Collectors Music Reviews

Roxy Late Night (Stringman SR-001)

Roxy Theater, Los Angeles, CA – September 20th, 1973 (late show)

(58:07):  Tonight’s The Night, Mellow My Mind, World On A String, Speakin’ Out, Albuquerque, New Mama, Roll Another Number, Tired Eyes, Tonight’s The Night, Cowgirl In The Sand

The latter half of 1973 starts one of the more interesting periods of Neil Young’s career.  The tour with The Santa Monica  Flyers comes after recording Tonight’s The Night, dealing with deep personal loss and responsibility.

Roxy Late Night is the debut release on the CDR label Stringman with about an hour of the late show on September 20th in Los Angeles.  The sound is just about listenable, but never enjoyable.  It exists as a good document from an intriguing period.  It’s also the live debuts of “Tonight’s The Night” and other material from the album. 

The crowd is a little talkative. However, at times it adds to the whole feel of the show.  Their comments serve to give context to the proceedings, saying things like ”He’s got a BIG bottle of Scotch sitting up there.”

The performance is ragged and sloppy but sincere, which is what is important for Young. 

Roxy Late Night is packaged in a single jewel case for the silk printed CDR.  The inserts have several blurry and unattractive photographs from the era, perhaps corresponding to the recording and concert. 

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