I just spent the past weekend with our neighbors to the North at Queens University in Kingston, Ontario. Here are a few things to note about Canada. 1) They do say 'eh' as much as you think they do, I was laughing at their speech all the time. 2) They seem to do the same amount of stupid shit that American college kids do aka flipping over boats, a game that involves slapping each other in the face with an OJ jug, and lighting fireworks in the middle of an insanely crowded street. 3) They may have the best drunk food ever, and it's called Poutine. Take fries, intersperse melty cheese curds throughout, and top with warm gravy. Delicious. 4) It is really cold. And last but not least 5) They produced one of the greatest songwriters of our parents' and our generations...Neil Young.
Young began with Buffalo Springfield, then hooked up with CSNY, and all the while developing his own solo career. I'm sure that you can read more about Neil Young, and hear more from people much more knowledgeable about him than I...so I'll let most of his history slide to your own research. Young released my personal favorite album of his, Harvest, just after CSNY broke up in 1970.
Harvest, which is probably one of my top 5 albums of all time, opens with a great track called 'Out on the Weekend' which brings in a lazy harmonica, and a line that makes you want to start a new life with a pickup as well. Some people get turned off by Young's higher-pitched voice, but after a few listens you'll realize how striking and solid it really is. After the first track brings you into Neil Young, check out his biggest hit 'Heart of Gold.' From the first 3 chords, every dad in America will know this tune. The harmonica then kicks in, and you will realize that it's an instant classic. It's a good song to listen to as the leaves turn colors and fall off the trees...or harvest-time...hey, how about that. The third song here is called 'Old Man', which tells a little story from the perspective of a 24 year old who has so much more to see. The banjo adds quite a nice effect before the soaring harmonies in the chorus. So learn some lessons, listen to some of the best music ever, enjoy autumn, and take a trip to Canada.
Neil Young - Out on the Weekend
Neil Young - Heart of Gold
Neil Young - Old Man
-Kyle
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