This song is very dear to me. The unplugged session was released just before my father died. I was still a teenager. The music comforted me during the turmoil following my father's sudden passing and helped dealing with the loss. Part of the lyrics I placed on the newspaper obituary. I love the warmth, tenderness and simplicity. It's very hard to write a song like this.
Give a listen to "Don't Let it Bring You Down," "Only Love Can Break Your Heart," or "The Needle and the Damage Done." The quality of his voice makes the sad song all the more bittersweet.
My favorite is Old Man. When I first heard the song I was the age mentioned in the song 24 and now today I AM that old man mentioned in the song--74. That means Neil has been making music for 50+ years. I like karaoke and do so about every two weeks. Neil Young's Old Man, Harvest Moon and Heart of Gold are included. Yes, I can hit his notes LOL.
johnson; First, I know I doesn't have to call you johnson :) Second, I'm not 74, but a mere lad of 73 but my first thought of Neil go back to probably 1966 when the Mynah Birds with Neil and Rick James were part of the band rotation at my high school. Nobody knew of Rick then but Neil Young was a very big deal. So 50 +++++ years. Keep rocking!
This, since you ask. This is my favorite Neil Young song. This is about two lovers growing old together and that's sort of the theme of my life. Neil captured it perfectly.
Great reaction and analysis. It took a long time for Neil Young's voice to really grow on me, but once it did, I couldn't imagine a more perfect voice for his music. My favorite song of his is Don't Let It Bring You Down. I first discovered it via the cover that Annie Lennox recorded and I'll always love her version, but Neil's voice brings a fragility to an already haunting song that really elevates it to something special.
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There's a frailty to Neil Young's voice that's very appealing - he's not overpowering you with technique, it's very intimate. It might be quite difficult, but he's disguising it. My favourite Neil Young song is "Like a Hurricane" - one of the live versions, I don't think he'd finished it when he put it on record, and the version he does live is quite different to the one on the album.
Ah, very nicely said, Patrick ! Love your definition of his style, indeed, it sounds relaxed but there is so much feeling & experience behind it...I also love "Like a Hurricane" on studio & in "Weld" live...Cheers from France !
Beth states this fact often in her videos: technique isn't everything. Certain voices just touch the heart immediately, even when technically there are flaws and quirks. Neil Young's tenor is so uniquely emotional. Such a lovely instrument in its own right.
Favorite Neil Young Song... Can't really pick a fav. This whole album is great as is After the Gold Rush, Anything with CSNY, Buffalo Springfield etc.. He's a brilliant Canadian singer/songwriter. Good choice Beth :)
So many to choose from, but my favorite is "Helpless"--gives me chills every time I hear it. Beautifully poetic lyrics, delivered in a way that is singularly Neil Young. Would love to hear a reaction to this one, because the vocals are so moving, and I'd love to know what it is that makes them so magical and evocative. Thanks for all you do, Beth!
try listening to' After the Goldrush' a haunting song that has a quite extraordinarily good acapella cover by Prelude, given your liking for harmonies I think you'll enjoy.
He is one of my favorites, and is an underrated singer.. I love "I've Been Waiting for You" the most, but I think his best is "Needle and the Damage Done".
Hardly underrated. He is and has been huge for approximately 55 years with over 50 albums. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll hall of fame in 1995. Recognised as a huge talent , with unique voice, and powerful writer, his wonderful 1970 album “After the Goldrush” is always to be found in the top 100 albums of all time and in 2014, the album was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Rolling Stone was referring to the album as a "masterpiece” in 1975. He was regularly ask to induct artists into the “hall of fame” and one of the most memorable of those was the great Tom Waits. Well worth a watch. ‘Only love can break your heart’ is my all time favourite Young song. It always reminds me of my beautiful Rottweiler girl. Loved forever.
My favorite Neil Young song is very specific. His acoustic recording of Cowgirl in the Sand from the live album: Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, 4-Way Street, turned me into a Neil Young fan at about age 13, and it's been the one I always go back to, ever since.
If you are a fan of Harvest Moon (1992) I highly recommend it's predecessor album, Harvest (1972), which includes "Old Man" (you've reacted already, I believe), the title track, "Heart of Gold" and "The Needle and the Damage Done", all great songs in a somewhat similar vein (country/folk rock). My favorite song of his is probably "Like a Hurricane", a much "harder" song. Young is one of those musicians who has both great "hard" and "soft" songs. It's interesting that many people write him off as being a bad singer, or at least one they don't care for. Obviously you disagree!
Beth, thanks for returning to Neil Young! He's one of my favorite artists, I've been a fan of his since the Sixties. He's still writing great songs. Please listen to what I think is one of his best, After the Gold Rush. Thanks for the insights, Beth!!! You're the best!!!
This is my favourite Neil Young song. I have a favourite album "Comes A Time". When I was young, in the 70s, my older brother would take me for drives with him to the beach etc and we'd listen to that. He introduced me to much of my early musical tastes.. for which I'm eternally grateful. :)
Favourite Neil Young song is a tough call: there are so many incredible songs ... but I would say either "Cortez the Killer" or "Like a Hurricane" if I really need to choose
Great reaction, Beth about a true Legend of Music ! I suggest also "After the Gold Rush", "Like a Hurricane", "Words", "Only Love can break your Heart", "Love and Only Love", "My, My; Hey, Hey (Out of the Blue") remastered 2016, Rockin in the Free World", My Heart", "Transam", "A Dream that can Last", etc...honestly there is so many you could spend the rest of your life covering his entire catalog...Cheers from Paris !
Gotta go with "Old Man" for my favorite Neil tune. Great observations. He kind of reminds me a bit of Joe Walsh. Not an "orthodox" or "conventionally pretty" vocalist, but someone with huge ability to deliver -- and the ability to find his place in a harmony group (Neil in CSN&Y and Joe in Eagles).
Excellent. Thank you. His song Helpless is brilliant as well, particularly the cover by k.d. lang. This may be a bit too Canadian… sorry… 😉 but I could not find your reaction to any of her work. I think she did a BBC special many years back. Her version of Leonard Cohen’s Alleluia is wonderful, perhaps the best.
I enjoy your reaction to song, it to mention the analysis of it. Not to be sexist or weird, the emotion, expression you show (your beautiful face, hair and eyes) always brings a smile. Keep up the great work kid. Cover David Crosby too... Look up Delta.
I have always loved Neil Young's music. The "After The Gold Rush" album was some of his best work and you should definitely check it out. However "Harvest Moon" has always been the favorite song by Neil for my wife and I to dance to because this song does set a dream like mood. I am a recent subscriber, but I am very impressed by your analysis and understanding of the artist, both technical skills and their heart and soul.
Great reaction as always, Ms. Roars. Speaking of being a dream, have you heard him sing his song "it's only a dream"? I think you'd melt. The live version from the Ryman Auditorium is fantastic. That whole show is. He's even older.
You know Neal sits forward and just can relax the vocal tract which allows him to bring out such a effortlessly unique but such a melodic vocal tract. I always loved Neil. Bob Dylan wasn't to happy with him as he thought Neal had a sound to much like him,especially like his song Old Man. He doesn't sound anything like Bob. He's always been a great artist and a great humanitarian. Farm aid case in point. He's just a really damn good artist.
Thanks, Beth - I LOVE this song... the "official video" is beautiful as well - I've never liked his voice all that much - but he has a unique, wavery sound - not always on key... but that's part of "who he is" - a deliberate "slide" -- took me a while to appreciate that... This may be my favorite - but I also really like "Long May you Run"
It's funny she thinks he's singing it wrong by singing the closed mouth "moonnnnnn" this is common and great sounding technique used in blues music such as the "nnnnnnnnnn" in "I'm a man" performed by the great Muddy Waters
You should listen to Beth's comments again. She never says Neil is singing it wrong. She does comment on his stylistic choices without passing judgment.
So many beautiful Neil songs, and such vulnerability and raw emotion in his voice. If you get chance, give ‘Pardon My Heart’ or ‘Only Love Can Break Your Heart’ a spin, both achingly beautiful.
How 'bout something completely different? From the Trans song and album, especially live is sovereign: Computer Cowboy (AKA Syscrusher), Sample and Hold, and the Trans- mogrified 'Mr. Soul'. Hold on to your socks. Greetings from Canada... longtime sub and fan, first comment- Peace.
Favorite Neil Young songs On The Way Home Old Man Through My Sails Harvest Moon Cortez The Killer It's a rotating list that becomes impossible to allow for just one song ! I picked up a guitar in November 1972 ( age 13) the sentimental value is price- less ❤️
Neil’s “Heart of Gold” film is another masterpiece. It was recorded in Nashville and directed by Jonathan Demme. Some amazing performances in there as well.
It's worth noting that the backup singers are (L) Neil's sister Astrid and (R) Neil's ex-girlfriend Nicolette Larson (RIP). Check out some of Nicolette's solo work, especially "Last in Love" and "French Waltz". "Live at the Roxy" is a great album!!
Hey Beth! Can you react to Exo's Best Live Vocals 2020 Compilation? Exo is a legendary Kpop boyband known for its great live vocals and great performing skills. Since they are on semi-hiatus because of mandatory military service, all of the members also started their own solo careers. In the compilation above, you can hear both group and solo performances. Thank you in advance! :)
The Canadian version of "We are the World" was "Tears are not Enough" which featured Canadian artists like Neil Young. It was prodiuced by David Foster. In the documentary Foster stops Neil during his take and tells him "you're a little sharp". Neil says "That's my style man"
For raw emotion, it’s hard to beat his album “Tonight’s the Night,” dealing with the drug-related deaths of people he knew and general world-weariness.
Saw this live in nort Carolina. Booker T and the MGs was his band. All master musicians on stage. I was walking bac to concessions when he started and the entire stadium stopped in its tracks. It was so lush and magical as the sound filled the air and carried on outwards. Half of us couldn’t keep a dry eye. The sound was so pure and our hearts were full of so much beauty. Ps. The broom is the brushes even on the album
What a wonderful and amazing voice he has. Very very distinctive, as another voice coach said its like a bell ringing. He also seems to be a very unassuming, shy and humble man, with no airs and graces ❤
Driving down a sunny summer road swaying back & forth within the lane from margin to margin. That is how I fell in love with this song.... What a beautiful fond memory... Priceless.
Neil Young can make you cry...either from sweetness or sorrow...depending on what he's singing about. He can pull emotion out of you at will. It's like he reaches inside you and touches your heart. He is absolutely incredible...as a songwriter, a singer, and a guitarist. ✌️❤️ to all of you out there.
I love this song so much… I love him! I’d love to see you compare his rocker side like “Keep On Rockin’ In The Free World” so you could point out those unique qualities that make him a great rock singer and a great folk singer at the same time. PS: Canada gave us 2 of the best ever, Leonard Cohen and Neil Young
I'm an American who is eternally grateful to Canada for artists like Leonard and Neil, not to mention Gordon Lightfoot, Bruce Cockburn, and Joni Mitchell. Some of the greatest singer-songwriters of the past century came out of Canada.
Oh Neil! What a style he has! He made his own rule book for singing! So many great songs! To many to choose only one! If you like fragility you can check out the album « le noise » and « a letter home » just him and his instruments! Or in way more different approach the album « trans » an album done for his son who has autism if I’m not mistaken! Great choice for this video too!
One could suggest any number from his massive music library. His work with Crazy Horse like Live Rust is a different sound than his classics from the early 70's. Broken Arrow, Down by the River, Only Love can Break Your Heart, My My, Hey Hey. After the Gold Rush and Heart of Gold will always be the two standouts for me
Can never decide on a favourite Neil Young song but I'll go for helpless from the last waltz as then I get Joni Mitchell and The Band in there as well as a freebie!
Neil is such a great songwriter, it's hard to pick just one favorite. Maybe "Helpless", "I am a Child", "Powderfinger", or "Cortez the Killer". As far as not knowing musicians or groups from a while back goes, in my 50s I'm still discovering bands from decades ago that I come to love, like the British folk-jazz band, Pentangle, with the beautiful voice of Jacqui McShee.
artomatt, you just picked two of my fav NY songs, Powderfinger & Cortez, wonderful songs powerful songs, I like being in my 50's & discovering new music (to me) Keep at it friend.
So Beth, Neil Young is pretty awesome and I am so very glad you have discovered him. You may not know this, but he was also in this band for a time with these other guys David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Graham Nash, and their band "Crosby Stills and Nash" / "Crosby Stills Nash and Young" made some music that was vocal harmony heaven on earth. You really need to check them out and do a few reactions to some of their songs. A great starting point would be "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes." Their catalog of vocal magic is a deep and wide river of song, you will not be disappointed.
Asking for a favourite Neil Young song is like asking what is your favourite cake. This song is very high up on the list for sure. I love how it is a song about “old” love. But it really depends on the mood. “Keep on Rocking in the Free World” is a favourite for sure. I was a young teenager when it came out. It was the first song the made me aware political action, music and the importance of carefully listening to lyrics. Especially Neil Young lyrics! That second verse makes me cry every time I hear it.
I learned this song for an ukulele singing group. I had trouble with it because his timing is so different. Or mine is haha. He starts a line way before I normally would and, at first, I wasn't finished with a line before he had moved on. Of course now, I love his timing.
I really like your reactions. They feel true. I think we also share a taste in music. I was wondering if you know Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings? Even if you do, I would love to see your reaction to The Way It Will Be (Live @ Jills veranda) The way their voices blend is just uncanny. If you don’t know them, also check out their version of Cortez the Killer, during their Tiny Desk Concert, which is the reason I thought of them after a Neil Young reaction. And another favorite, Look At Miss Ohio, - BBC4 Sessions. Thanks for the insights you bring to my understanding of music.
This is easily one of my favorite songs. Being a fellow Canadian I must admit that Neil's voice is not always the best but he does a masterful job on this. The same with Bob Dylan, he did not have the best voice but he music was genius. In my view.
I can’t disagree with any of the classics people have listed. My wife and I danced to Harvest Moon at our daughter’s wedding, so this one is high on the list. That said, I’m going to mention a terrific NY song that rarely gets mentioned: Thrasher, from the Rust Never Sleeps album. It is beautifully written and recorded. To me, it’s like reading Steinbeck’s Grapes of Wrath in 5 1/2 minutes. ua-cam.com/video/HOgSTD7Kjrw/v-deo.html Like many others, I enjoyed your discussion (reaction) and am glad your first Neil song (was it Old Man?) left you wanting to explore further.
Why ????? Stop the Wimpy acoustic Neil and play his electric and this is sub par!!!!! Try Crosby Stills Nash and Young doing Down By The River from the David Steinburg show live!!! Way better Vocals not top 40
This is one of my favorite songs ever. So beautiful and such a lovely performance. I’m so glad I found this video. I really like your insights. I just watched your reactions to Brazilian singers. I wish you could understand the lyrics of Zé Ramalho’s Chão De Giz. They’re sublime. Sending hugs and the best wishes from Brazil 🇧🇷
Neil Young, had doubts, if Harvest Moon would work It was after this point, that the song would, be placed on hold had he not been able to get Linda Ronstadt & James Taylor for Background vocals James Taylor played the six string banjo on Old Man. And assisted with background vocals on Heart Of Gold, & Old Man with Linda Ronstadt. We were fortunate that Mrs Ronstadt had the time given later circumstances With due respect to Emmylou Harris
I just read Linda Ronstadt did back up vocals on the album’s version Never knew til now! Beth by the way… seriously! You never heard of Neil before! Hmm… You want to hear a beautiful duet with Neil and Linda? Check out “Hanging Out on A Limb”. Duet or Linda on back up vocals? Be interesting to watch your reaction and see whether you think it’s a duet or Linda doing back up vocals? Peace out
I don’t know if you have in the past, I’ll check later but you should react to more KISS songs! I’d suggest Beth, Beth has the drummer Peter Criss singing a ballad for his girl, and Lead Vocalist Paul Stanley has a killer vocal performance in I Was Made For Loving You, anyways as always amazing video keep it up!
Well my favorite Neil songs, cant really pick just one are from hus edgier sounds. Throw Your Hatred Down, Rockin in The Free World, and and under appreciated sing about Flught 93, Sept 11. Its titled Lets Roll, the last distinguished wirds from the passengers bwfire forcing it down in pennsylvania instead of washington dc
WOW, Looks like I'm, "A year late and a dollar short" but hear goes - I love Neil Young and I love every single song by Neil Young so it's hard to pick a winner but 'OHIO' and 'SOUTHERN MAN'
My favorite is his cover of "Four strong winds", though this is pretty close. And it's funny you mentioned him singing right at the vocal break... when i learned to play FSW, it's in the key of C.... which is right dead at my break. But I managed it! (Sort of)
My, My, Hey, Hey and Hey, Hey, My, My from Rust Never Sleeps are favorites for me. Same basic song in acoustic (out of the blue) and electric (into the black) form.
When I first heard Neil Young, I was struck by his limited vocal range. As I've aged, listening more & more closely, I realize he has amazing vocal control.
The fact that there was a guy playing the broom and was not mentioned offends me lol. Also, cortez the killer has to be my favorite neil young song.
It’s Larry Cragg on broom
Kenny fuckin powers
he uses a roomba now
I agree, Cortez The Killer, after creating the band, Crazy Horse, was EPIC with him on lead guitar.
Yeah, they sort of swept it under the table........
"So what do you do for a living?"
"I'm a musician".
"Oh, what instrument to you play".
"The broom".
😅
This song is very dear to me. The unplugged session was released just before my father died. I was still a teenager. The music comforted me during the turmoil following my father's sudden passing and helped dealing with the loss. Part of the lyrics I placed on the newspaper obituary. I love the warmth, tenderness and simplicity. It's very hard to write a song like this.
That guy is a horrible singer
@@bryantphil5577 I really cannot fathom your insensitivity. Such a shitty move.
@@bryantphil5577 No he isn't! But by all means, do it better yourself.
@@bryantphil5577
A lot of ppl like him. You don't, but there's a lot of Neil Young fans out there who do.
@@bryantphil5577 Beneath the fact that this is a horrible comment I would say that not many people are able to sing this song better than he does.
Give a listen to "Don't Let it Bring You Down," "Only Love Can Break Your Heart," or "The Needle and the Damage Done." The quality of his voice makes the sad song all the more bittersweet.
All amazing songs.
Powderfinger
Only Love is a really beautifu song.
The back up singer with the very long hair is Nicolette Larson who had a brief career of her own and passed away too youyng.
My favorite is Old Man. When I first heard the song I was the age mentioned in the song 24 and now today I AM that old man mentioned in the song--74. That means Neil has been making music for 50+ years. I like karaoke and do so about every two weeks. Neil Young's Old Man, Harvest Moon and Heart of Gold are included. Yes, I can hit his notes LOL.
johnson;
First, I know I doesn't have to call you johnson :)
Second, I'm not 74, but a mere lad of 73 but my first thought of Neil go back to probably 1966 when the Mynah Birds with Neil and Rick James were part of the band rotation at my high school. Nobody knew of Rick then but Neil Young was a very big deal. So 50 +++++ years.
Keep rocking!
@@TBSinc quite a combination Rick James and Neil Young
one of the most beautiful love songs, ever.
YES..!!
This, since you ask. This is my favorite Neil Young song. This is about two lovers growing old together and that's sort of the theme of my life. Neil captured it perfectly.
In the studio video, he dances with his then wife Peggy. Whom he left after a couple of decades to be with Darryl Hannah.
@@bathizargupta249More than a couple of decades, they had been together for 36 years.
Except, sadly it didn’t have a happy ending .
This is probably my favorite Neil Young tune but I love "Old Man" too 😎✌️
Great reaction and analysis. It took a long time for Neil Young's voice to really grow on me, but once it did, I couldn't imagine a more perfect voice for his music. My favorite song of his is Don't Let It Bring You Down. I first discovered it via the cover that Annie Lennox recorded and I'll always love her version, but Neil's voice brings a fragility to an already haunting song that really elevates it to something special.
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Your new channel is very interesting.
Excited for your new chapter! Will be reading along with ya from Florida ;)
There's a frailty to Neil Young's voice that's very appealing - he's not overpowering you with technique, it's very intimate. It might be quite difficult, but he's disguising it.
My favourite Neil Young song is "Like a Hurricane" - one of the live versions, I don't think he'd finished it when he put it on record, and the version he does live is quite different to the one on the album.
Ah, very nicely said, Patrick ! Love your definition of his style, indeed, it sounds relaxed but there is so much feeling & experience behind it...I also love "Like a Hurricane" on studio & in "Weld" live...Cheers from France !
Beth states this fact often in her videos: technique isn't everything. Certain voices just touch the heart immediately, even when technically there are flaws and quirks. Neil Young's tenor is so uniquely emotional. Such a lovely instrument in its own right.
Favorite Neil Young Song... Can't really pick a fav. This whole album is great as is After the Gold Rush, Anything with CSNY, Buffalo Springfield etc.. He's a brilliant Canadian singer/songwriter. Good choice Beth :)
Probably the best acoustic performer that ever was!!
exactly ! :-)
After the Goldrush is my fav song - the lyrics build beautiful and poignant images in my mind.
It's a beautiful love song! Neil is different, and he has embraced it for 50+ years. Beth. Thanks for posting. Love your input.
So many to choose from, but my favorite is "Helpless"--gives me chills every time I hear it. Beautifully poetic lyrics, delivered in a way that is singularly Neil Young. Would love to hear a reaction to this one, because the vocals are so moving, and I'd love to know what it is that makes them so magical and evocative. Thanks for all you do, Beth!
try listening to' After the Goldrush' a haunting song that has a quite extraordinarily good acapella cover by Prelude, given your liking for harmonies I think you'll enjoy.
He is one of my favorites, and is an underrated singer.. I love "I've Been Waiting for You" the most, but I think his best is "Needle and the Damage Done".
Hardly underrated. He is and has been huge for approximately 55 years with over 50 albums. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll hall of fame in 1995. Recognised as a huge talent , with unique voice, and powerful writer, his wonderful 1970 album “After the Goldrush” is always to be found in the top 100 albums of all time and in 2014, the album was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Rolling Stone was referring to the album as a "masterpiece” in 1975. He was regularly ask to induct artists into the “hall of fame” and one of the most memorable of those was the great Tom Waits. Well worth a watch. ‘Only love can break your heart’ is my all time favourite Young song. It always reminds me of my beautiful Rottweiler girl. Loved forever.
My favorite Neil Young song is very specific. His acoustic recording of Cowgirl in the Sand from the live album: Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, 4-Way Street, turned me into a Neil Young fan at about age 13, and it's been the one I always go back to, ever since.
This is why he is SO GOOD !!! The godfather of grunge writes an utterly exquisitely beautiful ballad. The breadth of his talent is amazing.
He's EASILY on my Mt. Rushmore of Rock. He can sing, play, write and arrange. Only McCartney can hold a candle to him in this respect.
If you are a fan of Harvest Moon (1992) I highly recommend it's predecessor album, Harvest (1972), which includes "Old Man" (you've reacted already, I believe), the title track, "Heart of Gold" and "The Needle and the Damage Done", all great songs in a somewhat similar vein (country/folk rock).
My favorite song of his is probably "Like a Hurricane", a much "harder" song. Young is one of those musicians who has both great "hard" and "soft" songs.
It's interesting that many people write him off as being a bad singer, or at least one they don't care for. Obviously you disagree!
Beth, thanks for returning to Neil Young! He's one of my favorite artists, I've been a fan of his since the Sixties. He's still writing great songs. Please listen to what I think is one of his best, After the Gold Rush. Thanks for the insights, Beth!!! You're the best!!!
This is my favourite Neil Young song. I have a favourite album "Comes A Time". When I was young, in the 70s, my older brother would take me for drives with him to the beach etc and we'd listen to that. He introduced me to much of my early musical tastes.. for which I'm eternally grateful. :)
I had the pleasure, and tremendous good luck, to see Warren Zevon, and Neil Young, perform Comes a Time, with acoustic guitars. Phenomenal duet.
Favourite Neil Young song is a tough call: there are so many incredible songs ... but I would say either "Cortez the Killer" or "Like a Hurricane" if I really need to choose
Great reaction, Beth about a true Legend of Music ! I suggest also "After the Gold Rush", "Like a Hurricane", "Words", "Only Love can break your Heart", "Love and Only Love", "My, My; Hey, Hey (Out of the Blue") remastered 2016, Rockin in the Free World", My Heart", "Transam", "A Dream that can Last", etc...honestly there is so many you could spend the rest of your life covering his entire catalog...Cheers from Paris !
Gotta go with "Old Man" for my favorite Neil tune. Great observations. He kind of reminds me a bit of Joe Walsh. Not an "orthodox" or "conventionally pretty" vocalist, but someone with huge ability to deliver -- and the ability to find his place in a harmony group (Neil in CSN&Y and Joe in Eagles).
Excellent. Thank you. His song Helpless is brilliant as well, particularly the cover by k.d. lang. This may be a bit too Canadian… sorry… 😉 but I could not find your reaction to any of her work. I think she did a BBC special many years back. Her version of Leonard Cohen’s Alleluia is wonderful, perhaps the best.
I second Beth doing a reaction to k.d. lang. She is an amazing singer!
I enjoy your reaction to song, it to mention the analysis of it.
Not to be sexist or weird, the emotion, expression you show (your beautiful face, hair and eyes) always brings a smile.
Keep up the great work kid.
Cover David Crosby too... Look up Delta.
Heart of Gold is my all time favo song of Neil. Tho, Harvest Moon might be second or third. Undecided yet haha. Great video!
An alien came and made Neil Young compose such a masterpiece! I am from Romania!
I have always loved Neil Young's music. The "After The Gold Rush" album was some of his best work and you should definitely check it out. However "Harvest Moon" has always been the favorite song by Neil for my wife and I to dance to because this song does set a dream like mood. I am a recent subscriber, but I am very impressed by your analysis and understanding of the artist, both technical skills and their heart and soul.
You should react to a City and Colour song, or even some You + Me (a collab by Dallas Green and Pink)
Great reaction as always, Ms. Roars. Speaking of being a dream, have you heard him sing his song "it's only a dream"? I think you'd melt. The live version from the Ryman Auditorium is fantastic. That whole show is. He's even older.
You know Neal sits forward and just can relax the vocal tract which allows him to bring out such a effortlessly unique but such a melodic vocal tract. I always loved Neil. Bob Dylan wasn't to happy with him as he thought Neal had a sound to much like him,especially like his song Old Man. He doesn't sound anything like Bob. He's always been a great artist and a great humanitarian. Farm aid case in point. He's just a really damn good artist.
Neil could sing horribly and i would still listen to every music he has created. His music comes from his soul.
What a beautiful feel good love song. Earthy down home feeling! 😎👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 Allow me to tell you how beautiful you are!
Thanks, Beth - I LOVE this song... the "official video" is beautiful as well - I've never liked his voice all that much - but he has a unique, wavery sound - not always on key... but that's part of "who he is" - a deliberate "slide" -- took me a while to appreciate that... This may be my favorite - but I also really like "Long May you Run"
It's funny she thinks he's singing it wrong by singing the closed mouth "moonnnnnn" this is common and great sounding technique used in blues music such as the "nnnnnnnnnn" in "I'm a man" performed by the great Muddy Waters
You should listen to Beth's comments again. She never says Neil is singing it wrong. She does comment on his stylistic choices without passing judgment.
My favorite song of his is Thrasher, closely followed by For the Turnstiles and Birds.
So many beautiful Neil songs, and such vulnerability and raw emotion in his voice.
If you get chance, give ‘Pardon My Heart’ or ‘Only Love Can Break Your Heart’ a spin, both achingly beautiful.
How 'bout something completely different? From the Trans song and album, especially live is sovereign: Computer Cowboy (AKA Syscrusher), Sample and Hold, and the Trans- mogrified 'Mr. Soul'. Hold on to your socks. Greetings from Canada... longtime sub and fan, first comment- Peace.
Favorite Neil Young songs
On The Way Home
Old Man
Through My Sails
Harvest Moon
Cortez The Killer
It's a rotating list that becomes impossible to allow for just one song !
I picked up a guitar in November 1972
( age 13) the sentimental value is
price- less ❤️
Technically a Buffalo Springfield song, but Expecting to Fly is probably my favorite. Lotta Love, Tell Me Why, Razor Love are great, too.
Neil’s “Heart of Gold” film is another masterpiece. It was recorded in Nashville and directed by Jonathan Demme. Some amazing performances in there as well.
"Harvest Moon" a beautiful song, a favorite. Please consider reviewing the "Fox and Fossils" cover...!
This is my favorite Young song. Thanks for doing this one.
It's worth noting that the backup singers are (L) Neil's sister Astrid and (R) Neil's ex-girlfriend Nicolette Larson (RIP). Check out some of Nicolette's solo work, especially "Last in Love" and "French Waltz". "Live at the Roxy" is a great album!!
Old Man, Southern Man, Like a Hurricane, Heart of Gold, there's soooooo many. His new albums are amazing as well.
Hey Beth! Can you react to Exo's Best Live Vocals 2020 Compilation?
Exo is a legendary Kpop boyband known for its great live vocals and great performing skills. Since they are on semi-hiatus because of mandatory military service, all of the members also started their own solo careers. In the compilation above, you can hear both group and solo performances. Thank you in advance! :)
I love him too, since a long time. On The Beach is one of my favorite songs of him, Down by the river, Powderfinger
It's tough to pick one Beth, but Cinnamon Girl is great and is kind of in the middle of Neil's mellow songs and the more rocking ones.
Check out "Long May You Run" and "Midnight on the Bay" by the Stills Young Band. Good stuff
The Canadian version of "We are the World" was "Tears are not Enough" which featured Canadian artists like Neil Young. It was prodiuced by David Foster. In the documentary Foster stops Neil during his take and tells him "you're a little sharp".
Neil says
"That's my style man"
George Harrison once remarked "Neil Young's singing voice is the only one worse than mine". Haha. Wrong you are George! 2 legends.
You talk to much. Let it play. Dont have comment on every line. Irritating. Comment on whole song instead
For raw emotion, it’s hard to beat his album “Tonight’s the Night,” dealing with the drug-related deaths of people he knew and general world-weariness.
Saw this live in nort Carolina. Booker T and the MGs was his band. All master musicians on stage. I was walking bac to concessions when he started and the entire stadium stopped in its tracks. It was so lush and magical as the sound filled the air and carried on outwards. Half of us couldn’t keep a dry eye. The sound was so pure and our hearts were full of so much beauty. Ps. The broom is the brushes even on the album
What a wonderful and amazing voice he has.
Very very distinctive, as another voice coach said its like a bell ringing.
He also seems to be a very unassuming, shy and humble man, with no airs and graces ❤
Favorite Neil Young song
Down by the river. Best version is with Crazy Horse
Awesome! This is one of my fave NY songs. Others I really like: One of These Days, Long May You Run, Sugar Mountain
Driving down a sunny summer road swaying back & forth within the lane from margin to margin.
That is how I fell in love with this song....
What a beautiful fond memory...
Priceless.
My favorite Neil Young song is like a hurricane. Stars and bars version and unplugged version!
No favorite Neil Young song they all bring me back to my teens and high school
Neil Unplugged - always great.
Neil Young can make you cry...either from sweetness or sorrow...depending on what he's singing about. He can pull emotion out of you at will. It's like he reaches inside you and touches your heart. He is absolutely incredible...as a songwriter, a singer, and a guitarist. ✌️❤️ to all of you out there.
this whole album is so relaxing and warm. glad to see you react to this
My favourite Neil Young song? all of them :)
But seriously, there are so many, I could go on for ages!
Tone!! I wish I had a range remotely like Neil’s
My favourite is Hey Hey My My. It has some dirty guitars and Neil's vocals are on point.
I love this song so much… I love him! I’d love to see you compare his rocker side like “Keep On Rockin’ In The Free World” so you could point out those unique qualities that make him a great rock singer and a great folk singer at the same time.
PS: Canada gave us 2 of the best ever, Leonard Cohen and Neil Young
I'm an American who is eternally grateful to Canada for artists like Leonard and Neil, not to mention Gordon Lightfoot, Bruce Cockburn, and Joni Mitchell. Some of the greatest singer-songwriters of the past century came out of Canada.
Oh Neil! What a style he has! He made his own rule book for singing! So many great songs! To many to choose only one! If you like fragility you can check out the album « le noise » and « a letter home » just him and his instruments! Or in way more different approach the album « trans » an album done for his son who has autism if I’m not mistaken! Great choice for this video too!
One could suggest any number from his massive music library. His work with Crazy Horse like Live Rust is a different sound than his classics from the early 70's. Broken Arrow, Down by the River, Only Love can Break Your Heart, My My, Hey Hey. After the Gold Rush and Heart of Gold will always be the two standouts for me
Always loved this song, my favorite is though; 'Already One' - on his Comes a Time Album. After my son was born, that one became my favorite!!
Can never decide on a favourite Neil Young song but I'll go for helpless from the last waltz as then I get Joni Mitchell and The Band in there as well as a freebie!
Neil is such a great songwriter, it's hard to pick just one favorite. Maybe "Helpless", "I am a Child", "Powderfinger", or "Cortez the Killer". As far as not knowing musicians or groups from a while back goes, in my 50s I'm still discovering bands from decades ago that I come to love, like the British folk-jazz band, Pentangle, with the beautiful voice of Jacqui McShee.
artomatt, you just picked two of my fav NY songs, Powderfinger & Cortez, wonderful songs powerful songs, I like being in my 50's & discovering new music (to me) Keep at it friend.
It's hard to pick one favorite?
It's hard to pick a top ten and not feel like you left at least ten other great songs off the list.
Too many "favorite" Neil Young songs! I love "Old Man" "Don't Let it Bring You Down" "Lotta Love" "After the Gold Rush" "Mr Soul" and so many more.
Mr Soul- love the lyrics!
So Beth, Neil Young is pretty awesome and I am so very glad you have discovered him. You may not know this, but he was also in this band for a time with these other guys David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Graham Nash, and their band "Crosby Stills and Nash" / "Crosby Stills Nash and Young" made some music that was vocal harmony heaven on earth. You really need to check them out and do a few reactions to some of their songs. A great starting point would be "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes." Their catalog of vocal magic is a deep and wide river of song, you will not be disappointed.
This is top 5 for me. Needle and the damage done is probably my favorite. Thanks for doing this one. So glad you discovered him
Asking for a favourite Neil Young song is like asking what is your favourite cake. This song is very high up on the list for sure. I love how it is a song about “old” love. But it really depends on the mood. “Keep on Rocking in the Free World” is a favourite for sure. I was a young teenager when it came out. It was the first song the made me aware political action, music and the importance of carefully listening to lyrics. Especially Neil Young lyrics! That second verse makes me cry every time I hear it.
I learned this song for an ukulele singing group. I had trouble with it because his timing is so different. Or mine is haha. He starts a line way before I normally would and, at first, I wasn't finished with a line before he had moved on. Of course now, I love his timing.
I love this song, and the whole Unplugged album. My favorite Neil Young song is Like A Hurricane.
Powderfinger is an awfully good song
I really like your reactions. They feel true. I think we also share a taste in music. I was wondering if you know Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings? Even if you do, I would love to see your reaction to The Way It Will Be (Live @ Jills veranda) The way their voices blend is just uncanny. If you don’t know them, also check out their version of Cortez the Killer, during their Tiny Desk Concert, which is the reason I thought of them after a Neil Young reaction. And another favorite, Look At Miss Ohio, - BBC4 Sessions. Thanks for the insights you bring to my understanding of music.
This is easily one of my favorite songs. Being a fellow Canadian I must admit that Neil's voice is not always the best but he does
a masterful job on this. The same with Bob Dylan, he did not have the best voice but he music was genius. In my view.
great pick! love, love, love this song. it's hard to pick a single favorite Neil Young song. i think Sugar Mountain is a beautiful one.
My favourite Neil Young songs are: Old Man, Heart of Gold, Needle and the Damage Done and Don't Let It Bring You Down.
I grew up with this stuff.
Always one of my favorite Neil songs. I sing it also, along with playint guitar and harmonica in the brace. A truly Classic Neil Young.
The two giants that sit on top of the world--Neil Young and Joni Mitchell, both Canadian.
Faves change but have gotten really stuck on Don't Be Denied... I Am A Child... Psychedelic Pill....
I can’t disagree with any of the classics people have listed. My wife and I danced to Harvest Moon at our daughter’s wedding, so this one is high on the list. That said, I’m going to mention a terrific NY song that rarely gets mentioned: Thrasher, from the Rust Never Sleeps album. It is beautifully written and recorded. To me, it’s like reading Steinbeck’s Grapes of Wrath in 5 1/2 minutes. ua-cam.com/video/HOgSTD7Kjrw/v-deo.html
Like many others, I enjoyed your discussion (reaction) and am glad your first Neil song (was it Old Man?) left you wanting to explore further.
Why ????? Stop the Wimpy acoustic Neil and play his electric and this is sub par!!!!! Try Crosby Stills Nash and Young doing Down By The River from the David Steinburg show live!!! Way better Vocals not top 40
This is one of my favorite songs ever. So beautiful and such a lovely performance.
I’m so glad I found this video. I really like your insights.
I just watched your reactions to Brazilian singers. I wish you could understand the lyrics of Zé Ramalho’s Chão De Giz. They’re sublime.
Sending hugs and the best wishes from Brazil 🇧🇷
Neil Young, had doubts, if Harvest Moon would work
It was after this point, that the song would, be placed on hold had he not been able to get Linda Ronstadt & James Taylor for Background vocals
James Taylor played the six string banjo on Old Man.
And assisted with background vocals on Heart Of Gold, & Old Man with Linda Ronstadt.
We were fortunate that Mrs Ronstadt had the time given later circumstances
With due respect to Emmylou Harris
I just read Linda Ronstadt did back up vocals on the album’s version
Never knew til now! Beth by the way… seriously! You never heard of Neil before! Hmm… You want to hear a beautiful duet with Neil and Linda?
Check out “Hanging Out on A Limb”. Duet or Linda on back up vocals? Be interesting to watch your reaction and see whether you think it’s a duet or Linda doing back up vocals? Peace out
I don’t know if you have in the past, I’ll check later but you should react to more KISS songs! I’d suggest Beth, Beth has the drummer Peter Criss singing a ballad for his girl, and Lead Vocalist Paul Stanley has a killer vocal performance in I Was Made For Loving You, anyways as always amazing video keep it up!
Well my favorite Neil songs, cant really pick just one are from hus edgier sounds. Throw Your Hatred Down, Rockin in The Free World, and and under appreciated sing about Flught 93, Sept 11. Its titled Lets Roll, the last distinguished wirds from the passengers bwfire forcing it down in pennsylvania instead of washington dc
WOW, Looks like I'm, "A year late and a dollar short" but hear goes - I love Neil Young and I love every single song by Neil Young so it's hard to pick a winner but 'OHIO' and 'SOUTHERN MAN'
My favorite is his cover of "Four strong winds", though this is pretty close. And it's funny you mentioned him singing right at the vocal break... when i learned to play FSW, it's in the key of C.... which is right dead at my break. But I managed it! (Sort of)
Favorite songs..."Cowgirl in the Sand" from 1969 all the way to "Ramada Inn" from 2006 and then there's hundreds of songs in between.
My, My, Hey, Hey and Hey, Hey, My, My from Rust Never Sleeps are favorites for me. Same basic song in acoustic (out of the blue) and electric (into the black) form.
When I first heard Neil Young, I was struck by his limited vocal range. As I've aged, listening more & more closely, I realize he has amazing vocal control.