Reply #2: I told you!

[Fenris]

I told you it won't leave you alone.

I'm 19. I was surprised at how much Greendale transcended generational boundaries. I was expecting to be somewhat unimpressed with Greendale because I thought Neil would have a hard time making a concept album that dealt with modern issues while not making something that only baby boomers could enjoy (it would be tough not to). It was almost the opposite. The themes on the album are almost universally recognized themes amongst the generations: the demise of the "old" lifestyle (as represented by Grandpa); the corporatization of everything (naturally, represented by PowerCo); the sickening state of the mass media; the apathy amongst citizens towards the decimation of the environment and our culture; and the rise of paranoia and restrictions on personal freedom that occured after IX/XI. It was emotionally and intellectually disturbing to see a portrait of America presented onstage that was almost grotesque and hideous and then realizing it was a real portrait of modern America.

The concert made me and my mother horribly depressed. But by the time "Sun Green" was blasting through the speakers, I was angry. I realized then that this shit has gone too far and if we don't stop it now, this system is going to collapse under the weight of it's own excesses. This stability, this prosperity, this safety - it's all a big fucking lie. We're in a lot of danger, and if we don't wise up, we're going to sink further and further into an increasing hostile and foreign future.

Impressive stuff from Neil Young (who is, BTW, who my parents named me after, though for a long time I didn't like his music - blame that on overexposure).