Whatever crap comes down, we can take pleasure in the knowledge that lefting brings out the best in Neil's work. The most famous songs from the seventies, like "Ohio," still burn with enough intensity to hold nostalgia at bay, but even obscurities like "Ambulance Blues" (I never knew a man / who could tell so many lies / He had a different story / for every set of eyes) can surprise you with cutting turns of phrase. And he's generous in victory: after Nixon resigned in disgrace, it was Neil Young who stepped up and reminded everyone that even Richard Nixon had soul. (Where he put it was another matter.) Compare that with the blowsiness of Old Ways and the other eighties misfires from his Republican makeover period.
A few years ago, Dave Marsh and the professional moralizers at Rock and Rap Confidential denounced Young for saying he had no problems with the Patriot Act. I was disturbed by that as well, but one of the charming things about Neil is that no matter how wrong-headed he gets, he eventually straightens himself out. Young wasn't the only one to lose his bearings in the immediate aftermath of 9/11, but unlike the ideological opportunists who continue to milk that disaster for political and financial gain, Neil Young understands that some of America's worst enemies are the ones who yell the loudest about patriotism. It's got him in the mood to get loud again himself, and I for one can't wait to hear the results.
Article comments
1 - Bert
Let's stop beating around the bush, rocking around the clock, and just tell bush to hit the road jack, and take that midnight train to georgia, or texas, but don't call us, we'll call you. No more silly love songs, no more red balloons, and we don't need us no convoy, just get back on that big ol' jet airliner, George, and we won't be missing you at all! LOLOLOL