NEIL YOUNG 
Silver And Gold (Reprise)
Rating: 5 out of 7
By Michael Lipton

   Three years and a few incarnations in the making, Neil Young's latest recalls the simple, wistful moments of his career (notably his two Harvest releases)--a dramatic contrast to records like Trans, Weld, and Arc--that have also made for some of his most successful releases. 
   What was originally intended as a solo acoustic record grew to include intimate acoustic arrangements with help from vets Jim Keltner, Donald "Duck" Dunn, and Spooner Oldham. In particular, Young's voice sounds more relaxed and fluid than usual, giving tunes like the sentimental "Daddy Went Walkin'" and "Without Rings" a natural ebb and flow and a comforting resolve. 
   While age is almost certain to temper your perspective--"Buffalo Springfield Again" offers a much more congenial take on the breakup of Young's old band, going as far as saying, "I'd like to see those guys again and give it a shot/Maybe now we can show the world what we got." 
   "The Great Divide" is destined to become one of those Neil Young classics, and "Red Sun" (with vocal assists from Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt) isn't far behind. 

All recordings courtesy of Reprise Records. All songs written by N. Young; courtesy of Silver Fiddle Music (ASCAP).