This live concert from Massey Hall in Toronto came out in 2008 as part of his releases of various live gigs over the years. Neil was 26 at the time and this was between the releases of 'After the Gold Rush' and 'Harvest Moon' and was at the peak of his powers.
'Old Man' is classic Neil Young with his great vocals and brilliant lyrics which he introduces by saying it is a song about his ranch. For 'Journey through the past' he introduces the song with the statement that many of the songs at that concert will be new material that he had only recently written. His mention of Canada in the song gets the expected polite applause - typical Canadians. 'Helpless' is a brilliant wailing song and one of my favourite songs of his. Neil combines 'A man needs a maid' with 'Heart of Gold' (his only number one song) in typical stubborn fashion. 'Cowgirl in the sand' is another highlight for me.
Live releases are tricky - do you leave the audience response in? do you leave any mistakes on it or overdub it? 'Live at Massey Hall' does the right thing and leaves in audience noise and Neil's comments/explanations between the songs. It makes you wish you were there to hear this music live as he was creating it.
I certainly never appreciated Neil when I was younger. He always felt like something only older people should listen to with his well aged voice. My appreciation of his maverick style and twists and turns of his musical career and life as well as his beautiful voice has grown as I've become the older person I thought was such a long way away.
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