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In this day of digital downloads, YouTube, and music sharing, it looks like the album (or “LP”) has followed the dinosaur’s path. Music fans simply scan websites, select their song selections, and move on to the next site before they even get a chance to listen to the song they just downloaded. This revolutionary approach to getting music replaced the days when music lovers bought an album of ten to fourteen songs by a given artist and in doing so discovered musical “gems” hidden somewhere in those tracks. “Mr. Disappointment”, from Neil Young’s 2002 release Are you passionate? is one of those buried treasures.
Canadian singer / songwriter Neil Young made his debut with Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. Since his debut as a solo artist, Young has made musical explorations in swing, electronic music, ’50s style, and grunge (to name a few.) Young’s 26th studio album Are you passionate? represents his foray into soul music with Booker T and the MG’s in addition to the group of Young Crazy Horse. While many tracks are soul inspired, the track “Mr. Disappointment” is released as a Neil Young classic.
“Mr. Disappointment” opens with Bob Dylan’s slow 2/4 ala tempo on his recent work (ie “Mississippi”, “Shooting Star”.) This rhythmic and groove “pocket” is the perfect canvas for the mellow, grunge of Neil. an inspired electric guitar intro that we’ll learn later is the song’s chorus melody. But what’s really captivating is Young’s vocal approach. Again, this is very reminiscent of the recent Dylan as the song’s verses are mostly spoken rather than sung. The opening line sets the mood and tone of the song: “Where have all the feelings gone? And that cheerful glow? Was it so long ago, when we were in love? I didn’t feel the change, everything was still the same. And when that time came, I didn’t know. “
In the chorus, Young switches from the delivered speech to his high, nasal, tenorist voice and sings sadly, “I’d like to shake your hand, disappointment. Looks like you win again, but this time could be the last …. “
The song oscillates between verse and chorus juxtaposing the spoken word to Young’s vocals and between heart-breaking guitar riffs to Les Paul tones. His guitar solo three quarters of the time the piece opens is as beautiful as any solo Young has ever played.
From a songwriter’s perspective, Neil Young’s “Mr. Disappointment” is among the most compelling and honest songs in Young’s catalog. However, it is Young’s interpretation of the tune that makes it completely unforgettable. Surf to your favorite music website and find out. But bring the Kleenex.
