When a band is as new and as hyped as Wolfmother, there are two factors that determine whether it will have lasting power. The first is live performance – can the band translate the energy of a hit record to the stage? The second is the all-important subsequent album.

The only constant in Neil Young’s decades of pointed political songs is that he’s bound to do some more, sooner or later. At times he responds to headlines. Other times he calls up distant historical events. He can tackle broad social changes or personal issues he’s been turning over in his head. He’s cozied up…

Okay, here’s the short version of my take on The River in Reverse (after an inadequate 1 1/2 listens):