#311 Neil Young, 'On the Beach' (1974)

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As the man has many faces, it’s no surprise that this album is quite different to previous entry, ‘Every Knows This Is Nowhere’ (#407). Opening track, ‘Walk On’ is decidedly different to the rest of the album. Track feels quite produced, all the while the lyrics discuss ignoring people that are talking you down and moving on; “I hear some people been talking me down/Bring up my name, pass it around/They don't mention the happy times/They do their thing, I do mine.” The rest of the album is pretty downbeat and bleak but in only the way that Neil Young can do it. The follow up to arguably his best record, ‘Harvest,’ this album is not what people were expecting. It wasn’t a success at the time but has come to be a fan favourite and one of the best in Young’s catalogue.

The album features David Crosby and Graham Nash on ‘Revolution Blues’ and ‘On The Beach’ respectively, as well as Crazy Horse members, Billy Talbot and Ralph Molina on ‘Walk On.’ Also on the album are The Band members, Rick Danko and Levon Helm on ‘Revolution Blues,’ one of the best songs on the record, and coincidentally, a track that immediately reminded me of Bob Dylan (The Band were previously Bob Dylan’s backing band). While I really like this record, It’s not in my top 3, or possibly even my top 5 Neil Young records. But honestly, his records are so different and individual, that it’s hard to compare. Ultimately, a great record.

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