Neil Young

If Neil Young has confounded his audience over the years by switching styles the way other people change hairstyles, think of what he has done to his on-and-off band Crazy Horse.They were called the Rockets in 1969 when Mr. Young first hooked up with them to record his second album "Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere."From then on, the band, which originally included Danny Whitten, Ralph Molina and Billy Talbot, became known as Crazy Horse. It collaborated with Mr. Young on such triumphs as "After the Goldrush," "Zuma," "Rust Never Sleeps," "Live Rust" and the underrated "re-ac-tor."

Largo -- Anyone who remembers Spinal Tap guitarist Nigel Tufnel and his amplifiers that went up to 11 ("It's One Louder Than Ten" he'd explain) would have appreciated the look and sound of Neil Young's show at the Capital Centre last night. It wasn't just that Young had decked the stage with towering amps, including a pair of Fender Bassman cabinets 12 feet high; he also made sure his massive props were accompanied by an equally outsized sound.From the moment he and his backing band, Crazy Horse, hit the stage, the audience was awash in electric thunder.

Sonic YouthWhen: Wednesday, Feb. 27, 8 p.m.Where: Capital CentreTickets: $22.50Call: 481-6000 for tickets, 792-7490 for informationIn theory, at least, Sonic Youth has quite a lot in common with Neil Young. Both are beloved by rock critics. Both operate on the fringes of mainstream rock. And both like to crank their guitar amps as high as they'll go.But one thing these two bands don't have in common is an audience. Which is why, as the Youth open for Young in arena after arena, the group keeps getting the same reaction.

The pickings are slim for popular music concerts. But the major shows scheduled in the area include:Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Capital Centre, Feb. 27. The veteran songwriter returns on the strength of "Ragged Glory." Besides guaranteeing plenty of the old stuff, Young brings two great up-and-comers to open the show.INXS, Capital Centre, March 1. The Australian group makes its first local appearance in more than two years in support of their latest album, "X."Paul Simon, Capital Centre, March 13. Simon leaves his African troupe of dancers home this time out and will perform 2 1/2 hours of his classic material mixed with songs from the current "Rhythm of the Saints" album.