Album of the Week: Harvest

by: Kitty White

Are You Ready for the Country?

I feel like the only person sometimes that doesn’t love fall. I hate the cool weather and the trees losing their leaves, and basically everything that comes with the season. Pretty much the only thing I like about fall is that there’s some great music that fits well with the feelings of the season. One of the most iconic autumnal albums in my opinion is Neil Young’s Harvest.  Once the leaves start changing it’s time to break out Uncle Neil to make myself feel better about the inevitable cold that will be my life for the next few months. Harvest is perfect though for the mellow mood that I’m always in during the fall. Harmonicas and the changing color of the leaves just go hand in hand. I think the contrast of Neil Young’s classic folksy sound and the instrumentals of the London Symphony Orchestra really show the contrast of how fall can be as well. Sometimes it’s nice and sweet, and perfect for going on a walk around town. Other times it’s heavy and cold and takes your breath away. It’s really no wonder why Harvest was the best selling album of 1972 in the US. It has such a rich and fulfilling sound to it that everyone can relate to.

 I don’t think anyone can truly hate the chart topping ‘Heart of Gold’ and the emotions that spill from Neil’s lyrics and the lamenting sounds of his harmonica.  As with all his music, Neil Young’s songwriting is top of the line on the entire album. My personal favorite is ‘The Needle And The Damage Done’ which was recorded live.  There is such a raw power behind it and Neil Young’s personal feelings on the lives he has seen taken around him by heroin. It just takes my heart and rips it out through my chest. Absolutely beautiful is all I can say. The whole album though is as beautiful as the changing leaves on the trees. The dynamics Neil brings are spot on and he is on the top of his game with Harvest.


As the nights (and days) slowly descend into my personal frozen hell, I know I can turn to Neil Young and Harvest to help comfort me through these dreadful seasons of fall and winter.