It’s been a while since old Neil “put her down”. Lily Belle and bullwhips notwithstanding, I forgave Neil Young for his utter disrespect of Alabama so long ago. Geez, he was just a buckskin wearin’ rock star kid from the Great White North. What could he have known? One thing I know for sure – Neil Young is one of rock’s greatest treasures. Great then….great now. Rust never sleeps.

Are You Passionate? is a late (2002) addition to the huge catalog of Young’s albums. While it’s fairly different from just about anything else, it passes the test as a very listenable effort. Featuring Booker T. & the MGs as a backup band, the opening song of AYP? (a tune written about his coming-of-age daughter called You’re My Girl) sounds like it was recorded in Memphis or Muscle Shoals. Old Mr. Soul finally gets soulful. [NOTE: Mr. Soul is an early hit from Young’s Buffalo Springfield days. Coincidentally, a cover version of this song was the highlight of a Widespread Panic concert I saw a couple of years ago.]

Other noteworthy songs from AYP? include the title cut, Be With You, She’s a Healer, and the long tune Going Home with backing by his old band Crazy Horse. Neil evens pens a number about 9/11 hero Todd Beamer called Let’s Roll, but I can’t decide if it’s an appropriate inclusion. Overall, it’s not a must-own classic, but it’s good and I can listen to it repeatedly.

Neil Young is, unquestionably, the world’s best rank amateur lead guitarist. Pure garage noise, but I’ve always loved it. Has more hooks than a tackle box….remember Ohio and Old Man and countless others. The man communicates with his voice and instrument as well as anyone. And if his chops sound a little unpolished or his tenor warbles a bit, he plows on with confidence, oblivious to his showy imperfection. Speaking of the famous singing voice, my kids, upon observing me listening to After the Gold Rush recently, said Neil sounded just like Adam Sandler when he does his goofy falsetto schtick. Hardly a compliment, but I guess they have a point. Really, who else sings like Neil Young? I don’t care – he’s a first-stringer in my classic rock all-star lineup. Wail on!   GD