Decade [Best of]

 

 

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"Decade" is a great compilation album, put together by Neil Young of his early career in 1977. It was originally a three album compilation, but this release is on two CDs. The retrospective is mostly chronological; though there are some exceptions, and it does cover all aspects of his career, whether it is with Buffalo Springfield, Solo, with Crazy Horse, or as part of Crosby Stills Nash & Young.

Six of the first seven tracks are from his days in Buffalo Springfield, including songs like "Down to the Wire" also with Dr. John, a live version in the studio of "Mr. Soul", and "Broken Arrow". The other track is "Sugar Mountain" a live track from a solo performance in Ann Arbor days before he released his first solo album. It also includes "The Loner" and "The Old Laughing Lady" from that album. It then moves into my personal favorite period, which is his first album with Crazy Horse and his second solo album "After the Gold Rush". This includes wonderful tracks such as "Cinnamon Girl", "Down by the River", "Cowgirl in the Sand", "I Believe in You", "After the Gold Rush", and "Southern Man", and the first CD closes with the first of two tracks from the "Déjà" Vu album from Crosby Stills, Nash & Young, "Helpless".

The second CD picks up where the first CD leaves off (and where the 4th side of the three album set began) with "Ohio" from Crosby Stills, Nash & Young's "Déjà Vu" album. This is followed by "Soldier" from the soundtrack "Journey through the Past", which is followed by five tracks from Neil's "Harvest" album, including classics like "Old Man", the somewhat unusual selection "A Man Needs A Maid", "Harvest", and "Heart of Gold", and a live recording of "The Needle and the Damage Done", though Neil also mixes in "The Star of Bethlehem" from the "American Stars `N Bars" album before the last one. Next up is two tracks from "Tonight's the Night" starting with the title track, and then including "Tired Eyes". Next are a couple of tracks from the "On the Beach" album, including "Walk On" and "For the Turnstiles".

Neil then makes an unusual choice to include some previously unreleased tracks. These days it has become a common practice, but back then it was unusual. These tracks include "Winterlong" and "Deep Forbidden Lake", and later in the disk "Love is a Rose". He also includes a version of "Like a Hurricane" from a rehearsal sessions for his Northern California Coastal Bar Tour in 1975. The other tracks which finish up this album include "Cortez the Killer" from the "Zuma" album, and two more previously unreleased tracks, the first being "Campaigner" from The Stills-Young Band, and finishing with a version of "Long May You Run" performed by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

Not every track on this album is great, at least not to me, but the collection as a whole is outstanding, because it is more than a collection of hits, and instead is made up of interesting and thoughtful choices by Neil Young. Some of the unreleased tracks are among the best tracks on the album, though I am not particularly fond of "Campaigner", and that makes this collection a treat for fans which already have his other albums. If you like Neil Young, this is a great collection to pick up.

If you're actually wondering whether or not to buy this album, give your head a shake. It's an absolute must-have, timeless classic! Like someone else said, this is the album to get if you're just getting into Neil (which admittedly does take time). I can remember laughing as a kid when I heard Neil sing, shakey voice and all. Now I can't imagine a more talented artist on the planet, and I absolutely can't get enough of him. Every song on this album is fantastic... It's hard to mention specific stand-out tracks, but some of my favs include: Man Needs A Maid, Cinammon Girl, Helpless, Ohio, and Needle & The Damage Done. You simply can't go wrong with this album.

If you are unfamiliar with Neil, this is the album to get. It is mostly earlier works, but it is the Neil 101 album. He is terrific, but you need to ease into him. Once you get it, you get it. He's the best.

Anyone looking to familiarize themselves with Neil should have this album. I've been listening to it for over 20 years and I'm still not tired of it.

The best of..

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4.0 out of 5 stars What a Decade!
Decade was originally a 3 LP retrospective album, compiled by Neil Young himself. It covers his first 10 recording years, offering tracks from 1966 Buffalo Springfield till... Read more

Published on May 7 2004 by Morten Vindberg

5.0 out of 5 stars Timeless collection
Anyone who respects and loves music should have Decade. Neil Young is one of the best song writers and musicians to ever exist. His voice and sound is unique. Read more

Published on April 20 2004 by eury68

5.0 out of 5 stars Great compliation
This highlights the classic years of Neil Young. Has some Buffalo Springfield and csn and Y as well. The one thing about Neil is his great stuff is great. Read more

Published on April 12 2004 by bigchet

5.0 out of 5 stars Neil Rocks
I remember the Woodstock hippie days like they were yesterday and nothing brings back that feeling quite like Neil Young. Who from that time period can forget Kent State? Read more

Published on April 10 2004 by dornok

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Collection
With a guy like Neil Young it's hard to sum up his career in just two disks but I definitely admire the attempt. Read more

Published on Mar 18 2004 by Hippie Smell

5.0 out of 5 stars for the curious and the completist
Neil Young is not only a craftsman with his pen, guitar, harmonica, and voice, he is also an accomplished record producer. Read more

Published on Mar 6 2004 by Don Schmittdiel

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Decade
This 2-cd set captures the first ten years of the almost 40-year career of America's most risk-taking and innovative singer/songwriters. Read more

Published on Jan 20 2004 by Rocco Dormarunno

5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful overview of one of the greats!
This album is a great overview of what is now Neil Young's "early" works, covering the years 1967-1977. Read more

Published on Dec 16 2003 by Patrick Beaudry

5.0 out of 5 stars THE NEIL YOUNG BOX SET
I borrowed this CD off of one of my friends after listening to it I could not refuse to not buy it. I had to buy this BOX SET so I did. The music on these two CDs are prob. Read more

Published on Dec 7 2003 by Luke H.

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential Young
New to Neil Young? This is the best way to jump in and get your feet wet. A decade of his best all right here!

An essential recording for the Neil Young fanatic!

Published on Dec 1 2003 by Damian P. Gadal

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