Harvest review

by Buffalo Evans

Well, Neil Young has finally graced us with a new album and, as was expected, it's a gem. It's been a year and a half since After The Gold Rush, and while Neil's compatriots, CS&N, have been turning out their own solo ventures, Neil Young, again, firmly established his unique musical genius. His haunting tenor, vividly coherent lyrics, seemingly simple music and superb instrumental and vocal support coalesce into a flowing pastiche of musical brilliance.

Young continues to write original and memorable tunes, many of which have an air of familiarity to them; that's due to his atypical distinctive style. As seen on "The Needle And The Damage Done," Young's lyrics are terse and full of lucid observations. The latter song is a strong anti-hard drug message, wrapped up in a lilting, melodic musical package. The production work, shared by Neil Young, Elliot Mazer, Jack Nitzsche and Henry Lewy, is impeccable. Some of the recording was done in Nashville, with backing provided by the Stray Gators (and top Nashville session men Ben Keith, Kenny Buttrey and Tim Drummond along with Mr. Nitzsche). Two of the tunes, "A Man Needs A Maid" and "There's A World," were recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra, and to the credit of Nitzsche, the orchestra is tastefully employed. As an added bonus, there is background and vocal harmonies from James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Stephen Stills, Graham Nash and David Crosby.