Music Review: Neil Young + Promise of the Real - Paradox

Neil wears many hats–including that of filmmaker. His latest project, a western, sees the 72-year-old Canadian rocker join forces with his romantic partner Daryl Hannah (Splash, Kill Bill), who wrote and directed the movie. Available on Netflix and centred around a group of outlaws hiding out in the mountains, Paradox stars Neil, fellow music legend Willie Nelson, and Willie’s sons, Lukas and Micah, who are members of Neil’s backing band Promise of the Real. The movie’s soundtrack features Neil’s solo score together with solo and band performances. There are campfire-style renditions of blues songs like Jimmy Reed’s “Baby What You Want Me to Do” and Lead Belly’s “How Long,” as well as a cover of Willie’s “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground.” But the highlights are Neil’s own “Pocahontas,” played on a pump organ, a 10-minute jam of “Cowgirl in the Sand” and “Peace Trail,” performed with Promise of the Real. It’s all gloriously ragged—just like Neil’s best work.