Reuters - On 2003's concept album/performance
art project "Greendale," Neil Young proved (even after 30-odd
studio albums) he could still surprise. Sadly, the same can't
be said for "Prairie Wind," on which the artist rolls out the
plain-spoken acoustic routine he first unveiled on 1992's
delightful "Harvest Moon" and revisited on 2000's "Silver &
Gold." The similarities to the former are numerous here in
chord and lyric. The strumming of "This Old Guitar" exactly
matches that of the "Harvest Moon" title track, while the
pensive sentiment of "Falling Off the Face of the Earth" calls
to mind the syrupy, slightly repentant tone of "One of These
Days." Even his Elvis homage, "He Was the King," has its
antecedent in his deceased-pet tribute, "Old King," both
lowlights of their respective albums. Still, Young's shaky
voice remains endearing, particularly on pleasant opener "The
Painter." Familiar, yes, but not unwelcome.{br}{br}View the Entire Article{br}{br}Click Here to Launch in a new Window