Special Deluxe

Young returns to reflect on the two defining love affairs of his life: cars and dogs . The plaintive and straightforward approach to Young's remembrances evokes a kindly paternalism as he candidly recounts details of his experiences forging his musical ambition in Canadian clubs, the hippie scene in Los Angeles, his later solo career and the innumerable rides that took him there Both heartfelt and conflicted, Young's passion for cars is tempered by his environmental conviction, a prescient reminder that the Earth is more important than a hobby. Kirkus

Now here s a guy who takes the word autobiography seriously. This outgrowth, as Young puts it, of the Canadian singer-songwriter s 2012 memoir, Waging Heavy Peace, is quite literally an auto-biography, a collection of reminiscences sparked by the author s memories of the cars he and his family have owned over the years he s more outspoken regarding his views on politics and environmental issues... As an extra treat for his fans, the book is full of illustrations (of cars, naturally) done by Young himself. It s an interesting approach to a memoir and despite the overlap with Waging Heavy Peace, the approach makes the material feel fresh. Booklist

  Young's new book is structured around recollections of the various cars he has driven over the years, a literary device that elicited more emotionally charged memories and prose than anything in his previous memoir. He writes evocatively about rough childhood moments (he once saw his father slap his mom during an argument, then retreated into the basement to play with his electric trains) and adult triumphs (he composed what ended up being Ragged Glory in an empty car barn on his ranch, sitting by himself for days on end with a joint, his guitar and his amp). Rolling Stone
 
In cars and in music, Neil Young has never been afraid to try something new. That spirit of experimentation spills over to the pages of Special Deluxe. The memoir features watercolor paintings of cars by Young, and with it, the 69-year-old musician can now add illustrator to an extensive resume that already includes rock god, Internet entrepreneur, and director. Wired
 
  Neil writes in a well-developed voice that never misses the mark in terms of tenor and tone. Special Deluxe reads like a great Neil Young song plays - it s a bit wistful, mildly bemused, deeply passionate, humble direct, and only ever so slightly curmudgeonly. Buffalo News

Just as his autobiography took readers by surprise with its rambling candor, the sequel will appeal not just to gearheads and classic rock fans but anyone who can appreciate a true maverick. San Francisco Chronicle

[A] loving rumination on the litany of vehicles that have taken him from here to there throughout his 68 years .Young's latest avenue of expression adds yet another line to his already lengthy resume. LA Times

Written utterly in Young's own distinctive voice: dry wit, short sentences, and sharp observations .More focused on reminisces involving family and friends than Waging Heavy Peace, Young's latest is nonetheless a wonderful companion volume with its own charm and warm regaling of stories. And it purrs along just like one of the author's prized restored engines.   - Bob Ruggerio, Houston Press