Young has spent the balance of this century releasing albums terrible (Are You Passionate?), conceptual (Greendale), and gimmicky yet heartfelt (Living With War). So it’s strange to encounter a record that’s just like he used to make — distorto riffs for their own sake and quasi roots rock with a tangible sense of loss and hope. The 18-minute “Ordinary People” will grab headlines for its epic workingman’s blues, though the anthemic horns flatten the guitar burn. Per usual, his toss-offs — “Dirty Old Man,” “Shining Light” — would flatter lesser songwriters.
Now Hear This: Neil Young – “Ordinary People” WINDOWS MEDIA | QUICKTIME