release date: Jun. 17, 1997
format: 2 cd
[album rate: 3,5 / 5] [3,52]
producer: "Horse" [Neil Young & Crazy Horse]
label: Warner Bros. - nationality: Canada
Another live album by Neil Young released as Neil Young & Crazy Horse recorded while on tour in 1996 and originally released by Reprise. Year of the Horse is actually foremost a documentary film directed by Jim Jarmusch following the band on their 1996 tour but also a 2 disc live album. The tracks are not taken from a specific album but are primarily from an early period up until the live album Rust Never Sleeps.
Now, without having seen the film, I think that it could work as documenting this great artist with his legendary backing band on tour, but the album itself seems somewhat redundant. It hasn't much new to offer that one won't find (better) in his back catalogue, and the selection of songs and the sound doesn't really add things up. Having said that, the tracks here are fine and it contains some truly great and essential songs - the only 'problem' about it is that for fans there's not much new. It's a bit like realising: "Yeah, we forgot to invite Jarmusch along while doing Weld 'cause we all know that was a hell of a peak. So let's make part two of that one. This one's for Jim!".
The not so successful tracks are basically the entire disc 2 with the only exception of "Sedan Delivery", which means not essential inclusions of tracks like "Slip Away", "Scattered", "Danger Bird" and "Prisoners of Rock 'n' Roll" all dragging the overall experience in the wrong direction after a strong start on disc 1.
The good stuff is a great version of "Barstool Blues", a fine live version of "Mr. Soul" and Neil & Crazy Horse live... well, it can't be bad even if they try. With tracks like "When You Dance I Can Really Love", "When Your Lonely Heart Breaks", and then "Pocahontas" played live - hell, even as I think of this as a bit of a disappointment, it's really much better than decent or just good. It may not be essential but it's worth more than a listen or two. However, the three best live albums by Neil Young does not include this one.
[ allmusic.com 2,5 / 5 stars ]
