Procrastination is a particular problem I have. Sitting and researching and thinking and deciding and then deciding again and second guessing and then the decision to be put off for a period of time.
This is true in all things except buying records then impulsivity strikes and suddenly several Whitesnake albums are winging their merry way to me.
The real story here is how I bought a chainsaw. I was the proud owner of a newer homelite that I could never get to run, the necessary skills to adjust the carburetor so it ran well are not mine. It coughed and spluttered and screamed but never ran. Eventually I gave up and sent it to the Goodwill store where hopefully someone who knew what they were doing would buy it and nurse it back to health. Then I looked around 10 acres of woodland needing to be tended.
Time to buy a chainsaw that would work and not kill me and would be hardy and resilient enough that an amateur would be able to operate it. I researched, read, watched videos on youtube and then made a decision. Then I stood in the shop and looked at it, held it in my hand and left empty handed. I paced and thought and considered and researched and read and watched more videos, looked on Amazon and decided again. I found it cheaper at a store drove down there and figured this was the moment and yes I left empty handed.
Suddenly we were faced with 10 days of clear weather, I would be able to get shit done. I made a decision, now I was going to buy. I went back to the store, picked up the lethal tool and strolled to the counter. Paid the money and placed the saw in the truck and drove home, then I was told that we would not be causing decimation to the forest because the laundry room needed some shelving. The result is the nice shiny new saw sits in it’s imposing case and teases me with the fun to come and the trails to build, maybe Tuesday afternoon I thought as I looked at it. The gas is mixed, the chain and bar oil is here, the sharpening file is ready and the downed trees are waiting.
Soon we will have the glory of trails you can walk along without stooping and brush that is cleared. It is going to be a joy.
Several days later I have to admit I have not started the saw. I sit and look at it and think about it. Shelves have been made as I though about it, gravel has been ordered and spread and weeds have been whacked, it’s a glory, and yet still no roar of the chainsaw, maybe I need chaps.
Ziggy thinks the woods are good just the way they are and maybe he is right.
All this getting back to the country has me reaching for Neil Young, Harvest Moon seemed like a good choice. It’s mellow and relaxed and perfect for the late afternoon.
I remember being a little underwhelmed when the album came out. It felt a little precious after the anarchic roar of Ragged Glory. It all felt a little too polite and rehearsed. Nowadays on a barmy 70 degree afternoon in October it feels just right, slightly out of focus mellow Neil for the Autumnal weather, not a day below 70 for 10 days or so. It used to be called unseasonal weather, now the irony is ringing out after the latest Climate Report.
As Neil strummed at the end of the album on Natural Beauty:
What are you going to do
With your life?
What a lucky man
To see the earth
Before it touched his hand.
I dutifully bought the album on ebay some time after its Record Store Day release, it arrived I remember in a pizza box which somehow made my day at the time, luckily the box had not been used. I’ve been living with it for awhile and enjoying it’s reflective nature. It seems now to be the natural album to follow Ragged Glory.
My original CD came in the mail too. It was posted from the USA to England by my father-in-law. This began a really thoughtful tradition where he would buy me the new Neil Young album on the day of release. I remember that first listen, Michelle loved it and I hoped for Ragged Glory again.
timeweleftthisworldtoday 
I find it possible to live with Harvest Moon anytime, Ragged Glory is for those special moments that cry out for it.
From one procrastinator to another!
I’ve never listened to Harvest Moon, I’m still too busy exhilarating to Ragged Glory.
Posting is part of your procrastinating too isn’t it?
you figured that out.
Haha 1537 got to the post-as-procrastination before I did. We see what you did here!
Ragged Glory is a highwater mark for me and Neil, g-d I love that album (except the last track, it’s a bit silly). But Harvest Moon is also brilliant. I learned long ago to not have expectations from Neil releases. He’s in his own world and mind and whatever comes out of him is what we get and so we’re all just lucky to be along for the ride, whatever he releases. Sometimes it’s genius, sometimes it’s good. Sometimes it’s mediocre, sometimes it’s shite. Sometimes there’s all four on one album. But it’s Neil and and generally we love him like a brother.
As for the chainsaw, they’re finicky bastards no matter which one you get. Everytime I use one I think there has to be a better way. Napalm, is my guess.