NEIL YOUNG : LE NOISE
Every once in a while Neil Young hits on the notes and words that resonate deep within the subconscious in a fresh and organic way. Think of his latest album Le Noise as music for your soul – homegrown and emotionally satisfying. From the opening distortion laden riffs of “Walk With Me” enveloped in Daniel Lanois’ atmospheric production, you know you’re onto something good. All tracks were recorded without overdubs in fellow Canadian Lanois’ unique home studio with reverberating chambers. Most of the songs are newly written, reflecting where Neil’s at right now. The autobiographical “Hitchhiker” is one exception and is most welcome in its new sonic guise.
There’s a compelling ambience that’s been captured on this recording – and not just on the acoustic numbers like the haunting “Love and War” and “Peaceful Valley Boulevard.” Every song has a simple and direct power that draws you into the music. Half Rust Never Sleeps and half Ragged Glory, this album still manages to breaks new ground on the sonic landscape Neil cultivates. “Folk-metal” is the moniker given to the transformation Lanois applies to these live guitar performances reproduced as huge cascading walls of sound that ring deep and true. Some of the effects may come to date the material, but many can be considered pioneering in their effectiveness. Bottom line: This album of eight songs proves mysteriously captivating and goes by far too quickly, leaving you wanting more.
Primal, moving and formidable – this is one of those records that taps into the soul and legacy that is Neil Young. Could the lyrics be stronger? Would adding bass and drums have made it a better album? Is this really the equivalent of a hearty, honest meal without artificial flavorings or sweetners, guaranteed to keep you healthy and happy in the long run? Only you can say, but one things for sure. If you gave up on Neil in the 80’s, or are looking for something other than one of his signature story-telling acoustic albums, you owe it to yourself to discover the sonic richness available on this CD and 180 gram LP. Both sound wonderful, with the vinyl capturing more of the multi-layered tonal dimensionality on offer. Recommended.
(Photographer: unknown)