"Driftin' Back," which opens the album at 27 minutes and 37 seconds, will no doubt seem to some listeners something of a self indulgence on Young's part. On the other hand, given the artist's famed cantankerousness, I'm sure he couldn't care less. Besides, one audience's self indulgence is another audience's genius. The song itself is an indictment on the failures of the '60s—the commercialization of art, corporatization, and religious charlatans. It is an angry song pointing to the giants' failure to change the world. It is the kind of song that demands epic length, and without question it gets it.
"Born in Ontario" has a roots vibe that seems out of sync with the rest of the album. Perhaps the happy feeling of the lyrics and the music contrast too sharply with the more sober material. There are two versions of the album's title song, the first more psychedelic sounding than the remix which closes the album.
The old man, it turns out, is taking that look at his life, and damned if I don't want to be a lot like he is.
Article comments
1 - SD
'For the Love of Man' was written specifically about his son Ben who was born with cerebral palsy.
2 - Charlie Doherty
SD, thanks. The article has been updated.
3 - Dave
As a Neil & Crazy horse fan in his 30s, who writes, plays and records a lot, these guys are immensely inspirational, and still the best "garage band" in the world.
"Americana" was a great album, and the songs from this album were great in concert...really looking forward to this album!!