Well…was just reading a review of Neil Young’s new album (yeah, I still call them albums) “Le Noise” in the Trib and it made me think about how long he’s been a favorite of mine…..it’s over 40 years now, and I can still remember hearing him for the first time when he was with Buffalo Springfield when I was around 16. I know it’s kind of cliche, but his music has been one of the few that I would consider the soundtrack that has been in the background of my life since I can remember. One of the things that I have always marveled at is his ability to get at the heart of America; even though he is a Canadian…maybe that’s why he has that unique viewpoint to his songs that deal with the injustice that is part of the US.

When I think about it, I can’t believe the same person wrote “Rocking in the Free World” and the wonderful little love song “Harvest Moon” that both give me chills when I hear them but then throws in songs about the strangest of topics that he takes just as seriously….like “Inca Queen” and “Welfare Mothers”. I guess what I’m trying to say is there needs to be a Neil Young in the world to help us see the absurdity, injustice, beauty, and love that is part of it….

I know this isn’t the one I promised but if you’ve read any of these, you know how important music is to me….