Neil Young/Crazy Horse "Americana"

In true Young fashion would he label his record Americana, and include old-fashioned R&B as well as livelier, or slightly obscure covers. You may recognize the majority of the titles, but not exactly the sound of these traditional folk and pop standards. I appreciate his approach; some may say it is disrespectful, but credit is given where it is due, and not everyone enjoys another’s point of view.     
       From the “rock based” R&B of “Oh Susannah,” not the pop-based R&B of present day, to the harmonies present in dear old “Clementine.” The dancing rhythm partnered with those harmonies for this treatment can only mean that they brought enough silver and gold to prevent a sacrifice on the “Gallows Pole.”             While the muted surf-rock of the next track urge you to take part in the monster mash, at least once, before you “Get a Job.” Between Bob and Neil, I would choose the original, but when Neil gets his “Travel On” he becomes the protagonist; who must have learned to walk like a giant before it became a “High Flyin Bird.” The original is just as engaging, some might even say better, and worth a listen; look up Billy Edd Wheeler.         “This Land Is Your Land” may be the closest to the original, while the tamest has to be “The Wayfarin’ Stranger;” with the low volume of his vocals you can just envision that rolling tumbleweed pass undisturbed on a cool dark night. The closer also stays true to the original, but the percussion seems to alter its aural DNA ever so slightly; without affecting its message, but if it does may “God Save The Queen.” Favorites: Oh Susannah, Clementine, Gallows Pole, Get A Job, Jesus’ Chariot and The Wayfarin’ Stranger.