In the early 00’s Neil Young headed into Toast Studios in San Francisco, CA and cut 7 songs with his most famous – and best – backing band, Crazy Horse. The songs were bluesy and lyrically showed Neil dealing with some heavy issues within his marriage. For reasons only known to Neil, he scrapped the album and released 2002’s inferior Are You Passionate? Neil Young 1st started talking up the unreleased album in 2008. Release has been imminent for over a decade, but Neil Young fans have learned that Neil operates in his own universe. That “imminent” date is now here, 14 years or so after it was first mentioned. Reviews so far have been mixed, but for me it is a perfect Neil Young album. 7 blistering songs of heartache and longing given to us in a way that only Neil Young can do.
Of these 7 songs, 4 appeared on the album released in 2002. 3 of those songs were released in far inferior versions backed by Booker T & the MG’s. Goin’ Home appears on both albums backed by Crazy Horse. 3 other tracks on Toast appear for the first time on a Neil Young album. The album starts with Quit – a soulful guitar lick holding down the proceedings and getting to the heart of the matter. Crazy Horse smolders and grooves in a way that only they can do. Neil’s vocals are emotive and impactful. Standing in the Light of Love is a previously unreleased rocker and is a welcome addition to the canon. I have to shake my head and laugh that this song has been unreleased for over 20 years – it rages with the best of Neil’s songs. Grunge feeling, killer guitar licks, lyrically longing. Goin’ Home is – I believe – the exact same track that appears on Are You Passionate. A great Crazy Horse guitar workout. Timberline has never been heard before – live or otherwise – until now. The song is about an unemployed logger and his struggles with faith. Again, I’m shaking my head – I can’t believe this sat in the vaults for so long. “Fooled by the Lord / Fooled by his grace / Put my faith in Jesus / Took away my livin’ / Took away my place.” Gateway of Love is yet another classic that has been tucked away for two decades. It is a midtempo rocker that has soulful vocals and some classic guitar riffs. The solos tap into emotions in a way that only Neil Young can do. How Ya Doin’? is a superior version to the song released on 2002’s Are You Passionate. Neil sings with sadness and feels more connected to this version. Crazy Horse are impressive with their soulful backing on this track, it has to be said. The sadness is palpable, no way around it. When Neil sings “I’d like to shake your hand, disappointment / Looks like you win again” it gives me chills. Haunting. Boom Boom Boom closed the album with an emotional 13-minute workout. Fuzzy guitar lines come in and out of focus. “Ain’t no way I’m gonna let the good times go” is sung in different affectations, defiant and accepting. The guitar burns through the track, echoing the emotions in the lyrics. It all culminates in Neil singing “All I got is a broken heart / And I don’t try to hide when I play my guitar.” A fitting line that can serve as synopsis of this perfect album.
Verdict: An emotional masterpiece
For fans of: Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Tracks:
- Quit
- Standing in the Light of Love
- Goin’ Home
- Timberline
- Gateway of Love
- How Ya Doin’?
- Boom Boom Boom
https://youtu.be/czBAAL7fcZ8