On the Beach is so uneven in both concept and delivery that it is more than just disappointing, it is, in many ways, disgraceful. For an artist as stimulating as Young to have lost his way musically for so long is enough reason to believe that he may just not "have it" anymore.

To be sure, there are a few moments of brilliance, even on such a sorry recording. When Young launches into "See the Sky About to Rain," visions of the old talent are readily in evidence. (p. 76)

But a song such as "Walk On" easily upsets this fluid feel. An indictment against those who criticize Young for his lifestyle, "Walk On" is its own tomb-builder. Vaguely disguised in a commercial, uptempo framework, the tune is vapid and totally without any real musical identity.

"Revolution Blues" attempts to recreate the kind of song that Young used to...