Neil Young Music:

Editorial Review:
Rare 1980 Neil Young LP. The follow-up release to Rust Never Sleeps, the album moves away from the power chords to an acoustic base. While side one sticks with the soft acoustics of Neil's voice and guitar, side two is a country-rock patriotic party... the 'Hawks' side. Interestingly, this album accompanied one of the most desperate times in our nation's history in terms of self-confidence and economic prosperity. Neil gives the nation all it needs with optimistic, upbeat songs such as 'Stayin' Power' ("We got stayin' power, you and I, stayin' power through thick and thin"), 'Coastline' ("we don't back down from no trouble"), 'Union Man' ("I'm proud to be a union man"), 'Comin' Apart at Every Nail' ("Oh this country sure looks good to me"), and 'Hawks and Doves' ("Ready to go, willing to stay and pay, U.S.A., U.S.A."). It's one great album side, with Neil churning and turning up the electric guitar another notch with each song, and the fiddle that just says "down home America" will fetch a smile to your face as it explodes in each song. Hillary O'Brien deserves special mention for providing exquisite backing vocals on side two of the vinyl version of this album. She plays the Nicolette Larson role from 'Comes a Time' for this memorable set. Also of note is Levon Helm's drums on 'The Old Homestead'. Inside liner notes include lyrics.