Thursday, February 02, 2006

Neil as a Reagan Democrat?!?



HAWKS & DOVES (1980) is the album that followed RUST NEVER SLEEPS and LIVE RUST (both from 1979). And, it was, in turn, followed by the total grunge-fest RE*AC*TOR (1981). So, of course, if you've learned anything about Neil's career yet, it would stand to reason that HAWKS & DOVES is a relatively good-natured little folk-rock album, and a somewhat confused one at that.

Keep in mind that the songs are all Neil originals as you look at the line-up below, because at least one title will throw you off:

Side One
Little Wing (2:10)
The Old Homestead (7:38)
Lost in Space (4:13)
Captain Kennedy (2:50)
Side Two
Stayin’ Power (2:17)
Coastline (2:24)
Union Man (2:08)
Comin’ Apart at Every Nail (2:33)
Hawks & Doves (3:27)

No, "Little Wing" is NOT a cover of the Jimi Hendrix song of the same title, although maybe it should be. This one is a mellow, little tune written in 1975. It's not a bad song; it's just not that memorable either. Now, the next three are also acoustic, with some unobtrusive backing (Drums: Levon Helm; Bass: Tim Drummond; Saw Player: Tom Scribner), but much more storyteller-Neil in nature. "The Old Homestead" was written in 1974, and is an example of a really good or great song that Neil took years to record and/or release. The lyrical imagery is vibrant, and supported perfectly by the haunting guitar. I love the line, "Why do you ride that crazy horse?" No possible double-meaning there...

"Lost in Space" has absolutely no noticeable ties to the old TV show of the same name. Again, it's interesting lyrically, and basically folk in nature. Now, "Captain Kennedy" is the hidden gem. This one really explores a Dylanesque style, early Dylan at that ("He worked 'til his fingers wore to the bone/To buy that wooden schooner and sail on his own").

Side Two features a different line-up of musicians (Drums: Greg Thomas; Bass: Dennis Belfield; Steel & Dobro: Ben Keith; Fiddle: Rufus Thibodeaux; Guitar, Piano: Neil Young; Harmony Vocals: Ann Hillary, Ben Keith), and is more country-rock in style. "Stayin' Power" is a harmless little, piano-driven tune, although there's something odd about Neil singing so optimistically about love. "Coastline" is really a country song, but again with the uncharacteristic optimism.

"Union Man" is a foot-stomping country-rocker (dare I say "country-grunge"?). But, when Neil sings, "I'm proud to be a union man," the sarcasm is just dripping from every word. The song is funny, but an odd political alignment for Neil. "Comin' Apart at Every Nail" is musically similar to "Union Man", but comes across as much more sincere and pro-worker ("Hey, hey, ain't that right/The workin' man's in for a hell of a fight"). And, just to keep things confounding, "Hawks & Doves" is a country-rocker that closes out the album on a patriotic note. I'm not talking "Keep on Rockin' in the Free World"-type irony. I'm saying this is genuine flag-waving. It would seem Neil was buying at least some of what Reagan was selling. It just seems odd to include a series of political songs that don't merely straddle the fence, but actually jump over and back from one side to the other. Especially when we're told that very fence is "comin' apart at every nail".

Bottom line: More than a bit uneven. However, there are a couple good, albeit confusing, listens ("Union Man", "Comin' Apart at Every Nail"), and a couple of really good listens ("The Old Homestead", "Captain Kennedy"). But songs such as "Stayin' Power" are fairly forgettable. And, as a title track to a Neil Young album, the song "Hawks & Doves" certainly does not compare to the likes of "Everybody Knows This is Nowhere", "After the Goldrush", "Tonight's the Night", "Comes a Time", etc. The '70s were blending into the '80s, and I suppose it was a confusing time for us all.

40 Comments:

Blogger Jenny said...

I came across this board 바카라사이트 and I find it very useful & it helped me out so much. Thanks for this and keep this up.

1:09 AM, December 11, 2020  
Blogger Jenny said...

I came across this board 바카라사이트 and I find it very useful & it helped me out so much. Thanks for this and keep this up.

1:09 AM, December 11, 2020  
Blogger SEO CANADA said...

Great info! I recently came across your blog and have been reading along 파워볼전용사이트

3:31 AM, January 20, 2021  
Blogger SEO CANADA said...

very nice post, i surely really like this website, go on it 메이저놀이터

12:45 AM, January 23, 2021  
Blogger SEO CANADA said...

이것은 훌륭한 영감을주는 기사입니다. 저는 당신의 좋은 작업에 매우 만족하고 있습니다. 당신은 정말로 매우 유용한 정보를 넣었습니다. 그것을 유지하십시오. 계속 블로깅하십시오. 다음 게시물을 읽고 싶습니다. 안전사이트

4:36 AM, January 27, 2021  
Blogger pilarwin said...

Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting? I'm pleased I discovered it though, ill be checking back soon to find out what additional posts you include casino24

5:58 AM, February 04, 2021  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

https://twitter.com/totobobbi I like viewing web sites which comprehend the price of delivering the excellent useful resource free of charge. I truly adored reading your posting. Thank you! 토토사이트

8:38 AM, February 22, 2021  
Blogger SeoMaster789 said...

Its a great pleasure reading your post.Its full of information I am looking for and I love to post a comment that "The content of your post is awesome" 메이저사이트

5:15 AM, March 28, 2021  
Blogger SeoMaster789 said...

Its a great pleasure reading your post.Its full of information I am looking for and I love to post a comment that "The content of your post is awesome"
Its a great pleasure reading your post.Its full of information I am looking for and I love to post a comment that "The content of your post is awesome"

5:27 AM, March 28, 2021  
Blogger SeoMaster789 said...

Hope you will give more information on this topics in your next articles
메이저사이트

5:38 AM, March 28, 2021  
Blogger SeoMaster789 said...

Keep up the great work, its hard to find good ones. I have added to my favorites. Thank You.
메이저사이트

5:45 AM, March 28, 2021  
Blogger SeoMaster789 said...

It is especially decent, though look into the tips during this home address. 안전놀이터

10:40 PM, April 17, 2021  
Blogger bmb said...

Its a great pleasure reading your post.Its full of information I am looking for and I love to post a comment that «The content of your post is awesome» Great work. 메이저놀이터

10:53 PM, April 17, 2021  
Blogger Rosy rose said...

"I used to be able to find good info from your articles.

" 안전놀이터

11:26 PM, April 17, 2021  
Anonymous 먹튀검증 said...

"Pretty! This was an extrekely wonderful post.
Thanks for providing these details." 먹튀검증

11:44 PM, April 17, 2021  
Blogger Horon Monia said...

"It’s going to be ending of mine day, but before finish I
am reading this fantastic article to improve my knowledge." 안전놀이터

12:21 AM, April 18, 2021  
Blogger asddasdd said...

Enjoyed this one thanks for posting . 먹튀폴리스

3:03 AM, April 18, 2021  
Blogger jack shok jack said...

Keep up the good work; I read few posts on this website, including I consider that your blog is fascinating and has sets of the fantastic piece of information. Thanks for your valuable efforts. 토토사이트

2:00 AM, April 19, 2021  
Blogger 카지노사이트 바카라사이트 said...

I am extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your weblog. keep up the excellent quality writing.

10:18 PM, May 02, 2021  
Blogger 카지노사이트 바카라사이트 said...

I’ve been surfing online more than 3 hours today, yet I never found
any interesting article like yours. It’s pretty worth enough for me.바둑이게임

10:19 PM, May 02, 2021  
Blogger 카지노사이트 바카라사이트 said...

Great website! I am loving it!! Will be back later to read some more. I am taking your feeds also바카라사이트

10:20 PM, May 02, 2021  
Blogger 카지노사이트 바카라사이트 said...

I will definitely digg it and personally suggest to my friends. I am sure they’ll be benefited from this site.바카라사이트

10:22 PM, May 02, 2021  
Blogger 토토사이트 said...

I was seeking for, what a stuff! existing here at this website, thanks admin 토토사이트목록

7:55 AM, May 19, 2021  
Blogger 토토사이트 said...

I also am a blogger, interesting info !Perfect just what I was searching for! 토토사이트

7:55 AM, May 19, 2021  
Blogger 토토사이트 said...

website post page to all my associates, since if like to read it afterward my but this post offers nice understanding 안전한놀이터추천

7:56 AM, May 19, 2021  
Blogger 토토커뮤니티 said...

Some information about medicine. Thanks so much for the post.Thanks Again. 토토커뮤니티순위

2:52 PM, May 20, 2021  
Blogger 토토커뮤니티 said...

The blog is instructive additionally Thanks for finally writing about 검증사이트목록

2:53 PM, May 20, 2021  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Fantastic site. Plenty 사설토토 helpful info here. I’m sending it to several pals ans also sharing in delicious.

12:26 PM, June 21, 2021  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for sharing all of the awesome info of your posts. This post is probably where I got the most 보증업체

12:27 PM, June 21, 2021  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

It's always coming. This blog is great I can grow up with. Please continue to do well and always do well 토토커뮤니티

8:44 PM, June 21, 2021  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You obviously know what youre talking about This blog is a very informative place. I'll come by often 안전놀이터

8:44 PM, June 21, 2021  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Your post has really helped me a lot 먹튀검증업체 That's a really good piece of data. Amazing

8:44 PM, June 21, 2021  
Anonymous travel medan padang sidempuan said...

Mantap Sangat bermanfaat sekali
Nice Info
Travel Medan Padang Sidempuan
Geliga Landak

8:35 PM, July 13, 2021  
Blogger Dina Novia said...

That so fantastic content. I really love your blog info. chord gitar

10:00 AM, August 07, 2021  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Plz answer back as I’m looking to construct I live in a different country than you 토토

4:13 PM, August 12, 2021  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Plz answer back as I’m looking to construct 토토추천 The Design looks very good

4:14 PM, August 12, 2021  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wow, great blog article Thank you. I'll be back every time 카지노커뮤니티

4:14 PM, August 12, 2021  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

스포츠토토사이트article, if just all bloggers offered the same substance as you, the web would be an obviously better place

9:17 AM, August 13, 2021  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You're so interesting! I don't suppose 안전사이트 I've read through something like this before. So good to discover another person

9:18 AM, August 13, 2021  
Anonymous 온라인카지노 said...

The term “Reagan Democrat” refers to a specific group of voters who supported Ronald Reagan, a Republican, during his presidential campaigns in the 1980s.

2:36 AM, June 03, 2024  

Post a Comment

<< Home