Neil Young - Journey Through the Past...
 

One of my favorite musicians of all time is Neil Young.

Last night, earlier tonight (okay, this morning), I saw a concert video of one of Neil Young's performances, and as all of his performances have, it touched me deeply. And so, for fans, and for those who have never heard of him, some of my favorite Neil Young tunes (pay attention to the lyrics)...

First up, a song I have played at least a thousand times myself on guitar, one of his most celebrated songs, "Heart of Gold":



Next up, a song that I relate to my stepfather (Dad), whose 84th birthday is today, "Old Man":



Neil Young has long been an activist and idealist, here is a song from Live Aid (a benefit for farmers back in 1985), about youth and idealism..."Sugar Mountain":



I was only a kid when I first heard this song, but it influenced me musically ever since then, "Down by the River":



ADG

The Woodstock Musical Festival held in New York in 1969 had a profound affect on many people of my generation. The band Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young was fresh and new, but quickly became a voice for our generation:



The next song was written by one time lover of Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, that was an energetic anthem to the Woodstock Generation, titled "Woodstock":



Joni Mitchell's version of the song was much more subdued and soulful:



ADG

So many of us are opposed to the war in Iraq, but where are the musicians speaking and singing out against the war?

Neil Young wrote this passionate song against the Vietnam War, and specifically the National Guard shootings of students at Kent State, Ohio (yeah, things like that happened not so long ago, right here):



This is a song Neil Young wrote and performed with members of the Jefferson Airplane (lead vocals by Grace Slick), about open relationships, titled "Triad", which had a big influence on my personal philosophy:



One of Neil Young's most exuberant songs, "Cinnamon Girl":



ADG

Nobody does melancholy like Neil Young, witness "After The Goldrush":



One of Neil Young's most tragic moments occurred when one of his band mates OD'ed...he wrote this song in remembrance and sorrow, "The Needle and the Damage Done":



This song was written in tribute to imprisoned boxer, Hurricane Carter, titled "Like A Hurricane" (performed with Crazy Horse):



ADG

Thanks for the reminder. I had a half an hour brake to see Neil again the videos. Heart touching :thumbsup