The titles of much of Neil Young's early material let you know what you're getting into before you even commit to listening. Names like "Bad Fog of Loneliness," "Only Love Can Break Your Heart," and "See The Sky About To Rain" pretty much speak for themselves. Live At The Cellar Door, Neil Young's newly unearthed 1970 set from this famous D.C venue, is the kind of unbelievably stripped-down performance that almost makes you feel as though the artist is playing directly to you as an individual. Armed with nothing but an acoustic guitar and a piano, no backing band in sight, we are reminded of how masterfully written his songs are even in their most basic form. Fans of After The Gold Rush era Young will be pleased, as he traverses the album's most poignant offerings ("Tell Me Why," "After The Gold Rush," "Birds," "Don't Let It Bring You Down"). No, you won't find "Southern Man," "Ohio," or any of his more politically charged tunes, but again, this is a more personal side of Neil Young. He shares his greatest fears ("Old Man"), his deepest desires ("Cinnamon Girl"), and his most intimate memories ("I Am A Child"). The release of this gem could not have come at a more convenient time, for while it fits the dark, why-can't-it-just-be-Christmas-already December mood perfectly, Live At The Cellar Door reminds us that we're not alone in these feelings. Nearing the end of the show, Young chuckles to himself and tells the audience, "You'd laugh too, you know, if this is what you did for a living." It's enough to make almost anyone crack a smile during this particularly melancholy part of the year. Stream from Rolling Stone here.
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