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| venue =
| venue =
| studio = Teatro theater, [[Oxnard, California]], United States
| studio = Teatro theater, [[Oxnard, California]], United States
| genre = [[rock music|Rock]]
| genre = Rock
| length = {{Duration|m=50|s=54}}
| length = {{Duration|m=50|s=54}}
| language = English
| language = English
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'''''The Monsanto Years''''' is a studio album by Canadian singer-songwriter [[Neil Young]] and American rock group [[Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real|Promise of the Real]], released on June 29, 2015 on [[Reprise Records]]. A [[concept album]] criticizing the agribusiness [[Monsanto]],<ref name="allmusic.com" /> it is Young's thirty-fifth studio album and the third by Promise of the Real. The group is fronted by [[Willie Nelson]]'s son [[Lukas Nelson|Lukas]], and the album also features Lukas' brother [[Micah Nelson|Micah]].<ref name="rsbehind" />
'''''The Monsanto Years''''' is a studio album by Canadian singer-songwriter [[Neil Young]] and the American rock group [[Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real|Promise of the Real]], released on June 29, 2015 on [[Reprise Records]]. A [[concept album]] which criticizes the [[agribusiness]] company [[Monsanto]],<ref name="allmusic.com" /> it is Young's thirty-fifth studio album and the third by Promise of the Real. The album is the first collaboration between Young and Promise of the Real. The group is fronted by [[Lukas Nelson]] and features his brother [[Micah Nelson|Micah]], both sons of [[Willie Nelson]].<ref name="rsbehind" />


The album was produced by both Young and [[John Hanlon (record producer)|John Hanlon]], and is accompanied by a film documenting the recording process.
The album was produced by both Young and [[John Hanlon (record producer)|John Hanlon]], and is accompanied by a film documenting the recording process.


==Background==
⚫
==Recording and release==
Young had a long-time friendship with [[Willie Nelson]] and his sons, [[Lukas Nelson|Lukas]] and [[Micah Nelson|Micah]] and jammed with Lukas' bandmates in [[Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real]] after 2014's [[Farm Aid]].<ref name="rsbehind" /> Recording for this album began the following January. Young announced that he was recording an album with the band—including non-member Micah—at a converted movie theater Teatro in Oxnard, California, the site where Willie Nelson's [[Teatro (Willie Nelson album)|''Teatro'']] album was recorded.<ref name="rsannounce" /> Young sent a [[Compact Disc|CD]] to his collaborators with [[demo (music)|demos]] to allow them to learn some of the new songs before arriving to perform together on the new compositions.<ref name="rsbehind" />
Young had a long-time friendship with [[Willie Nelson]] and his sons, [[Lukas Nelson|Lukas]] and [[Micah Nelson|Micah]], and jammed with Lukas' bandmates in [[Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real]] after 2014's [[Farm Aid]].<ref name="rsbehind" /> Micah reflects on their relationship with Young: "Neil doesn't want us to hold back musically, and we all were quickly absorbed into the fold with him. We look up to him with respect, but he never treated us like we were younger, he treats us as equals. He's now our homie and he doesn’t act like he's 71."<ref name="guitar" />

==Writing==
Songs on the album reflect Young's dissatisfaction with [[Genetically modified organism]]s, or GMOs, and the lack of requirements that GMO sourced foods be labelled as such.<ref name="rsmyths" /> The song "[[A Rock Star Bucks a Coffee Shop]]" reflects Young's unhappiness at Starbucks' efforts to prevent a Vermont referendum from taking effect that would have required the labeling of GMO sourced food products.

The song "People Want to Hear About Love" reflect Young's challenges in balancing his competing desires to sing about social issues but also express more personal, emotional topics in his songs.<ref name="npr" /> He explained to [[Marc Maron]]: {{blockquote|"The song started from... I was playing a lot of songs about anti-corporate songs and all these things, and somebody just, I got the message, people want to hear about love, that's what they want to hear. I'm going, 'Well, I don't give a, I don't care. I've sang about love already. "Only Love Can Break Your Heart". I sang about many aspects of love.' Just quite recently I did an album called ''[[Storytone]]'' that's all about love. That was only a couple albums ago. I'm going, 'Does this mean that I can only do 'that'? And I can't talk about things like the dangers of different things and incongruous things that are happening. Pollution, corruption, corporate government.' Those things, I think they're interesting."<ref name="wtf" />}}

⚫
==Recording==
Recording for the album began January 2015. Young announced that he was recording an album with the band—including non-member Micah—at a converted movie theater Teatro in Oxnard, California, the site where Willie Nelson's [[Teatro (Willie Nelson album)|''Teatro'']] album was recorded.<ref name="rsannounce" /> Young sent a CD to his collaborators with [[demo (music)|demos]] to allow them to learn some of the new songs before arriving to perform together on the new compositions.<ref name="rsbehind" />


The recording was filmed by Don Hannah alongside live rehearsals in April 2015 for a film also entitled ''The Monsanto Years''.<ref name="rsbehind" />
The recording was filmed by Don Hannah alongside live rehearsals in April 2015 for a film also entitled ''The Monsanto Years''.<ref name="rsbehind" />
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==Reception==
==Reception==
{{Album ratings
{{Album ratings
| MC = 60/100<ref name="iNqjn" />
| MC = 60/100<ref name="mc" />
|rev1=''[[The A.V. Club]]''
|rev1=''[[The A.V. Club]]''
|rev1Score=C<ref name="avclubrev" />
|rev1Score=C<ref name="avclubrev" />
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|rev2Score={{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="theguardian.com" />
|rev2Score={{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="theguardian.com" />
|rev3=''[[Rolling Stone]]''
|rev3=''[[Rolling Stone]]''
|rev3Score={{Rating|3|5}}<ref name="0RTkM" />
|rev3Score={{Rating|3|5}}<ref name="rs" />
|rev4=[[Stuff.co.nz]]
|rev4=[[Stuff.co.nz]]
|rev4Score={{Rating|4|4}}<ref name="stuff1" />
|rev4Score={{Rating|4|4}}<ref name="stuff1" />
|rev5 = ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]''
|rev5Score = 5.2/10<ref name="pitchfork" />
}}
}}


===Critical===
===Critical===
In a highly positive review, ''[[The Guardian]]'''s Jon Dennis gave the album five stars out of five. Praising the contributions of [[Promise of the Real]], Dennis wrote: [The band] sound not unlike [[Crazy Horse (band)|Crazy Horse]], and supply all the big riffs, crashing major chords and harmonies that have characterised Young’s best records for five decades."<ref name="theguardian.com" /> Zach Schonfeld of ''[[The A.V. Club]]'' gave the album a "C" rating, opining that the concept of the album and its execution were "underproduced, underwritten, and not likely to take up more than a few months (if not weeks or days) of Young's promotional energies before he moves to the next thing" but with some highlights among the harder rock songs.<ref name="avclubrev" /> Thomas Erlewine of [[AllMusic|Allmusic.com]] gave the album 3,5 stars out of 5 claiming that: "Young uses his sturdy footing to lash out at what he perceives as destructive forces -- to our dinner tables and social fabric -- and if the individual message may wind up fading like yesterday's newspapers, the music will keep The Monsanto Years burning bright".<ref name="allmusic.com" />
In a highly positive review, ''[[The Guardian]]'''s Jon Dennis gave the album five stars out of five. Praising the contributions of [[Promise of the Real]], Dennis wrote: [The band] sound not unlike [[Crazy Horse (band)|Crazy Horse]], and supply all the big riffs, crashing major chords and harmonies that have characterised Young's best records for five decades."<ref name="theguardian.com" /> Zach Schonfeld of ''[[The A.V. Club]]'' gave the album a "C" rating, opining that the concept of the album and its execution were "underproduced, underwritten, and not likely to take up more than a few months (if not weeks or days) of Young's promotional energies before he moves to the next thing" but with some highlights among the harder rock songs.<ref name="avclubrev" /> Thomas Erlewine of [[AllMusic]].com gave the album 3.5 stars out of 5 claiming that: "Young uses his sturdy footing to lash out at what he perceives as destructive forces – to our dinner tables and social fabric – and if the individual message may wind up fading like yesterday's newspapers, the music will keep The Monsanto Years burning bright".<ref name="allmusic.com" /> An [[Associated Press]] review of the album argued that Young's criticisms of corporate greed descend into preachiness, saying Young's anger is "so real that it could be tasted, but there is something discomfiting about Young positioning himself as an all-knowing seer, putting people down for wanting simpler, cheerier songs."<ref name="dp" />


''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' solicited the opinions of corporations criticized on the album, including Monsanto, whose representative said: "Many of us at Monsanto have been and are fans of Neil Young. Unfortunately, for some of us, his current album may fail to reflect our strong beliefs in what we do every day to help make agriculture more sustainable. We recognize there is a lot of misinformation about who we are and what we do—and unfortunately several of those myths seem to be captured in these lyrics."<ref name="billboardcorp" /> Notably all the corporations mentioned in album lyrics except for [[Chevron Corporation|Chevron]] provided their responses for the request to comment on the album songs. Reacting to the "Big Box" track [[Walmart]] said: "As you might have seen recently, Walmart raised its lowest starting wage to $9 an hour. We’re proud of the opportunity we provide people to build a career and have a chance at a better life." while [[Starbucks]] commented on the "A Rock Star Bucks a Coffee Shop" track: "Starbucks has not taken a position on the issue of GMO [genetically modified organism] labeling. As a company with stores and a product presence in every state, we prefer a national solution."<ref name="I647m" /> An [[Associated Press]] review of the album argued that Young's criticisms of corporate greed descend into preachiness, saying Young's anger is "so real that it could be tasted, but there is something discomfiting about Young positioning himself as an all-knowing seer, putting people down for wanting simpler, cheerier songs."<ref name="kvJAQ" />
''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' solicited the opinions of corporations criticized on the album, including Monsanto, whose representative said: "Many of us at Monsanto have been and are fans of Neil Young. Unfortunately, for some of us, his current album may fail to reflect our strong beliefs in what we do every day to help make agriculture more sustainable. We recognize there is a lot of misinformation about who we are and what we do—and unfortunately several of those myths seem to be captured in these lyrics."<ref name="billboardcorp" /> Notably all the corporations mentioned in album lyrics except for [[Chevron Corporation|Chevron]] provided their responses for the request to comment on the album songs. Reacting to the "Big Box" track [[Walmart]] said: "As you might have seen recently, Walmart raised its lowest starting wage to $9 an hour. We’re proud of the opportunity we provide people to build a career and have a chance at a better life." [[Starbucks]] commented on "A Rock Star Bucks a Coffee Shop" track: "Starbucks has not taken a position on the issue of GMO [genetically modified organism] labeling. As a company with stores and a product presence in every state, we prefer a national solution."<ref name="bb" />


===Commercial===
===Commercial===
The album debuted at No. 21 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] albums chart on its first week of release,<ref name="ScQvK" /> selling around 98,000 copies in the United States in its first week. It also debuted at No. 4 on ''Billboard'''s [[Rock Albums]] chart.<ref name="cXM85" /> and No. 2 on the [[Folk Albums]] chart.<ref name="ohYU7" /> As of June 2016, the album has sold 350,000 copies in the US.<ref name="2QJ7W" />
The album debuted at No. 21 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] albums chart on its first week of release,<ref name="bb200" /> selling around 18,000 copies in the United States in its first week. It also debuted at No. 4 on ''Billboard'''s [[Rock Albums]] chart.<ref name="bbrock" /> and No. 2 on the [[Folk Albums]] chart.<ref name="bbfolk" /> As of June 2016, the album has sold 41,000 copies in the US.<ref name="chartuk" />


===Monsanto===
===Monsanto===
Criticism of the company lead Monsanto to hire a private investigator to track Young and attempt to discredit him.<ref name="guardian" />
Criticism of the company led Monsanto to investigate Young and write an internal memo on his social media activity and music.<ref name="guardian" />


==Track listing==
==Track listing==
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| length4 = 8:17
| length4 = 8:17


| title5 = [[A Rock Star Bucks A Coffee Shop|A Rock Star Bucks a Coffee Shop]]
| title5 = [[A Rock Star Bucks A Coffee Shop]]
| note5 =
| note5 =
| length5 = 5:00
| length5 = 5:00
Line 117: Line 127:


==Personnel==
==Personnel==
*[[Neil Young]]&nbsp;– [[Singing|vocals]], [[guitar]], [[Record producer|production]], cover design
* [[Neil Young]]&nbsp;– vocals, guitar, production
⚫
* [[Lukas Nelson]]&nbsp;– guitar, backing vocals
⚫
*Anthony Logerfo&nbsp;– [[Drum kit|drums]], cover design
*Corey McCormick&nbsp;– [[bass guitar]], [[Backing vocalist|backing vocals]], cover design
* [[Micah Nelson]]&nbsp;– electric guitar, electric [[charango]], backing vocals
* Corey McCormick&nbsp;– bass guitar, backing vocals
*Tato Melgar&nbsp;– [[Percussion instrument|percussion]], cover design
* Tato Melgar&nbsp;– percussion
⚫
*[[Lukas Nelson]]&nbsp;– guitar, backing vocals, cover design
⚫
* Anthony Logerfo&nbsp;– drums
*[[Micah Nelson]]&nbsp;– electric guitar, electric [[charango]], backing vocals, cover painting, DVD label art, cover design


;Technical personnel
'''Technical personnel'''
*Johnnie Burik&nbsp;– [[Audio engineering (recorded music)|assistant engineering]]
* Johnnie Burik&nbsp;– [[Audio engineering (recorded music)|assistant engineering]]
*Alberto Hernandez&nbsp;– assistant engineering
* Alberto Hernandez&nbsp;– assistant engineering
*[[John Hanlon (record producer)|John Hanlon]]&nbsp;– production, engineering
* [[John Hanlon (record producer)|John Hanlon]]&nbsp;– production, engineering
*John Hausmann&nbsp;– stage and monitor engineering
* John Hausmann&nbsp;– stage and monitor engineering
*Chris Kasych&nbsp;– stage and monitor engineering
* Chris Kasych&nbsp;– stage and monitor engineering
*Keith "Moby" Lanoux&nbsp;– guitar tech
* Keith "Moby" Lanoux&nbsp;– guitar tech
*[[Bob Ludwig]]&nbsp;– [[Audio mastering|mastering]]
* [[Bob Ludwig]]&nbsp;– [[Audio mastering|mastering]]
*Jeff Pinn&nbsp;– engineering
* Jeff Pinn&nbsp;– engineering
*Jimmy Sloan&nbsp;– assistant engineering, production coordination
* Jimmy Sloan&nbsp;– assistant engineering, production coordination


;Artwork
'''Artwork'''
* Neil Young, Lukas Nelson, Corey McCormick, Tato Melgar, Anthony Logerfo&nbsp;– cover design
*Gary Burden&nbsp;– art direction
*[[Howard Chandler Christy]]&nbsp;– booklet painting
* Micah Nelson&nbsp;– cover painting, DVD label art, cover design
*Jenice Heo&nbsp;– art direction
* Gary Burden&nbsp;– art direction
*Eric Johnson&nbsp;– cover art, lettering
* [[Howard Chandler Christy]]&nbsp;– booklet painting
*Other Shoe Photography&nbsp;– booklet cover photography
* Jenice Heo&nbsp;– art direction
* Eric Johnson&nbsp;– cover art, lettering
* Other Shoe Photography&nbsp;– booklet cover photography


==Charts==
==Charts==
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! scope="col"| Peak position
! scope="col"| Peak position
|-
|-
! scope="row"| Australian Albums ([[ARIA Charts|ARIA]])<ref name="3SbVL" />
! scope="row"| Australian Albums ([[ARIA Charts|ARIA]])<ref name="chartau" />
| 2
| 2
|-
|-
{{album chart|Flanders|4|artist=Neil Young + Promise of the Real|album=The Monsanto Years|accessdate=February 4, 2017|rowheader=true}}
{{album chart|Flanders|4|artist=Neil Young + Promise of the Real|album=The Monsanto Years|access-date=February 4, 2017|rowheader=true}}
|-
|-
{{album chart|Wallonia|2|artist=Neil Young + Promise of the Real|album=The Monsanto Years|accessdate=February 4, 2017|rowheader=true}}
{{album chart|Wallonia|2|artist=Neil Young + Promise of the Real|album=The Monsanto Years|access-date=February 4, 2017|rowheader=true}}
|-
|-
{{album chart|Netherlands|4|artist=Neil Young + Promise of the Real|album=The Monsanto Years|accessdate=February 4, 2017|rowheader=true}}
{{album chart|Netherlands|4|artist=Neil Young + Promise of the Real|album=The Monsanto Years|access-date=February 4, 2017|rowheader=true}}
|-
|-
{{album chart|Finland|3|artist=Neil Young + Promise of the Real|album=The Monsanto Years|accessdate=February 4, 2017|rowheader=true}}
{{album chart|Finland|3|artist=Neil Young + Promise of the Real|album=The Monsanto Years|access-date=February 4, 2017|rowheader=true}}
|-
|-
{{album chart|Germany|1|artist=Neil Young + Promise of the Real|album=The Monsanto Years|accessdate=February 4, 2017|rowheader=true}}
{{album chart|Germany|1|artist=Neil Young + Promise of the Real|album=The Monsanto Years|access-date=February 4, 2017|rowheader=true}}
|-
|-
{{album chart|Greece|6|artist=Neil Young + Promise of the Real|album=The Monsanto Years|accessdate=Week 44, 2015|rowheader=true}}
{{album chart|Greece|6|artist=Neil Young + Promise of the Real|album=The Monsanto Years|access-date=Week 44, 2015|rowheader=true}}
|-
|-
{{album chart|Hungary|1|year=2015|week=27|artist=Neil Young + Promise of the Real|album=The Monsanto Years|accessdate=July 10, 2015|rowheader=true}}
{{album chart|Hungary|1|year=2015|week=27|artist=Neil Young + Promise of the Real|album=The Monsanto Years|access-date=July 10, 2015|rowheader=true}}
|-
|-
{{album chart|Italy|2|artist=Neil Young + Promise of the Real|album=The Monsanto Years|accessdate=February 4, 2017|rowheader=true}}
{{album chart|Italy|2|artist=Neil Young + Promise of the Real|album=The Monsanto Years|access-date=February 4, 2017|rowheader=true}}
|-
|-
{{album chart|Sweden|7|artist=Neil Young + Promise of the Real|album=The Monsanto Years|accessdate=February 4, 2017|rowheader=true}}
{{album chart|Sweden|7|artist=Neil Young + Promise of the Real|album=The Monsanto Years|access-date=February 4, 2017|rowheader=true}}
|-
|-
{{album chart|UK2|24|date=July 9, 2015|accessdate=July 6, 2015|rowheader=true}}
{{album chart|UK2|24|date=July 9, 2015|access-date=July 6, 2015|rowheader=true}}
|-
|-
{{album chart|Billboard200|21|artist=Neil Young|rowheader=true}}
{{album chart|Billboard200|21|artist=Neil Young|rowheader=true}}
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==References==
==References==
{{reflist|1=30em|refs=
{{reflist|refs=
⚫
<ref name="allmusic.com">{{Cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-monsanto-years-mw0002850731|title=The Monsanto Years – Neil Young, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real {{!}} Songs, Reviews, Credits {{!}} AllMusic|website=AllMusic|access-date=December 9, 2016}}</ref>
<ref name="avclubrev">{{cite news |url=http://www.avclub.com/review/neil-young-rants-about-agriculture-monsanto-years-220530 |title=Neil Young Rants About Agriculture on The Monsanto Years |last=Schonfeld |first=Zach |newspaper=[[The A.V. Club]] |date=June 16, 2015}}</ref>
<ref name="avclubrev">{{cite news |url=http://www.avclub.com/review/neil-young-rants-about-agriculture-monsanto-years-220530 |title=Neil Young Rants About Agriculture on The Monsanto Years |last=Schonfeld |first=Zach |newspaper=[[The A.V. Club]] |date=June 16, 2015}}</ref>
<ref name="billboardcorp">{{cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/6598232/neil-youngs-corporate-targets-respond-to-him-calling-them-out-on-new-album |title=Neil Young's Corporate Targets Respond to Him Calling Them Out on New Album |last=Gensler |first=Andy |work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]] |date=June 16, 2015}}</ref>
<ref name="bb">{{Cite news|url=http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/6598232/neil-youngs-corporate-targets-respond-to-him-calling-them-out-on-new-album|title=Neil Young's Corporate Targets Respond to Him Calling Them Out on New Album|newspaper=Billboard|access-date=December 9, 2016}}</ref>
<ref name="rsannounce">{{cite web |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/neil-young-recording-new-album-with-willie-nelsons-sons-20150108 |title=Neil Young Recording New Album With Willie Nelson's Sons |last=Greene |first=Andy |date=January 8, 2015 |work=[[Rolling Stone]]}}</ref>
<ref name="bb200">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2015-07-18 |date=July 18, 2015 |title=Billboard 200 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref>
⚫
<ref name="bbfolk">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/folk-albums/2015-07-18 |date=July 18, 2015 |title=Folk Albums |magazine=Billboard}}</ref>
⚫
<ref name="rsbehind">{{cite web |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/behind-the-scenes-of-neil-youngs-new-protest-album-the-monsanto-years-20150501 |title=Behind the Scenes of Neil Young's New Protest Album ''The Monsanto Years'' |last=Greene |first=Andy |date=May 1, 2015 |work=[[Rolling Stone]]}}</ref>
⚫
<ref name="bbrock">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/rock-albums/2015-07-18 |date=July 18, 2015 |title=Rock Albums |magazine=Billboard}}</ref>
⚫
<ref name="billboardcorp">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/6598232/neil-youngs-corporate-targets-respond-to-him-calling-them-out-on-new-album |title=Neil Young's Corporate Targets Respond to Him Calling Them Out on New Album |last=Gensler |first=Andy |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]] |date=June 16, 2015}}</ref>
⚫
<ref name="chartau">{{cite web|url=http://www.ariacharts.com.au/chart/albums|title=ARIA Australian Top 50 Albums Chart|publisher=[[Australian Recording Industry Association]]|date=July 13, 2015|access-date=July 11, 2015}}</ref>
⚫
<ref name="chartuk">{{cite magazine |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160602113433/http://hitsdailydouble.com/new_album_releases |archive-date= June 2, 2016 |url=http://hitsdailydouble.com/new_album_releases |title=Upcoming Releases |magazine=Hits Daily Double |publisher=HITS Digital Ventures}}</ref>
⚫
<ref name="dp">{{Cite news |newspaper=[[The Denver Post]] |url=http://www.denverpost.com/dempsey/ci_28401342/neil-youngs-monsanto-years-attacks-corporate-greed |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304193132/http://www.denverpost.com/dempsey/ci_28401342/neil-youngs-monsanto-years-attacks-corporate-greed?source=infinite |archive-date=2016-03-04 |title=Neil Young's 'The Monsanto Years' attacks corporate greed |first=Gregory |last=Katz |agency=Associated Press |date=2015-06-29 |issn=1930-2193 |accessdate=2024-01-03 |language=en-US}}</ref>
⚫
<ref name="guardian">{{Cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/aug/07/monsanto-fusion-center-journalists-roundup-neil-young |title=Revealed: How Monsanto's 'Intelligence Center' Targeted Journalists and Activists |last=Levin |first=Sam |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=August 8, 2019 |access-date=August 13, 2019}}</ref>
<ref name="guitar">{{cite web |last=Saccone |first=Teri |accessdate=2024-01-03 |title=Interview: Promise of the Real |date=2017-03-21 |website=[[Guitar.com]] |url=https://guitar.com/features/interview-promise-of-the-real/ |language=en-US}}</ref>
⚫
<ref name="mc">{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/the-monsanto-years/neil-young |title=Reviews for The Monsanto Years by Neil Young |website=Metacritic |access-date=July 19, 2015}}</ref>
<ref name="npr">{{cite web |last=Moon |first=Tom |title=Review: Neil Young + Promise of the Real, 'The Monsanto Years' |publisher=[[NPR]] |department=[[NPR Music]] |date=2015-06-21 |url=https://www.npr.org/2015/06/21/415234582/first-listen-neil-young-promise-of-the-real-the-monsanto-years |accessdate=2024-01-01 |language=en-US}}</ref>
<ref name="pitchfork">{{cite web |first=Stuart |last=Berman |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/20643-the-monsanto-years/ |title=Neil Young: ''The Monsanto Years'' |website=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]] |date=June 30, 2015 |access-date=October 29, 2019}}</ref>
⚫
<ref name="rs">{{cite magazine |last=Dolan |first=Jon |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/neil-young-and-promise-of-the-real-the-monsanto-years-20150616 |title=Neil Young and Promise of the Real The Monsanto Years Album Review |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=June 16, 2015 |access-date=July 19, 2015 |archive-date=December 5, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205212411/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/neil-young-and-promise-of-the-real-the-monsanto-years-20150616 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="rsannounce">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/neil-young-recording-new-album-with-willie-nelsons-sons-20150108 |title=Neil Young Recording New Album With Willie Nelson's Sons |last=Greene |first=Andy |date=January 8, 2015 |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |access-date=September 16, 2017 |archive-date=July 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170724112847/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/neil-young-recording-new-album-with-willie-nelsons-sons-20150108 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
⚫
<ref name="rsbehind">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/behind-the-scenes-of-neil-youngs-new-protest-album-the-monsanto-years-20150501 |title=Behind the Scenes of Neil Young's New Protest Album ''The Monsanto Years'' |last=Greene |first=Andy |date=May 1, 2015 |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |access-date=September 16, 2017 |archive-date=December 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215210615/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/behind-the-scenes-of-neil-youngs-new-protest-album-the-monsanto-years-20150501 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="rsmyths">{{Cite magazine |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |language=en-US |last=Greene |first=Andy |title=Monsanto Says That Neil Young's New LP Is Based on 'Myths.' |date=2015-06-16 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/monsanto-says-that-neil-youngs-new-lp-is-based-on-myths-45010/ |accessdate=2024-01-01}}</ref>
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<ref name="stuff1">{{cite news|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/69824784/neil-young-takes-no-prisoners-on-new-album-the-monsanto-years |title=Neil Young takes no prisoners on new album The Monsanto Years |work=Stuff.co.nz |access-date=July 19, 2015}}</ref>
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<ref name="theguardian.com">{{cite news|author=Jon Dennis |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/jun/25/neil-young-promise-of-the-real-the-monsanto-years-review |title=Neil Young + Promise of the Real: The Monsanto Years review – on angry, brilliant form &#124; Music |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=July 19, 2015}}</ref>
<ref name="wmvid">{{cite web |url=http://www.nme.com/news/neil-young/86101#6hC73JLw1GBMPpi9.99 |title= Neil Young Debuts New Song and Video 'Wolf Moon'&nbsp;– Watch |last=Levine |first=Nick |date=June 10, 2015 |work=[[NME]] |publisher=[[IPC Media&nbsp;– Inspire (Time Inc.)]]}}</ref>
<ref name="wmvid">{{cite web |url=http://www.nme.com/news/neil-young/86101#6hC73JLw1GBMPpi9.99 |title= Neil Young Debuts New Song and Video 'Wolf Moon'&nbsp;– Watch |last=Levine |first=Nick |date=June 10, 2015 |work=[[NME]] |publisher=[[IPC Media&nbsp;– Inspire (Time Inc.)]]}}</ref>
<ref name="wtf">{{Cite podcast |title=WTF with Marc Maron: Episode 717&nbsp;– Neil Young |date=2016-06-20 |url=http://www.wtfpod.com/podcast/episode-717-neil-young |first=Marc |last=Maron |author-link=Marc Maron |language=en-CA, en-US}}</ref>
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<ref name="allmusic.com">{{Cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-monsanto-years-mw0002850731|title=The Monsanto Years - Neil Young, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real {{!}} Songs, Reviews, Credits {{!}} AllMusic|website=AllMusic|access-date=December 9, 2016}}</ref>
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<ref name="theguardian.com">{{cite news|author=Jon Dennis |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/jun/25/neil-young-promise-of-the-real-the-monsanto-years-review |title=Neil Young + Promise of the Real: The Monsanto Years review – on angry, brilliant form &#124; Music |newspaper=The Guardian |accessdate=July 19, 2015}}</ref>
⚫
<ref name="stuff1">{{cite news|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/69824784/neil-young-takes-no-prisoners-on-new-album-the-monsanto-years |title=Neil Young takes no prisoners on new album The Monsanto Years |work=Stuff.co.nz |accessdate=July 19, 2015}}</ref>
⚫
<ref name="guardian">{{Cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/aug/07/monsanto-fusion-center-journalists-roundup-neil-young |title=Revealed: How Monsanto's 'Intelligence Center' Targeted Journalists and Activists |last=Levin |first=Sam |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=August 8, 2019 |accessdate=August 13, 2019}}</ref>
⚫
<ref name="iNqjn">{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/the-monsanto-years/neil-young |title=Reviews for The Monsanto Years by Neil Young |website=Metacritic |accessdate=July 19, 2015}}</ref>
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<ref name="0RTkM">{{cite magazine|last=Dolan |first=Jon |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/neil-young-and-promise-of-the-real-the-monsanto-years-20150616 |title=Neil Young and Promise of the Real The Monsanto Years Album Review |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=June 16, 2015 |accessdate=July 19, 2015}}</ref>
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<ref name="I647m">{{Cite news|url=http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/6598232/neil-youngs-corporate-targets-respond-to-him-calling-them-out-on-new-album|title=Neil Young's Corporate Targets Respond to Him Calling Them Out on New Album|newspaper=Billboard|access-date=December 9, 2016}}</ref>
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<ref name="kvJAQ">[[The Denver Post]] [http://www.denverpost.com/dempsey/ci_28401342/neil-youngs-monsanto-years-attacks-corporate-greed?source=infinite Neil Young's 'The Monsanto Years' attacks corporate greed ''By Gregory Katz Associated Press'' 06/29/2015]</ref>
<ref name="ScQvK">{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2015-07-18 |date=July 18, 2015 |title=Billboard 200 |work=Billboard}}</ref>
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<ref name="cXM85">{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/rock-albums/2015-07-18 |date=July 18, 2015 |title=Rock Albums |work=Billboard}}</ref>
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<ref name="ohYU7">{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/folk-albums/2015-07-18 |date=July 18, 2015 |title=Folk Albums |work=Billboard}}</ref>
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<ref name="2QJ7W">{{cite web |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20160602113433/http://hitsdailydouble.com/new_album_releases |archivedate= June 2, 2016 |url=http://hitsdailydouble.com/new_album_releases |title=Upcoming Releases |website=''Hits Daily Double'' |publisher=HITS Digital Ventures}}</ref>
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<ref name="3SbVL">{{cite web|url=http://www.ariacharts.com.au/chart/albums|title=ARIA Australian Top 50 Albums Chart|publisher=[[Australian Recording Industry Association]]|date=July 13, 2015|accessdate=July 11, 2015}}</ref>
}}
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{{Neil Young}}
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{{Monsanto}}

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[[Category:Genetically modified organisms in agriculture]]
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[[Category:Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real albums]]

Revision as of 16:36, 28 April 2024

The Monsanto Years
Studio album by
Neil Young and Promise of the Real
ReleasedJune 29, 2015 (2015-06-29)
RecordedJanuary–February 2015
StudioTeatro theater, Oxnard, California, United States
GenreRock
Length50:54
LanguageEnglish
LabelReprise
ProducerNeil Young & John Hanlon
Neil Young chronology
Storytone
(2014) 		The Monsanto Years
(2015) 		Bluenote Café
(2015)
Promise of the Real chronology
Wasted
(2012) 		The Monsanto Years
(2015) 		Something Real
(2016)

The Monsanto Years is a studio album by Canadian singer-songwriter Neil Young and the American rock group Promise of the Real, released on June 29, 2015 on Reprise Records. A concept album which criticizes the agribusiness company Monsanto,[1] it is Young's thirty-fifth studio album and the third by Promise of the Real. The album is the first collaboration between Young and Promise of the Real. The group is fronted by Lukas Nelson and features his brother Micah, both sons of Willie Nelson.[2]

The album was produced by both Young and John Hanlon, and is accompanied by a film documenting the recording process.

Background

Young had a long-time friendship with Willie Nelson and his sons, Lukas and Micah, and jammed with Lukas' bandmates in Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real after 2014's Farm Aid.[2] Micah reflects on their relationship with Young: "Neil doesn't want us to hold back musically, and we all were quickly absorbed into the fold with him. We look up to him with respect, but he never treated us like we were younger, he treats us as equals. He's now our homie and he doesn’t act like he's 71."[3]

Writing

Songs on the album reflect Young's dissatisfaction with Genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, and the lack of requirements that GMO sourced foods be labelled as such.[4] The song "A Rock Star Bucks a Coffee Shop" reflects Young's unhappiness at Starbucks' efforts to prevent a Vermont referendum from taking effect that would have required the labeling of GMO sourced food products.

The song "People Want to Hear About Love" reflect Young's challenges in balancing his competing desires to sing about social issues but also express more personal, emotional topics in his songs.[5] He explained to Marc Maron:

"The song started from... I was playing a lot of songs about anti-corporate songs and all these things, and somebody just, I got the message, people want to hear about love, that's what they want to hear. I'm going, 'Well, I don't give a, I don't care. I've sang about love already. "Only Love Can Break Your Heart". I sang about many aspects of love.' Just quite recently I did an album called Storytone that's all about love. That was only a couple albums ago. I'm going, 'Does this mean that I can only do 'that'? And I can't talk about things like the dangers of different things and incongruous things that are happening. Pollution, corruption, corporate government.' Those things, I think they're interesting."[6]

Recording

Recording for the album began January 2015. Young announced that he was recording an album with the band—including non-member Micah—at a converted movie theater Teatro in Oxnard, California, the site where Willie Nelson's Teatro album was recorded.[7] Young sent a CD to his collaborators with demos to allow them to learn some of the new songs before arriving to perform together on the new compositions.[2]

The recording was filmed by Don Hannah alongside live rehearsals in April 2015 for a film also entitled The Monsanto Years.[2]

Young debuted a music video for "Wolf Moon" on June 10, 2015.[8]

Reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic60/100[9]
Review scores
SourceRating
The A.V. ClubC[10]
The Guardian[11]
Rolling Stone[12]
Stuff.co.nz[13]
Pitchfork5.2/10[14]

Critical

In a highly positive review, The Guardian's Jon Dennis gave the album five stars out of five. Praising the contributions of Promise of the Real, Dennis wrote: [The band] sound not unlike Crazy Horse, and supply all the big riffs, crashing major chords and harmonies that have characterised Young's best records for five decades."[11] Zach Schonfeld of The A.V. Club gave the album a "C" rating, opining that the concept of the album and its execution were "underproduced, underwritten, and not likely to take up more than a few months (if not weeks or days) of Young's promotional energies before he moves to the next thing" but with some highlights among the harder rock songs.[10] Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic.com gave the album 3.5 stars out of 5 claiming that: "Young uses his sturdy footing to lash out at what he perceives as destructive forces – to our dinner tables and social fabric – and if the individual message may wind up fading like yesterday's newspapers, the music will keep The Monsanto Years burning bright".[1] An Associated Press review of the album argued that Young's criticisms of corporate greed descend into preachiness, saying Young's anger is "so real that it could be tasted, but there is something discomfiting about Young positioning himself as an all-knowing seer, putting people down for wanting simpler, cheerier songs."[15]

Billboard solicited the opinions of corporations criticized on the album, including Monsanto, whose representative said: "Many of us at Monsanto have been and are fans of Neil Young. Unfortunately, for some of us, his current album may fail to reflect our strong beliefs in what we do every day to help make agriculture more sustainable. We recognize there is a lot of misinformation about who we are and what we do—and unfortunately several of those myths seem to be captured in these lyrics."[16] Notably all the corporations mentioned in album lyrics except for Chevron provided their responses for the request to comment on the album songs. Reacting to the "Big Box" track Walmart said: "As you might have seen recently, Walmart raised its lowest starting wage to $9 an hour. We’re proud of the opportunity we provide people to build a career and have a chance at a better life." Starbucks commented on "A Rock Star Bucks a Coffee Shop" track: "Starbucks has not taken a position on the issue of GMO [genetically modified organism] labeling. As a company with stores and a product presence in every state, we prefer a national solution."[17]

Commercial

The album debuted at No. 21 on the Billboard 200 albums chart on its first week of release,[18] selling around 18,000 copies in the United States in its first week. It also debuted at No. 4 on Billboard's Rock Albums chart.[19] and No. 2 on the Folk Albums chart.[20] As of June 2016, the album has sold 41,000 copies in the US.[21]

Monsanto

Criticism of the company led Monsanto to investigate Young and write an internal memo on his social media activity and music.[22]

Track listing

No.TitleLength
1."A New Day for Love"5:52
2."Wolf Moon"3:52
3."People Want to Hear About Love"6:19
4."Big Box"8:17
5."A Rock Star Bucks A Coffee Shop"5:00
6."Workin' Man"4:43
7."Rules of Change"4:39
8."Monsanto Years"7:46
9."If I Don't Know"4:26

Personnel

  • Neil Young – vocals, guitar, production
  • Lukas Nelson – guitar, backing vocals
  • Micah Nelson – electric guitar, electric charango, backing vocals
  • Corey McCormick – bass guitar, backing vocals
  • Tato Melgar – percussion
  • Anthony Logerfo – drums

Technical personnel

  • Johnnie Burik – assistant engineering
  • Alberto Hernandez – assistant engineering
  • John Hanlon – production, engineering
  • John Hausmann – stage and monitor engineering
  • Chris Kasych – stage and monitor engineering
  • Keith "Moby" Lanoux – guitar tech
  • Bob Ludwig – mastering
  • Jeff Pinn – engineering
  • Jimmy Sloan – assistant engineering, production coordination

Artwork

  • Neil Young, Lukas Nelson, Corey McCormick, Tato Melgar, Anthony Logerfo – cover design
  • Micah Nelson – cover painting, DVD label art, cover design
  • Gary Burden – art direction
  • Howard Chandler Christy – booklet painting
  • Jenice Heo – art direction
  • Eric Johnson – cover art, lettering
  • Other Shoe Photography – booklet cover photography

Charts

Chart (2015) Peak position
Australian Albums (ARIA)[23] 2
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders)[24] 4
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia)[25] 2
Dutch Albums (Album Top 100)[26] 4
Finnish Albums (Suomen virallinen lista)[27] 3
German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)[28] 1
Greek Albums (IFPI)[29] 6
Hungarian Albums (MAHASZ)[30] 1
Italian Albums (FIMI)[31] 2
Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan)[32] 7
UK Albums (OCC)[33] 24
US Billboard 200[34] 21
US Folk Albums (Billboard)[35] 2
US Top Rock Albums (Billboard)[36] 1
US Top Tastemaker Albums (Billboard)[37] 2

References

  1. ^ a b "The Monsanto Years – Neil Young, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved December 9, 2016.
  2. ^ a b c d Greene, Andy (May 1, 2015). "Behind the Scenes of Neil Young's New Protest Album The Monsanto Years". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on December 15, 2017. Retrieved September 16, 2017.
  3. ^ Saccone, Teri (March 21, 2017). "Interview: Promise of the Real". Guitar.com. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  4. ^ Greene, Andy (June 16, 2015). "Monsanto Says That Neil Young's New LP Is Based on 'Myths.'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
  5. ^ Moon, Tom (June 21, 2015). "Review: Neil Young + Promise of the Real, 'The Monsanto Years'". NPR Music. NPR. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
  6. ^ Maron, Marc (June 20, 2016). "WTF with Marc Maron: Episode 717 – Neil Young" (Podcast) (in Canadian English and American English).
  7. ^ Greene, Andy (January 8, 2015). "Neil Young Recording New Album With Willie Nelson's Sons". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on July 24, 2017. Retrieved September 16, 2017.
  8. ^ Levine, Nick (June 10, 2015). "Neil Young Debuts New Song and Video 'Wolf Moon' – Watch". NME. IPC Media – Inspire (Time Inc.).
  9. ^ "Reviews for The Monsanto Years by Neil Young". Metacritic. Retrieved July 19, 2015.
  10. ^ a b Schonfeld, Zach (June 16, 2015). "Neil Young Rants About Agriculture on The Monsanto Years". The A.V. Club.
  11. ^ a b Jon Dennis. "Neil Young + Promise of the Real: The Monsanto Years review – on angry, brilliant form | Music". The Guardian. Retrieved July 19, 2015.
  12. ^ Dolan, Jon (June 16, 2015). "Neil Young and Promise of the Real The Monsanto Years Album Review". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on December 5, 2017. Retrieved July 19, 2015.
  13. ^ "Neil Young takes no prisoners on new album The Monsanto Years". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved July 19, 2015.
  14. ^ Berman, Stuart (June 30, 2015). "Neil Young: The Monsanto Years". Pitchfork. Retrieved October 29, 2019.
  15. ^ Katz, Gregory (June 29, 2015). "Neil Young's 'The Monsanto Years' attacks corporate greed". The Denver Post. Associated Press. ISSN 1930-2193. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  16. ^ Gensler, Andy (June 16, 2015). "Neil Young's Corporate Targets Respond to Him Calling Them Out on New Album". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media.
  17. ^ "Neil Young's Corporate Targets Respond to Him Calling Them Out on New Album". Billboard. Retrieved December 9, 2016.
  18. ^ "Billboard 200". Billboard. July 18, 2015.
  19. ^ "Rock Albums". Billboard. July 18, 2015.
  20. ^ "Folk Albums". Billboard. July 18, 2015.
  21. ^ "Upcoming Releases". Hits Daily Double. HITS Digital Ventures. Archived from the original on June 2, 2016.
  22. ^ Levin, Sam (August 8, 2019). "Revealed: How Monsanto's 'Intelligence Center' Targeted Journalists and Activists". The Guardian. Retrieved August 13, 2019.
  23. ^ "ARIA Australian Top 50 Albums Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. July 13, 2015. Retrieved July 11, 2015.
  24. ^ "Ultratop.be – Neil Young + Promise of the Real – The Monsanto Years" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved February 4, 2017.
  25. ^ "Ultratop.be – Neil Young + Promise of the Real – The Monsanto Years" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved February 4, 2017.
  26. ^ "Dutchcharts.nl – Neil Young + Promise of the Real – The Monsanto Years" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved February 4, 2017.
  27. ^ "Neil Young + Promise of the Real: The Monsanto Years" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland. Retrieved February 4, 2017.
  28. ^ "Longplay-Chartverfolgung at Musicline" (in German). Musicline.de. Phononet GmbH. Retrieved February 4, 2017.
  29. ^ "Greekcharts.com – Neil Young + Promise of the Real – The Monsanto Years". Hung Medien. Retrieved Week 44, 2015.
  30. ^ "Album Top 40 slágerlista – 2015. 27. hét" (in Hungarian). MAHASZ. Retrieved July 10, 2015.
  31. ^ "Italiancharts.com – Neil Young + Promise of the Real – The Monsanto Years". Hung Medien. Retrieved February 4, 2017.
  32. ^ "Swedishcharts.com – Neil Young + Promise of the Real – The Monsanto Years". Hung Medien. Retrieved February 4, 2017.
  33. ^ 9, 2015/7502/ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 6, 2015.
  34. ^ "Neil Young Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard.
  35. ^ "Neil Young Chart History (Top Americana/Folk Albums)". Billboard.
  36. ^ "Neil Young Chart History (Top Rock Albums)". Billboard.
  37. ^ "Neil Young Chart History (Top Tastemaker Albums)". Billboard.
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