Randy California – Kapt. Kopter And The (Fabulous) Twirly Birds

This record finds Neil at a crossroads musically somewhere between country, rock and blues. While the title suggests summer breezy, On The Beach finds Neil in a more cynical mood, playing in a more hard edge fashion with stark tones reflecting what was going on at the time. Loneliness and confusion seem to to be his themes here, full of injured serenity and a sense of letting-go throughout the slowed-down pump of the oceanic music in its grooves. Layering sounds onto his vision with intuitive ease, these songs resonate with time in what has become a favorite amongst Young’s fans. The record has a feeling of uncertain acceptance and in and of itself a journey to the center of its own meaning. In other words classic Neil Young.
– Michael Friedman
Recommended – B1 On The Beach, B2 Motion Pictures
A1 Walk On
A2 See The Sky About To Rain
A3 Revolution Blues
A4 For The Turnstiles
A5 Vampire Blues
B1 On The Beach
B2 Motion Pictures
B3 Ambulance Blues
Vocals, Guitar, Banjo, Tamborine – Neil Young
Slide Guitar, Vocals – Ben Keith
Slide guitar – Rusty Kershaw
Rhythm Guitar – David Crosby
Guitar – George Whitsell
Wurlitzer Electric Piano – Graham Nash
Bass – Tim Drummond
Bass – Billy Talbot
Bass- Rick Danko
Drums and Vocal – Ralph Molina
Drums – Levon Helm