This week's #5 album is just one of Neil Young's 55 studio albums. While I like some of his work, such as After the Gold Rush and Harvest, I am not a big enough fan of his to listen to all of his work. As far as I can recall, I have not heard any of the songs on this album prior to today.

Apparently this album was recorded with Pearl Jam. I didn't learn this fact until after I listened and I couldn't have guessed it. I guess it's kind of grungey, but only if you think to listen for it.

Doing this project I've noticed that albums like this, made by musicians past their prime, have very short periods near the top of the charts. My guess is that because they were so well known, a fixed set of fans will always buy a copy as soon as it comes out. However, because the fan base isn't growing, there's no long tail of purchases. Many albums in the top sales list have been in the charts for a year or more. In one month, Mirror Ball will drop to #48, and in two months to #96, almost out of the listing entirely.

As far as this album goes, it's decent. According to this ranking, it's his thirteenth best album, which makes it above average. That list puts After the Gold Rush and Harvest at #1 and #2, which, duh. I guess if you are really into Neil Young you could do worse than Mirror Ball.

Hitting #9, Sleeps with Angels by Neil Young and Crazy Horse is mostly unremarkable. I am pretty sure I had never heard any of the songs on this album before listening to it for this project. I like some of Neil Young's earlier albums and some of them are legitimately all time greats. This album is not, and surely hit #9 only on the strength of Neil Young's past work.

The one track I will remark upon is the 11th song on the album, Piece of Crap. This song is Neil Young complaining about things he purchased that broke almost immediately. What is it with middle-aged male rock stars writing songs like this? We've previously seen this with Jimmy Buffet. No one cares about your opinion!

In summary, if you want some Neil Young, try some of his better albums and ignore this one.