2008 Woodie Awards
Neil Young occasionally shines on Chrome Dreams II
Justin Pacheco
Issue date: 11/14/07 Section: Entertainment
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11/14/07 - Neil Young has one of the most extensive catalogs of unreleased songs and, now that he is in what is likely the twilight of his career, he has begun to slowly release them on albums such as the newly released Chrome Dreams II.
Chrome Dreams II is the follow up to Young's unreleased Chrome Dreams from 1977. That album had, or would have had, rough and alternate versions of songs that appear on later Young albums. Songs like "Powderfinger," "Sedan Delivery," and "Pocahontas" are well known, having gained popularity on Rust Never Sleeps.
In contrast Chrome Dreams II is a collection of rare, unreleased songs that Young recently rerecorded. These songs, with the exception of "Ordinary People," are not well known and do not appear on any other of Young's albums.
The songs are from different stages of Young's career and the album doesn't stick to one topic like some of his albums, such as Living With War. This makes the album feel somewhat disjointed, but often the songs are strong enough to stand on their own.
The songs here are mostly mid tempo, with really only the thundering "Dirty Old Man" coming near the energy of Young's Crazy Horse days. The song tells the tale of alcoholic, abusive man; the grungy guitar fits well with the content, and proves that Young can still rock hard; it cements his place as the godfather of grunge- though his career has outlived the genre it inspired.
"Shining Light" and "Ever After" are both slow ballad-like songs. They feel somewhat uninspired compared to some of Young's work from his prime. They don't stick with you or make you feel any emotion like some of his earlier work, but they are solid country-tinged tracks and enjoyable to listen to.
"Spirit Road" tries to pick up the pace of the album, but is only moderately successful, never reaching the thrashing tempo of "Dirty Old Man." Again, it's a solid track, but it sounds unfinished, like it was supposed to go somewhere, but it never reaches its intended destination.
Chrome Dreams II is the follow up to Young's unreleased Chrome Dreams from 1977. That album had, or would have had, rough and alternate versions of songs that appear on later Young albums. Songs like "Powderfinger," "Sedan Delivery," and "Pocahontas" are well known, having gained popularity on Rust Never Sleeps.
In contrast Chrome Dreams II is a collection of rare, unreleased songs that Young recently rerecorded. These songs, with the exception of "Ordinary People," are not well known and do not appear on any other of Young's albums.
The songs are from different stages of Young's career and the album doesn't stick to one topic like some of his albums, such as Living With War. This makes the album feel somewhat disjointed, but often the songs are strong enough to stand on their own.
The songs here are mostly mid tempo, with really only the thundering "Dirty Old Man" coming near the energy of Young's Crazy Horse days. The song tells the tale of alcoholic, abusive man; the grungy guitar fits well with the content, and proves that Young can still rock hard; it cements his place as the godfather of grunge- though his career has outlived the genre it inspired.
"Shining Light" and "Ever After" are both slow ballad-like songs. They feel somewhat uninspired compared to some of Young's work from his prime. They don't stick with you or make you feel any emotion like some of his earlier work, but they are solid country-tinged tracks and enjoyable to listen to.
"Spirit Road" tries to pick up the pace of the album, but is only moderately successful, never reaching the thrashing tempo of "Dirty Old Man." Again, it's a solid track, but it sounds unfinished, like it was supposed to go somewhere, but it never reaches its intended destination.