Benefit Announcements

Here are a few benefit shows that were announced in the last couple of days that caught my eye....

Pablove Benefit: Band of Horses / Sea Wolf / Black Rebel Motorcycle Club / Tom Morello / Shirley Manson / Butch Walker / Tom Gabel / Jarrod Gorbel / Charlotte Martin @ Avalon on 11/21/09 (buy tickets $35 for GA / $65 for VIP)

Pablove Benefit: Tenacious D @ Largo on 12/23/09 - $50 - call 310-855-0350 for tickets.

When You Awake Presents
A Tribute To Neil Young Friday, November 20, 2009 Bootleg Theater, 2220 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90057 8:30 pm Doors, 9:00 pm Show
Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at door 18+
To purchase tickets, go to: http://www.inticketing.com/events/58595

The event will include:
Performances of Neil Young songs by Delta Spirit, Ferraby Lionheart, Jason Simon of Dead Meadow, The Parson Redheads, Leslie Stevens of Leslie and the Badgers, Family of the Year, Justin Gordon, Restavrant, The Chapin Sisters, Shakey Graves and the Dark Horse House Band featuring Andy Creighton of The World Record/Parson Red Heads, Brian Whelan and Dan Iead of The Broken West, Josh Charney of Le Switch, John Hoskinson and Rob Douglas
Special DJ Sets by Turquoise Wisdom, Crafts with Benny Kelly and a Neil Young- inspired photo booth hosted by Sterling Andrews of Gooseberries

About The Children’s Music Fund:
Founded by Raffi Tachdjian MD, MPH, an immunologist and pediatric pain specialist from the Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA, The Children’s Music Fund is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation. The organization’s mission is to provide musical instruments and music therapy for chronically ill child patients. Also, they fund ongoing research in the field of music therapy in reference to medical practices.

East Coast vs. West Coast: Neil Young vs. Bob Dylan

This is a new series here at You Set the Scene where we attempt to settle the age old East Coast vs. West Coast feud. In reality, we’re exploring the New York City metro area vs. the Los Angeles metro area.

In the first post we explored the quintessential band from each area: THE VELVET UNDERGROUND vs. THE BEACH BOYS. Our verdict was The Beach Boys (HERE).

This time around we look at - The (Transplanted) Singer/Songwriter.

BOB DYLAN vs. NEIL YOUNG

Issues:
- Does Bob Dylan belong to New York City?
Robert Zimmerman was born in 1941 in Duluth, Minnesota and got interested in folk music while living in Minneapolis. In 1961 he was drawn to New York City by Woody Guthrie and the Greenwich Village scene. He was already calling himself Bob Dylan by then, but New York City was where he made a name for himself. With the exception of the Nashville records, his early records were recorded at Columbia Studios in NYC. Interestingly, in the late 1970s and early 1980s he recorded most of his records in Los Angeles. It's quite possible that he’s spent more time living in LA than NYC. Today he’s the definition of a rolling stone, spending time in upstate New York, Malibu and touring. But New York City gets him because of those early, formative years. But don't tell Minnesota.

- Does Neil Young belong to Los Angeles?
Neil Young was born in Toronto in 1945. He started playing in bands in high school and dropped out to play the folk clubs. After his short lived band the Mynah Birds fell apart (stupid Rick James) Neil moved to LA in 1966 (still only 20 years old). His first band there was Buffalo Springfield, who recorded three albums in a little over two years. After they broke up, Neil stayed in LA and finally found his voice as a writer and performer. He recorded his first few solo albums there. Throughout the 1970s Young continued to split his time and record between Northern and Southern California. These days we tend associate Neil with Northern California, but he did spend his formative years in LA. So for the purposes of this argument, LA gets Neil. But don't tell Canada.

Popularity: While Bob Dylan’s never had a #1 pop song as a performer (“Like a Rolling Stone” and “Rainy Day Woman #12 & 35” both reached #2), he has sold a shitload of records. Sixteen releases have gone at least platinum and five of his records have reached #1 on the Billboard charts. He’s also won about ten Grammys and a lifetime achievement award, an Oscar and is a member of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame (and at their essence, those are all popularity contests).

As a solo performer, seven of Neil Young's records have gone at least platinum. Only Harvest reached number one on the Billboard charts. Neil's had one song, "Heart of Gold," reach number one on the Billboard singles chart. Funnily enough, in an 1985 interview Dylan said this about the song: "It seemed to me somebody else had taken my thing and had run away with it, you know, and I never got over it. Maybe tomorrow."

Edge: Bob Dylan

But this competition isn’t about mainstream popularity or chart success, so let’s dig a little deeper….

Songwriting: These are two of the most prolific, respected songwriters of all time. By my count, Neil's got ten albums and 85 songs that are pretty fantastic. No slouch either, Dylan's got at least a dozen critically acclaimed records and probably 60 songs that (I think) are pretty fantastic. Dylan also got all those one liners that are ingrained in our culture. Edge: Too close to call

Voice/Musicianship: Both artists have unmistakably unique voices that are a bit of an acquired taste. Dylan can be a chameleon with his. Put some of his country records on the turntable and the average music fan probably wouldn't recognize it as Dylan. Neil's able to use his limited range in a slightly prettier way. While Neil never claims to be a good guitar player, most fans would strongly disagree. Dylan doesn't quite have the same cachet. Edge: Neil Young

Cool Factor: Dylan's cool is more rooted in a beatnik-y, mid to late 1960s thing while Neil's is more rooted in that early to mid-1970s Topanga Canyon vibe. Neither artist has shied away from politics - Dylan with the civil rights movement and Neil Young's "Ohio" was a huge anti-war anthem. They both had periods of uncool too - Dylan's born-again phase and Neil's Republican phase. Neil Young wrote "This Note's For You" and Dylan appeared with Will.i.am in a Pepsi ad (I'll excuse him for Victoria's Secret, but Escalade?). In the end, it's really hard to find anybody who has been as cool for as long as Neil Young. Edge: Neil Young

Influence/Legacy: Both artists will leave behind incredible legacies. They've influenced both directly and indirectly anybody who has picked up a guitar (including each other). Not to discount Neil, but Dylan started earlier and was able to leave a more distinct legacy. There's really no modern substitute for Dylan. Edge: Bob Dylan

Verdict: How do you choose? Dylan's sold more albums, he's an American icon and his influence is undeniable. But as great as his recent songs are, he feels like he belongs to another generation. He's built so many walls around himself and manipulated his image so much, it's hard to feel like you know him. Neil Young's also had an incredible amount of success. He's completely uncompromising, which can be frustrating for his fans, but commands respect. There's so much passion and such a directness in his songwriting that in spite of his prickly nature, fans feel connected with him. Rolling Stone Magazine disagrees with me, but......Neil Young

Reminder: Tune in to Little Radio tomorrow from Noon to 2:00 for the Sinking Radio show. I have requested a recently released (on the Archives set) live version of one of the songs from Neil's first solo record. Often the live versions of the songs from that record beat the studio versions.

New Music Releases - 12/2/08

Last week was very light....

Records Released on 12/2/08:

Records I’ve Heard:

Neil Young: Sugar Mountain – Live at Canterbury House 1968 (Reprise) – Recorded in Ann Arbor, MI on November 9th and 10th in 1968 after he left Buffalo Springfield, but right before his self-titled debut came out. It’s solo acoustic Neil (which I adore). I’ve only streamed it online a couple of times (because it’s on my Christmas list) but it’s essential listening for Neil fans. Some of the arrangements are a bit different - which is often an improvement. There’s also some great between song anecdotes/introductions. At times he sounds a bit like he might have sucked down a couple of valiums before the show, but it’s interesting to hear how his voice has changed over the years. Highly recommended.


Other Noteworthy Releases:
Akon – at Club Nokia on 12/30/08
Britney Spears – at the Staples Center on 4/16/09 & 4/17/09

Tonight's Neil Young Concert is Canceled

Bummer. Tonight's show at the Forum is canceled. According to Reuter's, IATSE's in a labor dispute with the Forum's owners (Faithful Central Bible Church) and Neil refused to cross the picket line. No makeup date is scheduled. Ticketmaster already refunded my credit card.......

Guess that gives you an excuse to see Secret Machines / The Dears or Jenny Lewis or White Lies.

LA Live Music Options: 10/27/08 - 11/2/08

This post was prepared back on October 17th, so please confirm shows before showing up....

Monday 10/27/08
[Recommended] Everest / The Parson Red Heads @ R Bar (Free with password) – A break for Everest from their tour with Neil Young.
[Recommended] Kenan Bell / The Morning Benders / White Arrows @ Spaceland (Free)
[Recommneded] Rademacher @ the Echo (Free)
Manhattan Murder Mystery / Princeton / Divisadero / Young Animals @ Mr. T’s Bowl
Juiceboxxx / Icy Lytes / Kid Infinity @ Pehrspace
The May Fire / Odd Modern / Thailand @ Silverlake Lounge (Free)
Robyn @ Hotel Café
Mike Stinson @ Redwood Bar – Good local country.
Colossal Yes / Desolation Wilderness / LAKE / Devon Williams Something @ the Smell ($5)
Jack’s Mannequin @ Troubadour (Sold Out)

Tuesday 10/28/08
The Kooks / The Whigs @ Hollywood Palladium ($28.50) – The Whigs put on a great live show. It’s probably a good excuse to check out the new Palladium.
Against Me! / Ted Leo & the Pharmacists / Future of the Left @ the Wiltern ($25)
The Karabal Nightlife / I Make This Sound @ the Echo (Free) – I haven’t seen Karabal Nightlife, but I’m a fan of I Make This Sound.
Jeffrey Lewis / Talkdemonic / Homesick Elephant @ Spaceland ($10)
Third Meeting of the Symphonic Jamboree led by Tim Rutili @ Echo Curio
HoneyHoney @ Largo
The Seabellies @ Silverlake Lounge ($8) – Aussies.
Becky Stark (of Lavender Diamond) @ Tangier ($10)
Tony Gilkyson @ Redwood Bar
Aushua / Rose Rossi / Two Spot Gobi / Abdomen @ the Roxy
Jack’s Mannequin @ Troubadour (Sold Out)

Wednesday 10/29/08
[Recommended] The Notwist / Jel / OddNosdam @ The Fonda ($20)
Low End Theory Club @ Airliner
Milton Nascimento & the Jobim Trio @ Walt Disney Concert Hall ($36 - $69)
Club NME: Spinnerette (featuring Brody Dalle) / Future of the Left @ Spaceland ($14)
Julitte Commagere / Dawes / Alex & Sam / Nicole Simone @ Tangier ($8)
The Hackensaw Boys @ Redwood Bar ($10)
Rob Dickinson @ Hotel Café
slow/dynamite / Polar Goldie Cats / Voice On Tape @ the Smell ($5)
Maylene & the Sons of Disaster @ Troubadour ($14)

Thursday 10/30/08
CANCELED - [Recommended] Neil Young / Death Cab For Cutie / Everest @ The Forum ($51 - $251) – It’s fucking Neil Young. And Everest is opening for him. Probably the only thing that could get me to a show at the Forum. - CANCELED
[Recommended] Secret Machines / The Dears @ Key Club ($18) – Secret Machines are best experienced live and the Key Club does have a good sound system.
[Recommended] Jenny Lewis / Beachwood Sparks / Pierre de Reeder @ Orpheum ($30) – I just saw her at Spaceland, but she’s pretty charming live.
Fujiya & Miyagi / Fools Gold @ Troubadour ($15)
White Lies / Japanese Motors @ the Roxy ($13.50)
Avi Buffalo @ Echo Curio
The Mighty Underdogs @ Knitting Factory ($20)
Lisa Hannigan @ Largo
Polar Goldie Cats @ Relax Bar
Jon Lajoie / Io Echo / White Shoes & the Couples Company (from Indonesia) @ Spaceland
The Heavy / Pop Levi / The Gray Kid @ the Echo ($12)
The Hackensaw Boys / Robert Francis / Olin and the Moon @ Sivlerlake Lounge ($10)
Ane Brun / Tobias Froberg @ Hotel Café
Ray LaMontagne @ The Wiltern ($40 - $50)

Friday 10/31/08
[Recommended] Secret Machines / The Entrance Band / Mack Winston and the Reflections / Jason Simon (of Dead Meadow) @ Spaceland ($17)
The Henry Clay People @ Cat and Fiddle ($9) - Playing as the Ronald Reagan people.

CANCELED - Autoux / The Henry Clay People / Restaurant / Gaslamp Killer @ Little Radio [1218 Long Beach Ave in Downtown LA] ($24) – Entrance includes open bar all night. - CANCELED
[Recommended] Roky Erickson / The Black Angels @ El Rey ($28.50) – I saw Roky at SXSW this year, and he was surprisingly good.
The Damned / The Adolescents / Woolly Bandits @ House of Blues ($27.50)
Rise Against! / Alkaline Trio / Thrice / The Gaslight Anthem @ Hollywood Palladium ($33)
Exitmusic / Sirens and Sailors @ Echo Curio
Asobi Seksu / Love Grenades @ the Echo ($10)
Hard Haunted Mansion: Justice / Soulwax / Boys Noise / Simian Mobile Disco / Crystal Castles @ Shrine Auditorium ($52 - $127)
Cypress Hill / The Cool Kids @ The Wiltern ($40)
Helmet @ Viper Room ($25)

Saturday 11/1/08
[Recommended] The Parson Red Heads / The Spires / The Sweet Hurt @ Spaceland – Good local lineup.

[Recommended] She & Him / Lavender Diamond @ the Wiltern ($25.50) – I saw She & Him at SXSW this year and they exceeded my expectations.
[Recommended] Zach Hill & Peer Pressure @ The Smell ($5) – Performing solo. No clue what that will be like.
The 88 / thenewno2 @ Troubadour ($15) – The 88 are releasing their major label debut. Thenewno2 is Dhani Harrison’s (George’s son) band.
Rise Against! / Alkaline Trio / Thrice / The Gaslight Anthem @ Hollywood Palladium ($33)
Yelle / Passion Pit / Funeral Party @ The Fonda ($20) – Lots of buzz for these guys right now.
Shudder to Think / Jubilee @ El Rey ($26)
Tom Gabel of Against Me! / Chuck Regan of Hot Water Music / Ben Nichols of Lucero / Tim Barry of Avail @ Knitting Factory ($15)
Summer Darling @ Pehrspace
Forro In the Dark / Pilar Diaz @ the Echo ($10)
Jason Mraz / Lisa Hannigan @ Greek Theatre

Sunday 11/2/08
Whispertown 2000 / Michael Runion ($5) – Early show at 6:00 PM
Rise Against! / Alkaline Trio / Thrice / The Gaslight Anthem @ Hollywood Palladium ($33)
Ray Lamontagne @ Wiltern ($40 - $50)
The Shivers / Charlie Wadhams @ Tangier ($7)
Experience Hendrix @ Greek Theatre

Half Price Neil Young Tickets

KLOS is running a promotion for half price floor tickets (down to $44) for Neil Young. The show takes place at the Forum on Thursday October 30th. Opening the show will be Everest and Death Cab for Cutie.

"The concerts will feature Young with the same band that so ably backed him in Europe - Ben Keith, Rick Rosas, Chad Cromwell, Anthony Crawford and Pegi Young."

Go here for Tickets
The KLOS password is: HeartofGold

Thanks to Joel for the tip.

Neil Young Tickets on Sale

Neil Young "pre-sale" tickets went on sale this morning at 10:00 AM through Musictoday. You can pay $254 (plus $20 in svc fees), $129 (plus $10 in svc fees) or $89 (plus $7 svc fees). The show takes place at the Forum on 10/30/08 with Death Cab for Cutie and Everest opening the show. The regular on sale date is Monday at 10:00 AM.

Everest to Tour with Neil Young and Wilco

Everest with My Morning Jacket (from Everest's Myspace page)

After months of rumors and speculation, it's finally confirmed...Everest are heading out on an arena tour with Neil Young. How crazy is that? The tour includes a date at the Forum on the night before Halloween.

West Coast Tour (w/o Neil Young):
08/23/2008: Outside Lands Festival: w/ Tom Petty, Ben Harper, M. Ward, Devendra Banhart
San Francisco, CA
08/24/2008: Old Ironsides w/ Parson Red Heads & An Angle
Sacramento, CA
08/26/2008: Tractor Tavern w/ Parson Red Heads & Elder Mason.
Seattle, WA
08/27/2008: The Space w/ Parson Red Heads & Easterly.
Salem, OR
08/28/2008: The Artistery with The Parson Red Heads and Oh Darling
Portland, OR

Neil Young Tour Begins:

10/14/2008: Xcel Energy Center w/ Neil Young & Death Cab For Cutie
St. Paul, MN
10/16/2008: MTS Center w/ Neil Young & Death Cab For Cutie
Winnepeg, MN CANADA
10/18/2008: Brandt Center w/ Neil Young & Death Cab For Cutie
Regina, SK, CANADA
10/19/2008: Pengrowth Saddledome w/ Neil Young & Death Cab For Cutie
Calgary, AB, CANADA
10/21/2008: Comcast Arena w/ Neil Young & Death Cab For Cutie
Everett, WA
10/22/2008: GM Place w/ Neil Young & Death Cab For Cutie
Vancouver, BC, CANADA
10/29/2008: Cox Arena w/ Neil Young & Death Cab For Cutie
San Diego, CA
10/30/2008: The Fabulous Forum w/ Neil Young & Death Cab For Cutie
Los Angeles, CA
11/01/2008: Events Center w/ Neil Young & Death Cab For Cutie
Reno, NV
11/04/2008: Sprint Center w/ Neil Young & Death Cab For Cutie
Kansas City, MO
11/05/2008: Qwest Center w/ Neil Young & Death Cab For Cutie
Omaha, NB
11/29/2008: Metro Center w/ Neil Young & Wilco
Halifax, NS, CANADA
12/01/2008: Bell Center w/ Neil Young & Wilco
Montreal, QB, CANADA
12/02/2008: Scotia Band Center w/ Neil Young & Wilco
Ottawa, ON, CANADA
12/04/2008: Air Canada Center w/ Neil Young & Wilco
Toronto, ON, CANADA
12/07/2008: Palace Auburn Hills w/ Neil Young & Wilco
Detroit, MI
12/09/2008: Allstage Arena w/ Neil Young
Chicago, IL
12/12/2008: The Spectrum w/ Neil Young & Wilco
Philadelphia, PA
12/13/2008: DCU Center w/ Neil Young & Wilco
Boston, MA
12/15/2008: Madison Square Garden w/ Neil Young & Wilco
New York, NY

Open Letter to Neil Young

Dear Neil,

I hate to say it, but you’re just another greedy hippie. Yesterday I tried to place most of the blame on your overpriced tickets on the concert promoter, but as I reflected, there’s nobody to blame but you. When you’re the headliner of a show that charges $257 for tickets (and tickets that are 100 feet away from the stage) you’re setting expectations incredibly high. I have a feeling that you despise a lot of your fans (and after listening to them drunkenly shout at you between songs and watching them play air guitar all night long, I can understand why) but that’s no reason to take it out on the rest of us.

I’m willing to bet that you and I had the same reaction when we walked into the Nokia Theatre LA Live (or whatever it’s called). From the giant corporate logo on the side of the building, to the bombardment of the senses from the giant TV screens outside and in, to the new carpet smell (oddly mixed with some weird shit/barf smell), the place ain’t got no soul. It’s basically a 7,000 capacity, cold warehouse with corporate boxes and cramped seats. The big selling points from the developers are the state of the art sound, the fact (?) that no seat is more than a couple of hundred feet from the stage and the giant TV screens next to the stage. But when you saw those TV screens you probably went apeshit. “If the fans want to watch me on TV they can rent one of my fucking DVDs,” I imagine you said (or thought). So, for better or worse, those TV screens were dark last night.

And your performance? Starting off with the acoustic set and then having an intermission before the electric part was a good idea. “From Hank to Hendrix” isn’t my favorite song off of Harvest Moon, but a decent kicking off point (your fans cheering and applauding throughout the song was distracting, but not your fault). “Ambulance Blues” = great choice. I never thought I’d hear it. “Sad Movies” = interesting and obscure, but maybe a non-essential choice. The story about the Norwegians from the cover band was fun. “A Man Needs a Maid” sent a couple of chills up my spine when you started. The lyrics have always felt a little misogynistic, but it’s also autobiographical and honest and a classic. People were chuckling around me when you switched over to that organ to simulate the overblown strings. “No One Seems to Know” = good obscure choice. “Harvest” = great choice. It was another one that gave me some chills when it started. “Campaigner” = ok choice. Substituting George Bush for Richard Nixon (and the crowd’s reaction) was pretty obvious. “After the Gold Rush” = great choice. The old dork behind me who tried to clap and couldn’t keep time distracted me the whole time, so I didn’t get chills. “Mellow My Mind” = good choice. “Love Art Blues” = another good obscure choice that I didn’t think I’d hear. “Love Is a Rose” = good choice. And that concluded your acoustic set. It was an interesting and obscure set list that I can get behind. Unfortunately your fans distracted me and took me out of the moment during most of the songs.

I’ve never seen you electric, so I was excited but apprehensive for the second half of the show. Coming out of the gates with “The Loner” was a great choice. It’s one of my favorite early songs. When you followed it up with “Everybody Knows This is Nowhere” I was preparing to be blown away. But then you played “Dirty Old Man.” It’s kinda fun in spirit, but wouldn’t make a list of my top 100 Neil Young songs. And then you played “Spirit Road.” Bleh. When you followed it up with “Bad Fog of Loneliness” I thought we were back in business. And then “Winterlong” = great choice. I was happy with “Oh, Lonesome Me” too. “The Believer” is another OK song from the new album. Whatever. But then you lost me for good when you stretched out and jammed on “No Hidden Path” for about 25 minutes. Why Neil? If you wanna jam, pick a classic. Then you left the stage and the first song of your encore was “Cinnamon Girl.” It’s a classic and a crowd pleaser. Fine. And then you ended with “Tonight’s the Night” and finally lashed out. “If Bruce Berry was here he would have fixed this fucking speaker by now.” All in all it was a pretty good show, but not worth the cash. I would have walked away happy if the tickets had been $200 cheaper (each). I won’t be going back on Friday.

By the way, we missed your wife’s set. The line to get beer was so slow moving that it took over a half hour to get through it. We let some dude cut in front of us at the front because he offered to buy us whatever we wanted (2 Buds for $12.50 and a champagne for $12.50). At least that made me feel better about paying $25 to park. As for the “state of the art sound?” There was a distracting surround sound effect and I kept hearing the high end (mostly the high-hat) over my right shoulder. And there was an annoying buzz in the front speaker for more than a couple of the acoustic numbers. For your fans who are used to seeing shows at the Staples or Forum, it was probably an improvement over that.

Your fan,
Duke

P.S. In case you’re kicking back in your pickup getting high and thinking to yourself, “I wonder what Duke would like hear” I’ve got some ideas (granted, you’ve worn a few of these out): “Lookin’ For a Love,” “Birds,” “See the Sky About to Rain,” “Cowgirl in the Sand,” “Helpless,” “Tell Me Why,” “Only Love Can Break Your Heart,” “Are You Ready for The Country, “Old Man,” “The Needle and the Damage Done,” “On the Beach,” “Roll Another Number (for the Road),” “Danger Bird,” “Cortez the Killer” or “Like a Hurricane” (to jam on), “Long May You Run,” “Hold Back the Tears,” “Will to Love,” “Peace of Mind,” “Already One,” “Comes a Time,” “Pocahontas,” “Unknown Legend,” “You and Me,” “Harvest Moon,” “Old King,” “Good to See You,” “Daddy Went Walkin’,” “This Old Guitar.”

P.P.S. I still love you.

Neil Young's "Pocahontas"

This is my weekly reminder to listen to Sinking with Sylvia (and Sometimes Todd) on Little Radio tomorrow from 11:00AM – 1:00PM. Unfortunately Paul from the Minor Canon got sick, so it will just be Sylvia and Todd tomorrow.

I’m still playing catchup, but my weekly pick on the September 13th show was Neil Young’s “Pocahontas” from the Chrome Dreams bootleg. I picked this track, because Neil had just announced his LA shows at the Nokia Theatre on 10/30 (he’s since added a second show on 11/2). Even though the ticket prices are ridiculous, I went ahead and bought the best seats available ($270/each). The tour is in support of his new album, Chrome Dreams 2 which comes out next Tuesday.

Chrome Dreams was recorded in 1977 and consists of a lot of demos and different versions of songs, most of which were later released on American Stars ‘N Bars or Rust Never Sleeps. This version of “Pocahontas” is apparently the same version as the one on Rust Never Sleeps, minus the overdubs. Pocahontas has inspired a Disney film, a Terrance Malick film and this Neil song before either one of those.

I’ve always enjoyed the lyrics of this song. Neil starts out with the early European settlers killing American Indians, and then gets displaced to modern, crowded city life before finally longing to get back to nature (but while talking about the Astrodome with Marlon Brando). He’s got nature, industrialization, paying for sex with Pocahontas and getting stoned with Marlon Brando on his mind. It’s a bizarre juxtaposition of images and his perspective shifts from being one of the European settlers to being one of the slaughtered Indians to being Neil Young.

There’s a live version on the Unplugged CD as well. His tour kicks off tomorrow and I’m curious to see what he’s playing.

Make friends with Neil Young on Myspace
Buy tickets to see Neil Young in concert
See an OK video of Neil Young performing “Pocahontas” on Youtube

Neil Young Tix on Sale Now

Just found out the Neil Young fan club presale started today. Go to Musictoday. Unfortunately the tickets are $270 each after service charges. I just looked and row Y center stage is available. If you don't buy them now, the AEG presale starts Friday morning at 10:00 AM. The regular sale starts Sunday at 10:00AM. The cheapest tickets are $75.50 and they escalate to $257 before service charges.....that's a lot of money, but he is Neil Young.

Neil Young Coming to LA on 10/30/07

Billboard reports that Neil Young will be playing a live show at the new Nokia Theatre (L.A. Live) on October 30, 2007. "Young will be backed on the road by multi-instrumentalist Ben Keith, drummer Ralph Molina and bassist Rick Rosas. His wife Pegi, who recently released her first solo album, will serve as the tour's opening act." I've only seen do his solo acoustic thing live, but this sounds like a nice hybrid that will be cool to see. The tour coincides with the release of Chrome Dreams II on October 16th. If you don't have the Chrome Dreams you should track that bootleg down.

The Nokia Theatre's part of that new downtown center that Philip Anshutz's (billionaire, conservative Christian and fellow University of Kansas alum) company is developing near the Staples Center. It will hold 7,100 people and promises "state-of-the-art acoustics and seating." It also promises to make my commute even more horrific (I honsetly didn't think it was possible). The Theatre opens on October 18th with an Eagles/Dixie Chicks concert.

No word yet on when tickets go on sale....