What we're listening to. Nils Lofgren 'Night after Night'.

Nils Lofgren must be tired everytime he's mentioned as being part of 'The E Street Band' (replacing Steve Van Zandt in 84). He still is with Springsteen, but he's had a superb solo career. 

He's done a huge lot with Springsteen (Born in the USA, Tunnel of Love to name a few) and indeed with Mr. Young's Crazy Horse (playing piano/guitar on After the Goldrush, Tonights the Night) but should have more recognition in his own right.

Born in Chicago (his Dad was Swedish, hence the name) and in 1977 he released this double live Album. 

"I came to dance" is probably his best known track but 'Keith don't go', a tribute to Keith Richards, is so well regarded and both are here. Add to that, 'Back it up', 'Moon Tears', 'Going Back' and 'Code of the Road', you have an excellent rock album. 

Hard to get the Album but if you can find it, it's really worth it. As he is. And if he see him playing live, just go!

His 'Acoustic live' from 1997 gives a real insight into a virtuoso guitarist and notably there, you'll find a terrific version of 'Keith don't go'. 

Don't believe us, have a listen (especially from 3 minutes on...)

What we're listening to. Neil Young 'Harvest'.

'After the Goldrush' (1970) has already got a spot in what "we're listening to" and now Neil gets a second time.

'Harvest' is from 1972 and features The London Symphony Orchestra (honest guv) and was the best selling Album that year. No surprise because 'Heart of Gold' became every new guitar player's first lesson. The harmonica opening is just iconic. 

That's James Taylor too, doing backing vocals.

'Needle and the damage done' is actually recorded live and listen closely, you'll hear the audience clap at the start. 'A man needs a maid' is a cracking track as is 'Old Man' (for Young's old caretaker buddy). The older you get, the more cracking it becomes. 

This Album is Folk but it's Country. Mellow and charming. People in Streamabout have seen him live three times and not impressed, although he has a good reputation for gigs. Funny that. 

CSN are on there too but by this time they'd fallen out really since 1970 but go back together in '74. Young is Canadian by the way and 70. A really prolific songwriter and a leader.  

And Harvest is so well worth a look. It fits beautifully with 'After The Goldrush' as must haves, in any self-respecting record collection.

Heart of Gold, hear you go. 1971 (and look at the views. 47m+....)

What we're listening to this week. Neil Young, 'After the Goldrush'.

Another September 1970 Album (was all good music in the 70's and 80's?), the Canadian's third Studio Album.

It featured an 18 year old genius, Nils Lofgren (now with Springsteen) and at one time, was voted Best Album Ever. Which it could well be.

Stephen Stills of Crosby Nash Stills, is also on here.

It's one great record with 'Only love can break your heart' as a stand out but having been recorded mainly at Young's home, it has a real authentic feel. The songs stand up rather than the production.  

Famously too, the track 'Southern Man' was a dig at the South USA "Southern change going to come at last, now your crosses are burning fast....Southern Man when will you pay them back...."

It was the reason for Lynyrd Skynrd 'Sweet Home Alabama' as a response - "Well I heard Mr. Young sing about her, well I heard old Neil put her down. Well I hope Neil Young will remember, Southern Man don't need him around anyhow!".

You'll hear Neil Young mentioned especially in the intro here.

The full Album is here too. Went down great in Streamabout as a real summer classic. It is, a masterpiece.