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“American Stars ’N Bars”Ever since the release of “Harvest in 1973, Neil Young has proved he can make it in the business as a solo artist. An original product of Buffalo Springfield in the mid-60s and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young toward the turn of the decade, Young has combined his experiences into becoming one of rock’s most influential figures. His latest work, “American Stars 'N Bars proves to be his best solo effort aside from “Harvest. A major reason for the success of “Stars 'N Bars is Young’s new backup recording band called The Ducks. When Crazy Horse, his previous backup band left and sought their own career, many thought that Young would be finished as a solo performer. However, The Ducks, a hard country rock band, seemed to be the missing piece Young was looking for.Seven out of the nine songs on the album are heavily country-influenced. “Bitl the Bullet and “Homegrown, two of the better tunes, sound like a good combined mixture of Lynyrd Skynyrd and early CSNY music. Young has thrown out an extra lead guitar and instead has added steel guitars and violins. Songs such as “The Old Country Waltz and “Hold Back the Tears” seem as if they could have been country hits five years ago under names like Willie Nelson or Waylon Jennings.The only two cuts that are not country-based are “Will to Love and “Like a Hurricane.” “Will to Love” could have possibly hit the pop charts if it was a few minutes shorter in length. Because it is dragged on, the song loses the listener’s attention. (This song, however, is the only major weakness to be found on the album). On the other hand, “Like a Hurricane” is the best tune Young has produced in years. It clearly exhibits the guitar playing talents he became famous for on previous songs like “Southern Man” and “Ohio.”With an album like “Stars ’N Bars” and a song such as “Like a Hurricane,” one can only wish for a complete Crosby,Stills, Nash and Young reunion. (B-f)
Newspaper Details
Plano Daily Star Courier
Plano, Texas, US
Mon, Nov 14, 1977
Page 7
Full Page
Clipped by
Olav S.
NO 29 Jul 2019
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