Classic Rock Album Olympics · Evergreen Podcasts

After The Gold Rush by Neil Young...Episode #3

·44 min·4 clips

Music historians Gary and Robert launch their Olympic-style competition to rank songs on classic rock albums.

This episode of Classic Rock Album Olympics awards gold, silver, and bronze medals to songs from Neil Young's 1970 album *After the Gold Rush*. Hosts Gary Wenstrup and Robert Rodriguez, both music historians, apply a format originally created for Beatles albums on Rodriguez's *Something About the Beatles* podcast. They begin their expansion into non-Beatles classic rock by analyzing this Neil Young record. The album was Young's third solo release, arriving in September 1970 and peaking at number eight on the charts. It followed his work with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, whose album *Déjà Vu* was released earlier that same year. The hosts compare *After the Gold Rush* to Young's previous solo album, *Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere*, which charted at number 34. They note this album immediately preceded his commercial breakthrough, *Harvest*, from 1972. A key discussion point is the album's recording process, which utilized a makeshift studio in Young's basement. The hosts highlight the contributions of guitarist Nils Lofgren, then only 18 years old, and drummer Ralph Molina of Crazy Horse. They examine the sparse, piano-driven title track and its enigmatic, apocalyptic lyrics. The song "Southern Man" is noted for its direct social commentary and its influence on Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama." One surprising claim is that the simple, beloved "Only Love Can Break Your Heart" was reportedly written for fellow musician Graham Nash during a personal crisis. The hosts find the lo-fi production and raw vocal performances on tracks like "Oh, Lonesome Me" to be a deliberate artistic choice that enhances the album's intimacy. They argue the record's enduring legacy stems from its perfect balance of folk introspection and rock energy, capturing a specific cultural moment post-Woodstock. The tone is conversational and deeply analytical, focusing on musical craftsmanship and historical context. The style is educational but informal, driven by two experts sharing their personal evaluations. This episode would greatly appeal to Neil Young enthusiasts and fans of 1970s singer-songwriter analysis. Listeners seeking high-energy debate or full song playback might find it less engaging.

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