Out on the Weekend

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some mellow vibes as The Zoo Crew spins "Out on the Weekend" from Neil Young's iconic 1972 album, Harvest. This track, recorded at Nashville's Quadrafonic Sound Studio in April 1971, captures Young’s longing for love with a laid-back country feel, backed by a group of session musicians he dubbed The Stray Gators. An interesting tidbit from the recording sessions reveals Young's meticulous approach to sound. He instructed drummer Kenny Buttrey to avoid using his hi-hat because it was "too busy," leading Buttrey to humorously play the entire take for "Out on the Weekend" with his right hand tucked away, focusing solely on a minimal beat. Young later shared in the book Zero to Sixty that the song’s melancholic tone might mislead listeners, as lines like "Can’t relate to joy / He tries to speak and / Can’t begin to say" actually reflect a happiness so overwhelming it’s hard to express. This track, inspired by his then-blossoming romance with actress Carrie Snodgress, showcases Young’s ability to blend personal emotion with universal themes.

Another cool story comes from the song’s live debut. Neil Young performed "Out on the Weekend" for the first time at a BBC TV special on February 23, 1971, a full year before Harvest’s release, marking his first solo performance in Europe. The song’s simple yet evocative lyrics resonated with audiences, and its performance at London’s Royal Festival Hall a few days later further cemented its place in Young’s repertoire. Interestingly, not everyone was a fan of The Stray Gators’ understated style. Critic John Mendelsohn, in a 1972 Rolling Stone review, called their accompaniment on tracks like "Out on the Weekend" a "flaccid imitation" compared to Young’s earlier work with Crazy Horse, though fans and time have largely disagreed, with the song remaining a beloved staple. Adding to its legacy, Lady Gaga reworked the song in 2009 as an intro to her acoustic performance of "Fooled Me Again," showing its influence across genres.

Neil Young’s journey to becoming a music legend began in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where he was born on November 12, 1945. Growing up with his mother after his parents’ divorce, Young started performing in bands as a teenager, playing folk and rock in local coffeehouses. By the mid-1960s, he moved to Toronto, where he honed his craft as a solo artist before heading to Los Angeles in 1966. There, he co-founded Buffalo Springfield with Stephen Stills, a band that blended folk, rock, and country, laying the groundwork for his eclectic career. After the group disbanded in 1968, Young signed with Reprise Records and released his self-titled debut album in 1969, followed by Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere with Crazy Horse, which showcased his raw, emotive guitar work. His high tenor voice, deeply personal lyrics, and willingness to experiment across genres like folk, rock, and grunge earned him the nickname "Godfather of Grunge."

Young’s career took off with albums like After the Gold Rush (1970) and Harvest (1972), the latter becoming the best-selling album of 1972 in the U.S. His work with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and his solo projects, often backed by Crazy Horse, solidified his status as one of the most influential songwriters of his time. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice—once in 1995 as a solo artist and again in 1997 with Buffalo Springfield—Young continues to create music and advocate for causes like Farm Aid. Fans can connect with him through his official website, Neil Young Archives, which offers a treasure trove of rare recordings and concert footage. Follow him on social media at Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates on his latest projects.

For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, check out fan-driven sites like Thrasher’s Wheat, a hub for Neil Young news, concert reviews, and lyric analysis since 1996. Another great resource is the Neil Young Fans Facebook Group, where enthusiasts share stories, memorabilia, and tour updates. These communities keep the spirit of Young’s music alive, much like The Zoo Crew keeps the vinyl spinning. So, crank up "Out on the Weekend," let those Stray Gators grooves wash over you, and stay tuned for more classic cuts from THE ZOO!