(July 2016) I have completed episode 90 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to an artist’s full discography. This edition: NEIL YOUNG. Always a huge fan, this review deepened my appreciation. Restlessly prolific (36 studio albums in 46 years), he has ranged from noise rock, folk, country, rockabilly, blues and synth pop. The one constant is that he always pursued what he wanted, not afraid to stick it to the record companies, big corporations and politicians. While there are plenty of forgettable releases, I find him at his best when he is quiet and intimate (Sugar Mountain, Comes a Time, Silver and Gold) or loud and gritty (Cinnamon Girl, Rust Never Sleeps, Greendale).

Favorite album: Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere

Favorite song: Down By the River

Favorite period: 1969-75

Worst period: 1980-88

Worst album: Trans

Goes best with: Crazy Horse

Compared to expectations: ↑

(April 2016) I have completed episode 82 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to a band’s complete discography. This edition: THE BYRDS. Very influential, first in the development of folk rock and jangle rock (want proof? listen to Revolver), and later in country rock (and on into the California Sound of the 1970s). Amazingly, they put out 12 albums in 8 years.

Favorite album: Mr. Tambourine Man

Favorite song: I’ll Feel a Whole Lot Better

Worst Album (and title): Byrdmaniax

Compared to expectations:  same

(March 2016) I have completed phase 79 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to a band’s complete discography. This edition: BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD. More than a launching pad for Neil Young and Stephen Stills, Buffalo Springfield made an indelible contribution to the explosion of music in the mid-1960s.

Favorite album: Buffalo Springfield Again
Favorite song: Mr. Soul .

Special sauce: Neil Young

Compared to expectations:  same