Customer Reviews

Neil Young - Silver and Gold [VHS]

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
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Shakey Pictures is an accurate pseudonym for Neil Young's video productions - most of his concert films leave a lot to be desired. This, however, is a genuine pleasure to watch and conveys the same warmth and emotion as the album by the same name. There are a few old favorites thrown in as well as a few numbers from the latest CSNY outing, but this is largely new material, purely solo and acoustic and extremely well-performed.

Videophiles may be annoyed by the blue and pink shadows (especially distracting on the DVD) that fall over Neil's face during several of the piano and organ numbers, but the music is just fine. One particular standout is a pump organ version of "Long May You Run," reminiscent of UNPLUGGED's "Like a Hurricane."

A definite recommended buy for any Neil Young fan and a must-have for those thrilled by the latest album, SILVER & GOLD.

If you're looking for a laid-back hour of solo acoustic, mostly new and expertly crafted Neil Young numbers, you've come to the right place. Young has put together 62 minutes of fine entertainment in this year 2000 release.

These recordings are gleaned from Young's May 29, 1999 solo appearance at the 2,000 seat Bass Concert Hall on the campus of the University of Texas. The filming has a very simplistic and classy feel to it... Neil surrounded by a crescent of acoustic guitars, a pump organ and piano. A trio of lights illuminate the performer, and the camera's provide only close-ups, and direct and angled shots from the foot of the stage. Young appears to be creating a set list from the seat of his pants, and this prompts numerous requests from the crowd... that is until a lone and timely "SHUT-UP" is reinforced by crowd applause, and an already reserved audience becomes reverant. Suffice it to say that the 'atmosphere' of the concert is a joy to behold in this age of "I paid, I can yell whenever and whatever I want" mentality.

The entire setlist for this particular concert can be viewed on the Sugar Mountain web site. Looking over that list, there are a few numbers I sure would have liked to hear in an acoustic mode, such as 'Powderfinger' and 'Southern Pacific', but I'm sure Neil would tell me to buy a ticket. There is really only one classic tune resurrected from the complete concert, that being the pump organ (yes, pump organ) rendition of 'Long May You Run'. While I suspect there has never been a poor rendition of this wonderful song about Neil's Hearst, this version is my least favorite. The solo acoustic version from 'Unplugged' and of course the original Stills-Young Band recording outdo this performance, but it's still a pleasure to hear. 'Harvest Moon' is included, although the studio track and the 'Red Rocks' video version are superior. A rare recording of 'Philadelphia' from the 1994 movie soundtrack is offered as well.

The remainder of the songs are chosen from the October 1999 Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young 'Looking Forward' reunion disc, and of course the 'Silver and Gold' audio CD. The two opening numbers, 'Looking Forward' and 'Out of Control' and a later track, 'Slowpoke' appear on the CSNY CD. From 'Silver and Gold' we have 'Good To See You', 'Daddy Went Walking', 'Buffalo Springfield Again', 'The Great Divide', 'Red Sun' and 'Distant Camera'. Two of these songs, 'Daddy Went Walking' and 'Buffalo Springfield Again' also appear on the 'Red Rocks' tape, and sound better with full instrumental backing. 'Good To See You', 'Distant Camera', and 'Slowpoke' are my personal favorites.

The video ends with a studio recording of Neil performing 'Silver and Gold' in 1997. It's a bit grainy and Neil rolls the credits over it, so it has a throw-away feel to it. Only Neil would do it this way. Nothing's good unless it's imperfect. Ya gotta love the guy.

There isn't a bad song in the bunch, and mercilessly, MERCILESSLY, while the audience is audible at times, they are completely invisible to the camera, and there are none of the dreaded audience sing-alongs. Neil's voice is at times strained by that insidious Mother Nature, but these recordings reinforce the reality of Young's continued musical relevance. Only a handful of performers, among them Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton, have managed to do what Neil has done... not only survived, but thrived in both the 1960's and the 1990's, and every decade in between. Thank You, Neil. You've help make it a wonderful trip.

I just received a 62 minute Neil Young treasure on DVD. The music(accoustic guitar, harmonica, and piano/organ) is breathtakng with DD5.1 and linear PCM. The picture quality from video tape source is like looking into a clear glass-You're there! Clearly a must-have. His best accoustic work since Harvest-ENJOY.

It doesn't get any better than this. Neil opens the disc with Looking Forward, absolutely stunning. Than he hops on the piano for Out Of Control. At this point you don't even remember where are you anymore and the tears of joy start streaming down your face. One of the highlights of the disc is Philadelphia, you can't be helped but to be moved by this song. Just when you think you can't take anymore he hits you with The Great Divide, wow!! The whole disc is completely mind blowing. Neil plays Long May You Run on the pump organ and you have to hear it to believe it. If you don't own this disc tell me and I'll buy it for you. Without it your life will not be complete.

This DVD is outstanding. First, the audio and video recordings are excellent (unlike some concert DVD's). Second, this was a special, intimate show with Neil performing solo acoustic in a small venue.

Although this could be enjoyed with your beer drinking buddies, it's an ideal DVD to play when you're with your woman and good bottle of wine.

Even people who are indifferent about Neil Young will enjoy this DVD. A must for any Neil Young fan. I'll watch it again and again!

It is not easy at all to entertain a crowd of about 4000 to 5000 people in a huge auditorium all alone. Neil has proved it wrong. Every number touches the heart. Just the three instruments used in the entire concert and all used by Neil. Every song he uses a guitar and a mouth organ or piano and a mouth organ. One has to see this to believe it.

It's no secret that Neil Young has a gift for connecting his thoughts with the fans. I bought this DVD about 4 months ago and cant count the # of times I've watched it in pure amazement. Ill put it on just to hear the songs while I straighten up around the house and before the first song "looking forward" is over I'm already on the couch smokin a bowl. If you play guitar you will not be able to watch the entire video without picking it up and strumming along with the master. If you don't play guitar this video will have you wishing you did.

I had the pleasure of seeing Neil Young in a small hall setting in Ohio just about two months before the same show was filmed in Austin, Texas. While nothing can replace "being there", this comes as close as one can expect. The DVD picture and sound quality are exceptional; easily the equal of the Eagles "Hell Freezes Over". The singular disappointment here is the running time of just over an hour. I am certain there was an additional 30-40 minutes of performance tape that could have been included. Who makes these decisions; I doubt the artist! Given the cost of DVD's it is almost criminal to truncate a performance like this. However, do not let this keep you from making this purchase. If you want to see a mature artist who qualifies as a genius, this is your opportunity. It does not get much better than this.

I have seen Neil Young in concert at least 10 times and this video beautifully captures the experience of his acoustic concerts. Live he is even better than on his recordings. It was nice to hear the song Looking Forward included here. It is a very sentimental song, and feels like it belongs with the others. It was used in the CSNY CD, but not on the Silver & Gold CD. The last song, Silver & Gold was taped and filmed in his studio in 1982 and has a very intimate feel to it. It feels just like you're sitting in while he plays in his own home. I went to two of his acoustic concerts last year, and have been to several others in the past. This video is as close to being there as possible.

This is a fantastic set of mostly new songs delivered in very stripped down arrangements, just Neil and guitar, or piano, organ, and sometimes harmonica. Having seen Neil in other settings, with Crazy Horse, Booker T. and the MGs, CSN & Y, as well as solo with and without backup, this is that rare treat.

The sound is excellent and the picture quality is very good. You could practically reach out and grab his beer. I was just waiting for him to pick up the banjo, but he never did!