Songful Style: “Harvest Moon!”

Well, the plants that I’m going to try to winter over have been prepared…sort of. My jumbo upright elephant ear is in the garage on some kind of moving thing Nigel had. I can move it in and out of the garage if the weather gets warmer. Lately, it’s been very rainy which is welcome as our summer was so dry. We’ve even had snow. I think it’s supposed to cool off quite a bit this week. It’s Thanksgiving week here in the States. And, we all know what comes after that, right? Black Friday! But, it seems to have lost its glamour as so many retailers started their sales a few weeks ago. I’m not sure if I’m going out or not. Anyway, welcome to the last Monday in November and another edition of Songful Style! Suzy and Shelbee decided to riff (see what I did there) on Style Imitating Art only with music! Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge, Suzy of Suzy Turner, and I make up the bloggers in this group. You can find all of us on our blogs and Instagram.  Our ensembles (pun intended) may be inspired by the lyrics of a song, the artwork of the album cover, maybe the MTV video, or even a memory the song evokes. I chose this month’s song. Last time, Suzy selected “I Put a Spell on You” by Bette Midler. Oh, and there’s a link party, too!

The artist…

Neil Percival Young was born on November 12, 1945 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.  His mother, Edna Blow Ragland “Rassy” Young,  was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution though she was Canadian of American and French ancestry.  His father was Scott Alexander Young, a journalist and sportswriter.  The family moved to Omemee, Ontario shortly after his birth.  In 1951, Young contracted polio and was partially paralyzed on his left side.  He was hospitalized for a time, and following his release, the family spent the winter in Florida.  They thought the mild weather would help him recover more quickly.  He attended Faulkner Elementary School in New Smyrna Beach. One of Nigel’s friends lives there.  The family returned to Canada in 1952 where it seems they moved around for a bit.  According to legend, Young was expelled from Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute in 1959 because he rode a motorcycle down the hall of the school.  It was about this time that Young became interested in popular music. 

A little more…

Young listened to many genres of music:  rock and roll, rockabilly, doo-wop, rhythm and blues, country, and western pop (no idea what that is).  One of his many idols was Elvis!  Other musicians who inspired him were The Ventures, Cliff Richard and the Shadows, Chuck Berry, Hank Marvin, Little Richard, Fats Domino, Ronnie Self, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, and Roy Orbison.  His first instrument was a plastic ukelele.  For someone who was known for his guitar collection, it’s interesting his first instruments included banjo ukeleles and baritone ukeleles.  Now, he also plays piano and harmonica.  I have to admit I think Neil Young’s voice is an acquired taste.  It took me a bit to appreciate it though I’m not sure I really do appreciate his voice as much as his songs.  In time, Young became known as the “Godfather of Grunge” due to the way he distorted the electric guitar as he was playing it. 

Still more…

Young was in several bands over the years.  His very first “stable” band was the Squires.  I’m not quite sure how long he was in the band (at least three years) though they had a local hit called “The Sultan.”  It was during this time he met Stephen Stills.  Shortly after, he met Joni Mitchell who became a lifelong friend and collaborator.  He wrote “Sugar Mountain” at that time, and Joni wrote “The Circle Game” in response.  Young was also writing songs for others.  The Guess Who had a Canadian Top 40 hit with “Flying on the Ground is Wrong.”  Another band with which Young played was the Mynah Birds fronted by the infamous Rick James.  The group broke up when James was arrested for being AWOL from the US Navy.  Young, along with the bass player, Bruce Palmer, pawned the group’s equipment, bought a Pontiac hearse (of all things) and drove to Los Angeles.  And, yes, Young was in the US illegally during this time, but he got a green card in 1970.  He became a US citizen in 2020 and holds dual citizenship in Canada.

Even more…

In 1966, Young and Palmer met up with Stephen Stills  and Richie Furay on Sunset Boulevard, of all places!  Together with Dewey Martin, the group became Buffalo Springfield.  Their first record, Buffalo Springfield, contained the song, “For What It’s Worth” by Stills.  Rolling Stone as well as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame declared Buffalo Springfield helped create the folk rock and country rock genres.  Eventually, Palmer was arrested and deported, and the tension within the group led to the end of Buffalo Springfield.  They ended the band officially in May 1968.   The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.  Young declined to appear as he felt the whole thing was more about making money than honoring the spirit of rock and roll.  It was at this time, Young was a studio session guitarist for The Monkees!  Crazy Horse, made up of three other musicians, became Young’s backing band and played with him on and off for most of his career.  He wrote the song, “The Needle and the Damage Done” when he saw the harm done by heroin and other drug use by one of the band members as well as others.  Ironically, he would demand editing of The Last Waltz, a film by Martin Scorsese, because a large amount of cocaine could be seen on his nose!

A skosh more…

The next big band with whom Young was associated with was, of course, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.  The group, originally just Crosby, Stills & Young, had won the 1969 Best New Artist Grammy Award and invited him to join them as a sideman. But, he declined unless he’d be a full member.  Apparently, they agreed, right? Always a bit of a pain in the butt, Young refused to be filmed during the band’s performance at Woodstock!  Can you imagine?  On May 4, 1970, Young wrote “Ohio” after the Kent State massacre.  I remember that day very clearly, but it was many years before I realized this song was about that day.  Even though he was a member of CSNY, Young continued to produce solo work.  He would leave the band in 1970 but rejoin and leave a number of times over the years. 

Getting close…

Over the years, Young has had ups and downs.  He continues to produce music, direct and/or produce movies, and is heavily involved in environmental causes.  Rolling Stone has ranked him as number 34 of the “100 Greatest Artists” of the rock and roll era as well as number 30 on its list of the “250 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.” He has won two Grammy awards (and 27 nominations) as well as nine Juno Awards (and 31 nominations).  He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist in 1995.  Twenty-one of his albums and singles are certified gold or platinum in the United States.  In 2006, he was awarded the Order of Manitoba and was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2009.  He has had only one number one hit with “Heart of Gold” in 1972.  His third and last appearance on the Billboard Hot 100 chart was “Old Man” also in 1972.  You can read a pretty good interview with Neil Young here. 

Finally…

It took me a bit to appreciate Young’s music because, let’s face it, his voice is not his strong suit.  I also feel like his personality and maybe even narcissism got in the way of him becoming even more successful as a musician, not that he’s hurting!  I think he’s one of those people who often speaks first, thinks later.  He’s been guilty of some pretty reprehensible comments.  One thing I can appreciate is his commitment to the environment.  In 2008, he revealed the LincVolt, a hybrid engine in a 1959 Lincoln.  The album, Fork in the Road, was loosely based on the LincVolt project.  His tour buses also use biodiesel.  In addition, Young was a founding member of Farm Aid along with Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp in 1985.  He sits on the board for that organization still.  He and his then-wife, Pegi Young, founded the Bridge School in 1986 which is an educational organization for children with severe verbal and physical disabilities.  He has supported the school through different concerts.  Honestly, Young truly is one of those people who marches to the beat of his own drum or, in his case, guitar.  I have only scratched the surface of this complicated and irascible person, but you can read more here.  You can also search through Young’s archives here, but I think you may have to pay for that. 

The song…

What it means…

The song, ironically, was written as a tribute to Young’s second wife, Pegi. It was an ode to the longevity of their love and relationship. The harvest moon represents a time of abundance. If you look at what I’d consider the chorus, he tells her over and over he still loves her and wants to dance with her again just like they did when they were younger. I admit this song makes me tear up as I think of the years Nigel and I have been together and all we’ve been through.

The video…

I think this video is just perfect for the song. It tells a story and definitely reminds me of my youth. Dig those lamb chop sideburns! And this would have been after 1992 when the song was released! No one would accuse Neil Young of being a fashion icon!

Interesting covers…

I can’t quite make up my mind about this one. I like it best when he’s harmonizing with the woman.

I like the music better than I like the singing. But, it’s nice to hear a woman singing the lead instead of a guy. I also like the harmonica.

There are times I don’t mind Eddie Vedder’s voice. This is not one of them. But, I included it because Young did collaborate with Pearl Jam. And, I don’t blame you if you can only take a few seconds of this caterwauling!

The jury is out on this one, too. They harmonize quite nicely, but I feel like it’s missing something.

Still no Leo…

My interpretation…

My first inclination was to wear a flannel shirt and some jeans. But, then I thought of this Loft dress. The colors give me harvest vibes. One of the things I like best about the song and video is that sweeping sound you hear. In the video, it’s a broom, and I though the design looked a bit like marks a broom leaves in dust. It would also be a wonderful dress to go out dancing under the harvest mooon!

The Lewk!

I decided to “cowboy” it up a bit with my Rodeha boots. I know they don’t really show much, but the thought was there! I’m wearing several gold beaded bracelets to bring out the gold in the Stella & Dot necklace. The earrings are also by Stella & Dot. Gosh, I sure am glad my daughter sold it all those years ago! Then, I had a good friend sell it for a bit. I haven’t been to a party in over a decade so I’m not even sure if that’s how it’s sold these days.

Wrap it up, Marsha!

I honestly can’t decide if I like Neil Young or not after reading about him. I knew he had been in and out of several bands. I also knew he had left Stephen Stills in the lurch once with a cheeky note. I like that he’s an environmentalist and wants to preserve old growth forests, but does that make up for being such a curmudgeon? So, can we talk? Are you a fan of Neil Young? What do you think, honestly, of his voice? Did you know about the Bridge School? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as quickly as I can.

Thank you!

Thank you so very much for reading today’s post. I hope you enjoyed it. I also very much appreciate those of you who comment, email and/or subscribe. It’s what keeps me going! If you’d like to follow me on Instagram, you can find me here.

Affiliate links, discount codes, and such:

Just a reminder that Marsha in the Middle may use an affiliate link. Those links are usually italicized. If you click or make a purchase from an italicized link I provide, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.  My April Cornell code, MARSHA15, now works, but it’s good for only one use. You can get $15 off $100. I’d wait and use it during a really good sale! Use Marsha12 for 12% off any order of $65 or more at Buykud. I have also become a Halftee Partner. Use the code, MARSHA2098, for 20% off any purchase. I am also an affiliate with Clara Sunwoo. You can use my code, MARSHA10, for 10% off your entire order. Use MARSHA15 at Katia Designs for 15% off your order. In case you didn’t know, bloggers must disclose the use of affiliate links. That’s why I include this in each post.

Where you can find me:

Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style,  Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, Suzy Turner, and Away from the Blue as well as Deb’s World and A Fresh Cup of Coffee. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, I do deClaire, Mummabstylish, Style Splash and Elegantly Dressed and Stylish as well as the Senior Salon Pit Stop (Esme’s Salon) and Slices of Life. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I co-host Traffic Jam Weekend every Thursday with Melynda, Lisa, and Sue. I also host Final Fridays on the last Friday of the month as well as 10 on the 10th on the 10th of the month! I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties!

And, now, it’s your turn!

Please link up your favorite posts, DIY, baking, gardening, fashion…you name it…as long as it’s family friendly! Link up with me, visit a couple of others, and leave a comment or two! No worries if you don’t have a blog, just look around! You may find a new blog just waiting for you!

First Name

Last Name

List choice Marsha’s Blog

Email address:

Leave this field empty if you’re human: