| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| The King Of Karaoke |
Posted - 09/19/2005 : 03:09:40
I'm a lot like you were.
 I am not a number. I am a free man! |
| 31 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Ten Percenter |
Posted - 09/21/2005 : 06:38:11
This might interest you Clopser, and others, in fact. It is from Sunday's Observer music magazine, and shows that Neil Young has inspired an online community as fanatical as FB.net!
Observer Music Monthly, September 18th, 2005
Fanatical? Not us, we're just good friends of Neil's
John Duncan couldn't pass up the chance to see his idol play two intimate shows - and neither could his friends. After all, it was only 4,000 miles from home
Sunday September 18, 2005
I wasn't supposed to be here in Nashville. Neither was Good Looking Millie from Connecticut. Or Mike and Sara from Philadelphia or Heidi from Chicago. Or Cor from Holland. But here we all were anyway - uninvited, unticketed but undeterrable, like Close Encounters of the Neil Young Kind, making mashed potato models of Nashville out of our airline food.
This wasn't even really supposed to be a concert, more of a film set with a few hundred continuity executives (clapping). It happened like this. Jonathan Demme messes up his schedule and hasn't got anything to do for a year. So he rings up Neil Young (like you do) and asks him what he's up to. Neil, who had just a) been diagnosed with a brain aneurysm, b) recorded an album and c) had the brain aneurysm removed (in that order), tells him about the record and sends him a copy. Demme likes it and suggests they make a concert film. Demme's music CV includes Stop Making Sense, of course, not to mention a video for New Order and another concert film with Robyn Hitchcock, as well as Silence of the Lambs, Philadelphia and the rest. So of course Neil says yes. And so the Ryman Auditorium, former home of the Grand Ole Opry and the Diocese of Nashville's cathedral of country music, is booked for the shoot for two nights and here we are. It wasn't clear that there would even be an audience. And then it was decreed to be composed of music industry folk only. No publicity, no Ticketmaster, no touts. Nothing. No way of getting in. So, naturally, we turned up anyway.
OK, the We and the Why. I found Mike the pilot in the lobby of my hotel. We'd emailed each other to say we were going to Nashville, even though we haven't ever met. He thought that Good- Looking Millie and Sara would be here too. They had heard that MyDogWhiskey might be there too. The reason we know each other and have such silly names is that we are technically what you would call Rusties. I have been one since 2001. The name comes from Neil's 1978 record Rust Never Sleeps. Possibly. (You learn not to be too assertive about what you believe to be Neil facts when you're in this sort of company.) It involves a Yahoo group email list which you can just lurk on or log on and circulate your opinions about Neil and have them seen and contested by people as Neil nerdy as you are. I love it as an escape from work, a very extended global family of freaks, madder than my real family but connected not by blood (which you don't choose) but by music (which you do). I like the people on the list and I like that I have so many friends I've never met.
We have some real eccentrics in our family. DebGlowngDifferently shares her Neil dreams and her nocturnal conversations with Neil. FrontRowBob reports from Neil gigs and hates Hogtitties (it's an acronym: Heart of Gold Toe Tappers). DrSquane drinks too much, lives in Florida but at his best writes like Hunter S. A lot of our chatter is shooting the breeze about favourite gigs, or favourite Neil eras or Neil's guitars. Sometimes it can be quite technical. Maybe someone decides to rant about the snare drum mix on a particular track from 1973 for no other reason than it irritated them at that precise moment. There's even a bloke who doesn't think his Neil US singles collection is complete unless he has a copy from both of Reprise's US pressing plants and knows how to tell which is which by the shape of the run-off groove.
That last bloke is me. Mostly, though, it's a bunch of about 3,000 people who are slightly on the fanatical side of normal about Neil. I'm not quite sure what we did before the internet. Maybe we would have been penpals. More likely we would have imagined we were on our own and that only Neil could understand how we felt about his music. Which wouldn't have been nice for anyone concerned.
We all got in to the Nashville gig of course. The first of our Thursday night tickets came courtesy of my Hugh Grant impression performed for the benefit of a Classic Rock radio station receptionist. Errm, excuse me, errm, I'm terribly sorry to bother you but I believe it's possible you might have Neil Young tickets and errm, I've come all the way from England and I was hoping you might be able to, errm, let me have one, errm, if that would be possible.' Never fails in the southern US of A. The tickets weren't for me. I'd already scored off the best and nicest music PR in Britain, Andy from Warners. But the tickets went to the Rusties' pool. The rest of the gang had to sweat it out at a bar called Rippy's. The aforementioned radio station had a tombola in the bar rigged for a Rustie landslide by a big southern rocker type who appeared to me to be speaking a mixture of Croatian and Chinese and who seemed to like me slightly more than I was comfortable with. I nodded a lot, and we managed to score the tickets.
The curtain parts and Neil is playing the first track from the album. No one calls Neil anything other than Neil. I don't know why Springsteen is Springsteen, Dylan is Dylan, but Neil is Neil. I think Neil's relationship with his audience feels first-name, personal, family. Or maybe Carl Jung already had the surname rights. So the curtain comes back and there is Neil seated strumming the guitar with the full team of old friends from the album behind him and a gorgeous beige backdrop of a sheet blowing in a wind with a wide open prairie in the background. Ben Keith on slide guitar, Chad Cromwell on drums, Spooner Oldham on keyboards, Rick the bass player on bass and Emmylou Harris - looking like Neil's guardian angel - on backing vocals. Wayne Jackson of the Memphis Horns is there. The Nashville String Machine. The Fisk University Jubilee Singers. At its peak there are 30 people on stage. He runs through the album track by track with pauses in between. 'Welcome to limbo,' says Neil, pacing the stage impatiently while the crew reset the seats and chairs and everyone moves to first position for the next song and the film crew get set. Neil tells a story in between every song to take his mind off things. He apologises for the delay. The album was recorded in single takes at a rate of about a song a day. Neil likes spontaneity - there isn't anything spontaneous about film-making. But somehow it gets done - 10 new tracks in a row. Then an interval and a set of songs mainly from Harvest and Comes a Time. Absolutely beautiful.
The second night was tough to get into. We got a tip that the radio station was giving out tickets at a burger joint 21 miles outside Nashville at midday. We got there at 12.05, beaten to the punch by Cor the Dutchman, Brack the local and Tom the archivist. By 12.10 the tickets had all gone. 'All gone?' said the radio presenter, shocked, when they went live for an update. 'In 10 minutes?'. 'Yup,' said the girl who was giving them out. 'Some Dutch and English people just happened to be driving past when the location was announced.'
Friday's set was identical, though whenever Rusties are together it is decreed that there shall be a rumour that a long forgotten track is going to be played for the first time since 1983.
I know I've rather shot my bolt here as an unbiased reviewer of either this concert or the new album, Prairie Wind. But it really is very, very good. Reflective in parts, joyous in others, silly, sappy, angelic, hymnal, anthemic - and it leaves me feeling elated. If Neil tours this album, you should see it. When it comes out on 27 September you should buy it. You don't have to buy the 200g virgin vinyl copy with the bonus single or the DVD special edition if you don't want to. That's for weirdos like me. Or maybe in your heart you're a bit of a Rustie too. Welcome on board.
"Fried food, cigarettes, no exercise, chest pain..." (Excerpt from the Angina Monologues) |
| Stuart |
Posted - 09/21/2005 : 05:11:30
So has anyone got Prairie Wind yet?
This is a high class bureau de change, not some Punch & Judy show on the seafront at Margate! |
| KimStanleyRobinson |
Posted - 09/21/2005 : 01:49:30
John Prine:
We had an apartment in the city,
Me and Loretta liked living there.
Well, it'd been years since the kids had grown,
A life of their own left us alone.
John and Linda live in Omaha,
And Joe is somewhere on the road.
We lost Davy in the Korean war,
And I still don't know what for, don't matter anymore.
Ya' know that old trees just grow stronger,
And old rivers grow wilder ev'ry day.
Old people just grow lonesome
Waiting for someone to say, "Hello in there, hello."
Me and Loretta, we don't talk much more,
She sits and stares through the back door screen.
And all the news just repeats itself
Like some forgotten dream that we've both seen.
Someday I'll go and call up Rudy,
We worked together at the factory.
But what could I say if asks "What's new?"
"Nothing, what's with you? Nothing much to do."
Ya' know that old trees just grow stronger,
And old rivers grow wilder ev'ry day.
Old people just grow lonesome
Waiting for someone to say, "Hello in there, hello."
So if you're walking down the street sometime
And spot some hollow ancient eyes,
Please don't just pass 'em by and stare
As if you didn't care, say, "Hello in there, hello."
|
| Stuart |
Posted - 09/20/2005 : 15:57:37
quote:
Originally posted by The King Of Karaoke
Okay kids, I was listening to this tune last night and felt like starting a lyric thread. I thought other people might post lines to this most excellent song, but nooooo.
Only Kathryn got it.
I am not a number. I am a free man!
I got it from the title upon first viewing but someone else had already said 'Neil Young' otherwise I'd have done it.... Yeah, great song on an album full of classics. I love this album.
This is a high class bureau de change, not some Punch & Judy show on the seafront at Margate! |
| HeywoodJablome |
Posted - 09/20/2005 : 10:52:48
Well, I made whoopee with my neighbor a few weeks back but she doesn't know about my secret forum moniker, I think I have better luck when I use my lothario name, Larry Black. |
| VoVat |
Posted - 09/20/2005 : 10:19:30
I guess your name hasn't had its intended effect, then?
I was all out of luck, like a duck that died. I was all out of juice, like a moose denied. |
| HeywoodJablome |
Posted - 09/20/2005 : 00:01:40
quote:
Originally posted by kathryn
Heywood is my secret forum crush.
Sometimes, no matter how shitty things get, you have to just do a little dance. - Frank
Wow, that's the most action I've had all year, thanks Kathryn!
|
| kathryn |
Posted - 09/19/2005 : 12:19:04
And I don't know how they do it
But they sure do it good
I hope they doin' it for free
Sometimes, no matter how shitty things get, you have to just do a little dance. - Frank
|
| Carolynanna |
Posted - 09/19/2005 : 12:13:28
A child arrived just the other day,
He came to the world in the usual way.
But there were planes to catch, and bills to pay.
He learned to walk while I was away.
And he was talking 'fore I knew it, and as he grew,
He'd say, "I'm gonna be like you, dad.
You know I'm gonna be like you."
I know thats just awful!
__________
Don't believe the hype. |
| The King Of Karaoke |
Posted - 09/19/2005 : 11:59:34
quote:
Originally posted by floop
i got it. i guess i'm just a little disappointed that you're dad isn't a sasquatch hunter
So am I, my man. So am I.
I am not a number. I am a free man! |
| kathryn |
Posted - 09/19/2005 : 10:44:09
Heywood is my secret forum crush.
Sometimes, no matter how shitty things get, you have to just do a little dance. - Frank
|
| HeywoodJablome |
Posted - 09/19/2005 : 10:43:40
Neil is my co-pilot. |
| kathryn |
Posted - 09/19/2005 : 10:35:35
Harvest is one of my favorite albums on the planet. If KOK'd posted Out on the Weekend, I wouldn't have posted back another lyric, I would have started sobbing. That song reduces me to tears everytime.
Sometimes, no matter how shitty things get, you have to just do a little dance. - Frank
|
| whoreatthedoor |
Posted - 09/19/2005 : 10:33:47
So... I should be posting the "Old Man Kensey" lyrics..., or something.
I don't get it.
El amor es la distancia más larga entre un punto y otro |
| floop |
Posted - 09/19/2005 : 09:36:20
i got it. i guess i'm just a little disappointed that you're dad isn't a sasquatch hunter |
| The King Of Karaoke |
Posted - 09/19/2005 : 09:35:30
Okay kids, I was listening to this tune last night and felt like starting a lyric thread. I thought other people might post lines to this most excellent song, but nooooo.
Only Kathryn got it.
I am not a number. I am a free man! |
| floop |
Posted - 09/19/2005 : 09:24:19
Neil Young - "Old Man"
Old man look at my life,
I’m a lot like you were.
Old man look at my life,
I’m a lot like you were.
Old man look at my life,
Twenty four and there’s so much more
Live alone in a paradise
That makes me think of two.
Love lost, such a cost,
Give me things that don’t get lost.
Like a coin that won’t get tossed
Rolling home to you.
Old man take a look at my life I’m a lot like you
I need someone to love me the whole day through
Ah, one look in my eyes and you can tell that’s true.
Lullabies, look in your eyes,
Run around the same old town.
Doesn’t mean that much to me
To mean that much to you.
I’ve been first and last
Look at how the time goes past.
But I’m all alone at last.
Rolling home to you.
Old man take a look at my life I’m a lot like you
I need someone to love me the whole day through
Ah, one look in my eyes and you can tell that’s true.
Old man look at my life,
I’m a lot like you were.
Old man look at my life,
I’m a lot like you were. |
| whoreatthedoor |
Posted - 09/19/2005 : 09:23:19
quote:
Originally posted by Homers_pet_monkey
quote:
Originally posted by whoreatthedoor
I don't get it.
El amor es la distancia más larga entre un punto y otro
It's Neil Young.
 I'd walk her everyday, into a shady place
I don't get it.
El amor es la distancia más larga entre un punto y otro |
| floop |
Posted - 09/19/2005 : 09:19:55
but you just said you were a lot like he was..
now you're confusing me |
| The King Of Karaoke |
Posted - 09/19/2005 : 09:17:04
I'm NOT a lot like he was/is. If he's still alive.
I am not a number. I am a free man! |
| floop |
Posted - 09/19/2005 : 09:12:25
quote:
Originally posted by The King Of Karaoke
No. He was/is obsessed with sleeping with as many women as possible during his sad time on this planet.
sounds sad |
| The King Of Karaoke |
Posted - 09/19/2005 : 09:09:38
quote:
Originally posted by kathryn
like a coin that won't get tossed rolling home to you
Sometimes, no matter how shitty things get, you have to just do a little dance. - Frank
Ah, one look in my eyes
and you can tell that's true.
I am not a number. I am a free man! |
| The King Of Karaoke |
Posted - 09/19/2005 : 09:05:17
No. He was/is obsessed with sleeping with as many women as possible during his sad time on this planet.
I am not a number. I am a free man! |
| floop |
Posted - 09/19/2005 : 08:55:32
was your dad obsessed with sasquatch too kok? |
| Homers_pet_monkey |
Posted - 09/19/2005 : 07:31:09
quote:
Originally posted by whoreatthedoor
I don't get it.
El amor es la distancia más larga entre un punto y otro
It's Neil Young.
I'd walk her everyday, into a shady place
|
| bazza |
Posted - 09/19/2005 : 05:47:58
bling... bling... bling bling bling bling... <thats meant to be the banjo bit>. awesome song - i went out and bought harvest after hearing this on the radio.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
It's an insane world, and I'm proud to be a part of it. |
| kathryn |
Posted - 09/19/2005 : 03:52:36
like a coin that won't get tossed rolling home to you
Sometimes, no matter how shitty things get, you have to just do a little dance. - Frank
|
| Cheeseman1000 |
Posted - 09/19/2005 : 03:50:59
Yr old, yr old, yr old, yr old, yr old...
How's that for a slice of fried gold? |
| starmekitten |
Posted - 09/19/2005 : 03:33:46
Help the aged,
one time they were just like you,
drinking, smoking cigs and sniffing glue. Help the aged,
don't just put them in a home,
can't have much fun in there all on their own.
Give a hand, if you can,
try and help them to unwind.
Give them hope & give them comfort 'cos they're running out of time.
In the meantime we try.
Try to forget that nothing lasts forever. No big deal so give us all a feel.
Funny how it all falls away.
When did you first realise?
It's time you took an older lover baby. Teach you stuff
although he's looking rough.
Funny how it all falls away.
Help the aged
'cos one day you'll be older too
- you might need someone who can
pull you through
& if you look very hard
behind the lines upon their face you may see where you are headed
and it's such a lonely place.
You can dye your hair
but it's the one thing you can't change.
Can't run away from yourself, yourself...
Funny how it all falls away.
Funny how it all falls away.
Funny how it all falls away.
So help the aged.
 |
| whoreatthedoor |
Posted - 09/19/2005 : 03:29:21
I don't get it.
El amor es la distancia más larga entre un punto y otro |
| The King Of Karaoke |
Posted - 09/19/2005 : 03:20:04
I'm no sure where I'm going with this.
I am not a number. I am a free man! |
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