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At 66, Neil Young is pedal to the metal. This spring he reunited with Crazy Horse on Americana, sending Stephen Foster songs into the Top 10. This fall he published the autobiography Waging Heavy Peace and released this double album, his first collection of new material with Crazy Horse since 2003’s eco-rock opera Greendale. Young wastes no time announcing that he’s in a reflective mood, strolling down memory lane. On the 27 1⁄2-minute opener, “Driftin’ Back,” he recalls past events, mentions his new book, and speaks to fans about their allegiance before drifting into a scorching, guitar-driven grunge ballad that’s heavy and melodic all at the same time. A stream-of-consciousness solo confirms that this eight-song album is less about song craft than (as its title suggests) tapping Young’s lysergic visions. The rest of the album offers yet more dreamlike songs cloaked in sonic haze. Two exceptions are the jaunty “Born in Ontario” and the graceful hymn “For the Love of Man.” On “Twisted Road,” he name checks Dylan and the Dead and sings the praises of a life pursuing the devil’s music. What’s not to like about such aging-hippie exuberance? Or the distortion-soaked Zuma vibe that rings throughout this gem?
By Greg Cahill
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