Neil Young

Silver & Gold

Still got it after all these years

Review Score:

(8/10)
Despite the fact thats he's released about 40 albums Neil still can turn out novel and interesting songs. "Silver and Gold" did take quite a bit longer than usual and has songs dating back to the mid 80s, (title cut and "Razor Love") but the album is all the better for it.

Most of these songs were played on Neil's 99 Solo Tour, giving him ample time to perfec and fill them with the nuances present in these versions. Additionally, he adds his minimal but sublime cast of studio musicians to round out the sound. Most notable is great slide guitar from Ben Keith.

This album is definitely comparable to the "Harvest", "Harvest Moon", "Comes A Time", and even "After the Goldrush", but still is a relatively unique item in Neil's disography. Its got a fairly strong country/bluegrass feel, but more importantly Neil's voice is clearer and better than ever. He sings with great fondess on each song as he looks back across through his life. The whole album feels very content. At my young age I'm afraid the sentiment of song of the songs is lost on me, but the album still flows incredibly well.

I've found this album to be especially effective in introducing people to Neil, especially women who would give me annoyed looks when I tried to play "Rust Never Sleeps" or "Tonight's The Night". That pervasive relaxed sound is simply agreeable.

I do kind of wish Neil would have included three other staples from the '99 tour that were sacrificed to CSN&Y's "Looking Forward" on this album. ("Looking Forward", "Out of Control", "Slowpoke") Those songs could have pushed the album to classic status. As it is the album is it heart-warming engaging listen. Great for a rainy day or a romantic evening.

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