Description
Fans of classic rock and folk music can’t accuse Neil Young of taking it easy in the latter half of his prolific career. In addition to continuing to release new music at a regular pace, Young collects live and rare tracks under the ever-expanding “Neil Young Archives” series. The latest entry, Return To Greendale, mines one of his most realized and successful concepts. Where many of his numerous releases since 2000 have an intentionally spontaneous feel, such as 2019’s Colorado, 2003’s Greendale still feels whole and complete.
The album features all the original songs in energized concert renditions. As usual, the stripped-down sound of Crazy Horse benefits in the high-gain live setting. Return To Greendale finds the band churning along in an inspired groove, with Young’s rambling song-poems—several clocking in at 10 minutes or longer—are borne along by simple, timeless riffs. The hypnotic warmth of his guitar provides a vehicle for sheaves of folksy lyrics. Part of Greendale’s charm lies in Young’s combining of the personable and the political. Rarely has he brought the two together so convincingly for an entire record. His political statements, such as 2006’s Living With War, often don’t dwell in metaphor or plot device. For this reason, Greendale stands out in Young’s catalog as he channels his statements through a cast of relatable characters. Return To Greendale commemorates the album and tour that kicked off Young’s overtly eco-political direction, and reveals a career high point.
