Neil Young - Prairie Wind

[LaurieAK]

Lizz~

Your pronouncement to leave the Forum heralds itself as a hue and cry, and call to arms, to garner support public/private [doesn't really matter] for yourself. So be it, your strategizing and positioning.

In hindsight I should not have volunteered to be judge. I avoid reading anything/everything you write at all costs...which makes my participation on the board nearly impossible and not a bit of fun.

I have no strategy except to leave your flooded forum asap.
If you would like to volunteer to be the judge, I can leave sooner.

In your uber-compassionate heart would you do a girl a favor and take over the judge position, so I can get as far away from your nonsense as possible? I have a pathetic (genuine) tear in my eye, how can you resist?

BTW, there is no conspiracy theory. Some folks, not surprisingly so, have come to the same conclusions that I have about the goings on around here where you are concerned. I suppose the same 'delusions' infecting folks around the globe independently is possible...but not probable.

Yes, those of us opposing your reign are hanging around lockers looking perturbed...while you bounce down the halls as teacher's pet.

You win Lizz. This is futile. You win.

[lizzytysh]

LAK ~

Since I don't claim to know poetry, I'm not suitable as judge. Thanks, anyway. All I know is what touches me and why. Something I've felt free to express [and encouraged a friend of yours to do, in fact]. However, since my responses would be likely to be 'emotional' in one way or another, I really must decline. Perhaps, Critic 2 could assist in your sincere request, though....or one of your esteemed trio.

'You shouldn't have volunteered to be judge. You avoid reading anything/everything I write at all costs'? I had no intention of entering the contest. Fail to see the connection. [In fact, I barely read any of the entries from the last one, much less commented on them.] In reality, if you were to assess where you've hung out here, since your arrival, you would see the vast majority of your time has been moving and frolicking about the Member's Poetry section. Very little in the Leonard realms. Your priorities are made pretty clear by your actions. My participation there [Member's Poetry section] certainly hasn't stopped you. In fact, you were quite grateful when I 'got' the meaning of your poems and expressed it.

Amazing how you failed to resist reading my entries on the thread I created, every one of them.....and continued with your caustic comments. Amazing how you've ended up here. Perhaps, notified by 'one of the gang'?

More than one person could legitimately be offended by your labeling this 'my forum.' In reality and fact, there are many contributors, who do so substantially, in both relative number and content. You could always glom onto them, instead of me.

"Genuine" tear? Get real. You're already relinquishing too much responsibility, for your having what you consider "fun," to external forces having nothing to do with your own life. How can I resist? It's very easy for me to resist you, Laurie. I've never been moved by crocodile tears, anyway. In fact, from my observation, it seems you've been having quite a bit of fun, with your anti-Lizzy clique; your cleverness in comedy scriptwriting; your poem submissions and commentary on those of others here. How is it that the other 6.+ average-per-day posters haven't interfered with your "fun."

Yes, those of us opposing your reign are hanging around lockers looking perturbed...while you bounce down the halls as teacher's pet.

At last a real clue, though already suspected.....timing and all, with the combined efforts to discredit me. On that, I must direct you to the proper authorities.

How is it you end your postings?

Regards,
Toodles,
Lizzy

[tom.d.stiller]

I have no strategy except to leave your flooded forum asap.

Dear Laurie, don't go.

I won't participate in the flinging of mud to and fro that's going on for quite a while now, but I can say that your voice would be missed by many.

This forum isn't owned by anyone, but leaving it will certainly mean leaving it to those who don't leave it.

I'm not around here very often these days, but there are reasons for my "laziness in posting" that are not related to the way people act around the board.

Again, Laurie, please don't go.

tom

[Kush]

Linda (of the Lake) and Laurie (of the Great North).....

Stay put and ride out the storm. The trick is to float above it and not get sucked into it. Your posts are much welcome. Besides Laurie, I need my opera news now and then.


p.s. BTW I like Neil Young as part of CSNY but dont care much for his solo recordings.

[LaurieAK]

tom -- kush~

Thanks for your kind words and suggestions of survival.

I will see what comes.

regards,
Laurie

p.s. Kush! Not like Neil Young alone?!?! Bastard! hahaha Just kidding

[Kush]

I like the harmonies and rhythm of CSNY and Neil Youngs voice stands out in sharp contrast to the others. And I like many of his songs individually...but sitting through a whole CD of his has been a problem in the past . Too one-dimensional IMHO and not unlike Tracy Chapman. (apologies in advance to henning and numerous other NY fans here.... )

Will get back to you when I get Zucchero in the near future...

[Diane]

I keep gettng an error message when I try your link John K , but I heard The Painter, forthcoming single from the forthcoming album, on the radio last night and it sounded very promising !

Diane

[Diane]

Last night, being New Year's Eve, as is often the case, I couldn't quite get into the party mood. Something about New Year always makes me feel introspective and reflective. I played Prairie Wind for the first time and I have come on here just to write about the first song, 'The Painter' (and only the first part of that song, really). I will listen to the rest of the album later. If it lives up to Harvest Moon it will be a treat indeed.

The painter stood
before her work
she looked around everywhere

She saw the pictures
and she painted them
Picking colors from the air

Green to green
Red to red
Yellow to yellow in the light
Black to black when the evening comes
Blue to blue in the night

For me this speaks of things being taken just as they are, whatever their colour. Neil Young's high and distinctive yet somehow gentle voice, the simple melody and the lovely guitar rhythms eased me into facing more of the sadnesses of last year.

Then, some time later, as the song was on constant replay, I danced around the room as the gently upbeat rhythm connected with happier feelings of gratitude for all that I have in my life.

The image of the painter, creating a painting from what is in the air for her, 'green to green, red to red, yellow to yellow in the light', is simple but very powerful. For me it says; paint things as you see them, and; express what is inside, on the outside, without changing its colour. And, again, more literally, it conjures an image of the prairie and its changing light as the day progresses.

The words are so soothing, 'green to green, red to red'. They also bring to mind other important words that can be repeated in that way: Eye to eye, skin to skin, heart to heart.

That song was just what I needed to hear last night. It's just my personal 'take'. The most precious thing about music and lyrics is the way they speak for you, isn't it?


Diane

[John K.]

I played Prairie Wind for the first time and I have come on here just to write about the first song, 'The Painter' (and only the first part of that song, really). I will listen to the rest of the album later. If it lives up to Harvest Moon it will be a treat indeed.

Happy New Year Diane!

A wonderful post.

I think you will find that Prairie Wind definately holds up to Harvest Moon. Although there are a couple of songs on Harvest Moon that aren't equaled on Prairie Wind (the song Harvest Moon and From Hank to Hendrix come to mind), I think Prairie Wind is a more consistant and ultimately better album. If you haven't heard "When God Made Me" yet, you should just go forward to that song, it is truly magnificent.

Best wishes,

John K.

[lizzytysh]

Hi Diane ~

I'm glad you chose to post your reflections on the beginnings of that song here. Immensely enjoyed and appreciate your perspectives of it.

Thanks.

Love,
Lizzy

[Diane]

Thanks John K and Lizzy. I haven't had a chance to listen to any more yet. I'll keep what you say in mind, John. I'll be back here.

Good wishes,

Diane

[Diane]

Hi John K,

An alarming thing happened to me on the way to an appointment last night. I was bombing along a narrow lane in the depths of the countryside, in the dark, looking for a farmhouse in the middle of nowhere. I was already late, and had rang for directions twice, and there was a sense of urgency about getting there. However, I took my foot off the gas for what was to prove to be a fortuituos half a second to slip my tape of Prairie Wind into the tape player, as one of the other cds I got for Christmas, Classic Rainbow, had just finished.

Approximately a minute later, I became aware of a solid piece of machinery directly in front of me. To my good fortune, a combination of heavy breaking on my part, and swift movement on the part of the tractor driver, made for a narrow, but complete escape from metal-upon-metal contact.

The cheerful farmer was quite happy about not having looked before he pulled out of his field, and not having his lights on, because "not many people come up this way".

Anyway, such experiences have the effect of concentrating the mind. As I set off, slowly, to my destination, The Painter was still playing:

It's a long road
Behind me
It's a long road ahead
It's a long road ahead
And I miss you now

It takes on a whole new meaning.

I realised I had meant to come back on here and give my impressions of this album. From initial listenings, I thought it was rather mediocre, and, for me, it certainly doesn't have the immediate appeal of Harvest Moon. The songs that are instantly listenable are The Painter (of course), This Old Guitar, and, as you say, When God Made me. But, I have read the lyrics carefully whilst listening a time or two, and the rest has started to grow on me. The album sounds like the honest, simple reminiscences, tinged with a little sadness, of a man, no longer young in years, sitting out on his porch on the prairie, singing it like it is. It has a sense of acceptance to it. Here For You is my current fave. The Painter is a classic to me already.

Good wishes

Diane

[John K.]

Hi John K,

An alarming thing happened to me on the way to an appointment last night. I was bombing along a narrow lane in the depths of the countryside, in the dark, looking for a farmhouse in the middle of nowhere. I was already late, and had rang for directions twice, and there was a sense of urgency about getting there. However, I took my foot off the gas for what was to prove to be a fortuituos half a second to slip my tape of Prairie Wind into the tape player, as one of the other cds I got for Christmas, Classic Rainbow, had just finished.

Approximately a minute later, I became aware of a solid piece of machinery directly in front of me. To my good fortune, a combination of heavy breaking on my part, and swift movement on the part of the tractor driver, made for a narrow, but complete escape from metal-upon-metal contact.

The cheerful farmer was quite happy about not having looked before he pulled out of his field, and not having his lights on, because "not many people come up this way".

Anyway, such experiences have the effect of concentrating the mind. As I set off, slowly, to my destination, The Painter was still playing:

It's a long road
Behind me
It's a long road ahead
It's a long road ahead
And I miss you now

It takes on a whole new meaning.

I realised I had meant to come back on here and give my impressions of this album. From initial listenings, I thought it was rather mediocre, and, for me, it certainly doesn't have the immediate appeal of Harvest Moon. The songs that are instantly listenable are The Painter (of course), This Old Guitar, and, as you say, When God Made me. But, I have read the lyrics carefully whilst listening a time or two, and the rest has started to grow on me. The album sounds like the honest, simple reminiscences, tinged with a little sadness, of a man, no longer young in years, sitting out on his porch on the prairie, singing it like it is. It has a sense of acceptance to it. Here For You is my current fave. The Painter is a classic to me already.

Good wishes

Diane

Hey Diane - Quite the story! I have one that revolves around the song "Bingo" (as in B-I-N-G-O, there was a farmer had a dog) that perhaps I'll tell one day.

I agree with your take on the feel of Prairie Wind. I find it very consistant, which I don't feel Harvest Moon is. Harvest Moon has amazing highs that are among Neil's best (From Hank to Hendrix, Harvest Moon, You and Me) but some songs that I cannot listen to all the way through (Such a Woman, War of Man). So overall I give Prairie Wind the nod. Either way they are both great albums.

Smiles,

John K.

[lizzytysh]

Yes, Diane, an alarming story . That fortuitous second may be what brought you the lessening of horsepower, just enough to allow your extreme braking to be effective. Meanwhile, the farmer still happy and seemingly at least somewhat oblivious to the magnitude of it all. Whew. Close call, Diane. Thank G~d noone has to sing that song because you're gone. I'm glad you're okay.

Your description of Prairie Wind, after the repeated listenings, makes it sound extremely appealing. Thanks for taking the time to break it down and describe it as you have.

Love,
Lizzy

One more "Whew" for good measure. I'm glad you're okay.

[Diane]

John K said:

I have one that revolves around the song "Bingo" (as in B-I-N-G-O, there was a farmer had a dog) that perhaps I'll tell one day.

Oh? I'm all ears...

Either way they are both great albums.

Prairie Wind probably is more consistent, as you say. I don't skip tracks on it, like I do on many other albums. I imagine it will grow on me more yet.

Lizzy said:

Yes, Diane, an alarming story . That fortuitous second may be what brought you the lessening of horsepower, just enough to allow your extreme braking to be effective.

I've often been saved by music .

Thank G~d noone has to sing that song because you're gone. I'm glad you're okay.

Thanks, Lizzy. Me too. Life has many close shaves, doesn't it?

Love to both,

Diane