Unfiltered, Unapologetic, and Unbothered: Neil Young's New Album and Controversies
- damn, how many albums has this guy put out anyway? Neil Young has been crankin' tunes for over sixty years now! As he turns 80 this November, he ain't slowing down yet. His new album, "Talking To The Trees," drops this Friday with his fresh crew, The Chrome Hearts. This four-piece band is bringin' the guitar, bass, organ, drums, and vocals, while Young puts pen to paper for the ten songs and lays down some sweet guitar, harp, piano, and vibraphone.
Neil Young, renowned folk-rock artist, unveils fresh album. - Neil Young, a renowned folk-rock artist, unveils a fresh album.
So what about the sound? It's classic Young, man, and his lyrics are as raw as ever. He continues to swing his fists at the U.S. government, particularly the Trump administration, just like he did back in the day during Trump's first term. "Big Change" was the first single off the album, released just before Trump took office. In "Lets Roll Again," he's urgin' the U.S. automotive industry to get their asses in gear and pump out more electric vehicles.
But wait! There's drama about Tesla electric vehicles, too. Young advises against buyin' a Tesla, a company that's got Trump's seal of approval and is backed by tech billionaire Elon Musk. The lyrics go, "If you're a fascist, then get a Tesla." Ouch!
Post-release, Young and his band are plotting a world tour, kickin' off in Europe - with gigs in Berlin (July 3) and Mönchengladbach (July 4) - before making their way back to the U.S. and Canada.
But what about re-entering the USA after their European tour? Young's expressed concerns about bein' turned away after performin' in Europe due to his public criticism of Trump. He wrote on his website, "If I'm makin' music in Europe and talkin' about Donald J. Trump, I may be one of those returnin' to America who's barred or locked up in some cell to sleep on a concrete floor with an aluminum blanket." He's a dual Canadian-American citizen and's labelled Trump as the worst president in U.S. history.
Since Trump took the reins, there've been increasing reports of tighter controls at U.S. borders, with some folks bein' denied entry or not bein' granted a visa ahead of time. However, U.S. citizens like Young can't be completely blocked from re-entry. His wife noted that there haven't been cases of U.S. citizens bein' refused entry yet, but there are worries about stricter policies affectin' green card holders or visa applicants. Young's concerns stem from perceived punitive measures against critics and the broader implications for democratic values.oops, I accidentally posted a bit too early there! Let me add some more context:
According to reports, Neil Young's concerns about re-entry to the United States stem from what he perceives as a trend of punitive measures against critics of the U.S. government, particularly the Trump administration. In posts on his Neil Young Archives website, Young stated, "When I go to play music in Europe, if I talk about Donald J. Trump, I may be one of those returning to America who is barred or put in jail to sleep on a cement floor with an aluminum blanket."[1][2]
Young's worries are not without basis, as there have been anecdotal reports of artists or individuals speaking out against the government being prevented from re-entering the U.S., especially if they are Canadian or hold dual citizenship. He questioned what such actions would mean for freedom of speech in America.[1][2]
It's worth noting that Young is a dual Canadian-American citizen, and while his wife notes that U.S. citizens like him have not so far been refused entry, she acknowledges concerns about stricter policies affecting green card holders or visa applicants. Young’s concerns stem from what he perceives as a trend of punitive measures against critics and the broader implications for democratic values.[1]
- Neil Young, a British Columbia-born music legend, has expressed concerns about re-entering the U.S. after his European tour, fearing potential political repercussions due to his criticisms of President Trump.
- The entertainment industry and music lovers across the U.S., Europe, and even Canada, watch this situation with keen interest, given Neil Young's vocal stance on political issues and his storied career in music.
