Prairie Wind (2005)

Neil Young's recent aneurysm and the death of his father may have rightfully inspired these songs about mortality, family, and fading memories. But in keeping with his current complacent period, Praire Wind, a collection of orchestrated tumbleweeds, goes beyond his penchant for lovely sappiness into groan-inducing corn and, sadly, self-parody (his ''old guitar'' has been ''up and down these country roads,'' you know). Recycled riffs and hokey lyrics dominate, culminating in an Elvis tribute we didn't need. We've heard it all before, and better.

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