I've known a few painters in my life. And it seems there is a range of kinds: the two extremes being the painters in, say, Malkmus' world and, the other, the ones in Neil Young's world. I've known both, but this song is about who my heart is currently with: the latter kind. They have humility and pride, the best kinds of each, honesty, and I love them, suddenly, and in bursts. And you will love the painter in this song too, for sure, because trying to ignore Young's own infectious love for them (I think "her") is like trying to ignore someone who's hugging you.
Neil Young - "Man Needs a Maid (feat. the London Symphony Orchestra)"
Sometimes it's time. Tossing out a picture.
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Posted by Dan at December 7, 2005 3:33 AMAmong my claims to what-should-have-been-fame is laboring over a punk/power-chords version of A Man Needs a Maid, in a band which included a bass player who couldn't really play. It never really worked except on its only live outing...
The MP3s are locked in a safe vault.
You can tell, just by the tension and the peace in his voice, that he is in love and full of tenderness ...
Posted by garrincha at December 7, 2005 8:21 AMThese songs are beautiful. Thank you.
Posted by Caroline at December 8, 2005 11:34 AMMy guess is that the painter in question is Joni Mitchell.
Posted by Scott Bateman at December 8, 2005 9:01 PM'tossing out a picture' is the best description of neil young's music that i've ever encountered. coming and going, the loss inherent in moving forward. sums it all up.
Posted by quinn at December 8, 2005 9:37 PMDo you guys honestly like A Man Needs A Maid? That's got to be up there among songs that ruin otherwise perfect records, no?
This version is okay, but still...
Posted by Lucas Jensen at December 9, 2005 5:05 PMNeil Young's new album is absolutely amazing... for anyone who loved Harvest, check it out. 'The Painter' is only the tip of the iceberg.
Posted by A Soundtrack for Everyone at December 10, 2005 9:13 AMWhen I expressed my love for 'A Man Needs A Maid', a friend told me that people who like that cut don't really like Neil Young.
I don't know about that. I know it's out of place within his overall catalogue, but there's something really appealing about the out-of-placeness of Neil's twangy little voice among the sweeping string arrangements. It's like sticking a Borduas in a hulking baroque frame.
Posted by optimus at December 16, 2005 11:21 AM
and it will begin playing. All songs are also available to download: just right-click the link and choose 'Save as...'
