Neil Young Entertainment Art "Live at Massey Hall" (Reprise) Released March 13, 2007

Five years after leaving the Toronto music scene to pursue his dreams of Rock and Roll stardom, Neil Young returned to his hometown on January 19, 1971 to perform two shows at Massey Hall. This new release is the full second show and the set list is a reflection of Young’s creative drive. Nine of the seventeen tracks were previously unreleased, including the operatic ballads, “There’s a World,” “A Man Needs a Maid” (which includes a snippet of the classic single, “Heart of Gold’) and “Old Man.” Tracks that would make his 1972 album, Harvest a commercial success.

Free from the orgasmic feedback of Crazy Horse’s electric sound and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young’s tight harmonies, Neil Young nails all 17 tracks with a shaky and eccentric voice that’s been a trademark during his more than 40 years in the business. His guitar playing is sparse, but enough to drive home the lessons of age and experience that were recurring throughout this set. Songs like “Helpless” and “Journey Through the Past” are brilliant glimpses of Toronto and “The Needle and the Damage Done” (another classic track from Harvest) is a chilling reminder of Heroin and its effect.

Hands down, this is Neil Young’s best performance as a vocalist, and guitarist. Sure, the howl of Crazy Horse is an effective way to reach out and touch an audience of screaming fans, but on January 19, 1971, Neil Young proved that he doesn’t need electricity to mesmerize an entire crowd. This is truly Neil Young at his best, naked with a pocket full of ambition.

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