Neil Young - Massey Hall 1971 (2007)

This live album is the third release in the Neil Young Archives Performance Series. Just recently, a good friend and I were discussing the quandary we finds ourselves in, when we wish to take our first tentative steps into the back catalogue of an artist whose career dates decades back, and particularly an artist who has a catalogue as extensive as Neil Young. To be sure, Neil Young is one of the greats, indeed a living legend, but where do you begin, when there is so much music and so much history involved?
In answer to my own question, I would strongly suggest this album. Whether you are a Neil Young fan or are simply looking for some great tunes, this Massey Hall recording is fantastic. It is simply Neil, alone with an acoustic guitar - which he trades for a piano on a couple of tracks - playing to a receptive, adoring audience. There are great versions of Ohio and The Needle And The Damage Done, and a rousing rendition of Dance, Dance, Dance, among many other greats.
Neil Young is the type of artist who is equally compelling at electrified, ear-shattering volumes, as he is quietly strumming his acoustic guitar, singing his often amazing songs. This album is certainly a testament to the latter.

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