Review of the Neil Young CD Hawks and Doves

The exceptionally talented Rock artist Neil Young has released him CD entitled Hawks and Doves. I am very confident and happy to announce that I believe Neil Young fans, and Rock fans alike will be pleased with this one. With the release of Hawks and Doves Neil Young's artistic excellence is on full display as Young has once again delivered a brilliant collection of tracks that could very well be him best work to date.

Neil Young has been a super star in the Rock genre for quite some time now and Hawks and Doves is an excellent illustration as to why.

Rock music fans will recognize some of the well known contributors on the project including Ben Keith and Tim Drummond plus a few other notables as well.

Listen to this CD and I believe you'll find there's not much to dis-like about it. The songs are inspired, the production is simply outstanding, and Neil Young is clearly in top form. So much so that if you're even mildly into Rock music you'll enjoy this CD.

While the entire CD is outstanding some of my favorites are track 2 - The Old Homestead, track 8 - Comin' Apart At Every Nail, and track 9 - Hawks & Doves

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 - Little Wing. Good stuff!

Hawks and Doves Release Notes:

Neil Young originally released Hawks and Doves on August 19, 2003 on the Reprise label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Little Wing 2. The Old Homestead 3. Lost In Space 4. Captain Kennedy 5. Stayin' Power 6. Coastline 7. Union Man 8. Comin' Apart At Every Nail 9. Hawks & Doves

Personnel: Neil Young (vocals, guitar, harmonica, piano); Ben Keith (steel guitar, dobro, background vocals); Rufus Thibodeaux (fiddle); Dennis Belfield, Tim Drummond (bass); Levon Helm, Greg Thomas (drums); Hillary O'Brien (background vocals). Producers: Neil Young, David Briggs, Tim Mulligan. Recorded at The Village Recorder, Los Angeles, Broken Arrow Studio, Redwood City, Indigo Ranch, Malibu, and Gold Star Studio, Hollywood, California; Quadrafonic Sound Studio, Nashville, Tennessee; Triad Recording Studio, Ft, Lauderdale, Florida.

Blogs

Internet Marketing 101 - Marketing Strategy From a Young Web Guru

Do you own a website? Are you about to step into the world of Internet marketing? It's so simple to monetize your website, if you have the right help, that is. Do you know what are the ways to attract massive number of visitors to your website? What are the important steps to building a successful website that brings in streams of cash month after month?

In this book, author Neil Mirchandani discusses all of these topics and more in Internet Marketing 101:Strategies From a Young Web Marketing Guru, the guide to strategically developing and marketing a website. Mirchandani walks through nine essential marketing techniques, personally used by him. In the book he teaches you to:

1) Build a successful e business website.

2) Optimize your website to receive tons of visitors from the search engines.

3) Monetize your website with the latest strategies: Adwords, Pay Per Click Marketing, Email Advertising, Affiliate Marketing, etc.

Positive:

The things I like about this book is that all the strategies is spelled out in an easy to understand manner and in simple to understand language. It also discusses ways to avoid the common errors and pitfalls that many web marketers make (This is invaluable!). It can serve as a great basic textbook if you're looking for ways to monetize your website because it covers a broad range of subjects.
Neil approaches the subject of Internet marketing from an economist point of view, as he comes from a background of business, which is also invaluable.

Negative:

The strategies presented in this book is said to be suitable for both small business owner ready to take their business online, or those about to start an exclusive Internet company. However, there are many ways to make money on the Internet without you having a website, which is not covered in the book. Also, the book is not available in e book format. This is only my personal preference as I feel it is so much more convenient to buy an e book on the Internet (instant download) instead of a physical book. Also, it would really test the Internet marketer whether he does walk the talk by selling his book successfully online. He is branding himself as an Internet marketing expert, right?

Verdict:

It would be a great guide if you already have a business or a website to market. Some of the strategies presented in the book only require minor tweaks on your website and you'll be seeing improvements immediately. I definitely recommend it, as I've mentioned, for those with existing business or website.

The truth is, there are tons of other ways to make money on the Internet, even if you do not own a website or do not want to be involved with the process of building a complicated website and maintaining it. One such book is Holly Mann's Honest Riches ebook. Holly is a young (24 years old) Internet marketer who is now making $10,000 - $20,000/month from various means of Internet marketing. In her book, she teaches you step by step exactly what she did when she started. To me, it's the best guide for someone who has no idea where and how to start internet marketing.

To read more about the book Internet Marketing 101 (including author's bio and testimonials from buyers of the book)....Continue

For more reviews of Internet marketing ebooks (including Honest Riches Review)- ONLINE GURU

Neil Young - Reactor - Rock Music CD Review

Reactor is the latest Rock CD put out by the highly talented Neil Young who once again has delivered a brilliant collection of tracks. I'm confident Neil Young fans, and Rock fans alike will be pleased with this one.

Unfortunately, it's not everyday that I get a CD from an artist that I can just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. There is usually a song or two that I just can't force myself to get through. Not at all the case with Reactor. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

These days it's a very rare CD on which every single song is good or better than the one before it. This CD is certainly one of those rare CDs.

Overall Reactor is an outstanding release. What I call must have music. I give it two thumbs up and is most definitely a worthy addition to any Rock collection. Truly an outstanding Rock CD. One of those that is completely void of any wasted time, as each track is simply superb.

While this entire album is really very good some of my favorites are track 2 - Surfer Joe And Moe The Sleaze, track 4 - Get Back On It, and track 8 - Shots

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 - Opera Star. It's a great track!

Reactor Release Notes:

Neil Young originally released Reactor on August 19, 2003 on the Reprise label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Opera Star

2. Surfer Joe And Moe The Sleaze

3. T-Bone

4. Get Back On It

5. Southern Pacific

6. Motor City

7. Rapid Transit

8. Shots

Personnel: Neil Young (vocals, guitar). Crazy Horse: Frank Sampedro, Billy Talbot, Ralph Molina. Producers: Neil Young, David Briggs, Tim Mulligan, Jerry Napier. Recorded at Modern Recorders, Redwood City, California.

Buy text Links

Revolution No 9 by Neil McMahon

"Revolution No. 9" by Neil McMahon is the fourth in a series about San Francisco emergency room physician and amateur sleuth, Carroll Monks. Once again his life is in danger when he becomes involved in a series of high profile murders in this riveting thriller.

Dr. Carroll Monks, divorced ER physician, is alienated from his twenty-two year old son, Glenn, who he hasn't seen for years. One evening a young woman knocks at his door. She tells him she has a flat tire and he reluctantly goes outside to help her. Before he can get over the shock of seeing Glenn inside the car, he's abducted and taken to a remote compound where a group of counterculture terrorists are planning a revolution. The leader is a drug addicted psychopath called Freeboot. He and his group are determined to change society and liberate the downtrodden. They have already killed some wealthy citizens, stole their possessions and hid them in homeless camps. The plan is to set the rich against the poor.

Monks was kidnapped, at Glenn's suggestion, to treat Freeboot's three year old son, Mandrake, who is sick. Although the boy is diabetic and extremely ill Freeboot will not allow him to go to a hospital. He's willing to sacrifice his son for his cause. Monks may not be able to save his own son, but he's determined to keep Mandrake alive at all costs. This is a solid well written plot. The cult's motives are real, making this book all the more convincing. It's a chilling read, Freeboot and his lieutenant, Taxman, are believable villains who kill without remorse for their cause. They've taken the Beatles song as their anthem, hence the title of the book. There's plenty of medical detail along with the action and suspense. Fans of the series won't be disappointed.

Publisher: HarperTorch (December 27, 2005)

ISBN: 978-0060529192

Pages: 352

Kindle Edition: $6.00

Gail writes romance, paranormal and otherwise as Gale Stanley.
CALL OF THE WILDS - Available now at Amazon & Bookstrand
SILENT KNIGHTS - coming October 2010 - Silver Publishing
MATING CALL - coming November 2010 - Siren-Bookstrand
POINT OF BEGINNING - coming January 2011 - Silver Publishing
http://galestanley.net/
http://galestanley.blogspot.com/

Neil Young's "Old Man" - The Meaning (and Musicians) Behind the Song

The song "Old Man" first appeared on Neil Young's 1972 Harvest album. With its thumping and raggedly-picked acoustic guitar, high-tenor lead vocals and over-all folk sound and feel "Old Man" has become one of Neil Young's most memorable tunes. What was the inspiration behind this song and what famous musicians lent their talents to create this musical masterpiece?

"Old Man", which reached no. 31 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in 1972, opens with Young singing: "Old man look at my life, I'm a lot like you were." As listeners we immediately find ourselves wondering about the identity of the old man. Was it Young's father? Grandfather? Of course there is always the possibility the "old man" is a metaphor and there really is no old man per se. However we have now come to learn there was in fact a specific old man to whom Young was singing.

In 1970 Neil Young purchased the Broken Arrow Ranch in Redwood City, California. Apparently it is the caretaker of this ranch who is the subject of this song. In Young's recent concert movie Heart of Gold he introduces "Old Man" by saying: "About that time when I wrote Heart of Gold and I was touring, I had also -- just, you know, being a rich hippie for the first time -- I had purchased a ranch, and I still live there today. And there was a couple living on it that were the caretakers, an old gentleman named Louis Avila and his wife Clara. And there was this old blue Jeep there, and Louis took me for a ride in this blue Jeep. He gets me up there on the top side of the place, and there's this lake up there that fed all the pastures, and he says, "Well, tell me, how does a young man like yourself have enough money to buy a place like this?" And I said, "Well, just lucky, Louie, just real lucky." And he said, "Well, that's the darndest thing I ever heard." And I wrote this song for him."

Of course knowing what we now know makes it that much easier to understand the rest of the song's lyrics which include: "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."

Mystery solved. Which brings us to the question regarding the supporting artists on this classic song. The album's liner notes confirm Singer/Songwriter James Taylor played six string banjo (with guitar tunings) and sang backing vocals on the song. Singer Linda Ronstadt added her distinctive vocals as well. This combination of the day's mega-talents explains the unmistakable "sound" of the song. The mixture of Young's raw singing and guitar playing are perfectly counter-balanced by the sweet vocals and musical touches provided by Taylor and Ronstadt.

With a perfect blend of subject matter, strong (and haunting) melody, effective performance and guest appearances by singers James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt, "Old Man" remains one of Neil Young's finest songs.

Kenn Morr http://www.kennmorr.com is an internationally acclaimed Singer/Songwriter, Performer, Producer and Author with six albums to his credit. Originally from Long Island, NY Kenn lives in the foothills of New England's Berkshire Mountains with his wife and two young sons.

The 3 Best Neil Young Songs Ever

There's not much question that Neil Young is one of the best singer/songwriters to come out of Canada or any continent for that matter. His songs have done much to shape the culture in which we live, and he has touched the hearts and souls of many of us with his unique songs and expressions over the years. I absolutely include myself in his list of fans. He definitely changed my life with some of his songs, and when I was asked by one of my friends to come up with the 3 best Neil Young songs ever, I must say that it wasn't an easy task.

Still I tackled the task and here's what I came up with:

1. "After the Gold Rush" - this song, though obviously written in reference to visions seen while on a hallucinogenic drug, still is prophetic, as it hits the point in the bulls-eye about modern desecration of the ecological system on the planet ("Look at mother nature on the run in the 1970's"). The melody and piano work are purely haunting with the muted trumpet interlude taking us all on a dream trip. Neil truly was on the aesthetic wave band when he wrote and performed this one. There are more popular songs that he wrote, but few songs touch me spiritually as this one does.

2. "Heart of Gold" - is a simple song about something that is near and dear to all of us. We've all looked for that person of genuine warmth, honesty, trustworthiness, love and faithfulness - many have never found it and like Neil Young are, as he expresses in the song, "a miner for a heart of gold, and I'm growing old." The guitar and harmonica in the song with the rhythm really set the tone and pace of the song. Truly a work of art. I can't say enough about the impact this song has had on me and it never grows old or dull.

3. "I Am a Child" - is a classic tribute to children and the gap of understanding that exists between us adults and them kids. The chord progression and melody are unique - no question about it - and the song has a way of lingering in your thoughts for a long time after listening to it. This line from the song still rings down the corridors of my mind, "I am a child. I last awhile. You can't conceive of the pleasure in my smile."

I have another couple of Neil's songs that could easily rate in the top three ("Love Is a Rose"; "Old Man"; "Everybody Knows This is Nowhere"- to name a few), but I had to draw the line somewhere, and you can see where I drew it.

Even if you don't agree with what I have chosen as the 3 best Neil Young songs ever, I don't think you can dispute that he is one of the best artists we've had around. If you like songs that hit you emotionally and even spiritually, then you might also check out Lawrence Lynn. His songs definitely hit me emotionally and spiritually, and I think you might like them. Click here to download 2 copies of his latest singles for free.

Neil Young - Prairie Wind Review

It is really hard to find a musician with such a large and admired discography as Neil Young. Since the late 60s, the Canadian has released more than 40 albums, many of them as memorable as the Harvest, the Rust never sleeps or the Freedom. But, at age 60, Young is still at his best, as he shows in his last album, Prairie wind.

After a series of doubtful albums that culminate in the criticised Are you passionate? (2002) many music critics and fans think that Neil Young was finally in his decadence. But then Young surprises the music world realising the epic Greendale (2003), musically interesting and conceptually admirable: emulating the best Steinbeck, Young invents an entire town in his loved California, and, focusing in the Green family, give free rein to values such as Freedom, Peace and Ecology that he has been defended since the late sixties. To complete this particular revived, in 2005 Young delighted his fans with the excellent Prairie wind, with no doubt his best work of the last 10 years.

With the release of the Prairie wind, Young return to his personal folk-rock style he showed in the early 70s, with two top-quality albums that catapulted him to the stardom: After the gold rush (1970) already fulfilled all the main elements that characterize the particular Young's Universe: complex, suggestive verses with smart deal of surrealism, a brilliant musical accompaniment, and the unmistakable Young's nasal voice over all them. Nevertheless, the success of this album can not be compared with the Harvest (1971), released the following year, and considered by many (not by me) as his masterwork. This album includes the wonderful single Heart of Gold -considered by many fans as Young's greatest song- which gave Young his first nº 1 in the USA. Prairie Wind is Young's most "essential" album since the release of the Harvest Moon in 1992.

The album opens with The painter, a nice, classic, melodic Young song about a female painter, and continues with No wonder, where Young's values that we commented are evident in lyrics as "Somewhere a senator sits in a leather chair / Behind a big wooden desk / The caribou we killed mean nothing to him / He took his money just like all the rest" The third song, Falling off the face of the Earth, continues this acoustic series.

In Far from home, Young's piano begin to shines, and it is more evident in It's a dream, arguably the album's most beautiful song. With its reflective lyrics and beautiful piano sound the song will make Young's fans to remember songs as Heart of gold or the more recent Western hero. This is the song that wou'll probably find yourself singing after the album ends... It's a dream, only a dream...

In the song entitled Prairie wind the piano disappear, and the acoustic guitar takes the main role. Here for you is a beautiful song that will make you remember From Hank to Hendrix, one of Young's most loved songs. The old guitar is one of the most personal songs in the entire album, with Young's nasal voice accompanied by a very listenable chorus.

In He was the King Young sings about the King, you know, Elvis Presley, as he did in one of hist most famous songs, Hey,hey; my, my (...the King is gone but is not forgotten...) although the style is very different, and the album closes with When God mades me, an intimal, reflective song about life, God, and Faith

The Art Wolf
http://www.theartwolf.com/
theArtWolf.com is an original, independent web page about Art and the Art world

You Will Truly Feel The Soul Behind The Music On Vinyl

There's just one real way to enjoy good music for true music fans, and for those in the know, there are no substitutes for the pure and unparalleled sound of vinyl as you listen to your favorite groups from the comfort of your home. On the road, individuals have no choice but to hear digital music or CDs, but for those that truly want to make the most of their music at home, you should journey into the world of vinyl, where you could actually get an idea for the most authentic type of music out there.

Music was a lot different than it is now, and calling yourself a musician was more about the art, and not so much about what you can do in the recording studio to fix a track, and when the needle rubs over the record while it turns, the low hum and occasional crack along with the music could fill you with a feeling of euphoria, for a time long-past. It was an era when real talent outshined all the others, and artists were respected for their talents, without having to lean on technology to make you sound better and fix your inconsistencies.

Even though the industry has changed substantially, a lot of musicians have lasted over the duration, and you are able to actually hear the difference between their more seasoned material compared to their more recent material. Neil Young vinyl will likely sound a little more authentic and true to his actual sound than anything you will discover in another medium, for one example.

Then on the opposite side of the spectrum, Radiohead vinyl however, while being a product of a newer kind of music production, much more reliant upon electronics, may still be incorporated on the other format to give listeners a feel for how the music sounds in a warmer, more classic setting. Modern artists can still appreciate what the format has to offer, even if they were not playing during the time when vinyl records were on top, and to their credit, many of them support the format, giving us the opportunity to listen to their songs in another light, so that we may get a taste for the spirit of the music.

As digital music works to make compact disks a thing of the past, no other format has ever stood up against time the way vinyl has throughout the span of music history, and in the future, vinyl will still thrive, giving real music enthusiasts the alternative they could truly enjoy unlike any other.

SoundStage Direct, LLC is an online independent store based in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. SSD has the largest selection of vinyl records online. And you don't want to miss amazing closeout deals available at our LP outlet! We have record albums in every genre ( Neil Young vinyl, Radiohead vinyl ) and in a variety of formats available ready to be shipped at your doorstep.

Boomers - Keep Rockin' - It Keeps You Young!

My wife and I were recently down at our favorite live music club listening to a fantastic Neil Young tribute band, and I couldn't help but notice that the place was filled with Boomers - standing at the bar or sitting at red/orange day-glow tables with guttering candles flickering through half-filled glasses and empty bottles. Just like forty years ago.

And there's the secret that I think our generation has learned - beginning with the "love-in's", parties and concerts of the 60's - all the way down to the present day. The secret of not necessarily trying to stave off the grim specter of grey hair, flabby midriffs and wrinkles by denying their existence, but by not giving up on the greatest gift that our generation gave the world.

And no, it's not the internet, Apple or Google. It's... Rock & Roll!

"But wait." You say... "What about the succeeding generations? Aren't they into music too?"
Sure - but in a different way.

Oh - there's lots of "Gen X and Y" type music that sounds great but what separates their music from the original rockers is that the Boomers prefer their music - live. Hey, we cut our musical teeth at the high school dance and later every dinky little joint with more than two tables and a half dozen bar stools, had a live band. I know, 'cause I was one of them. And it nearly broke my heart two decades later when my two boys had to struggle to find a club that would even book live music! Why? Well here's the saddest part. Because their generation preferred... Are you ready for it? D.J.'s!!!

Yeah - those guys who used to put the record on the turntable and say, "Hey guys and gals, here's the latest tune from 'The Beach Boys'." Hummm... Wasn't that what we got live bands to replace?

Well as all good pendulums do, this one has swung back to what we abandoned and will, given the inexorable nature of pendulums, swing back to local bands making great live music.

And in the meantime, to all of my fellow grey-haired rockers I say as Neil Young told us... "Keep on Rockin' in the free world!"

It keeps us young.

Ric

Ric Wasley - Author - Mystery Writers of America
Author of The McCarthy Mystery Series
Just released...! A new Mystery/Vampire/Romance... 'Midnight Blue'
http://www.wildchildpublishing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=100&products_id=300

New from WC Publishing: THE SCRIMSHAW, sequel to SHADOW OF INNOCENCE.

The exciting mystery series set in the music and drug soaked sixties that combines mystery, romance and a touch of the paranormal into one "page-turning" package.

The Baby Boomers and everyone else are sure to enjoy these appealing mysteries featuring a pair of musician partners in love and danger.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=ric+wasley&x=9&y=21

Songwriting - How Neil Young's "Heart of Gold" Uses Rhyme As an Accelerator in Its Lyrics

When you write lyrics, they tend to work best when the meaning of your words is directly tied into what's happening musically. When all the elements of your song are fused together this way, it's called prosody.

Rhyme can be an incredibly powerful tool for tying the meaning of your words to your music. One way to do this is to use rhyme as an accelerator. For example, let's say you have a rhyme scheme that rhymes on every other line. We'll call this an ABAB rhyme scheme. It might look like this:

Now we're gonna rhyme (A)

It'll be so fun (B)

We'll do it in four lines (A)

Just like that, we're done (B)

In this ABAB scheme, the 'A' rhymes are the lines with the words "rhyme" and "lines" and the 'B' rhymes are "fun" and "done."

Once we've established this rhyme scheme in our song, it becomes what's expected throughout the song. If we change it, it'll change what the song makes us feel.

For example if we establish our lyric to be an ABAB rhyme scheme and then change it to an ABBB rhyme scheme the next time around, it'll feel different. Check it out:

Section 1

Now we're gonna rhyme (A)

It'll be so fun (B)

We'll do it in four lines (A)

Just like that, we're done (B)

Section 2

Now we're gonna rhyme (A)

It'll be so fun (B)

These lines are gonna run (B)

Just like that, we're done (B)

Future Grammy-winning lyrics for sure. Okay, maybe not. But lame lyrics aside, how did the second section feel compared to the first? Did you notice the acceleration of the last three lines in the second section? One of the functions of rhyme is it can act as an accelerator, when you space your rhymes close together.

In the example above we established our rhymes to happen at every other line, in section 1. Then we went against your expectations in section 2 by increasing the frequency of the rhyme, which made the lines feel accelerated.

strong>"Heart of Gold" by Neil young

Let's check out a great example of this concept in action. Who better to learn from than Neil Young? Check out the first verse of the song "Heart of Gold:"

I want to live, I want to give

I've been a miner for a heart of gold

It's these expressions I never give

That keep me searching for a heart of gold

And I'm getting old

This is essentially an ABABB rhyme scheme, in five lines. Technically, in lines one through four, they're not rhymes, but identities, since it's the same word being repeated ("give" and "live"). But that's beside the point for right now. Let's treat them as typical rhymes.

With the ABAB rhyme scheme that's established in the first four lines, there has been a certain rhyme pace that's become expected. So when the fifth line comes in with another 'B' rhyme, it's a surprise that accelerates that line.

Mixing Meaning With Your Rhymes

"So what?" you ask. "The fifth line accelerates... Big deal." Fair point. Here's why it's cool. This acceleration happens on the line "And I'm getting old." The implication of a line like "And I'm getting old" is "I'm getting old, quickly." Except he doesn't have to say "quickly" because that was implied with how the line was written. The acceleration due to two lines of rhyme back to back (after establishing a slower rhyme pattern previously) really helps us FEEL the aging process happening fast for him. It's the meaning of the lyric tied into the rest of the song. And in my opinion, it works very well. If you don't believe me, check it out for yourself.

This pattern continues throughout the song, but you'll get the gist after the first verse. So just listen to the first verse, through about 1:15 into the song.

You can hear it here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZX8RAaRNIk

Other Factors

With moves like this, rhyme is always the most obvious contributor, because it stands out so clearly when we hear it. It can't be mistaken. But when you're using rhyme to highlight one of your ideas, it usually works best when combined with other tools. In the case of our line "and I'm getting old," a second tool being used is a change of line length.

If you check out the first four lines of the verse, you'll notice they're longer than the last line, "and I'm getting old." This helps drive home the idea about "I'm getting old quickly." When you establish a longer line length in previous lines, and then shorten it, it'll feel quicker. It's a second contributor to the same idea. And it contributes so nicely.

Use It

Experiment with this idea. If your lyrics give you a reason to accelerate (or decelerate), try supporting that meaning with rhyme, and even line length, if possible. See if you like the results you get compared to what you would have done beforehand. And don't forget to have fun.

For more lyric writing advice, watch your free lesson, "Writing Lyrics to Music," here: http://www.successforyoursongs.com/freeoffer

Anthony Ceseri is the owner of http://www.SuccessForYourSongs.com, a website dedicated to the growth and development of songwriters of all skill levels. Anthony's writings appear as examples in the book "Songwriting Without Boundaries: Lyric Writing Exercises For Finding Your Voice" by Pat Pattison, an acclaimed lyric writing professor at Berklee College of Music.

Young Adult Books

Adventure and Thrillers

Amongst this category of fiction for the young adult can be found a few of the titles written by Robert Muchamore: Cherub: Class A; Cherub 4: the Killing; The General (Cherub); The Sleepwalker (Cherub), amongst others. You will also find 'The Best of Pippi Longstocking' and Philippa Pierce's book 'Tom's Midnight Garden' which I find to be an excellent book. However, one of the more provocative and evocative books that are currently on the market under the young adult classification is 'The Boy in the Striped Pajamas' written by John Boyne. This book covers an incredibly difficult and heart-wrenching period in the history of the world - the events that took place during the Second World War in war-torn Europe: the Holocaust.

Without giving away the details of the plot, the 9 year old son of the Auschwitz commandant tells the story from his own perspective, about meeting a boy from the other side of the fence and readers can only wonder at the naivety of the commandant's son as the story unfolds. However, today's reader relates to the book with the benefits of hindsight - knowing what went on during that awful period in history - and from the perspective of today's worldly-wise child. Children 60+ years' ago were certainly not that knowledgeable about events surrounding them. At that time there was the 'grown-up world' and the 'child's world' and the two never overlapped as we understand it today.

To my generation [and I was a child at the end of the War] this story is totally believable in its naivety - something children today would find totally unbelievable: today's children have the benefit of television; we did not. Moreover, even many adults at that time did not fully believe that other human beings could be capable of such atrocities and, because it was so unbelievable, it was not until after the War had ended and places like Auschwitz and Buchenwald were liberated, was it possible for the full picture of what had been happening, to emerge - often under the noses of local residents, none of whom had even been aware that such awful things had been happening, in reality, so close to them.

I have read reviews of this book that suggests that such naivety 'beggars belief' but, unless you truly lived at that time, you couldn't possibly understand how sheltered children of all ages were from the lives of adults going on around them. Today, a 12 year old would well be expected to be totally aware of current affairs but, for my generation, being 12 years old, you were just a child, probably akin with a 6 year old child's development today. This book is a very clever and very accurate portrayal of the behavior of children of their era. It has been written very sensitively and with considerable understanding. Moreover, the atrocities of both World Wars should never be allowed to be forgotten - especially nowadays, as the ages of those veterans serving in the Second World War, ages and with the First World War now almost beyond living memory.

Biographies and Memoirs

Staying with the same period of history, 'Out of India' is the autobiography of Jamila Gavin whose mother was English while her father was an Indian in the years coming up to Partition. Jamila was a child during the 1940s and returned to the UK to the sounds of doodlebugs and other sights and smells reminiscent of the Second World War and the Blitz. This is another evocative book written about a colorful period in history. I don't want to say much more about it as it would be too easy to give away little nuggets from within this book that would ruin your read. Visit our website and order it from us, settle back and have a good read. This book is aimed at the young adult market, but it tells such an interesting story you would enjoy it regardless of your age.

History and Historical Fiction

If you think about it, both the books I have mentioned above could also have been categorized within the history section - but that's how it is with book genres. Many fit just as well in one category as they do in another. Rather than pick out some of the more obvious history or historical novels, I thought you might be interested in the series of novels being written by Gordon Korman. I notice that this series have been described as being the Da Vinci Code for kids - which just about sums it up. The books involve following a set of clues across Europe and includes secret passageways and getting into all sorts of scrapes as each clue evolves and leads the characters into danger - then, through a process of elimination, the adventure is cleverly solved through the use of agile brains and even more agile bodies so that the main characters come through completely unscathed to emerge triumphant at the end of the book.

It's that time of year again - Hallowe'en coming up within the next couple of weeks and, with it, the anticipation of keeping warm as the evenings close in, reading some of the best horror books. One book I would like to get my hands on - and will do once I have a bit of time to spare, is Neil Gaiman's 'The Graveyard Books' which looks like an excellent read. Then, of course, there are the other categories within this genre: 'Flower Fairies of the Autumn' by Cicely Mary Barker that fits into the Literature category; 'Much Ado about Prom Night' by William D McCants, categorized amongst the Love and Romance section. As for the other sections, space really precludes individual titles being mentioned in each of these classifications but, if you visit our website I am sure you will be truly delighted at the enormous range of books you will find in each of the following categories:

•Mysteries

•Reference

•Religion

•School and Sports

•Fiction

•Science Fiction and Fantasy

•Social Issues

Buy young Adult Books

What To Do With Your Favorite Antique Vinyl Records And Turntable

Are you holding on to a box of old vinyl records? Do you have an antique turntable just collecting dust? It can be hard to let go of items that created wonderful memories for us. Vinyls remind us of a time when life was much easier. You don't have to toss your favorite vintage items in the trash. Keep those old memories alive by considering some different options.

It can be a great idea to hold on to old vinyl records and record players. The industry is seeing a rise in vinyl album sales. Many new artists are releasing records on vinyl as well as in digital format. New young music fans are getting a chance to see what vinyl is all about. Aside from new, young music listeners, there is an entire world of collectors buying, selling, and trading vinyl albums at high prices. If you don't mind getting rid of your collection, find out if you can make some money off of everything. You may just have a record that is a collector's item.

If you listen to songs today, you know what you get with digital music. While the invention of digital downloading has made buying and finding music much easier, the sound quality of this product is poor. Nothing sounds as nice as vinyl. If you still listen to music, you may want to consider holding on to a VPI record cleaner or VPI turntables. With new musicians releasing albums on vinyl, you don't have to deal with digital at all. Not to mention, you need a player to still enjoy those old Neil Young vinyl albums you have in your garage.

You should also consider passing down your vintage vinyl to a younger generation. Your grandkids or niece and nephew will probably think your collection is neat. This can be totally appreciated by a loved one. You can pass down the memories that you made with them, and give them a way to have their own. These collections can be passed down for generations to come. A young music lover will love this special gift.

Don't just toss out those antique vinyl records. Think over all the variety of things you can do with them. You can make some dollars, pass them down to your family, or simply keep them to listen to yourself. These belongings will always carry your favorite memories of a time when things were much simpler.

SoundStage Direct, LLC is an online independent store based in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. SSD has the largest selection of VPI record cleaner and vinyl records online. And you don't want to miss amazing closeout deals available at our LP outlet! We have record albums in every genre and in a variety of formats available ready to be shipped at your doorstep.

The Many Worlds of Young Adult Fiction

In the last decade, young adult fiction has transformed. Authors are pushing the envelope, creating fantastical stories, unearthly characters and, of course, magical worlds. What began with Narnia, a world within a wardrobe, has now become a universe of countless lands. Here are just a few of the wonderful lands born from some of the world's most creative minds:

Rondo by Emily Rodda

The Key to Rondo (Scholastic Press, 2008)

While Narnia has its wardrobe, Rondo has its music box. But entering the music box you'll find a beautiful world containing a quaint village, a lush forest, a magical castle and more. Rondo is filled with magical creatures, many of which you'll recognize from fairytales, like the troll who guards the bridge, or the three little pigs.

Deltora By Emily Rodda

The Deltora Quest series (Scholastic Press, 2001)

Deltora is a land of dragons. It is divided into territories, each named after a different gemstone (amethyst, moonstone, etc.). Each territory is home to its own unique creatures, cities, dangers and of course dragons, making every step of your journey through Deltora very different from the last.

Middlemost by Chris McCoy

Scurvy Goonda (Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2009)

Debut author Chris McCoy brought an entirely new concept to the traditional "other word" story. What we believe to be the middle star of orion's belt is actually Middlemost, the world where imaginary friends are born. Entering Middlemost, you'll find a motley crew of creatures-everything from vampires and ballerinas to plandas (half panda, half bonsai tree and swamsters (half hamster, half professional swimmer).

Inkworld By Cornelia Funke

Inkheart (Scholastic Press, 2003)

We've all wished we could dive into the pages of our favorite storybook and live in that world-at least for just one day. In the Inkheart trilogy, Meggie gets to do just that. Her father's "silver tongue" has brought the world inside Inkheart to life. While some characters emerge from its pages, others jump right in.

Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

The City of Ember (Random House, 2003)

Ember is an underground city built before the apocalypse over 200 years ago. It is home to many citizens who have no clue that blue skies exist. They live in a world of darkness, lit in the daytime by lamps. But things are changing. Food is running out. And the electricity is on the fritz. If they don't discover the way out of Ember soon, they'll be plunged in darkness forever.

Luster by Bruce Coville

The Unicorn Chronicles (Scholastic Press, 2005)

Luster is the land of unicorns. At one time, the unicorns lived on Earth. But everything changed when a group of hunters tried to kill their entire race. So they created Luster, a beautiful world that could act as their safe haven. Luster is also home to other creatures such as dwarves, dragons and squijims, along with the occasional human.

The Edge by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell

The Edge Chronicles (Transwood, 2000)

Much like the film Avatar, the world inside The Edge Chronicles contains magnificently creative creatures, unique trees and floating mountains. The Edge and its residents are so fabulously bizarre, that without the illustrations, the book would be hard to visualize.

The list of magical worlds doesn't end there. Also check out:

Archipelago of Dreams

From Here, There Be Dragons by James A. Owen (Simon & Schuster, 2006)

Lyonesse

From Lyonesse by Sam Llewellyn (Scholastic Inc, 2009)

Terabithia

From Bridge to Terabithia by Kathrine Patterson (HarperCollins Publishers, 1977)

Fantastica

From The Neverending Story by Michael Ende (Doubleday, 1983)

The Realms

From A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray (Random House, 2003)

Muratenland

From A Hole in the Sky by Barbara A. Mahler (Turtle Sea Publishing, 2009)

Panem

From The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (Scholastic Inc, 2008)

Malice

From Malice by Chris Wooding (Scholastic Inc, 2009)

Atherton

From the Atherton series by Patrick Carmen (Little, Brown, 2008)

The Land of Faerie

From Stardust by Neil Gaiman (HarperCollins, 2001)

Halla

From Pendragon by D.J. MacHale (Simon & Schuster, 2002)

Fablehaven

From Fablehaven by Brandon Mull (Simon & Schuster, 2007)

Cyberia

From Cyberia by Chris Lynch (Scholastic Inc, 2008)

Crystallia

From the Alcatraz series By Brandon Sanderson (Scholastic Inc, 2008)

http://www.kidzworld.com

A Great (and Unknown) Neil Young Song: "Mr. Disappointment"

In this day of digital downloads, YouTube and music-sharing it seems the album (or "LP") has gone the way of the dinosaur. Music fans are simply scanning websites, cherry-picking their song selections and moving on to the next site before they even have a chance to listen to the tune they just downloaded. This revolutionary approach to obtaining music has replaced the days when music fans would purchase an album of typically ten to fourteen songs from a given artist and in the process uncover musical "gems" hiding somewhere in those tracks. "Mr. Disappointment", from Neil Young's 2002 release Are You Passionate? is one of these buried treasures.

Canadian Singer/Songwriter Neil Young made his initial splash with the bands Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. Since setting out as a solo artist Young has made musical explorations into swing, electronic music, 50's style, and grunge (to name a few.) Young's 26th studio album Are You Passionate? represents his foray into soul music featuring Booker T and the MG's in addition to Young's band Crazy Horse. While many of the tracks are soul-inspired the tune "Mr. Disappointment" jumps off the collection as a Neil Young classic.

"Mr. Disappointment" opens with the slow 2/4 tempo ala by Bob Dylan on his recent work (i.e. "Mississippi", "Shooting Star".) This rhythmic "pocket" and groove is the perfect canvas for Neil's mellow, grunge-inspired electric guitar intro which we later learn is the melody for the song's chorus. But what is truly captivating is Young's vocal approach. Again, very reminiscent of recent Dylan as the song's verses are essentially spoken rather than sung. The opening line sets the mood and tone of the song: "Where did all the feelings go? What about that happy glow? Was that so long ago, when we were first in love? I didn't feel the change, everything was still the same. And when that moment came, I didn't know."

In the chorus Young changes from spoken-word to his trademark high, nasally, tenor singing voice and sadly sings: "I'd like to shake your hand, Disappointment. Looks like you win again, but this time might be the last..."

The song moves between verse and chorus juxtaposing the spoken-word with Young's singing and in-between lies Young's heart-breaking, Les Paul-toned guitar riffs. His guitar solo three quarters of the way into the piece is as beautiful as any solo Young has ever played.

From a songwriter's standpoint, Neil Young's "Mr. Disappointment" is among the most compelling and honest songs in Young's catalogue. However, it is Young's performance of this tune that makes it completely unforgettable. Surf on over to your favorite music website and check it out. But bring the Kleenex.

Kenn Morr http://www.kennmorr.com is an internationally acclaimed Singer/Songwriter, Performer, Producer and Author with six albums to his credit. Originally from Long Island, NY Kenn lives in the foothills of New England's Berkshire Mountains with his wife and two young sons.

Neil Young Songs: His Best Ever And Why

Without a doubt, Neil Young is one of the greatest songwriters of all time. As a solo singer-songwriter, and contributing member of some of the greatest bands ever, he has written some of the most honest, sincere, real music ever. His influence on popular music is undeniable. Personally, I am a huge fan of his music and when a pal posed the question recently "What are the best Neil Young songs of all time?" I had to really think it over.

Drum roll please...

1. Heart of Gold

Heart of Gold is his only number 1 song so far. It was written after a bad back injury that kept him from standing up to play the electric guitar. Lucky for us that resulted in him penning this gorgeous acoustic guitar-driven gem. He really has a gift of plain-spoken poetry and Heart of Gold nails it: "I want to live, I want to give. I've been a miner for a heart of gold." And... that harmonica solo is so distinctly Neil Young.

2. Southern Man

Southern Man is an example of his most vivid descriptive storytelling. In it he tells the story of a southern man (really, a symbol of the entire American south) and his mistreatment of his slaves. He gives an earnest, gritty performance. In the song he pleads "I saw cotton and I saw black, tall white mansions and little shacks. Southern Man, when will you pay them back?" It also prompted Lynyrd Skynyrd to write their response "Sweet Home Alabama." Funny... Neil Young often covers that song in his concerts.

3. Helpless

One of his most simple and direct songs written to date. But its the simplicity of it that I love. Its repetition in the chord changes and melody is lulling and his vocals are as sweet as ever. He's performed this with tons of folks. Perhaps the most famous is with The Band and Joni Mitchell on their 'Last Waltz.'

Whether you agree with my choices for the best Neil Young songs of all time or not, there's not disputing how great he is.

If you like Neil Young then you should check out Dean Fields. He's got a similar vibe, great lyrics, and beautiful voice. Click Here to get a copy of his latest single for free.

A Model Father - How Model Toy Trains Keep Neil Young and Son Ben on Track

No one would claim that model railroading is an easy hobby.

Creative, artistic, and a lot of fun, but certainly not easy. Assembling model toy trains by hand takes hours of pain-staking labour and a sharp attention to detail. Designing, building, and painting backgrounds demands not only good artistic focus but plenty of ingenuity; many model railroaders build their scenery from scrap material found in the garage or the basement. Add to that the challenges faced by anyone suffering with cerebral palsy, and you begin to understand what Neil Young was up against when he decided to share his love of model trains with his son, Ben.

The setup that Neil enjoys with Ben is incredible to see: a living system of moss and ferns, with stumps taken from the surrounding property acting as backdrop. A misting system waters the entire area in about 45 seconds, keeping the "hills" green and lush. Together, Ben and Neil keep the nearly 700 feet of track in good working order, making sure the trains always run on time. The complex is housed in a barn, nearly 2800 square feet dedicated to the love one man has for his hobby and his son. That love inspired Neil to create a special control that Ben can use, a paddle that responds to pressure, so that they can truly share in the trains that have fascinated Neil since he was a child.

Living with cerebral palsy isn't easy, and raising a son with the disorder would be hard on anybody. The illness, caused by a lack of oxygen or damage to the brain early in life, interferes with muscle control and motor skills, making it difficult for Ben to do many of the things that you or I take for granted. But Neil has made a commitment to his son, to keep him happy, engaged and achieving his full potential. Trains are a language by which two men can express their joy in each other's company, and two people can explore a little piece of paradise they've created together.

Model toy trains have provided people like Neil and Ben with memories they will have forever, building relationships along with railroads.

To learn more about high-quality model toy trains, visit ModelToyTrainsStore.com

Lesley Ananny

Editor

Model Toy Trains Store

[http://www.modeltoytrainsstore.com]

Out of the Blue (But Yet Not Into The Black)

Dear Neil Young - it's not better to burn out than it is to rust and you're a prime example of that.

Yes, you and I were part of the first generation of rock'n'roll. At that time, we didn't trust anyone over 40 and most of us thought we wouldn't live past age 35, myself included. Who didn't play in a rock band, however badly, but loudly, growing up?

If you told me when I was 18 whether I'd still be listening to the Beatles and the Rolling Stones when I'm nearing 60 years old, I would have told you that you're crazy. If you told me then that Keith Richards would still be alive and a house husband raising daughters to boot, I would have thought you had been inhaling too many of the same substances that Richards once did. And if you told me that the Stones were still touring around the world, I knew that you'd had a bad LSD trip that fried your brain along the way. Yet, many of the rock legends are still performing, making great music and selling out concerts around the world.

I saw Sting (a/k/a Gordon Summers) last night on the David Letterman show. Sting has come out with a box set retrospective of his 25 years of rock and popular music hits. Sting made a comment that took me by surprise. It's public knowledge about his lifestyle choices: yoga, Tantric sex, vegetarianism, which many of us tried - if only because it was the "in thing" to do at the time. Sting has just celebrated his 60th birthday and says that he feels better and is enjoying life now more than he ever did.

The once future of rock'n'roll, Bruce Springsteen, is 62 years old and is out on another worldwide tour. Springsteen was recently on the cover of a magazine for "senior citizens". Yes, Springsteen was on the cover of the American Association for Retired People magazine.

Mick Jagger is 68 years old. He's still the personification of cool - the band,Maroon 5, has a hit song idolizing him, "Move Like Jagger". He's formed a super-band, "SuperHeavy", featuring Joss Stone and Damian Marley, 40 and 35 years his junior. And the Stones constantly tour..

Paul McCartney is 69 YEARS OLD! And he's getting married again, this time to a woman almost 20 years younger. No, he's not living the life of "When I'm Sixty-Four".

Neil Young is 66 and still an angry social activist. And he's starting a new worldwide tour.

Sting said something on the Letterman Show that took me aback. He said he tries to enjoy his life more now that he has fewer days to be alive than he has lived previously. Thank you for stating the harsh reality, Mr. Summers.

Yes, me and my generation are rapidly becoming senior citizens, in age, but not in spirit. I still get up out of bed and think about getting ready for first period algebra class, until I hear my knees creak. But I'm comparatively much younger at this age than my parents, for which I owe them a huge debt of gratitude. My life has had its ups and downs, but whose life hasn't when you are over 50 years old? On the whole, my life is good. Certainly, not perfect, but good.

Maybe it's the spirit of rock'n'roll that has kept us all young and nations together. There was the recent revelation that the younger Soviet leaders listened to the Beatles and rock'n'roll in the Kremlin during the 60's. Who knew rock'n'roll may have had a greater impact on world peace than statesmanship? And it has spanned and brings together generations: the ageless wonder Tony Bennett has out an album of duets, one with Lady Gaga.

Hey, Hey. My, My. - Rock'n'roll will never die, even when Sting, Neil Young, and the rest of my generation does We will be out of the blue and into the black, but the music and the spirit that it has spawned will live on.

Michael Maynard is a columnist/journalist/social commentator living in Stow, Massachusetts.

Neil Young Did More Than Record Great Music

Believe it or not, grunge music had been available long before the end of the twentieth century. Most folks deem groups like Nirvana and Pearl Jam, clad in flannel and screaming about the wrongs of capitalism, to be grunge. Always shying away from the limelight and the corporate sponsors, grunge seemed to be the perfect cure for the former hair band years.

Did you realize that Neil Young is deemed the definitive "Godfather of Grunge"? That's correct, the same man from the old days. Young not only started Buffalo Springfield, he was an original member of what is now referred to as Crosby, Stills and Nash. Neil Young was struggling against the "Man" before Kurt Cobain knew what music was.

He was not into music for the money or fame. He was the epitome of a true sixties hippie. He made sure that he never sold out and never grew too famous.

It now seems wrong that Rolling Stone Magazine listed a Nirvana vinyl album in front of a Neil Young vinyl album in their best 100 albums of all time. Had the hero dropped below his fans? Even with the 20th anniversary of the classic Nirvana album, Nevermind, vinyl records will always rule supreme.

He was known for loathing the earliest compact discs from the beginning. He says that CD's are inadequate in sound quality and lose the intimacy between the artist and the listener. You can hear this in each Neil Young vinyl record ever done. Remember also that Neil Young has written a new album every year or so throughout his entire career. You can always be sure to find his new songs in many forms, including that of vinyl.

It is no surprise that Mr. Young is one of a few singers who have been inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame not just once, but two times. He was inducted first for his solo singing in 1995, then he was welcomed again with the group Buffalo Springfield in 1997.

There will never be another grunge hero in the history of music like Neil Young. Good luck on getting Vedder or Cobain in the Rock Hall of Fame more than once.

So, next time someone is preaching to you what a god Kurt Cobain was, try schooling them in the music of grunge. After all, Neil Young was Cobain's hero and the most influential singer that Kurt ever cited.

SoundStage Direct, LLC is an online independent store based in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. SSD has the largest selection of vinyl records online. And you don't want to miss amazing closeout deals available at our LP outlet! We have record albums in every genre (like Nirvana vinyl ) and in a variety of formats available ready to be shipped at your doorstep.

Memories of Artist-Activist Neil Young

Neil Young is 64-years old and is the current MusiCares Person of the Year. I'm not surprised that Young received the honor given his decades of work with Farm Aid and Bridge School Concerts. Some of the biggest names in the business serenaded Young with his own songs: Elton John, James Taylor, Dave Matthews, Sheryl Crow Leon Russel, and Keith Russell. Young was quoted as saying that he'd forgotten how many songs he'd written.

How did Young hit retirement age? He's at the point in his life when he either 1) created so many songs he lost count or 2) really can't remember. This kind of thing happens when you're talented, successful and 64. Jack Black was the emcee at the event. Black talked about how the young singers on stage had been influenced by Young's unique style. How ironic! Black and the young'uns weren't even born when Young began his career. But I was, and I was in the audience at Young's debut all those years ago.

I was a student at New York University in NYC in 1971. I attended the Greenwich Village campus and got to take part in the Village life. Singers and dancers performed in the lofts and modest studios in every nook and cranny in the Village. Public concerts in the park were commonplace as were artist exhibiting their work on the sidewalk. The wild artistry of the sixties was still with us; the commercialized disco era wasn't yet launched.

I hung out with friends at the NYU radio station. We listened to Carol King, Carly Simon and James Taylor who were then emerging on the scene. So much social change was in the air, but not fully formed. A fellow student argued with me that women singers would never equal the fame of their male counterparts. I objected naming several famous women, and in a sign of the times, he said African American women didn't count.

One winter evening, the radio crowd decided to go to the debut concert of a new, unknown singer named Neil Young. I tagged along and found myself in a large, run-down studio with chairs set up theater style. The stage was slightly elevated in theater-in-the-round style. A long singer was seated on a wooden chair, playing his guitar and singing into a single microphone. Dressed unremarkably in jeans, Young's full head of dark hair obscured part of his face. It was vintage Village.

Young's haunting voice filled the room. The crowd was a well-educated group and well-behaved. We quietly listened, nodding to the words which could be clearly understood. Young's style was slightly reminiscent of Bob Dylan's thoughtful, folksy, nasal style. There were no back-up singers or flashy staging here.

Suddenly, a young couple appeared in the aisle. They danced to the music, gyrating in flashy moves that announced the arrival of disco. Totally at odds with the tone of the concert, they stood out unashamedly and, to most of us, jarringly. I turned to a friend and said, "Wow! They must be really moved by the music." The friend turned a jaded eye towards me and replied, "Don't get excited. They're dancers hired to by the studio to hype this guy. That's how a debut works."

I gazed back at the intense young man on stage and wondered how he kept a straight face with all that nonsense prancing around in front of him. It looked like he had his eyes closed as he sang 'A Horse with No Name.' Smart move. I did the same and said a silent prayer for his success. I figured he could a few words on his behalf with the Good Lord in his chosen profession.

It turned out that Young didn't need my prayers. He's had an incredibly rich,successful and long career. Reports are that when a balding, graying Neil Young took to the stage to thank everyone for the MusiCares Award, he announced that he was worn out by all the festivities. He said it was time to go home, but promised to keep going. He hoped his new songs would be as good as his early ones.

If you don't remember all you've written anymore, it's OK. Neither do I and it doesn't matter. You're a role model for young people beyond the impact of any particular song. Your integrity and good works have made their mark. Just close your eyes, play your guitar and sing, Neil.

Deborah Levine is a Diversity Expert with various diversity degrees and numerous awards. Brought up in British Bermuda, she was inserted into America in grade school. The coping skills of an immigrant are easy to spot, as is the island softness in her voice. Her varied background includes Harvard University, New York's garment district, dance troupe director, media liaison and urban planner. Based in Tennessee, Deborah is known internationally as a 'diversity pioneer' and mentors executives from around the world.

Deborah is an award-winning author whose work ranges from global leadership guides to diversity stories for children. Deborah is Editor of American Diversity Report which is read in 70 countries and features more than 50 veteran authors and new voices. Deborah's style is amusing and fair, as she believes in poking everyone equally.

http://www.americandiversityreport.com

The Key is Resolution

No matter what your instrument of choice might be, when writing songs one thing remains consistent, the need for resolution. Resolution is the technical term for musical progressions that sound complete. Consonance which means a pleasant and stable sound, walks hand in hand with resolution. For example, in the key of C, where C is the root note, D is the 2nd, E the 3rd, F the 4th, G the 5th, A the 6th, B the 7th, and C is 8th note or the octave, a riff or chord progression will be resolved if it ends on C(root or octave) or G(the fifth). A C major chord is built with C as the root, E as the third degree and G as the fifth degree. In the key of C, the notes C and G are perfect fifths(five whole scale degrees apart) are consonant and leave the ear satisfied. Try playing a progression in the key of C that ends for example on A(the sixth note), does your ear want more? One rare example of a song that ends unresolved is Neil Young's "Needle and the Damage Done." This song is written in the key of D minor and ends on B flat which is the 6th degree of the key, at the end of song the ear is left unsatisfied. Perhaps this was the intent of Neil Young as the song is about how drug addiction brings no satisfaction or resolution.

If a riff ends on a 2nd, 3rd , 4th, 6th, or 7th note of a scale it is unresolved and the basis for dissonance. Dissonance in music means that the ear is left ear unsatisfied and it is often used to build tension in a song. Metallica's "Enter Sandman" in the key of E minor is one such example. The beginning riff resolves by starting on a low E on the guitar and ending on the E note that is one octave higher.

Intro : 6x

|----------------------------------------------------------|

|----------------------------------------------------------|

|----------------------------------------------------------|

|-----------5-----------------------5----------------------|

|-------7-------------7---------7--------------7-----------|

|---0----------6---5--------0-----------6---5--------------|

The intro continues with the following riff:

|----------------------------------------------------------|

|----------------------------------------------------------|

|----------------------------------------------------------|

|----------------------------------------------------------|

|-2--2---5/7-------2--2--3-----2--2---5/7--------2--2--3---|

|-0--0-------6--5--0--0--1-----0--0--------6--5--0--0--1---|

This riff builds tension by ending on the F5 chord which is the flat 2 of E minor. The next riff leads into the verse of the song:

Main Riff : play twice

|-----------------------|----------------------------------|

|-----------------------|----------------------------------|

|-----------------------|----------------------------------|

|-----------------------|----------------------------------|

|-2----2-----7----------|-----5------4-------4---5---4-----|

|-0----0---------6----5-|-----3---0--2---0---2---3---2-----|

The first part of the riff ends on the 4th degree(the A note) and is repeated 3 times to build tension before releasing into G and resolving again at the root(E). Before the verse begins the listener is left with F#5(the second degree) wondering if they will ever have escape from frustration. The verse is a variation of the previous two riffs with pre chorus changing into F# minor:

|---------------------|---------------------------|

|---------------------|---------------------------|

|----------2----------|---------------------------|

|------4--------------|---------------------------|

|-------------3---2---|--4--4--4--4--2--3--4------|

|--2------------------|--2--2--2--2--0--1--2------|

The chorus remains in F# minor, resolves to E minor, and then back to F# minor

|---------------|-------------------------------------------|

|---------------|-------------------------------------------|

|---------------|-------------------------------------------|

|--------5----4-|---2---------------------------------------|

|---4----3----2-|---2---------------------------------------|

|---2-----------|---0---------------------------------------|

|-------------------------------|

|-------------------------------|

|-------------------------------|

|-------------------------------|

|---5------4-------4---5---4----|

|---3---0--2---0---2---3---2----|

|-----------------------|----------------------------------|

|-----------------------|----------------------------------|

|-----------------------|----------------------------------|

|-----------------------|----------------------------------|

|-2----2-----7----------|-----5------4-------4---5---4-----|

|-0----0---------6----5-|-----3---0--2---0---2---3---2-----|

The song modulates between the two key signatures heavy metal is most famous for E minor and F# minor.

Modulation is switching between two key signatures with a pivot chord(chord belonging to two different but similar key signatures) to create a change between a verse and a chorus, or a chorus and a bridge, to make a song more interesting. Where as a C major chord contains the G note, the F note is not part of the chord but is a perfect fourth which is consonant but to a lesser degree. Jazz, blues and popular music often use perfect fourths in modulation. Another example of modulation would be the Beatles, "I Want to Hold Your Hand", where the verse is in the key of C and the chorus changes to the key of F and resolves back to C to start the next verse.

The key to resolution is ending a progression on the root, fifth, or octave(consonant sound) of any given key signature. The element of dissonance, ending a riff on a 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th, or 7th note adds color, emotion, and tension to any musical composition. Ending on a dissonant chord can also be used for modulation between key signatures. As a general rule, a song should end resolved, however an exception can be created to accommodate a questioning audience.

Lori Mortimore

originally posted on http://www.musicxspot.com/

Lori Mortimore

More2moremusic

Best Neil Young Quotes Ever - And Why

No doubt, Neil Young has written some of the greatest song lyrics ever. But often, it is his interviews that hold some real treasures. For a quiet, introverted guy, his profession as a performer forces him into some great moments in interviews. I decided to compile as many as I could and come up with my favorites. So here they are... My favorite Neil Young quotes ever - and why.

"I don't like to be labeled, to be anything. I've made the mistake before myself of labeling my music, but it's counter-productive."

After decades of constantly changing and refining, and revisiting his sound, it really is difficult to describe his music. To be sure, Comes A Time, Harvest, Harvest Moon all have a similar vibe. But put those next to Freedom and Broken Arrow and it gets tougher to pinpoint what his label would really be. His breadth of work has at least accomplished that much.

"I feel like I could be likened to an old hound circling on a rug for the last five years."

Back in 1984. He was a rock and roll star who had grown weary of playing rock music. He had just finished touring with Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and the Judds. His sound had definitely turned more in the country direction. He felt like he had finally found his place. Nevermind that by 1990 he put out Ragged Glory -a clear departure. But a great one.

"When the punk thing came along and I heard my friends saying, I hate these people with the pins in their ears. I said, Thank God, something got their attention."

Talking about Johnny Rotten and punk in a Boston Globe interview. Young was one of the only old guard rockers who took an interest in the punk movement. He was referring to the essence of punk music as a backlash against the polished, layered schlock rock that had taken hold of mainstream music at the time. At least, he thought, they were waking everyone up.

If you agree with my choices or not...You still cant help but listen when he's talking and you gotta agree that he makes great music!

If you dig Neil Young you might also check out Dean Fields. He's got a similar vibe and way with words.

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Review of the Neil Young CD Greendale

Not sure what's happening with me on this one, but it seems like the more I listen to it, the better Greendale gets. Greendale simply stated is one of Neil Young's best CDs to date.

This CD grabs your attention right from the very beginning with Falling From Above and doesn't let go until the very last note of the very last song Be The Rain, which is another great track by the way.

Greendale has a pleasantly varied, mix of 10 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly superb artist. With many of the songs displaying a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Seemingly drawing from what I can only imagine are him own real life experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions like love, heartbreak, pain, failed relationships and unattainable romance. They're all here.

I'm of the opinion that Greendale is certainly Neil Young's best work in a few years. A totally enjoyable CD and an outstanding release. What I call must have music. I give it two thumbs up because it's a collection that even the casual Rock fan can appreciate and enjoy.

While the entire CD is really very good the truly standout tunes are track 4 - Leave The Driving, track 8 - Bringin' Down Dinner, and track 10 - Be The Rain.

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 - Falling From Above. It's a great track!

Greendale Release Notes:

Neil Young originally released Greendale on August 19, 2003 on the Reprise label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Falling From Above 2. Double E 3. Devil's Sidewalk 4. Leave The Driving 5. Carmichael 6. Bandit 7. Grandpa's Interview 8. Bringin' Down Dinner 9. Sun Green 10. Be The Rain

Personnel: Neil Young (vocals, guitar, harmonica, organ); Billy Talbot (vocals, bass); Ralph Molina (vocals, drums). The Mountainettes: Pegi Young, Nancy Hall, Twink Brewer, Sue Hall.

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Best Neil Young Songs Of All Time - And Why

Without a doubt Neil Young is one of the greatest artists in American music of all time. His music, as well as his approach to music, has influenced millions of people and has helped shaped popular music as we know it today. I am personally a big fan of the man and his music. When the question of "what the best Neil Young songs of all time were," recently came up in conversation in a group of my friends, it got me thinking about it.

Here's what I came up with in my musing about it. Of course, I lean towards earlier Neil Young - my bias, what can I say? Not in any particular order:

1. Down By The River - When he rocked, he rocked! With Crazy Horse., his rockin' band. I still sing this song, when I least expect it (to my self). One of those I shot my baby songs, like Hey Joe. He pays for his crime though.

2. Heart Of Gold - How can I not include this one? I still play this once in a while. People still love it. Great lyrics:

Keep me searching

for a heart of gold

You keep me searching

for a heart of gold

And I'm growing old.

I've been a miner

for a heart of gold.

And I'm getting old too!

3. Harvest Moon - Nice romantic song. Cool lyrics:

Because I'm still in love with you

I want to see you dance again

Because I'm still in love with you

On this harvest moon.

Very visual lyrics. This might be a stretch, but it reminds me, lyrically of Creole

Belle by Mississippi John Hurt and later verses written by Taj Majal.

4. Old Man - A song about a son and his father and young and old. I love these songs about age. When I first listened to it I was a kid. It was poignant then and now that I'm an old man, it's even more applicable to me. "Old man look at my life, I'm a lot like you were." Twenty Four and so much more is a great lyric.

Simple, touching and insightful - When I was 24, I didn't particularly think about how much more living I had to do, especially compared with older people.

One more:

5. Rockin' In The Free World - This one acknowledges the political realities. I like that. It rocks, of course. It just seems to say what I would want to put in a song. It has it all. It's no wonder that so many artists have covered this song.

Whether you agree with my choices for the best Neil Young songs of all time, or not, There is no disputing that Neil Young is one of our best singer/songwriters of all time.

If you like Young, you might also check out Kenny Selcer

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Young Axl Rose Vs. Axl Rose Now

Many people counted Axl Rose out long ago. The "Appetite for Destruction"-era lineup of Guns 'n' Roses imploded, Nirvana changed the musical landscape and Rose took his sweet time premiering "Chinese Democracy", the first official release from the revamped Guns lineup. Over the last decade and a half, Rose's reputation as a reclusive, egotistical control freak has eclipsed his musical talents and accomplishments.

Even many of those who reserved judgement until the release of "Democracy" merely shrugged and moved on once the album finally saw the light of day.

In the past, I've argued for Rose's continuing contributions to the rock scene and praised "Chinese Democracy" as an underrated, sporadically brilliant album (though it's scattershot stylistic approach could certainly confuse and alienate a lot of listeners). That aside, however, how does the Axl Rose of today compare to the Axl Rose of yesteryear? Like other iconic rock frontmen from Iggy to Ozzy to Elvis, Axl has a pretty big set of shoes to fill every time he steps on stage, just trying to live up to his own legend. Has he succeeded?

The biggest thing I see missing from the new G'n'R compared to the earlier line-up is the sense of raw urgency (I hesitate to say "danger", though maybe that applies). The same can sort of be said for Rose himself. I think his voice still carries that edge, and his lyrics seem as pointedly honest and personal as on older recordings. Of course, the subject matter is different; certainly, Rose is no "urchin livin' under the street" these days. His problems nowadays are the problems that go along with wealth and fame, not the desperation of a starving artist immersed in the drug culture. He's not mixing it up with pimps, cops and street hustlers or even with other self-styled bad boy rockers like Motley Crue's Vince Neil; his fisticuffs in the new millennium are reserved for the likes of Tommy Hilfiger, it seems; hardly the kind of heavyweight bout people might clamor for. This is not an entirely recent change, either. By the time of '91's "Use Your Illusion" albums, the crazed paranoia of "Out Ta Get Me" from "Appetite" had given way to the more mundane griping of "Get in the Ring". The former paints a picture of substance-induced mania, of a half-crazed lunatic hiding in a dingy apartment or practice studio from the eyes of the police, the F.B.I., or somebody that got stiffed in a deal. The latter shows that same person hiding in a luxury palace from the intrusions of the paparazzi or the hurtful slings of the press. The first portrait could be Charlie Manson, the second one could be Paris Hilton.

This is all just perception, of course. There's no saying how well those lyrics (or my interpretation of them) represent Rose's reality in either case. Perception is what we're really talking about, though. For our purposes, it doesn't matter who or what Axl Rose really is (or was), but what he appears to be. Lyrically, and in the picture presented by the media, we are now seeing a much less dangerous person than the image presented to us in 1988.

This change is natural, of course. Most people mellow with age, and almost all people act out less when they have material wealth and abundance as opposed to struggling just to survive. It's only normal that Axl will seem less "dangerous" now; while it may be slightly less compelling, I'm glad he is honest enough to present himself this way in song rather than trying to fake the rebel yell of his earlier years. A manufactured facsimile of his younger, angrier self would be much less interesting than an honest look at where he is now.

I think another problem with trying to compare Rose with his younger self is the distinction between what he was always trying to accomplish (or seemed to be) and what fans responded to and wanted him to be.

I don't know how aware he was of the appeal of his anger or Guns' rawness, though I doubt he was oblivious to it. While I'm pretty sure he embraced that part of their style, his ambitions were always loftier. He seemed to be shooting for a timeless sort of rock with a great deal of diversity, modeled on the likes of Queen and Elton John. One doesn't need to maintain a sort of bogus street cred to create truly classic rock.

So, what then, is the answer to my question? I'd say that the answer is that, no, Rose isn't as intriguing a figure as he was in the late '80's, but that's a pretty unfair comparison. In terms of actual talent, for singing, songwriting or performing, he's probably actually grown since then. He certainly seems a more mature writer. The x-factor that drew a lot of people in, that reckless sense of desperation may not be what it was, but if he continues to express himself in an honest fashion rather than trying to turn back the clock, he can keep giving the music world the best he's got. And that beats an insincere copy of the guy he used to (seem to) be.

To hear one of my favorite bands of today, someone reminiscent of "Appetite"-era Guns, go HERE to download a free song from the Hard Ponys.

Neil Young "Living With War" Rock Music CD Review

Neil Young, The Canadian music Hall of Famer and former member of Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, and Nash has released his latest politically charged CD entitled Living With War. His second release in under a year.

Be warned that this CD is unabashedly a protest album by this Canadian born American.

Whether you're a fan of his politics or not, I think we have to acknowledge that lyrically this is an intelligent, and well thought out CD.

I like it for the fact that it is bound to elicit a response from all who listen. Without regard for positive or negative it will certainly keep the debate open and alive. Which is exactly why it's a good release.

I also like it for the song that closes it out. A 100 voice choir rendition of America the Beautiful.

Overall Living With War is Neil Young as we have come to know him over the course of the last 40 years. Outspoken and direct. If you don't mind that style you will enjoy this CD.

The standout tunes on Living With War include the title track Living With War [track 2], The Restless Consumer [track 3], and Lookin' for a Leader [track 8]. My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 5, America the Beautiful. Very nice!

Release Notes:

Neil Young originally released Living With War on May 9, 2006 on the Reprise record label.

CD track list follows:

1. After the Garden

2. Living With War

3. The Restless Consumer

4. Shock and Awe

5. Families

6. Flags of Freedom

7. Let's Impeach the President

8. Lookin' for a Leader

9. Roger and Out

10. America the Beautiful

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The Questionnaire With Neil Cicierega

What are you doing these days?
Videos, songs, videos for songs, songs for videos. Those are the two things I'm good at, though I've been meaning to give ANSI art a serious go.

What turns you on creatively?
Either being in an energetic environment with other creative people, or being isolated and lonely in a dark room with a computer at 3AM. I also always get song ideas in the shower. Should shower more.

If you were a mind-reader whose mind would you like to read?
My hamster's. I think it would make me really happy.

If you could travel in time, which era would you visit?
I always have dreams about revisiting my childhood, so 1990 or so would be a trip. Remembering things I forgot about years ago is an amazing feeling.

What is your favorite sound?
Is there a sound more satisfying and spine-tingling than that of the THX logo?

What drives you crazy?
YouTube comments. You ever tried reading them? I can't help it. I mean, I love you guys, you are a wonderful audience. And the worst my own videos get are comments from finicky, tactless jerks who will never find love. But take a look at the inane arguments that any remotely political video causes. Or the outright racism you'll find under any video featuring a remotely black person. Go ahead, go look. Lose all faith in young people.

What makes you laugh?
Juggalos! What's funnier than a clown? Answer: THOUSANDS OF CLOWN. (Grammar fact: "Clown" is its own plural, like "sheep" and "fish".)

What is the album or song that influences you the most?
For the past couple of years, the album "Out of the Blue" by Electric Light Orchestra has been my favorite thing.

Who would you like to collaborate with? And why?
I'd like Bill Murray to appear in one of my videos. I believe that requires no explanation. I'd also like Carrot Top to stop appearing in my nightmares.

If you had 3 wishes what would they be?
1. The ability to safely travel through time, so I could do that 1990 thing I mentioned.
2. The ability to learn new things faster and more easily.
3. A mansion of my own design.

What is the craziest thing you ever did?
For three summers, I hosted parties in my back yard with an open invitation to the whole internet. They were actually fun parties, and by some miracle there were no murders, nobody wore diapers, nobody LARPed, and nobody tried to inflate anybody else.

What makes you feel embarrassed?
Me and my friends, all sound of mind and above 18, paid money to see High School Musical: On Ice. Yeah, I don't know. The whole "doing things ironically" thing of the 2000s might cause more cringes in retrospect than it did laughs at the time. Hipsters everywhere should start preparing for the great era of shame and shaving.

What are your favorite web-sites (not including the ones that you are participate in)?
TVtropes.org is a little more stupidly nerdy than it used to be, but it's still completely addicting. Google.com and all of its components are completely integral to the modern man's life. The forums of somethingawful.com are not only voluminous, but of the utmost quality. Does Netflix Instant Watch count as a website?

What is the silliest thing you have ever done?
There's a video I did called "123456 Pokemon" that's as silly and unsexy as imaginable. I made it when my girlfriend and I were just starting to date, but somehow she didn't break up with me. I don't understand why not.

How would you make the world a better place?
Beats me. Pizza Fridays maybe.

What is your biggest weakness?
I'm a lazy shit

Where will you be in 10 years?
That can be pretty terrifying to think about, so I won't too hard. I just hope I'm doing ever more exciting things.

Write a question that you like to ask yourself and answer it.
-Where will you be in 10 years?
-I just answered that, man. Look half an inch up, you lazy shit

Who would you like to answer that Questionnaire?
Senator John McCain.

Associations
Love - Amplify
Death - Postpone
God - Figurative
TV - Okay
Family - Pajamas
Politics - Infiltrating
Internet - Begrudgingly
Happiness - Dancing
Comedy - Irresistible
Music - Irreplaceable
YouTube - Irritable
Neil Cicierega - Irrevocable

Neil Cicierega is a comedian, musician and filmmaker with a popular YouTube channel.

What will you answer?

Review of the Neil Young CD American Stars N Bars

I can describe the latest release from Rock sensation Neil Young for you with just one word... Outstanding!

It's a rare day indeed that I get a CD from an artist that I can truthfully say does not have a bad track in the bunch. I'm more than happy to announce that's exactly what I must say about this one. There simply is NOT a bad one in the bunch. No fillers here at all.

American Stars N Bars is a nicely varied, mix of 9 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly gifted artist. With many of the songs displaying a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Seemingly drawing from what I can only imagine are him own personal experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions like love, and the pain of failed relationships can certainly be heard.

If you're even mildly into Rock music you'll enjoy this album. Overall American Stars N Bars is an a great release. I give it my double thumbs up. You will not be disappointed with one single track.

While the entire album is outstanding some of my favorites are track 2 - Saddle Up The Palomino, track 4 - Hold Back The Tears, and track 9 - Homegrown

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 - The Old Country Waltz. Great track!

American Stars N Bars Release Notes:

Neil Young originally released American Stars N Bars on August 19, 2003 on the Reprise label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. The Old Country Waltz

2. Saddle Up The Palomino

3. Hey Babe

4. Hold Back The Tears

5. Bite The Bullet

6. Star Of Bethlehem

7. Will To Love

8. Like A Hurricane

9. Homegrown

Personnel: Neil Young (vocals, acoustic & electric guitars); Frank Sampredo (acoustic & electric guitars, synthesizer); Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, Nicolette Larson (background vocals). Ben Keith (steel guitar, dobro, background vocals); Carole Mayedo (violin); Billy Talbot (bass, background vocals); Tim Drummond (bass); Ralph Molina (drums, background vocals); Karl T. Himmel (drums). Producers: Neil Young, David Briggs, Tim Mulligan, Elliot Mazer.

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Neil Young "Greendale" Rock Music CD Review

Greendale is the latest Rock CD released by Neil Young who once again has delivered a brilliant collection of tracks. I'm confident Neil Young fans, and Rock fans alike will be pleased with this one.

It's a rare day indeed that I get a CD from an artist that I can truthfully say does not have a bad track in the bunch. I'm more than happy to announce that's exactly what I must say about this one. There simply is NOT a bad one in the bunch. No fillers here at all, with each song standing tall on it's own.

Greendale is a pleasantly varied, mix of 10 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly gifted artist. Most of the songs display a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Clearly drawing from what I can only imagine are his own personal experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions of love, and the pain of failed relationships can certainly be heard.

Greendale is a first rate CD, delivering a little something for everyone. I give it my highest recommendation. It's quite simply great listening. A must buy for the Rock fan.

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 7, Grandpa's Interview. What a nice track!

Greendale Release Notes:

Neil Young originally released Greendale on Aug 19, 2003 on the Reprise label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Falling From Above

2. Double E

3. Devil's Sidewalk

4. Leave The Driving

5. Carmichael

6. Bandit

7. Grandpa's Interview

8. Bringin' Down Dinner

9. Sun Green

10. Be The Rain

Personnel: Neil Young (vocals, guitar, harmonica, organ); Billy Talbot (vocals, bass); Ralph Molina (vocals, drums). The Mountainettes: Pegi Young, Nancy Hall, Twink Brewer, Sue Hall.

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New Retailers Stock Vinyl Albums And Players

You might not know that record players and vinyl LP's are once again popular. It is not just collectors who are in the market for these products, but new, young music lovers are turning to vinyl like never before. New musicians and artists are releasing new albums on vinyl as well as digital formats. This is making records once again really popular. Stores are beginning to understand that there is a major market for these items. You will begin to see these products in places you never imagined.

Huge chain stores that sell electronics are now stocking record players. Best Buy is a fantastic example of a huge retailer who always has a selection of record players as well as vinyl records. You might think that you can only buy CD's at these places. CD's are certainly not doing the sales that they once were. Records on the other hand is looking up. Merchants are beginning to realize that music lovers are looking for a way to have a solid experience.

Lifestyle stores are other places you will see record turntables and vinyl albums. At an Urban Outfitters for example, you will see many lifestyle products and clothes. They stock vinyl, record players, books, and house items. Their customer is perfect for vinyl record merchandise. Other lifestyle stores are catching on. There is a whole, young generation of music fans who like alternative clothing and music, and are now looking for an alternative format to hear their favorite artists.

Many online stores are selling LP albums and players. Some internet sellers are real collectors. You will find them selling old things like Neil Young vinyl records. You can discover more than just used items online. With a quick search, you will discover independent stores who sell records and record players exclusively. With less overhead, retailers can sell things easier. You will probably find these things with online retailers at a much lower price.

More and more stores will be stocking these items in the future. You will soon see a number of places besides record stores selling these items. Many music fans are wanting to create a real experience that they can't get from digital music. Retailers are finally starting to see a market for this. Someday, you will begin to discover these things right in your local mall.

As sales for record players and LP's continue to rise, more and more merchants will begin selling these products. Small independent record stores won't be the only ones selling these products. Technology is creating a generation of music fans who want to have an experience that digital music doesn't provide them. Retailers are just beginning to understand this. You might just be able to discover these products in your local mall.

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Neil Young On The Beach Rock Music CD Review

Not sure what's happening with me on this one, but it seems like the more I listen to it, the better On The Beach gets. On The Beach simply put is one of Neil Young's best CDs to date.

It's a rare day indeed that I get a CD from an artist that I can truthfully say does not have a bad track in the bunch. I'm more than happy to announce that's exactly what I must say about this one. There simply is NOT a bad one in the bunch. No fillers here at all.

One of the refreshingly nice things about this CD is the way all of the participating artists seem to be really enjoying themselves. Combine that with the overall presentation and you've got one of Neil Young's most impressive releases ever.

Listen to and I think you'll agree that the song choices are excellent, the production is outstanding and Neil Young is clearly in top form.

While this entire album is outstanding the truly standout tunes are track 2 - See The Sky About To Rain, track 4 - For The Turnstiles, and track 8 - Ambulance Blues.

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 - Walk On. Wow!

On The Beach Release Notes:

Neil Young originally released On The Beach on August 19, 2003 on the Reprise label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Walk On

2. See The Sky About To Rain

3. Revolution Blues

4. For The Turnstiles

5. Vampire Blues

6. On The Beach

7. Motion Pictures (For Carrie)

8. Ambulance Blues

Personnel: Neil Young (vocals, guitar, banjo, harmonica, Wurlitzer piano); David Crosby, George Whitsell (guitar); Ben Keith (slide guitar, steel guitar, dobro, Wurlitzer piano, organ, background vocals); Rusty Kershaw (slide guitar); Joe Yankee (harp); Graham Nash (Wurlitzer piano); Tim Drummond (bass instrument, percussion); Rick Danko, Billy Talbot (bass instrument); Ralph Molina (drums, background vocals); Levon Helm (drums).

Recording information: Sunset Sound, Hollywood, California; Broken Arrow Studios, San Francisco, California.

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