Rusties
Live In Germany

I usually don’t appreciate cover bands that much, but sometimes you need to make an exception.

This is the case for the Bergamo-based Rusties, a band that has been active for eight years, dedicated to the vast repertoire of Neil Young. Now, besides their regular and fervent concert activity, they are also invited to some of the most important European festivals, including the prestigious German "Orange Blossom Festival" held every year in the town of Beverungen and broadcast on Europe's major music networks as part of the "Rockpalast" series. They participated in 2006 alongside some of the best names in American "roots-rock," including Steve Wynn, Walkabouts, Broken Social Scene, and several others, and they took the opportunity to release this CD, their first live album of their career.

For those who are unaware, the Rusties comprise Marco Grompi (a highly esteemed music critic for "Jam," "Buscadero," "Tribe" and other publications, as well as the author of numerous rock books, including the complete anthology of Neil Young with translations of all lyrics), who does an excellent job as the group's Neil Young, providing vocals and guitar, Osvaldo Arenghi (also an actor and comedian alongside Enzo Jannacci), who assumes the role of Frank "Poncho" Sampedro, Dario Filippi, a great bassist, who plays Billy Talbot, and Paolo Guerini who plays Ralph Molina. This shows that the symbiosis between the Rusties and Neil Young & Crazy Horse is significant, and their concerts' technical, passionate, and philological level borders on perfection.

It’s needless to say that all the tracks on this CD are performed in warm and heartfelt versions. The album's highlights include the abrasive versions of "Love To Burn," "Southern Man," "Love And Only Love," and "Rockin' In The Free World," but also a particularly fitting "Ohio" (also featured on the official event DVD), and MOST ESPECIALLY in an epic and majestic "Cortez The Killer." Every minute of this album is nothing less than compelling.

If you're a fan of the great Canadian's music and the Rusties happen to be near you, you absolutely shouldn't miss them. Go listen to them, and they will leave an impression. Well done!