Off the Mark on Neil Young

Saturday, May 6, 2006

J. Freedom du Lac questions the timeliness of Neil Young's new album, calling it "somewhat strange, given that the album doesn't appear to be inspired by any recent events" ["Neil Young's Antiwar Howl," Style, May 3]. Du Lac criticizes Young, asking, "Did he only recently realize his contempt for Bush and his outrage over the war in Iraq? Where ya been, Neil?"

The answer is that Young has been recovering from a well-publicized brain aneurysm, which seems not to have affected his social consciousness.

Neil Young fans have grown to expect such topical albums.

-- Michael Arnone

Chantilly

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I'm puzzled by J. Freedom du Lac's criticism of Neil Young's new album, "Living With War."

Du Lac says Young's collection is "a couple of years behind the curve" and asks, "Did he only recently realize his contempt for Bush and his outrage over the war in Iraq?"

Last time I checked, there was a big congressional election coming up in November. There are still close to three years left in this dangerously incompetent administration -- and no end in sight to a war it chose to start and was unprepared to win.

Also, a quick Google search would have told du Lac that Young took part in Vote for Change concerts held in the Midwest in 2004.

I'd suggest that du Lac is the one behind the curve -- and struggling for something to say.

-- Max Golkin

Arlington

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The review of Neil Young's "Living With War" is as wrong as it is wrongheaded. It falsely asserts that the singer belatedly opposes Bush and his war. The review also devalues Young's outrage since he is not a U.S. citizen, although he moved here 40 years ago.

More significantly, the review overlooks the musician's role as a catalyst for change. Phil Ochs's "All the News That's Fit to Sing" and Public Enemy's description of their music as "the black CNN" were determined to spark emotions and action. So, too, is "Living With War." It is an angry cry about the lies that led us to Iraq and the war's terrible toll. The intentionally ragged music reinforces the anguished, passionate vocals that are real as the day is long.

"Living With War" is Young's bulletin from the front, designed to disturb, outrage and spur change. Unfortunately, the reviewer misses this by questioning the singer's motives. I hope other listeners will not make the same mistake.

-- Daniel J. Weiss

Washington