Imagine an old pair of slippers. Brand of quality, not too soft, but with experience. It’s a bit like the image that comes to mind after listening to Barn, the 41e Neil Youg’s album, sound 14e with the Crazy Horse group, faithful companion since 1968.
The songs were recorded quickly and smoothly in a barn in Colorado, by four guys who have known each other forever. Obvious camaraderie. Clearly relaxed atmosphere. Familiar, heartwarming style.
Young oscillates between folk à la Harvest (Song of the Seasons, They Might Be Lost), folk rock (Tumblin’Thru the Years) and the more rock songs a little “gueling guelang” (Heading West, Human Race). The texts, sometimes contemplative, sometimes critical, speak of the world in 2021 through the eyes of a 76-year-old hippie.
More personal, Young also looks back on his dual North American identity in a Canerican a little too garroché for our taste. But the best moment of the album is undoubtedly Welcome Back, a long, soaring piece of nine minutes, traversed by burning and flayed electric guitar solos in the tradition of Cortez the Killer.
Between garage rock and barn rock, Barn will not surprise anyone. But for fans of Neil Young, the slipper will be very comfortable.
Folk rock
Barn
Neil Young and Crazy Horse
Warner