"Psychedelic Pill," Neil Young's 35th operation, proves he isn't finish, and the Horses aren't ready to be made into glue. With two discs, you'll be brand new in 87 minutes time.
88.1 KDHX Chart Position: #2 Americana and #5 CMJ Top 30 for the week of November 5, 2012.
Record label, release date and producer: Reprise Records released "Psychedelic Pill" on October 30, 2012. The album was produced by Neil Young, Mark Humphreys and John Hanlon.
Can be heard on: Drifter's Escape with Mark Perry, Feel Like Going Home with Roy Kasten and Time Warp Radio with Mark Hyken.
RIYL: Creedence Clearwater Revival, the Band and Buffalo Springfield.
Hometown: Toronto / Los Angeles.
Standout tracks: Which do you accept, the red or blue pill? Be sure to choose the "Psychedelic Pill," complete with a track filtered through manipulated flanger and constant stereo panning vocals. "Twisted Road" forms an ode to Young's influences with a classic, simple music bed. The 16-minute "Walk Like a Giant" may sound like defeat is inevitable, yet there is a hint of ultimate triumph.
About the artist: Neil Young's resume is ever expanding and has been since 1960. Surf-rock band the Squires began when Young was in high school. Young also co-founded Buffalo Springfield, joined Crosby, Stills and Nash, and has had an extensive solo career.
About the band: Through evolution, Crazy Horse matured from an early '60s doo-wop group, Danny and the Memories, as well as the Rockets. In 1969, the band began working with Young on "Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere" and has been backing him off and on since, while releasing five albums of its own.
This label: Ol' Blue Eyes himself, Frank Sinatra formed Reprise Records due to heightening dissatisfaction with his old label Capitol Records. Warner Brothers bought the label from Sinatra in 1963, and the label was deactivated by Warner from 1976 until 1987. Reprise's eclectic catalog has or currently includes artists such as Captain Beefheart, Green Day and Frankie Ballard.
Play it while: Enjoying an exquisite picnic after a difficult hike, breathing deeply the invigorating fall air.
What the critics say: "Of course, Neil Young has help: Whenever things get too cozy, Crazy Horse is there to rearrange the furniture. These longtime collaborators won't let their leader rest on any laurels. When the singing stops and Young falls into one of the band's epic guitar journeys, the music positively erupts." Tom Moon, NPR.
KDHX coverage: Diane Carson reviewed Jonathan Demme's concert documentary "Neil Young Journeys." Magdalene Linck charted the music of Neil Young and Crazy Horses' last release "Americana."
Discover more new music on all the 88.1 KDHX charts.
