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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk
Even if you don't agree with Neil Young's politics, you can't help but be daunted by the intersection of his genius and ire on his second album in less than seven months. It is the very rare artist who is able to channel indignation and moral disgust in such a coherent and forceful way--without sacrificing any of the vivid imagery, passion, or the high level of musicality that we have come to expect from him over the past four decades. But that's not what elevates this album: it's his pure, naked, visceral reaction to the Bush administration's foreign policy, building on a canon of outrage that he began with 1970's "Ohio," penned in the wake of the Kent State student deaths. But here he goes one better, filling in the lines that he began to draw on 2003's Greendale about a family caught in changing times. But Young's done with musing about lost ideals. On Living with War, he demands much more from his audience, and himself. This is nothing less than a call for fearless action in extraordinarily fearful times. --Jaan Uhelszki
Review
Neil Young is no stranger to putting politics in music. He's spent his entire career offering up the occasional haranguing to sit side-by-side with beautiful songs and his entire last album, Greendale, was a statement on protesting and the environment.
Living With War, as the title suggests, is inspired by America's involvement in Iraq and the Bush administration in general, and is filled with the dual towers of anger and imagery that have powered him since his rage truly began three decades ago on "Ohio".
That said, his ire does weigh a little too heavily at times, infecting songs that could have done with a moment or two to breathe, instead of being hammered down your throat.
This is the Neil Young of Rust and of Mirrorball. You might not agree with his politics, but when he's angry, he's a formidable songwriter. Living With War is another fist in America's gut. --Chris Long
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
24 of 24 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Having listened to this album streamed on Neil Young's website, I am awaiting the release of the album proper with aural anticipation (by Young's own admission, the quality of the webstream version is not as good as the CD will be). This is a great return to the likes of "Zuma" in terms of sound - but with a power trio quirkily matched with trumpets and a 100-strong choir; well worth the listen.
The real high spot is the politics. This is straight-forward anti-war, anti-Bush polemic, and it is done well. Of course it is already offending the malicious right in America; of course there are people calling him un-patriotic and, as a Canadian, challenging his right to comment. But he is measured in his response to such critics: he's been proud to pay his taxes in America for 40 years and is proud of his American family. He is also being as clear as he as ever been about war. When asked by a TV journalist "What is the song 'Let's impeach the President' about?" he gave a puzzled look and responded that it was "kinda in the title really". Same can be said for the whole album. Go buy it.
The real high spot is the politics. This is straight-forward anti-war, anti-Bush polemic, and it is done well. Of course it is already offending the malicious right in America; of course there are people calling him un-patriotic and, as a Canadian, challenging his right to comment. But he is measured in his response to such critics: he's been proud to pay his taxes in America for 40 years and is proud of his American family. He is also being as clear as he as ever been about war. When asked by a TV journalist "What is the song 'Let's impeach the President' about?" he gave a puzzled look and responded that it was "kinda in the title really". Same can be said for the whole album. Go buy it.
19 of 19 people found the following review helpful
By Larry
Format:Audio CD
Firstly, I don't believe in ALL what Young is saying on this record. But that didn't put me off listening to it, and it shouldn't put it anybody else off. At first I thought it may be quite a cynical marketing move, but after hearing it there is no doubting the man's sincerity.
The music is good, and I don't think it ever gets much better than the opener 'After the Garden'. It is has a really strong guitar riff, a great bridge, and a really memorable melody, which is what his albums have lacked recently. The energy of this album is amazing, never more so than on 'The Restless Consumer', where Young half raps half screams into the microphone. The choir works very well, giving it a really atmospheric feel.
On the down side, I think some of the songs could have had more time taken over them. I know that he wanted to record it quickly, but just a bit of refining might have helped songs like 'Shock and Awe'and 'Looking for a Leader'. However as a protest album it is very affecting, and has even given me a different perspective on the whole issue of the war, which I suppose is its aim.
This is definitely the best album Neil Young has done in a long time. He sounds fresh and energetic, and his voice is great. Be wary that it is not as refined or as 'well-written' as the likes of Zuma and Rust and Freedom, but that it gives it an even greater energy.
The music is good, and I don't think it ever gets much better than the opener 'After the Garden'. It is has a really strong guitar riff, a great bridge, and a really memorable melody, which is what his albums have lacked recently. The energy of this album is amazing, never more so than on 'The Restless Consumer', where Young half raps half screams into the microphone. The choir works very well, giving it a really atmospheric feel.
On the down side, I think some of the songs could have had more time taken over them. I know that he wanted to record it quickly, but just a bit of refining might have helped songs like 'Shock and Awe'and 'Looking for a Leader'. However as a protest album it is very affecting, and has even given me a different perspective on the whole issue of the war, which I suppose is its aim.
This is definitely the best album Neil Young has done in a long time. He sounds fresh and energetic, and his voice is great. Be wary that it is not as refined or as 'well-written' as the likes of Zuma and Rust and Freedom, but that it gives it an even greater energy.
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful
By redando
Format:Audio CD
Neil Young's politics have sometimes been dubious and his wavering between left and right wing views has often been displayed in his songwriting (Ohio,Rockin in the Free World,Lets Roll etc), but here he gives it to you straight !
But even if you disagree with his views (unlikely I think as he's pretty much preaching to the converted) , you can't fail to be impressed by the energy and life in this music.
What an indictment of the current music scene that its left to this gnarled old hippie to take a stand and put his opposition to the Bush regime into song.
The music will appeal to fans of Crazy Horse Neil rather than mellow country Neil and on tracks like Lets Impeach The President,Living With War,and Flags Of Freedom the music carries the message superbly.
For my money's worth this is his best since Ragged Glory.
But even if you disagree with his views (unlikely I think as he's pretty much preaching to the converted) , you can't fail to be impressed by the energy and life in this music.
What an indictment of the current music scene that its left to this gnarled old hippie to take a stand and put his opposition to the Bush regime into song.
The music will appeal to fans of Crazy Horse Neil rather than mellow country Neil and on tracks like Lets Impeach The President,Living With War,and Flags Of Freedom the music carries the message superbly.
For my money's worth this is his best since Ragged Glory.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
WOW! Unexpected treat.
Just to listen to 'ROGER AND OUT' makes it worth
listening to this CD.
'Roger and out good buddy'... indeed I can almost feel you in the air tonight... Read more
listening to this CD.
'Roger and out good buddy'... indeed I can almost feel you in the air tonight... Read more
Published 9 days ago by brian ingram
4.0 out of 5 stars
A strong Neil Young record
Whether you like the ideology and passion behind his stance or not, this record has some excellent songs. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Little Cat Voom
1.0 out of 5 stars
GREAT MESSAGE OF PEACE BUT THE MUSIC IS APPALLING...:-)
I`m sorry I grew up listening to Young and I`m a huge fan ....I really appreciate the message he is trying to get thru here, but the music to me is appalling... Read more
Published 3 months ago by New Kid In Town
5.0 out of 5 stars
living with war
got this album on release,must be nearly wore out,ordered another for my neice who is a supporter of help the hereo's listening to the words will i'm sure will add to the sorrow... Read more
Published 10 months ago by P. Harrison
5.0 out of 5 stars
Bushbaiting
Fits in very nicely with my 2 Volumes of Rock Against Bush,the 2 Volumes of Bush's Greatest Hits and the Christmas one all of which are closer to comedy than the real issues Young... Read more
Published 20 months ago by Richard
5.0 out of 5 stars
Superb
This is a wonderful album. The songs are accessable, short, punchy, intelligent and angry. This is good, witty, perceptive rock'n'roll. Read more
Published on 6 May 2011 by Bill Kelly
4.0 out of 5 stars
Punk Rock for grown-ups
I love this album. It proves to me that Neil Young still has it. He can still rock. It connects directly to my heart. Read more
Published on 20 Dec 2009 by Two Sevens Clash
5.0 out of 5 stars
Recent discovery
I have only gotten into Neil Young recently and loving his music. I loved this album straight oiff and am fast buying his back catalogue.
Published on 24 July 2009 by Under a Blood Red Sky
4.0 out of 5 stars
Extremely good.
This is a great album by one of the true songwriting and performing greats. He is a maverick, he is wilfully eratic and his efforts don't always work - but it is never for the lack... Read more
Published on 17 July 2009 by Dutchy
5.0 out of 5 stars
Neil goes to war
Take 1 measure of Mirror Ball, 2 measures of Zuma, 2 measures of Rust Never Sleeps, add a pinch of American Stars 'N' Bars, shake well and enjoy. Read more
Published on 27 May 2009 by J. Smart
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