- 1977 French Release on REPRISE Records
This release is for the French market of"American Stars 'n Bars" is the eighth studio album by Canadian musician Neil Young, released in 1977. The album included "Like a Hurricane", one of Young's best-known songs. The album was produced by Neil Young and David Briggs with Tim Mulligan ("Star of Bethlehem" was produced by Elliot Mazer).
It was 1977, a time when the hangover from the 60s was in full swing and the musical landscape was shifting beneath everyone's feet. Punk was snarling in the alleyways, disco was strutting in the clubs, and Neil Young was... well, Neil Young was being Neil Young. Which is to say, he was zigging when everyone else was zagging, releasing the sprawling, schizophrenic "American Stars 'N Bars," an album that was as much a statement of defiance as it was a collection of songs.
"American Stars 'N Bars" is a patchwork quilt of Americana, stitched together from disparate sessions spanning several years. It's country, it's rock, it's folk, it's even a little bit funky at times. It's a testament to Young's restless spirit and his refusal to be pigeonholed.
Side One kicks off with the mournful fiddle and pedal steel of "The Old Country Waltz," a song that sounds like it was beamed in straight from the Grand Ole Opry. It's followed by the jaunty "Saddle Up The Palomino," a co-write with Bobby Charles that showcases Young's love of roots music. Then comes "Hey Babe," a tender ballad that features some of Young's most heartfelt vocals. The side closes with two contrasting tracks: the melancholic "Hold Back The Tears" and the raucous, Crazy Horse-backed "Bite The Bullet."
Side Two is where things get really interesting. "Star of Bethlehem," a leftover from the abandoned "Homegrown" sessions, is a gorgeous acoustic ballad that shimmers with melancholy beauty. "Will To Love," meanwhile, is a sprawling, eight-minute epic that veers from delicate fingerpicking to full-on electric guitar freakouts. It's a testament to Young's willingness to experiment and push boundaries. The album closes with two classics: the anthemic "Like a Hurricane," which features one of Young's most iconic guitar solos, and the gentle, nostalgic "Homegrown."
"American Stars 'N Bars" was recorded at a variety of studios, including Young's own Broken Arrow Ranch and the legendary Village Recorders in Los Angeles. The production team, led by Young himself and longtime collaborator David Briggs, captured the raw energy of Young's performances while also adding subtle touches of studio magic.
The album was met with mixed reviews upon its release. Some critics praised its eclecticism and its raw emotional power, while others dismissed it as a messy hodgepodge. It's true that "American Stars 'N Bars" is not a cohesive album in the traditional sense. But that's precisely what makes it so fascinating. It's a snapshot of an artist in a state of constant flux, refusing to be bound by genre conventions or commercial expectations.
In the years since its release, "American Stars 'N Bars" has become a cult favorite among Neil Young fans. It's an album that rewards repeated listens, revealing new layers of meaning and beauty with each spin. It's a testament to the enduring power of Neil Young's music, and a reminder that even his most flawed albums are still worth exploring.
Music Genre: American Folk Country Rock |
Album Production Information: The album: "NEIL YOUNG - American Stars & Bars" was produced by: eil Young & David Briggs with Tim Mulligan, Elliot Mazer Sound/Recording Engineer(s): This album was recorded at: 13 December 1974 - 4 April , 1977 Quadrafonic, Nashville; Wally Heider Studios, Hollywood, California; Broken Arrow Ranch, Redwood City, California; Indigo Recording Studio, Malibu Album cover design: Dean Stockwell The album cover was designed by a friend of Young's, actor Dean Stockwell, and features Connie Moskos keeled over with a bottle of Canadian whisky in her hand and an intoxicated Young with his face pressed against the glass floor. |
Record Label & Catalognr: Reprise Records 54 088 |
Album Packaging: This album "NEIL YOUNG - American Stars & Bars" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and artwork/photos |
Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: 1977 Made in France |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: NEIL YOUNG - American Stars & Bars |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "NEIL YOUNG - American Stars & Bars" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "NEIL YOUNG - American Stars & Bars" is:
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Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone )
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Yellow Colour REPRISE Records No 54 088 Record Label Details: SACEM ℗ 1977 Warner Bros Records
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Trans 12" Vinyl LP