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http://neilyoung.com/lww/lww.html

(http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2601/1108/1600/LWW%20COVER.jpg)

"I just finished a new record
a power trio with trumpet and 100 voices
recorded earlier this month
i think this is a metal version of Phil Oachs and Bob Dylan metal folk protest?

its called living with war
the title song is the second of 10 songs on this record" - ny
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Neil Young writes anti-war album 
 
Neil Young's album, Living with War, features a 100-strong choir
Veteran singer Neil Young has recorded an anti-war protest album on which he reportedly lashes out at George W Bush in a song called Impeach the President.
The Canadian star has described Living with War as "metal folk protest".

The title track includes lyrics such as: "On the flat-screen we kill and we're killed again. And when the night falls, I pray for peace."

Young is one of rock's most political artists, thanks to classic anthems such as Rockin' in the Free World and Ohio.

The 10 tracks on Living with War were recorded earlier in April and feature a 100-strong choir, the singer said on his website.

'Remember peace'

On the title track, he sings: "In the mosques and the doors of the old museum, I take a holy vow, to never kill again, try to remember peace.

"The rocket's red glare, bombs bursting in the air, give proof through the night that our flag is still there."

Young has not confirmed details of the other tracks, but there are widespread reports that he makes a more direct attack on President Bush in Impeach the President.

The new material comes 36 years after the star became an icon for the anti-war movement with Ohio, his response to the deaths of four students during a Vietnam war protest.

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....from former president of Reprise Records, Howie Klein on DownWithTyranny! on hearing the album the first time:

"Will this go down as Neil's greatest album ever? It will be a contender musically. And the impact lyrically could be profound. I'll talk more about that when my period of musical purdah is up next week. If you're walking down the street and someone comes up to you and offers you the opportunity to hear just one song, ask him to play "Flags of Freedom." (Have kleenex handy.)"

Neil Young, Son of Famed Reporter, Records "Impeach the President" Song

http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002344436

By E&P Staff

Published: April 14, 2006 11:40 AM ET

NEW YORK As an E&P "Pressing Issues" column recently noted, rock star Neil Young is the son of a famed Canadian journalist, so it should not surprise many that he recently recorded a song in California with a very reportorial -- or at least pundit -- feel to it.

It’s called “Impeach the President,” so there can be little question what it is about.

Apparently it was recorded with a 100-voice choir. Rumors have circulated the past few days on the Web, but E&P has tracked down the strongest confirmation in a blog kept by Sherman Oaks, Ca. musician/singer Alicia Morgan.

Previous reports quoted hints by Young and Jonathan Demme (who directed the new documentary “Heart of Gold”) that Neil was working on a hard-rocking political or “anti-Bush” CD.

Last Friday, Morgan wrote on her LastLeftB4Hooterville blog that she had been “summoned” to a local studio to sing on the new record with 99 others. “I'm not going to give the whole thing away, but the first line of one of the songs was ‘Let's impeach the President for lyin'!’ Turns out the whole thing is a classic beautiful protest record. The session was like being at a 12-hour peace rally. Every time new lyrics would come up on the screen, there were cheers, tears and applause. It was a spiritual experience. I can't believe my good fortune at being a part of this.

“We finished the session by singing an a capella version of 'America the Beautiful' and there was not a dry eye in the house.

“Neil said it should be out in 6 to 8 weeks."

Harp magazine reported on its Web site Thursday that Demme had confirmed in an e-mail, “Neil just finished writing and recording -- with no warning -- a new album called 'Living With War.' It all happened in three days… It is a brilliant electric assault, accompanied by a 100-voice choir, on Bush and the war in Iraq… Truly mind blowing. Will be in stores soon.”

The magazine continued: “Details are pretty scarce, but the featured track, titled ‘Impeach the President,’ features a rap with Bush’s voice set to the choir chanting ‘flip/flop’ and the like.”

Young has always been a maverick politically as well as musically. Although he has recorded a few songs that drew cheers from liberals, such as "Ohio" and "Southern Man," he also drew criticism from the left for pro-Reagan comments many years ago.



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E&P Staff (letters@editorandpublisher.com)

This album comes out Tuesday. Word on the street is it is a mofo.

Listen to stream here:

http://www.hyfntrak.com/neilyoung2/AFF23130/

Read more here:

http://www.neilyoung.com/lww/lww.html

Yeah, it's way cool.

I agree. After the "Are You Passionate" mishap, he has come back with 3 strong albums.  "Prairie Wind" gets some criticism, but I really love it.

This new record really moves. I thought he might slow down after his illness and all, but he's rocking hard again.

It's about 7/10 amazing. Love 'Shock And Awe'.
The namesake track is more personally affecting than the slogany title gives away - totally transcends all the advance political hype, and comes on as one of the most touching nods to human inner-conflict I've heard. Adore it.

I really do like this record and it is IMO the most tuneful thing he has done in a while although I did like Prarie Wind and Greendale also.  I do, however, think that it might fall just a bit short of the hype it was given pre-release.  I am all for artists getting political and I am by no means a fan of our current administration and the wrongdoing they have specialized in, but sometimes when artists try so hard to make a huge political statement, the lyrical output suffers.  Again, I love this record I think it is a strong 4/5.  Some of the lyrics are a bit heavy handed for me though.  Anybody agree/disagree?

I think people are making way too big a deal of the anti-establishment-ness of this album.

Musically? Nothing jumped out at me on first listen, but I just had it on in the background. I'll give it a second listen with headphones and pay attention the lyrics and see what I think of it then.

I don't even care what he's singing about, these are really catchy songs. I've listened to the album 3 times all the way through, and I am totally hooked. Very stong, focused album. That makes 2 absolute classics in a row for Neil. Long may he run!

I pretty much agree with this.  I wasn't trying to bash Neil or the record.  I think this is the strongest record he has done in quite some time.  I can certainly look past the lyrics and realize that these songs are a damn catchy bunch!!  I just wondered what other people thought of the lyrical content and whether or not I was in the majority in thinking that at times they were a bit much.  If nothing else, the man is passionate about what he is singing which is a rarity anymore in pop/rock music.  I do love this album!!

Neil Young has no business getting political with America. I certainly will not be buying this album. Why doesn't he criticize the Canadian government?

EDIT - I'm not a Bush fan.

I figure he's pretty much as (U.S.) American as they come. Look at the lyrics of 'California Sunset', which was written back in the early 80's. (see http://www.oldielyrics.com/lyrics/neil_young/california_sunset.html ) ... Whatever he is, I don't think it's Canadian.

He was born in Toronto in 1945. He only recently gained American citizenship.

How appealing! A Canadian singing Americana. Who'da thunk?

He's been living in the States for 40 years or so. He's pretty much made a career of the Americana thing. He basically turned his back on his home country a long time ago (more power to him, if that's what he wants. The weather is awfully nice down there.)

And if you think some foreigner telling you how to run your country is appealing, wait till Schwarzenegger becomes President...

Schwarzenegger will never become President. That would require a major change in the rules of being Preisdent, and my country is firm when it comes to tradition.

Founded by criminals, run by criminals.  :) ;D ::) :P >:D :afro :3d :angel: :lol :hat ;)

Neil Young, no matter how recently he became one, is and american citizen giving him the right to trash talk W and his administration all he wants.  Hell, I wouldnt care were he not a citizen if he said the same things.  Just goes to show that people all over the world can see that our country is being run by morons and/or crooks.   I know I said that I thought the lyrics were "heavy handed" on the record and I stand by that but I do agree with them and can appreciate his honesty and passion for them.  Keep bitchin' Neil!

Certainly, he has the right to his free speech, but I personally get sick of people saying over and over that our country is run by crooks and inept people. We already know. I personally don't like being reminded.

Well, if everyone knows the government is crooked,  then why don't they turn off "Deal or No Deal" and do something about it? Frankly, I'm tired of paying $40 for a tank of gas and having to pay more and more taxes while Bush's oil buddies get tax breaks.

I'm proud that Neil has the balls to speak his mind. He also dissed ClearChannel on his last tour...even though they were his sponsor!

Neil stands for the working man and the farmers. He stands for that old "hippie dream" of peace and love, not war. He's a poet and an National treasure.  The beliefs he holds dear are the things that are getting harder and harder to come by with each passing year. His fight may be futile, but at least its reassuring to know that there's still someone willing to fight.

Anyway, it's a great album. And I'm glad that Niko Bolas is back. "The Volume Dealers" deliver the goods.

Neil's stance is commendable, but how many times do we have to hear that our president is probably the most inept man to take office? We already KNOW. There's nothing we can do about that now, obviously a good portion of the American population wanted him in office. Oh well. We deal as best we can.

WE know, but obviously many out there don't get it.  I think everyone should speak out as loudly, and as often as possible.  Silence is at least tacit approval.

And at least Neil's doing it with some dynamite tunes! Talk about ear worms! I can't get them out of my head!

Yeah, just on a musical level, I think its clearly the best thing he's done in ages.  Maybe since Ragged Glory.

I dunno, really. I suppose it's the fact that we've been force-fed these ideals of how America should be run. How come when artists make political statements they get either commended or derided, whereas the everyday average Joe who makes political statements should be damned to hell for all time?

Right on, Brother...Mr. Ahhnold Schwartz is a big testicle-crusing Nazi devil...i will move out of this stupid tabloid c*** tree if he even gets Close to the nomination!!!!

Whew i feel better.

Everything about this post is right on!  The greater majority of this country doesn't give a f*** or else we wouldn't have had a second term for that goon!  The approval ratings are starting to show that maybe some people are figuring it out but it's far to late now.

As for Neil, he is one of the most respectable people in the music industry.  Just as you said his stance for the working man and the "hippie dream" are very commendable.  I know it's easy for a millionaire to preach about that stuff as they dont really have to worry where the next check is coming from but with Neil, I find it to be very sincere.  Musically speaking, the man has plenty of balls!  He is more than willing to take chances and not worry about whether or not it sells.  The man has done everything under the sun and while I don't care for all of it, I respect him for doing it.  I can't think of anyone else who has been sued by their record company for not making commercial music.  He plays by his rules and that is awesome in today's climate of industry puppets.  He and Elvis Costello are heroes of mine for this reason.

Good points Bubba Ho-Tep

Yeah, he's really taking a risk by trying to capitalize on the wave of anti-Bushiites.  Way to put your career at risk by spouting the party line.  "Will he record in this town again????"

Neil Young will give a flying-f#ck about the party-line the day your pig ass grows wings and takes off.

Spoke too soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/2750/rerun4ru.gif)


And look, you're offering that rump up for a good GAYASS butt-f&cking, too!!! CUTE!!!

When I said he had plenty of balls, I wasn't talking about him taking chances with this new album really.  I was talking about all of the many different styles of music he has given a shot over his many years in the business and his lack of regard for how much it sells or if people will like it or not.  The man does his own thing and I find that respectable.  You don't have to, that is fine, but to say he doesn't take chances with his music is absurd! 

As for his stance on Bush since you brought it up, there were some artists who took plenty of heat for speaking out against him and suffered greatly as far as album sales and image go.  I know that was a few years back and Bush's approval is at an all time low now therefore it may not be such a risky move now but I still think there are enough good ol' boy red state folks that will get fired up over this.  Whether it is taking a chance or not for Neil, I dont know.  I don' t really care either.  I am speaking of his music in my case.

Do y'all remember some years back when he said he was collaborating on a new digital recording process that was somehow 'organic'? Hehehe. I swear the man is a visionary - even if he does like to golf.

Does this mean we'll have to GROW our own Archives ?

I listened to the album  this week. I have a copy in the car.  Catch parts of it throughout the day as I go about my business.

Reminds me more of the Freedom album than anything else.  Funny.  On that one he took on Bush Sr. and his thousand points of light.

I'm guessing the Bush family are no longer fans of Neil Young. :lol

In 1970 it took him two weeks to release "Ohio". Now after 6 years of Bush in office he releases this "urgent" cd. Yawn. Shakey has certainly slowed down with the years.

Some people are definitely getting on the bush bashing bandwagon a bit late.  Guess they were waiting for the approval ratings to drop below 40.

And what do we do about people like me, who don't agree the the above statements about President Bush?  What do we do about people like me apparently just "don't get it?"

I like Neil Young's music, though I haven't listened to the latest album at all.

Then you just ignore it and don't listen to the album, as you already have done.
Always glad to help out in these difficult situations.
Signed, The Breakfast Club.

Well, I sometimes listen to music which is about God and i don't believe in that either, but if the song is OK I don't mind. It's a good rocking album making some pretty bloody obvious points. It doesn't take a historian to tell you your president is a fool and a liar, same as my pm is a clever liar. We all got fooled again....

No, not really. 

I wouldn't be interested in an album criticisizing Al Gore if he had been elected President.

iI'm still rocking out to this album. It's moving up the ranks into Neil's top10 albums ever.

I don't care what he's singing about, it's a fucking incredible record!

I bought the new "Racontuers" album last week, the Jack White thing, and zzzzzzz...I just wanted to get back to listening to Neil!

I'll be seeing CSNY this summer! Wake me when Neil comes up to the plate.

Yeah, I feel the same way. 

In my opinion, music and politics don't mix.  Music is a divine gift from God.  Politics were invented by man and are basically a form of evil if they're red or blue.  I dont' think politicians are evil, and I definately don't think George Bush is evil.  I think the nature of politics is evil, though, it corrupts and hardly anything good has come of it.  I'm not anti-government or anti-society or whatever, but the political nature of anything is usually the most negative aspect of any situation.  Perhaps it's a necessary evil. 

This is a pretty good album now that I've listened to it a few times. I like how the backing vocals sound diverse in age gender and whatnot, it really sounds like he's singing along with America.

Though when I first heard "Looking For a Leader" I misheard it as "Looking For a Beer"!

It's not a bad batch of tunes.  Isn't his greatest, but it isn't his worst...and he has a handful of those, which is prone to happen with a 40 year career.

I'm very interested by politics and partisanship from the sidelines as well.  Usually I'm a grand crap-talker, but I think I'll sit this one out. 

All I know is that the frustration and anger is well justified.  Also makes for some great albums. 

1.Neil has already bashed bush in his 2003 Greendale release.
2.the record was written and recorded within 9 days.
3. Neils previous release was Prairie Wind which was released in the second half of last year. At this rate, Neil is more prolific than any other "Veteran" rocker and legend at his status.

and its all quality too....

I haven't read the rest of the replies, so pardon me if I'm repeating. Neil's lived in the U.S. for longer than I, personally have been alive, and his kids are American citizens. He has a hell of a stake in America's fate, so I have no problem if he "gets political." More power to 'im.

Yeah, and after several weeks of listening to it, the album still holds up. It's a good one.

Totally agree!

I'm looking forward to the vinyl with gatefold and booklet coming through my mailbox in the next few weeks!  8)