Cinnamon Girl (Neil Young song)
Encyclopedia
"Cinnamon Girl" is a song by Neil Young
. It debuted on the 1969 album Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
, which was also Young's first album with backing band Crazy Horse
. Released as a single the following year, it reached #55 on the Billboard Hot 100
in 1970.
in the sound of Neil Young's early recordings. The vocals are a duet, with Whitten singing the high harmony
against Young's low harmony. Young performed the song on his then-recently acquired Gibson Les Paul
, "Old Black
".
The song was written in double-drop D tuning
(DADGBD). This tuning is used in several of his most famous songs, such as "The Loner
", "The Old Laughing Lady", "When You Dance I Can Really Love
", "Ohio", "Cortez the Killer
", "Ride My Llama", "Inca Queen", and his ode to self-esteem "Fuckin' Up".
The song was written for and about Jean Ray
, sister of Paul McCartney's guitarist Brian Ray
.
It has no relation to the song of the same name
by Prince
.
Neil Young
Neil Percival Young, OC, OM is a Canadian singer-songwriter who is widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians of his generation...
. It debuted on the 1969 album Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere is the second studio album by Canadian musician Neil Young, released on Reprise Records catalogue RS 6349...
, which was also Young's first album with backing band Crazy Horse
Crazy Horse (band)
Crazy Horse is an American rock band best known for its association with Neil Young. It has been co-credited on a number of albums throughout Young's career and has released five albums of its own.-Early years:...
. Released as a single the following year, it reached #55 on the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
in 1970.
Performance notes
This song, more than any other, displays the very prominent role played by Danny WhittenDanny Whitten
Daniel Ray Whitten was an American musician and songwriter best known for his work with Neil Young and Crazy Horse, and for the song "I Don't Want To Talk About It", a hit for Rita Coolidge, Rod Stewart and Everything but the Girl.- Biography :Whitten was born on May 8, 1943, in Columbus, Georgia....
in the sound of Neil Young's early recordings. The vocals are a duet, with Whitten singing the high harmony
Harmony
In music, harmony is the use of simultaneous pitches , or chords. The study of harmony involves chords and their construction and chord progressions and the principles of connection that govern them. Harmony is often said to refer to the "vertical" aspect of music, as distinguished from melodic...
against Young's low harmony. Young performed the song on his then-recently acquired Gibson Les Paul
Gibson Les Paul
The Gibson Les Paul was the result of a design collaboration between Gibson Guitar Corporation and the late jazz guitarist and electronics inventor Les Paul. In 1950, with the introduction of the Fender Telecaster to the musical market, electric guitars became a public craze. In reaction, Gibson...
, "Old Black
Old Black
Old Black is the name given to the main electric guitar used by rock musician Neil Young. Most of Neil's electric guitar parts were recorded on "Old Black," though some were played on Gretsch White Falcons...
".
The song was written in double-drop D tuning
Double Drop D tuning
Double drop D tuning: DADGBD, also known simply as double drop D, is an alternative guitar tuning: E strings are tuned down one whole step to D rather than E as in standard tuning .- Uses of double dropped D tuning :...
(DADGBD). This tuning is used in several of his most famous songs, such as "The Loner
The Loner (song)
"The Loner" is a song by Neil Young. It was released on his solo debut album in November 1968, and then an edited version as his debut solo single three months later on Reprise Records. It missed the Billboard Hot 100 chart completely, but over time has become a staple of his performance repertoire...
", "The Old Laughing Lady", "When You Dance I Can Really Love
When You Dance I Can Really Love
"When You Dance I Can Really Love" is the ninth track on Neil Young's 1970 album After the Gold Rush. It was written by Young.It was released as a single in the U.S...
", "Ohio", "Cortez the Killer
Cortez the Killer
"Cortez the Killer" is a song by Neil Young from his 1975 album, Zuma. It was recorded with Young's band Crazy Horse and ranked #39 on Guitar World's 100 Greatest Guitar Solos and #321 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time....
", "Ride My Llama", "Inca Queen", and his ode to self-esteem "Fuckin' Up".
The song was written for and about Jean Ray
Jean Ray
Jean Ray is the best-known pseudonym among the many used by Raymundus Joannes de Kremer , a prolific Belgian writer...
, sister of Paul McCartney's guitarist Brian Ray
Brian Ray
Brian Thomas Ray is an American session musician, musical director, guitarist and singer–songwriter. He is best known for his work as a guitarist and bassist with Paul McCartney, though he has worked with an extensive list of artists in addition to his own solo career.-Early life:Brian Ray grew up...
.
It has no relation to the song of the same name
Cinnamon Girl (Prince song)
"Cinnamon Girl" is a song by Prince, from his 2004 album Musicology. Besides the title, there is no connection to the song of the same name by Neil Young....
by Prince
Prince
Prince is a general term for a ruler, monarch or member of a monarch's or former monarch's family, and is a hereditary title in the nobility of some European states. The feminine equivalent is a princess...
.
Notable covers
"Cinnamon Girl" has been covered by many artists:- The GentrysThe GentrysThe Gentrys were an American band of the 1960s and early 1970s best known for their 1965 hit "Keep on Dancing"...
on their eponymous album for Sun RecordsSun RecordsSun Records is a record label founded in Memphis, Tennessee, starting operations on March 27, 1952.Founded by Sam Phillips, Sun Records was known for giving notable musicians such as Elvis Presley , Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, and Johnny Cash...
(1970). Their version reached #52 on the Billboard chart, slightly outperforming Young's original. - The WhoThe WhoThe Who are an English rock band formed in 1964 by Roger Daltrey , Pete Townshend , John Entwistle and Keith Moon . They became known for energetic live performances which often included instrument destruction...
during their concert in TanglewoodTanglewoodTanglewood is an estate and music venue in Lenox and Stockbridge, Massachusetts. It is the home of the annual summer Tanglewood Music Festival and the Tanglewood Jazz Festival, and has been the Boston Symphony Orchestra's summer home since 1937. It was the venue of the Berkshire Festival.- History...
(1970), and an unverified second performance at Leeds the same year - John EntwistleJohn EntwistleJohn Alec Entwistle was an English bass guitarist, songwriter, singer, horn player, and film and record producer who was best known as the bass player for the rock band The Who. His aggressive lead sound influenced many rock bass players...
, an outtakeOuttakeAn outtake is a portion of a work that is removed in the editing process and not included in the work's final, publicly released version. In the digital era, significant outtakes have been appended to CD and DVD reissues of many albums and films as bonus tracks or features, in film often, but not...
from his debut album, Smash Your Head Against the WallSmash Your Head Against the WallSmash Your Head Against the Wall is the debut solo album by John Entwistle of The Who, released on Track Records in the UK and Decca Records in the US...
(1971) - KilldozerKilldozer (band)Killdozer was an American noise-rock band, formed in Madison, Wisconsin in 1983, with members Bill Hobson, Dan Hobson and Michael Gerald. They took their name from the 1974 TV movie, directed by Jerry London, itself based on a Theodore Sturgeon short story. They released their first album,...
on their album Snake BoySnake BoySnakeboy is the sophomore LP from the band Killdozer. Fan favorites such as "King of Sex" and the cover version of Neil Young's "Cinnamon Girl" make their appearance on this release...
(1985) - Bob MouldBob MouldRobert Arthur "Bob" Mould is an American musician, principally known for his work as guitarist, vocalist and songwriter for alternative rock bands Hüsker Dü in the 1980s and Sugar in the 1990s.-Early life:...
during the Workbook tour (1989) - The Smashing PumpkinsThe Smashing PumpkinsThe Smashing Pumpkins are an American alternative rock band that formed in Chicago, Illinois in 1988. Formed by Billy Corgan frontman and James Iha , the band has included Jimmy Chamberlin , D'arcy Wretzky , and currently includes Jeff Schroeder Mike Byrne , and Nicole Fiorentino The Smashing...
early on in their career, recorded during their Reel Time Sessions (1989) - HoleHole (band)Hole is an American alternative rock band that originally formed in Los Angeles in 1989. The band is fronted by vocalist/songwriter and rhythm guitarist Courtney Love, who co-founded Hole with former songwriter/lead guitarist Eric Erlandson...
used the main "Cinnamon Girl" riff for the track "Starbelly" on Pretty on the InsidePretty on the InsidePretty on the Inside is the debut studio album by American alternative rock band Hole. Released August 23, 1991 on Caroline Records, it was Hole's first major label release after their formation in 1989 by vocalist/rhythm guitarist Courtney Love and lead guitarist Eric Erlandson...
(1991) - MudhoneyMudhoneyMudhoney is an American alternative rock band. Formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1988 following the demise of Green River, Mudhoney's members are vocalist and rhythm guitarist Mark Arm, lead guitarist Steve Turner, bassist Guy Maddison, and drummer Dan Peters. Original bassist Matt Lukin left the...
used the guitar riff at the end of "Cinnamon Girl" as the intro to "Broken Hands" on Every Good Boy Deserves FudgeEvery Good Boy Deserves FudgeEvery Good Boy Deserves Fudge is the second studio album by the grunge band Mudhoney. It was recorded in 1991, at a time when the band was thinking of signing to a major record label, but decided to release the album on Sub Pop...
(1991) - Type O NegativeType O NegativeType O Negative was a gothic metal band from Brooklyn, New York City. The band also incorporated elements of doom metal and thrash metal. Their dramatic lyrical emphasis on themes of romance, depression, and death resulted in the nickname "The Drab Four"...
, on their album October RustOctober RustOctober Rust is the fourth album by Type O Negative. It was released in 1996, and has a more gothic rock feel than earlier albums. This is the first album to feature Johnny Kelly credited as the band's drummer, though in a 2007 interview with Dave Manack for dreadcentral.com keyboardist and...
(1996) - ReplicantsReplicants (band)Replicants was a four-piece band, consisting of Ken Andrews, Paul D'Amour, Greg Edwards, and Chris Pitman, which has been on hiatus since 1996. The group has only released one album, a self-titled cover album, in 1995...
on their eponymous album (1996) - PhishPhishPhish is an American rock band noted for its musical improvisation, extended jams, and exploration of music across genres. Formed at the University of Vermont in 1983 , the band's four members – Trey Anastasio , Mike Gordon , Jon Fishman , and Page McConnell Phish is an American rock band...
played it on March 18, 1997, at the launch event for Phish Food ice creamBen & Jerry'sBen & Jerry's is an American ice cream company, a division of the British-Dutch Unilever conglomerate, that manufactures ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet, and ice cream novelty products, manufactured by Ben & Jerry's Homemade Holdings, Inc., headquartered in South Burlington, Vermont, United... - Dream SyndicateDream SyndicateThe Dream Syndicate was an alternative rock band from Los Angeles, California active from 1981 to 1989. The band was associated with the Paisley Underground music movement.-History:...
as a bonus track on the reissue of their 1986 album Out of the Grey (1997) - Motörhead released a cover of this song on the reissue of their compilation All The AcesAll The AcesAll The Aces is a compilation album by the heavy metal band Motörhead. It includes 14 of their best songs, 2 enhanced multimedia sections and 8 previously unreleased live songs by The Muggers .-CD 1 - "All The Aces":# "Ace of Spades"# "Killed by Death"# "Motorhead...
(1999) - RadioheadRadioheadRadiohead are an English rock band from Abingdon, Oxfordshire, formed in 1985. The band consists of Thom Yorke , Jonny Greenwood , Ed O'Brien , Colin Greenwood and Phil Selway .Radiohead released their debut single "Creep" in 1992...
during the AmnesiacAmnesiacAmnesiac was generally well-received by critics. It was also ranked as one of the best albums of the year by several publications. The Village Voice Pazz and Jop poll ranked it number 6 on their top 10 albums of the year. Alternative Press declared it the #1 album of the year...
tour (2001) - Boyd TinsleyBoyd TinsleyBoyd Calvin Tinsley is an American violinist and mandolinist who performs as a member of the Dave Matthews Band. Within the band, Tinsley has collaborated in writing songs, harmonizing, and singing backing vocals.-Early life:Tinsley was raised in a musical family...
on True ReflectionsTrue ReflectionsTrue Reflections is a rock album by violinist Boyd Tinsley of the Dave Matthews Band, released in June 2003. Tinsley was the first member of the group to release a solo album. Despite that Tinsley is a violinist, his album makes spare use of the instrument. The album was not well-received by...
(2003) - Hawksley WorkmanHawksley WorkmanRyan Corrigan , better known by the stage name Hawksley Workman, is a Canadian rock singer-songwriter who has garnered critical acclaim for his blend of cabaret pop and glam rock. Workman has released eleven full length albums throughout his career...
on the DVDDVDA DVD is an optical disc storage media format, invented and developed by Philips, Sony, Toshiba, and Panasonic in 1995. DVDs offer higher storage capacity than Compact Discs while having the same dimensions....
Live in LilleLive in LilleLive In Lille is a DVD release by Hawksley Workman featuring a live performance at Le Splendid in Lille, France on November 28, 2003.* Tonight Romanticize the Automobile* No Reason to Cry Out Your Eyes * Even an Ugly Man...
(2004) - Warren HaynesWarren HaynesWarren Haynes is an American rock and blues guitarist, vocalist and songwriter. Haynes is best known for his work as long time guitarist with The Allman Brothers Band and as founding member of the jam band Gov't Mule. Early in his career he was a guitarist for David Allan Coe and The Dickey...
Rick Pecora Superbowl Party (2004) - KashmirKashmir (band)Kashmir is a Danish alternative rock band consisting of Kasper Eistrup ; Mads Tunebjerg ; Asger Techau and Henrik Lindstrand .-History:...
on their live album The Aftermath (2005) - Philip SaycePhilip SaycePhilip Sayce is a Welsh born guitarist, singer and songwriter from Canada.-Early life:Sayce was born in Aberystwyth, but family moved to Canada when he was two years old, and he grew up in Toronto. His parents, Kenneth and Sheila, listened to music by Eric Clapton, Ry Cooder and Dire Straits, among...
on his album Peace Machine (2005) - The Mother HipsThe Mother Hips-Formation and Debut:Tim Bluhm , Greg Loiacono , Isaac Parsons and Mike Wofchuck met in 1990 while attending California State University-Chico, living off campus in Bradley Hall...
on their live Neil YoungNeil YoungNeil Percival Young, OC, OM is a Canadian singer-songwriter who is widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians of his generation...
cover album Everybody Knows This Is NowhereEverybody Knows This Is Nowhere (Mother Hips album)'Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere is a live album by northern California rock band The Mother Hips. It is a cover of the Neil Young album of the same name, plus additional Neil Young songs Mr...
(2005) - Matthew SweetMatthew SweetSidney Matthew Sweet is an American alternative rock/power pop musician. He was part of the burgeoning Athens, Georgia music scene in the early and mid-1980s before gaining commercial success during the early 1990s...
and Susanna HoffsSusanna HoffsSusanna Lee Hoffs is an American vocalist, guitarist and actress. She is best known as a member of the all-female pop band The Bangles.-Early life:...
on Under the Covers, Vol. 1Under the Covers, Vol. 1Under the Covers, Vol. 1 is the first collaboration between alternative rock artist Matthew Sweet and Bangles singer Susanna Hoffs. Released by Shout! Factory in 2006, the album contains 15 cover versions of favorite songs from the 1960s and 1970s. The album was a result of their mutual love for...
(2006) - Bernard FowlerBernard FowlerBernard Fowler is an American musician, songwriter, producer, and actor. He has provided backing vocals with The Rolling Stones for over 20 years on recordings and tours, and has been a featured guest vocalist on the majority of solo albums released by the members of that band. He has also been a...
on his album Friends With Privileges (2006) - Los LobosLos LobosLos Lobos are a multiple Grammy Award–winning American Chicano rock band from East Los Angeles, California. Their music is influenced by rock and roll, Tex-Mex, country, folk, R&B, blues, brown-eyed soul, and traditional Spanish and Mexican music such as cumbia, boleros and norteños.-History:The...
at the Edmonton Blues Festival (2007) - Paul KellyPaul Kelly (musician)Paul Maurice Kelly is an Australian rock music singer-songwriter, guitarist, and harmonica player. He has performed solo, and has led numerous groups, including the Dots, the Coloured Girls, and the Messengers. He has worked with other artists and groups, including associated projects Professor...
played this live on the RocKwizRocKwizRocKwiz is an Australian television quiz show series, focused on rock music, and broadcast on SBS One. It premiered in 2005.-Summary:The forty minute program airs on Saturday at 9:20 pm, and is hosted by Julia Zemiro. It is shot in The Gershwin Room at St Kilda's Esplanade Hotel, commonly...
special Salutes the BowlSidney Myer Music BowlThe Sidney Myer Music Bowl is an outdoor performance venue in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It is located in the lawns and gardens of Kings Domain, close to the Arts Centre and the Southbank entertainment precinct...
(2009) - Tim ChristensenTim ChristensenTim Christensen is a Danish singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who plays guitar, bass guitar, drums, Mellotron, harmonium, keyboard, piano and organ...
during the Superior tour (2009) - ApologetiXApologetiXApologetiX is a Christian parody band from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. The band was founded in 1992, and since then, has played in 44 states, released 17 studio albums, and built up a fan club that includes 45,000 people. The band is currently composed of J...
parodied the song as "Sin of The World" on SoundproofSoundproof (album)-Track listing:# "Lions" - 4:15#* Parody of "Signs" by Five Man Electrical Band & Tesla#* Rewritten version of song which originally appeared on Isn't Wasn't Ain't.# "Sin of The World" - 2:42#* Parody of "Cinnamon Girl" by Neil Young# "I'm Cured" - 3:54...
(2010)
External links
- Planer, Lindsay (2008). [ "'Cinnamon Girl' review"], AllMusic.