Neil Young and Crazy Horse: Americana

"Better to burn out than rust out." -Neil Young

Neil Young and Crazy Horse, circa the 80s

You know that feeling when an artist covers a classic song and it just doesn’t hit the same highs and lows as the original? Well, don’t expect that from Neil Young and Crazy Horses’ revival album, Americana.

We haven’t seen them playing together in the studio for almost nine years, but now they’re back with a set list of eleven classic folk songs that will blow your mind. If you are familiar at all with Neil Young, you know he doesn’t just play a song; he makes the song come alive. That is pretty obvious with his take on hits such as “Oh Susannah,” “Clementine,” “Gallows Pole,” “This Land is Your Land,” and “God Save the Queen.”

Yes, “God Save the Queen,” as in the British national anthem. Neil Young is the only Canadian that can pull off naming an album Americana and covering the truest of all British tunes. A little weird? Yes, but I’ll take it.

Young definitely knows how to sculpt a song. Lets take “Clementine” for example. Besides the über-creepy Great Depression-esque images in the official music video, a recurring theme in all the album’s videos, the song has no hint of its original version. Besides the lyrics, obviously. 

The song my father used to sing to me as a child has been revolutionized into a psychedelic rock song featuring Young’s beautifully-strained voice, his heavy guitar chords and Crazy Horses’ sturdy backing skills.

Oh my Darling, Oh my Darling, Oh my Darling Clementine,

You were lost and gone forever,

Oh my Darling Chementine.

Sometimes I forget how sad that song is.

Another notable is his take on “Oh Susannah,” which begins with a powerful guitar solo, taking us back to a time where Young reigned as a guitar legend. This song as an opener echos the youth Neil Young still radiates in this day and age.

Before listening to the album, keep in mind that not all songs are complete rock-and-blues covers. Some sound more similar to their original folky versions, but the pieces that are Neil Young and Crazy Horses’ own invention make checking out Americana worth it. And don't worry, this isn't their big comeback album. This is just a preview of what is to come.

Americana is out today. So, buy it. See below for the entire album, featured on YouTube.

Featured Songs: "Oh Susannah," "Clementine," "Tom Dula," "Gallows Pole," "Get a Job," "Travel On," "High Flyin' Bird," "Jesus' Chariot," "This Land is Your Land," "Wayfairin' Stranger" and "God Save the Queen."