There are live albums and there are live albums; some good, some bad, some awesome. This one is of the awesome variety and much better than volume 1 (LIVE AT THE FILLMORE EAST) in this latest series. And it’s a recording (plus DVD) that all Neil Young fans and strangers should own and treasure.

There are 17 of Young’s best tracks here including many taken from his very best early albums. The sound quality of this live show, with Young accompanied only by his guitar and a piano, is superb. Vocally, I’ve never heard the man sing better or with more expression; a fragile vocal quality that is totally compelling. The recording appears largely unedited as it includes song intros by the artist in addition to audience acclaim and comment. Then of course there’s the songs, classic songs heaped full of beautiful melodies and lyrics that adhere to the brain cells, akin to certain Beatles songs that one never forgets. The simple performing ambience brings out the very best of Young’s distinctive voice and songs which include: One The Way Home, Tell Me Why, Old Man, Journey Through The Past, Helpless, A Man Needs A Maid/Heart Of Gold (suite) – complete with audience participation, Cowgirl In The Sand, Don’t Let It Bring You Down, There’s A World, Bad Fog Of Loneliness, The Needle And The Damage Done, Ohio, See The Sky About To Rain, Down By The River, Dance Dance Dance, and I Am A Child.

Young observed, “This is the album that should have come out between AFTER THE GOLD RUSH and HARVEST. David Briggs, my producer, was adamant that this should be the record, but I was very excited about the takes we got on HARVEST and wanted HARVEST out. David disagreed. As I listen to this today, I can see why. Love you, David.”

High spots? The lead up to and performance of The Needle And The Damage Done takes some beating. Dance Dance Dance with its hodown, thumping treatment is also pretty special (as is the relentless, thundering crowd acclaim at the end of the song which is unlike anything I’ve heard before, and draws NY back to the stage for just one more…). But in truth this is a seminal performance with many very special moments. As I listen to the record for the umpteenth time and the audeince foot stamping, shouts and applause close to the record’s conclusion, I find myself wondering how many songs performed by today’s artists will endure in the head, heart and soul for this long? I think you know the answer to that one… This is undoubtedly one of the finest ever live concert recordings, and an essential masterpiece.

5/5