Zuma
IfEverybody Knows This Is NowhereandRagged Gloryare the two finest studio albums Neil Young recorded withCrazy Horse,Zumacertainly qualifies as a close third. Recorded in 1975,Zumaexudes both a sense of focus and a tentative optimism, two qualities that were completely MIA from the bleakTime Fades Away/Tonight's the Night/On the Beachtrilogy that preceded it. "Barstool Blues," "Don't Cry No Tears," and "Drive Back" are terse, punchy rockers, while "Danger Bird" and "Cortez the Killer" are extended guitar workouts in the grand Crazy Horse tradition. And the two acoustic entries--"Pardon My Heart" and "Through My Sails" (the latter was recorded withCrosby, Stills & Nash)--are absolutely gorgeous. Ignore the crappy cover art, and treat yourself to one of Young's most underrated records.--Dan Epstein