY, and his sole days. The author talks about Neil's trait of not using the best back up musicians. He also talks about Neil's long term project to release a box set of everything he ever recorded. It likely won't ever see the light of day from the way it is described. Did you know that he owned Lionel trains for a while? Maybe he still does.
Bucky, I couldn't agree with you more. Can you believe that I was stupid enough to let this book sit on my shelf for months before I picked it up and read it? :bowdown:
McDonough does a great job and, like Crosby's biographies, I like how the author brings in actual interviews from the major players in Young's life. The entire part about the relationship with Carrie Snodgrass is amazing.
As far as the tape recorder in the DVD, I thought that was cool. I read somewhere that the film of some of the songs were either too dark or didn't meet up to Young's expectations. The chair, the guitars, the rug and the old reel-to-reel is pretty cool in my book. Plus, we're talking a free DVD here or maybe $5.00 more than the regular VD version of the album.
So, again, you can't go wrong with the book. A friend of mine describes it as a "slow starter" and I appreciate that. But, I love the slice of the 60's and 70's in provides.
Great thread--this is what it's all about, you know? :nana_guitar
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: flatlander on May 04, 2007, 07:41:34 AM
Quote from: Fredmando on March 28, 2007, 04:50:41 AM
Yeah, but the Martins are different from the Larrivees I've played. I think the ideal collection would have a Martin, a Larrivee or two, a Gibson and a Taylor 12-string. But, my favorite Martins are the vintage and the D-41 special. I think I have that model right. It has a lot of bling on it and vintage bracing.
I also like the HD-28V's I have played.
--Fred
I'm with you on that combo of guitars. The dang larrivee sounds so good though I never could justify it to myself. When last kid is gone mayby I'll get martin and gibson.
As far as Niel, loved him since Buffalo Springfield. Gonna get CD. Love his style and attitude toward music. While I haven't cared for some of his adventures I always respect him for doing whatever he wants to do.
As far as the Lionel Train thing, I understood he has a child with some kinda disorder, maybe Autistic? But anyway kids likes trains so niel bought the company! 
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: Tycho on May 04, 2007, 10:31:04 AM
Shakey is a great book, and a very fast read despite its mammoth length.  I recommend it highly.  The only problem with it is that it will make you rush out and buy whatever Neil CDs you don't already have -- even Re-ac-tor.
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: Fredmando on May 05, 2007, 08:00:32 AM
Quote from: Tycho on May 04, 2007, 10:31:04 AM
Shakey is a great book, and a very fast read despite its mammoth length.  I recommend it highly.  The only problem with it is that it will make you rush out and buy whatever Neil CDs you don't already have -- even Re-ac-tor.

I agree with this. I might have to cash in some points on my lingering BMG account! I think I hesitate to buy Zuma--not sure why.
To me, Decade is like reading a good novel on a rainy day. I love that CD/Album.
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: Big Eric on May 05, 2007, 08:12:57 AM
Quote from: Tycho on May 04, 2007, 10:31:04 AM
Shakey is a great book, and a very fast read despite its mammoth length.  I recommend it highly.  The only problem with it is that it will make you rush out and buy whatever Neil CDs you don't already have -- even Re-ac-tor.

I thought Arc was the one?   :tongue:

Watched the Massey Hall DVD last night.  Was good.  But the white level flickering was distracting after a while.  Was this a post-production artifact?  Or did it happen on the original film?  Almost looked like the film had been damaged.  Which also may explain why a number of songs are "videos" instead.  And why it hadn't been released before now.
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: Tycho on May 05, 2007, 01:43:23 PM
Quote from: Big Eric on May 05, 2007, 08:12:57 AM
I thought Arc was the one?   :tongue:



I love Arc and Weld!  But I'm as much of a fan of noisy-feedback Neil as I am of sensitive-acoustic Neil.

Having said that, songs like "T-Bone" or "Welfare Mothers" (accurately described in Shakey as "moronic") definitely have to approached in the right frame of mind.
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: kwakatak on May 29, 2007, 10:35:22 PM
My first exposure to Mr. Young was the Weld stuff which to me was pure noise pollution. OTOH, a friend recently turned me onto the CD and I'm changing my tune about this other fella named Neil.

BTW - chalk me down as another guy with Martin GAS. I've fawned over an HD-35 in a local shop often enough that the owner has noticed, which might be a good thing or a bad thing - I can't decide. $2600 is a bit steep, though I'm sure there's some wiggle room there. The problem is that there's also this NOS mahogany L-03 (with a clear pickguard & maple binding) at this other store and the guys there don't seem to know what a gem they have hanging there. At one time it was on clearance and I was beside myself until I saw it again later back at its regular price.

I still can't afford either guitar, though  - at least not until my youngest is out of diapers. :crying:
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: Tycho on May 29, 2007, 10:48:09 PM
QuoteMy first exposure to Mr. Young was the Weld stuff

That would not be the best entry point into Neil's work.  :bgrin:
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: Fredmando on May 30, 2007, 01:15:08 PM
Quote from: Tycho on May 29, 2007, 10:48:09 PM
That would not be the best entry point into Neil's work.  :bgrin:

Well said, Tycho! That is great! :roll
:donut :donut2 (Hump Day Dnuts)
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: ducktrapper on May 30, 2007, 01:32:21 PM
A (true) Neil Young fan will find these in his collection ... Arc, Dead Man, Journey Through the Past, Time Fades Away and the film Where the Buffalo Roam (to have his rendition of Home on the Range).  Yes and you have Re-Ac-Tor and Trans too! 
Title: Re: Neil Young---Live At Massey Hall--
Post by: Tycho on May 30, 2007, 02:15:12 PM
I've got Re-Ac-Tor ("Ain't got no T-Bone!") but I'm afraid I draw the line at Trans.  I like the version of "Transformer Man" on Unplugged though.