THANKS FOLKS
I REALLY ENJOY YOUR LETTERS TO ME AND LOOK FORWARD TO READING AND ANSWERING EVERY WEEK
LOVE
N
Pre-Show Reed Groves:
Shakey, Is the pre-show Jimmy Reed tunes an actual album playing like “Rockin’ With Reed” or “Carnegie Hall” or a personal collection of favorites? Also, can the post-show version of “Greensleeves” be added in NYA?
Thank you sir, J
J
The source of Jimmy is his albums.
I will check on the post show version of Greensleeves.
Thanks!
LOVE
BE WELL
NEIL
Hey Neil,
Pumped for the CT & Philly shows! Would be cool to have Timberline make its live debut … Chrome Hearts could pull it off well!
Diggin’ Second Song. Can’t wait for the album!
Thanks,
Michael
Thanks Michael
LOVE
BE WELL
NEIL
Hi, I was wondering whether the two concerts in September preceding Farm Aid will feature full concert sets by Neil or whether they will be more abbreviated, limited sets like you might find at a festival or Farm Aid itself. Thank you.
Rich
Rich
We are sharing with Willie……..maybe we get hung up and play longer.
LOVE
BE WELL
NEIL
Hello—
Have a nerdy question. The version of “Interstate” that I have from the files for the Ragged Glory bonus tracks has an audio hiccup at about 4:45 in the track. Right before the line “I can hear her soft voice calling” there’s a squelch or something. I looked back and it’s also on my vinyl copy that I bought back 30 years ago. BUT it’s not on the “Interstate” version that appears on the Big Time EP CD.
Just curious how that happens and thought I’d point it out if that’s something you want to correct.
Love you guys
Cordially,
Brian Madigan
Brian we will check that out.
Thanks
LOVE
BE WELL
NEIL
Casting Me Away & Hit 39
On the recent Patron’s Zoom you briefly mentioned an archival release of “Hit 39.”
Interested to know if listening to the Old Ways & Harvesters material, and in particular “Hit 39” (Leaving the Top 40 Behind) was a prompt when you began searching the Archives for some old songs to fit the mood of Second Song (& settled on “Casting Me Away”).
No, IT WASN’T
Those two songs are twins—identical twins—like Train of Love & Western Hero. I know it’s all one song, but I’m fascinated in whether there was a trigger to dig that deep & settle on that song in particular.
The lyrics are totally different.
No doubting that Second Song is special. You must be so proud of what you’ve made with the Chrome Hearts.
Now for the tour … !
Thanks, as ever, for your time.
Mark
Thanks Mark
LOVE
BE WELL
NEIL
I thought that all music content was to be removed from Amazon. Why is Neil’s entire catalogue including CDs, vinyl and box sets still available for sale direct from Amazon, not third-party sellers? Second Song is also listed for pre-sale.
I have bought the last few releases from NYA/Warners Canada.
Regards,
Fred
Fred
We are investigating. a first report will come today.
At this point, it seems AMAZON is buying from other retailers and re-selling.
From management:
The only possibilities I can think of are this is previous stock Amazon already purchased, or that Amazon is buying through one-stops.
Amazon also has Second Song listed with no stock while every other retailer has it stocked and is taking orders.
LOVE
BE WELL
NEIL
Dear Neil,
I am thoroughly enjoying Second Song—thank you. I am very much looking forward to the album. There have been lots of comments online and especially on Thrashers’ Wheat suggesting what the song is about. Only you will know. And then maybe not entirely—you follow where the muse guides you.
One person commented that you have always had this tendency to write lyrics that feel more like a stream of consciousness. That is true, but they also mean something.
The British writer John le Carré said artists should use autobiographical material as it is closest to their hearts. I know that you do this, and have done so in Second Song, and in many others you have written.
For what it is worth, my belief is that Second Song deals with memories: the memories of an old man (please don’t be offended; I am only five years behind you and catching up fast) and this song in part recalls times with Pegi and Daryl.
The evidence on which I rely:
I need to talk to someone
Someone who smiles and answers back
Someone as old as I am
Who still remembers some of that. —Pegi. OK she was five years younger than you, but she was like a hurricane, or so I am led to believe.
Drifting in a sea of darkness
The captain waited for sunrise
Thought he saw a mermaid comin’
Off the bow and rubbed his eyes —Daryl. The mermaid in Splash
And there are lots, lots more. I could analyse the words line by line, as we had to last century for my English degree, but as I said to the lecturers at the time, why destroy the beauty and meaning the writer created and intended. Just understand it with your heart.
So I will listen to Second Song and lose myself time and again in the wonderful world that this song creates. And if I am wrong, then make it up on another day. Baby I don’t care. But you do, and you care deeply.
Thank you for all that your music means and has given to so many for so many years.
Love to you and Daryl, and family
Ex Judge David
MANY Thanks DAVID
LOVE
BE WELL
NEIL
Dear Neil—
Consider this a letter to the Editor of the NYA Times-Contrarian.
Platforming Michael Cohen on the Viewpoint page has always been hard for me to stomach. When his posts appeared I ignored them and figured sooner or later you would dump him.
Cohen is currently hunting for a pardon. He doesn’t deserve one, but he’ll probably get one. Or Trump will toy with him and discard him with maximum humiliation the same way he did years ago after realizing that Cohen couldn’t legally hurt him.
Soul is winning. Michael Cohen doesn’t have soul. He sold it long ago.
Thanks for NYA, Neil.
Jamie
Thanks Jamie
Just skip his column, or not. He has a Viewpoint too.
LOVE
BE WELL
NEIL
Love the old song, can you provide more loving details about Comrie and how he helped shaped your musical life? We know lots about Bruce Palmer and Stills etc. I hope in the vinyl/cd there is more detail around him.
—T
Thanks T
Comrie is gone now. He was a GOOD OLE FRIEND!
LOVE
BE WELL
NEIL
Dear Neil,
I taught at the Bridge School for many years in the early days, as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired.
I’ve started a letter to you, with the inspiration from your song: One of These Days. In fact, I worked with your son, Ben, at Half Moon Bay High School to enhance his experience there. For Amber, I suggested that she enroll in books on tape to complete her studies. I am not trying to toot my own horn, but instead to speak to you about the impact and knowledge in my life that Bridge School and our amazing children, families, and staff made for me.
I have been writing letters to just those people in my life who have been kind, memorable, and made a difference in my life. I left Bridge to work with complex students as the Principal of the California School for the Blind. In the spirit of your heartfelt song, I continue to let the people know now and not have regrets.
So thank you and I wish your best,
Debby
Thanks to you Debby!
LOVE
BE WELL
NEIL
“Second Song” and “Cast Me Away from You.” Holy Christ, you’ve taken me on a 40-year journey through time. You’re one of a kind, and you’ve meant so much to me. Your music brings me joy at every moment of my day … I’m getting older too, but I accept it because the things you post really make me feel good.
We’re waiting for you in Italy or Europe, my friend.
Thank you
Old Coyote
Thanks Old Coyote
hope too see you there!
LOVE
BE WELL
NEIL
Hi Neil,
As the author of one of my favorite concept/story albums of all time, “Greendale,” I was curious if we could get an update of where Sun Green would be today, and what you believe she would be doing to fight the corruption from within our own government, not just in relation to environmental protections, but the blatant attacks on our Constitution and founding principles?
Thanks and sending much love,
Bridget
Bridget
If I see her i will ask!
LOVE
BE WELL
NEIL
Thank you, Neil, for sharing another ride along the ranch with us. I have read stories about some of your dogs, but I have never read about Timer. He looks to be the same breed as Art, which I read was shot by a neighbor for chasing his cattle. I hope Timer didn’t have the same instincts and lived to a ripe old age!
With Love,
Mary Jane
He lived a long life!!! Mary Jane….Like us I hope!
LOVE
BE WELL
NEIL
Neil, can we get a recording from one of the HORDE festival shows? 8/21/97 was my first time seeing you, I was only 9. Remember it like yesterday. Acoustic Southern Man. Also, any chance Broken Arrow will get a vinyl release soon?
P.S. can we get the Zuma t-shirt again in the shop?
Thanks.
Keep on rockin in the free world
F Trump
We will listen to it, It is in the next ORS Box and we are working on the Zuma shirt.
Looking into your questions now.
LOVE
BE WELL
NEIL
Hi Neil,
Hope you are having a great day! I am so excited to see you in Connecticut next month! I hope we get to hear your amazing new material live, especially “Second Song.” It’s one of the best songs you’ve put out in years and I’d love to hear it blossom live. See you soon!
Best,
Matt
Thanks Matt
LOVE
BE WELL
NEIL
Hello, Neil
Adrian Sutherland is the indigenous singer that did Heart of Gold in Cree. He said you were pretty cool with it.
I’m headed down to the Concert Hall in Toronto on Saturday to see some Indigenous bands raising money for the forest fire situation. Adrian Sutherland will be playing.
I’m going to be telling him that I’ve secured recording time for his new album in with a good friend of mine in Midland, Dylan Lock. I’m going to take care of the costs so all Rights belong to Adrian. We’re going to use this album to launch a new program to put water treatment equipment on his band’s land in Attawapisat on James Bay and in Grassy Narrows. I’ve been working with Chapman’s ice cream on some pretty cool hydrogen-powered equipment that will clean things up and not leave anything behind. Then, we’re gonna raise some shit.
If you’re free Saturday night, I’d love to invite you to the show.
Rod
P.S. Best show I’ve ever seen was Greendale in TO a few years ago. R.
Thanks Rod
Good stuff u r doing!
we have a film of that Greendale Toronto show. Its coming in VOLUME 4….!!
LOVE
BE WELL
NEIL
Neil,
Your pal Rick sent me an advance of “Second Song” three weeks ago and after listening to it constantly, walking, gardening, cooking and sitting in the backyard, I’ve got to say that it’s the best thing you’ve shared with us in twenty years.
It has the precious vibe of a beautiful, heartfelt conversation with an old friend. Nothing is rushed. The songs reveal themselves slowly, so I only felt ready to start writing about them today. You’re not only telling your story. You’re telling our stories. I can’t thank you enough for the journey these songs take me on.
Doug
Thanks Doug
LOVE
BE WELL
NEIL
Hi Neil,
I just wanted to thank you for your Canada United commentary.
I agree with it 100%. If anything, being a true Canadian, you were a little too diplomatic. Most Americans don’t realize as much as we have valued America as our best friend and ally, we are Canadians because we don’t want to be Americans. We are a much more inclusive and compassionate society. We believe in our social safety net and not just our rights as individuals but our collective rights as well.
I have always believed that Canada is an example and model of what the world could become. We are always striving to be a better society.
Someone of such low moral character like President Trump could never be elected in Canada. He is a megalomaniac, narcissist, misogynist, racist, criminal, liar, untrustworthy, greedy, vindictive, undignified, lacks integrity, a bully and acts like a petulant toddler having a tantrum. It is hard to believe that America elected him for a second term. They say that you deserve the leaders you elect, but I really think America deserves better. Every day it is hard to believe that crap that comes out of his mouth. He has no filter and a normal person would not even think of things that he does. He must be deranged.
If America were living up to their previous values, they would support Ukraine to the fullest and kick the Russians out of all of Ukraine. I don’t think the average American knows that the USA is buying lumber products from Russia at a lower tariff rate than Canada, which supports their war effort against Ukraine. How does that make any sense?
The only true point that Trump has said about Canada is that we have had an over-reliance on military protection from the USA and have not spent enough on military defence. This is now changing and we will eventually be more self-reliant. Canada’s traditional role has been as a neutral and reliable peacekeeper.
I believe that Canada is a much more democratic country than the USA. Our electorate is much more independent. Most of us are not staunch party supporters but elect the best person running in our riding who we believe will represent us the best.
Ridings are based on total population, not by political or racial lines.
I hope America wakes up and realizes what damage Trump has done to their reputation, their country and the rest of the world.
Love and Peace,
Fred
Fred
Agreed!
LOVE
BE WELL
NEIL
Neil, got my tickets to CT and Philly. Can’t wait for the shows. Love the presale access NYA membership offers. Thank you!
Over the past three years I have been able to tick off several of my live show bucket list songs including Mr. Soul, Ohio, Southern Man, and Old Man. I’d love to get a Sugar Mountain and/or a Needle and the Damage Done in these two shows as these are the only ones left on my bucket list. Again, can’t wait for these two shows. I hope there will be more shows soon.
Safe travels to you, the band, and crew.
Joe Wiseman
Thanks Joe
See you there!
LOVE
BE WELL
NEIL