Given his long run, it would be easy to take Neil Young for granted. Going solo in the late 1960s after Buffalo Springfield’s demise, this restless troubadour has been making wonderfully idiosyncratic music ever since. Lately he’s only raised his profile, continuing to record new albums while ramping up the archival releases. God help the Young beginner who wonders where to start listening.
Talkin to the Trees wouldn’t be a bad place to start. Emphasizing the man’s folkie side (with some exceptions), this intriguing longplayer is instantly recognizable as prime Neil, fitting his sweet, high voice to tender melodies. Echoes of history are everywhere. It’s his first LP with the backing band Chrome Hearts – Micah Nelson (guitar, vocals), Corey McCormick (bass, vocals), Anthony Logerfo (drums), Spooner Oldham (keyboards) – which is named after a line in his ‘70s gem “Long May You Run.” It’s produced by Young and veteran Lou Adler, whose production credits include Carole King and The Mamas & the Papas.
