MUSIC
HARVEST
Neil Young
MUSIC
In 1972, it was Neil’s first
big hit record, featuring
the London Symphony
Orchestra, David Crosby,
Stephen Stills, Graham
Nash, Linda Ronstadt,
and James Taylor. It has
some of Neil’s most popular works: songs such as
Birds, The Needle and The
Damage Done, Old Man,
A Man Needs A Maid, Harvest and Heart Of Gold.
Despite being such a
hugely popular album
and one of Neil’s best records, Harvest was at first
unfavourably received by
the critics. Rolling Stone
suggested that the record
poorly copied his earlier
works.
My music columns usually
avoid critical assessment.
After all, what do I really
know about anything?
What does Rolling Stone
know? I have opinions
and I am happy to share
my joys with you and always encourage readers
to listen to the voice of
their heart.
To me, Harvest was indeed a great record,
F
easting is something that one does following harvest time, so I have approached this
month’s articles with the perspective that through effort and hard work one has a good
harvest, and a responsible and grateful feast. This month’s spotlighted artist is a political activist with a wise view that too much feasting will ultimately end up in our demise.
Talking about Neil Young, his history, his new record and political activism is a brilliant way
for us to enter 2014. Why not start off the year with great music, responsible enjoyment of
our resources and feasting as though there is a tomorrow?
Neil Young’s fourth solo record was released in February of 1972. I was introduced to it in the
summer of 1986. It was the perfect musical soundtrack to my days as a camp counsellor in
Ontario’s Haliburton Hills.
and over time it has become a staple on all-time
top 100 lists. Twenty years
and sixteen albums later, )9