All of the major points are covered too — from Buffalo Springfield to Crosby Stills Nash & Young to Crazy Horse and the Stray Gators, and from the deaths of Danny Whitten and Bruce Berry through the "ditch trilogy," the so-called "lost eighties," the battles with David Geffen, his comeback as the "godfather of grunge" in the nineties, and more.
As a bonus, there are also numerous sidebars sandwiched in-between the chapters that focus on Neil Young's numerous unreleased albums, his often contentious relationship with the other members of CSN&Y, his collaborators, and even the various women in his life. A number of Young's musical peers also chime in with their own thoughts (including a lengthy letter of praise from Aerosmith's Joe Perry).
One of these sidebars even deals with Neil's sometimes strange relationship with Shakey author McDonough, who went from being his official biographer to suing the artist just to get the book out. Seems Neil Young can sometimes be a rather difficult guy to deal with.
Long May You Run also brings the Neil Young story up to the present day — as much as that is even possible with a mad scientist as wildly prolific as Young. An extensive (and again, beautifully illustrated) discography in the back section of the book brings things right up to last year's Dreamin' Man Live CD, and of course the massive Archives set.
With Long May You Run, Daniel Durchholz and Gary Graff have managed to pull off the rather impressive trick of adding new dimensions to the already well documented public account of Neil Young's volatile, mercurial, and often misunderstood musical genius.
Oh yeah, and the pictures are pretty awesome too.
Article comments
1 - Jet Gardner
Great review Glen-excellent-powerful-well thought out... and nifty too
2 - Glen Boyd
Thanx for the "nifty" comment Jet.
-Glen
3 - Jet Gardner
That's why I'm here
4 - Jet Gardner
In all seriousness though Glen, I just got this book as a review copy from my own sources and it's an absolute joy. You nailed your review here.
5 - Glen Boyd
Glad you were able to get a copy -- that whole business was a bit of a mess there for a minute. I just hope everybody else who is supposed to get this, does. Anyway, appreciate the kind words.
-Glen
6 - thrasher
Glen,
Yeah, that sidebar on Shakey author McDonough lawsuit was interesting in that it was included in an un-official book.
Guess that's why they call him Shakey maybe!?
Thrasher
7 - martin lav
Good review Glen, but why so much coverage of Jimmy? I read his book too, but mentioning his so many times takes away from the book you are reviewing doesn't it?
Then again, reviewing Neil's work by constantly mentioning his tumultuous relationships with CSN is in effect the same thing.
Cheerz