Neil Young's output during the lion s share of the 1980s was patchy at best. Dubbed the experimental years , Young left Reprise in 1982 and signed with Geffen. While still performing dynamic concerts across this period, his albums were largely less than rewarding, and many fans wondered if he d lost the old magic. But in mid-88, Young switched back to his old label. He continued to tour relentlessly, and assembling a new blues band called The Bluenotes with the addition of a brass section which provided a new jazzier sound, the title track of 1988's This Note's For You became Young's first hit single of the decade.

His 1989 single, Rockin' in the Free World, which hit No. 2 on the US mainstream-rock charts, and its accompanying album, Freedom, rocketed him back into popular consciousness after a decade of often-difficult genre experiments. The album's lyrics were overtly political; Rockin' in the Free World deals with homelessness, terrorism, and environmental degradation, implicitly criticizing government policies. Released in early October 89,

Young continued touring in the US until late November, then re-directed to Europe where he played some of the finest Freedom Tour shows of all. On December 8th, he performed at the Grosse Freiheit 36, music venue in Hamburg, for a gig that was recorded by local FM Radio for live transmission across Germany, and which was synched across a number of FM Stations in the U.S. too. Still often claimed to be his best concert of the entire 1980s.

Tracklist:

Side A:
1. My My, Hey Hey (Out Of The Blue)
2. Rocking In The Free World
3. Old Laughing Lady
4. Don’t Let It Bring You Down

Side B:
1. Someday
2. Crime In The City
3. Eldorado

Side C:
1. Too Far Gone
2. This Note’s For You
3. The Needle And The Damage Done
4. No More
5. Fuckin’ Up

Side D:
1. After The Gold Rush
2. Ohio
3. Rocking In The Free World
4. Powderfinger