The great Neil Young returns with a new album, in which he enclosed a series of pieces related to his well-known environmentalist and political perspective. “The Monsanto years”, this is the title, will be released on June 29th and aims – in the spirit of the concept and the sets in which Young force all nine tracks that make up the ladder – to denounce the policy related to OMG industrial agriculture, including Monsanto (but also other companies such as Starbucks, Walmart and Chevron) is one of the most representative. Young, who is known to most people as it is not new to this type of project (published in 2006, for example, the beautiful “Living with war”), goes straight on his way. And, as it was written by some critics, he puts his position of old star of the rock’n’roll scene as a filter, as a barrier, as a mark of authenticity criticism flipping through songs. The concept is probably the form in which he feels more comfortable. And this especially when the theme that buzzes overhead is edgy and must be translated into music. Some have criticized Young in a kind of divergence between the annoying song form and themes of the album. A divergence that would jeopardize the enjoyment of the songs and, in general, the trend of the entire album. I believe that the tension that you feel listening to the album is, however, one of the most interesting elements of “The Monsanto years”. Because it reflects not only the complexity of a phenomenon that, through the reflections of some of the most sensitive subjects, can get to affect a wide and diverse audience. But also the ability to force the songs, to iron them and turn them into that same tension that can make them less pleasant formally, to get to understand and consider the real forms of representation, reflection. That to be effective enough have to take shape around the theme dealing. That said, do not expect an album inaudible. On the contrary, “The Monsanto years” is filled with rock at the Young: dense, strong, melodic, folk and acid.

Autore: Daniele Cestellini

Daniele Cestellini ha scritto 752 articoli.

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