If you were to put me on the spot and ask me what my favourite Neil Young song was I would probably plump for Cortez the Killer although it would be closely followed by Powerfinger.
The original from the 1974 album Zuma is a fairly gentle affair. The same, however, cannot be said about the live version om 1991's Weld
However for me the definitive version is from another live album 1979's Live Rust. Unfortunately that one is not on the shelves at the moment something that I really need to rectify. I used to have it on cassette. There is a story there which I will save for when I get round to re-acquiring it.
Interestingly on Weld Cortez is followed by Powderfinger whereas on Live Rust it is the other way round. Two songs that were clearly meant to be together in whatever order.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse - Cortez the Killer (Zuma)
Neil Young & Crazy Horse -Cortez the Killer (Weld)
With you on Cortez as number one, although I prefer the Zuma version myself - but then I'm not a notorious wild man of rock 'n roll like you
ReplyDeleteNoted
Delete"Powderfinger" is my favourite NY track, but "Cortez the Killer" (from Zuma) would be up there with it and I'd have "Out on the Weekend" close behind.
ReplyDeleteOh - and the live version of "Rockin' In The Free World" he did the night I saw him at Aberdeen Conference and Exhibition Centre - that was epic.
ReplyDeleteWas that the tour with Booker T & the MGs as his backing band? If so I was at the Glasgow gig
DeleteYoung backed by Booker T & the MGs!?!?!?’ Wow!
DeleteJuly 1993 Brian - I've forwarded you proof!
DeleteBoth Cortez and Powderfinger would make my top 10 of NY songs. Love both versions here but Zuma edges it.
ReplyDeleteOdd isn't it, neither Cortez nor Powderfinger would be in my top 10 NY songs. Vive la difference!
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