Not The Shit Welsh Elvis Clone

• Date: 22.08.2008
• Book: Shakey: Neil Young's Biography
• Author: MikeMcP

Review

A comprehensive, life affirming account of one of rock n roll’s ultimate survivors. McDonough does a breathtaking job of recounting the life of Neil Young (Shakey is one of his many aliases. Unfortunately for UK readers, Shakey immediately conjures up thoughts of Shakin’ Stevens rather than Mr Soul himself).

Extensive research, access to the man him, his family, friends, colleagues and other acquaintances from over the years ensure this is a balanced, definitive account of Canada’s most talented musician (yes, better than Bryan Adams, Alanis Morrissette AND Avril Lavinge). At almost 800 pages, it’s a dense read and maybe a little slow to start (I know more about Young’s family tree than I do about my own), but once we get to the 60s, this book kick like a mule.

You become immersed in Young’s world at Topanga Canyon – drugs, sex, movie-making, shootings, Charlie Manson, more drugs - and ultimatlely some of the best records ever recorded – 'After The Goldrush', 'Harvest', 'Tonight’s The Night', 'On The Beach'...the list goes on.

Written more than 10 years ago now, the book ends on a somewhat downbeat note, appealing to Young to once again find the form which at that point in his career seemed to allude him. Happily Young seems to have taken this call to action on board as his output over since the book was written has been his strongest since his tour de force during the late 60s to mid 70s. He continues to be prolific and styles change widely from release to release, from the cool, country soul of ‘Prairie Wind’ to the fiercely political and garage sounding ‘Living With War’, as well as his recent reunion tour with former cohorts Crosby, Still and Nash.