Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Re·ac·tor
Rare & Collectible Vinyl Records

1981 Original With Custom Inner Sleeve in shrink. Hole punch. Released in November 1981, Re•ac•tor is an album by Neil Young and his frequent collaborators Crazy Horse. Recorded at Neil Young’s Modern Recorders studio in California, the album captures the raw, electric synergy characteristic of his work with the band. Re•ac•tor stands out for its abrasive, almost proto-grunge sound, built around heavily distorted guitars and driving rhythms, with Young employing his signature Old Black Les Paul. The lyrics reflect themes of frustration and disillusionment, with tracks like "Southern Pacific" and "Surfer Joe and Moe the Sleaze" addressing blue-collar struggles and quirky narratives. The album’s closer, "Shots," juxtaposes distorted guitar blasts with a somber meditation on violence. Notably, Re•ac•tor was the last album Neil Young released under his contract with Reprise Records before his contentious and experimental Geffen era. The original vinyl pressing features stark cover art with bold typography designed by Young and his wife, Pegi. For vinyl collectors, Re•ac•tor offers the visceral immediacy of Crazy Horse at their most unrefined, capturing the unfiltered energy of Young’s early-80s output. It remains a cult favorite among fans who appreciate Neil Young’s uncompromising approach and the enduring power of his collaboration with Crazy Horse.