Neil Young and Crazy Horse at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion (May 12 2024)

Neil Young and Crazy Horse

Neil Young and Crazy Horse are unparalleled figures in the world of rock and folk music. Hailing from Canada initially, Neil Young served as a solitary singer-songwriter before forming Crazy Horse, an American rock band in the late ’60s. Young’s raw-sounding voice paired with the distorted, hard rock instrumentation of Crazy Horse facilitated their rise to prominence in the global music scene. The fusion of Young’s distinct sound and Crazy Horse’s rustic charm resulted in the growth of a devoted fanbase rapidly.

Their music taps into a rich blend of rock, folk, country, and occasionally grunge. Neil Young is known for his plaintive, often melancholic voice and deeply personal songwriting. His influences include performers like Bob Dylan and Chuck Berry along with various genres including folk, rock ‘n’ roll, and country tunes.

Representative songs that encapsulate the essence of Neil Young and Crazy Horse’s music include “Cinnamon Girl,” “Down by the River,” and “Cowgirl in the Sand,” all of which are from their 1969 album “Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere.” “Old Man” and “Heart of Gold” are additional highlights that demonstrate Young’s singer-songwriter abilities. Lastly, their lengthy and highly improvised jams, such as “Cortez the Killer,” have landed them a distinctive place in rock music history.

If you prefer a grungier sound, “Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black)” is a seminal track that foreshadowed the rise of grunge music in the ’90s. These songs altogether provide a comprehensive, sensory introduction to their diversified catalogue that Neil Young and Crazy Horse have released over the decades.

Neil Young’s ability to oscillate between heavy, guitar-driven anthems with Crazy Horse and softer, introspective folk tunes eloquently captures his multifaceted approach to songwriting and his diverse influences. His partnership with Crazy Horse, marked by their shared straightforward, rugged aesthetic, has given listeners a glimpse into musical eras past while still delivering unique, fresh compositions that continue to captivate audiences globally.

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