Neil Young

Le NoiseReprise ****

The spectre of the grim reaper lies heavily on this new album from the 64-year-old legend. Two key figures in Young’s personal and artistic life died this year, including his longtime sidekick, steel guitarist Ben Keith. The sepulchral mood is evident, as is a sense of emotional reflection, both on his own life and the state of the planet. This sense of the deeply personal is heightened by the absence of a band; the only sound is Young’s voice and guitar (albeit frequently an electric with distortion and echo). Former U2 producer Daniel Lanois sits at the mixing desk, conjuring up sonic tricks and treatments that add to the sense of gothic relief. The result is a demanding album, and the directness of Young’s approach means that there is a lot of naked emotion on show. Over the past 40 years Young has always managed to decorate a decade with a classic album.

Le Noisejust might be a contender for the noughties.

Download tracks:Love and War, Angry World, Walk With Me