Review #90: After the Gold Rush, Neil Young
#90: After the Gold Rush, Neil Young
So bear with me: Wikipedia says that this album is one of four “high profile albums” that were solo releases from each member of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young “in the wake of their 1970 chart-topping album Deja Vu.” The only place I can find that specifically calls out these four albums is Wikipedia, so I don’t really think that means anything.
Well, anyway. If you’re interested, the other four are If I Could Only Remember My Name by David Crosby, Stephen Stills by Stephen Stills, and Songs for Beginners by Graham Nash. None of these three made it onto the RS 500 list. In fact, neither Crosby, Stills or Nash are on here for any of their solo records (though CSNY is). Do you think Young ever gloats about it in their group text?
FAVORITE SONGS:
“Tell Me Why” — The lyrics and the harmonies on this song are just lovely, as with the rest of the album. Is it hard to make arrangements with yourself/ When you’re old enough to repay but young enough to sell?
“After the Gold Rush” — Very slow piano but gosh I just love Neil Young the poet.
“Southern Man” — This song is the whole reason that Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama” exists. Apparently Neil Young said in his memoir after the fact that this song “richly deserved the shot Lynyrd Skynyrd gave me with their great record.” So I guess no love lost!
“Till the Morning Comes” — Love minute-long songs.
“Oh, Lonesome Me” — This one made me feel … lonesome.
“Don’t Let It Bring You Down” — Neil Young is a better poet than Jim Morrison. I said what I said.
“When You Dance I Can Really Love” — A rock and roll song!
“Cripple Creek Ferry” — I just love songs about boats.
LEAST FAVORITE SONGS:
“Only Love Can Break Your Heart” — Too sappy for me. Graham Nash said that this was about his breakup with Joni Mitchell, which is kind of fun.
“Birds” — I hate birds.
IS RS FULL OF IT?
“Southern Man” and its response, “Sweet Home Alabama,” make up the best musical conversation ever, and since “Sweet Home” isn’t on this list at all, I’m glad that “Southern Man” is being rightfully honored.
