NEIL YOUNG : FARM AID 2005

  1. Walkin' to new orleans
  2. southern man
  3. when god made me
  4. old man
  5. this old guitar
  6. one of these days
    Bonus Tracks :
  7. four strong winds
  8. when god made me
  9. rockin' in the free world
  10. o canada

Label : no label

Time : 59:31

Venue : Tweeter Center, Tinley Park, Illinois, USA

Date : September 18, 2005

Quality : Soundboard recording (A+)

Review (Steve B. in Wisconsin) : Neil was very much the most involved emotionally artist of the day. He also had the best sound mix of the day. He had along the same musicians that he used at the Ryman in August. He started with a ragged but righteous on "Walkin' to New Orleans". Then went straight into the most urgent and emotional version of "Southern Man" imaginable. Neil played soulfully and unusually melodically, trading licks with Spooner Oldham on organ in an especially hot exchange. It seemed the Fisk University singers picked up on the entire audience singing along, and drew even more power for their incredible backing vocals. These two songs together made an extremely powerful and timely statement by Mr. Young. Neil appeared physically drained after the song, but he continued on as though he had everything to give and nothing to lose.He moved to the piano for "When God Made Me". Another great performance of this great song. He then moved slowly and carefully back to center stage to play "Old Man". Afterwards, it sounded like he had piped into the PA someone (himself?) shouting "Neil, you ARE an Old Man", and he hollered back "But I feel young". It was great. He next talked about acquiring Hank Williams' guitar and played "This Old Guitar". He was joined for the rest of his set by Willie Nelson on Old Man, and by Emmylou Harris beginning with This Old Guitar. (Willie might have arrived for Southern Man, I can't recall clearly.) Both were very good. Next, he introduced everyone on stage, but I think he left out Ben Keith. He finished up with "One Of These Days" It seemed as though he was saying goodbye, but also reminding people that the song had a message for them as well."

Additional Comments : Excellent recording straight from the mobile truck. Bonus tracks come from the LIVE 8 concert at Park Place, Ontario, Canada, on July 2nd, 2005.