Reading List: Waging Heavy Peace
Back in high school I was a huge Neil Young fan. My first concert ever was his show from the Trans tour in 1983. I bought a ticket for three times face value, $40, from a ticket agency to the show at Jones Hall in Houston, Texas. I also saw him on the Everybody’s Rockin’ tour, and a couple years later playing with a country band at the world-famous Gilley’s in Pasadena, Texas (where a couple about the age of my parents tried to pass me a joint; talk about cognitive dissonance).
I respect Neil Young for continuing to put out new music at an age when most rock musicians are lame nostalgia acts. But when I look back on his discography, I realize I don’t really like anything he has done since Live Rust in 1979. After reading this book, I’m guessing it’s because by 1979 the drugs had got the better of Mr. Young. All those years of being stoned every waking hour must take a toll.
I can’t think of anyone other than Neil Young who could have got this mass of repetitive, rambling, self-indulgent shit published. Just when a story gets interesting the narrative completely shifts gear and you wonder what happened next. In a way, though, this is the book’s charm, reflecting Neil Young’s personality perfectly.
If you aren’t a serious fan you will hate this book.
