Neil Young Archives Vol. 2

Posted on by Mike Miller

In his 70s, Neil Young has opened the vault. The best way to tell your story is to release your art. Young has been busy making available his music and films, releasing them his way. In Neil Young’s world, it is his way or no way. He’s amassed an incredible library of his work, from his earliest days to the present. Remastered album tracks to demos, alternate versions and live recordings, Young has it all.

This set covers what I consider to be Young’s most productive period, 1972-1976.

Several of the 10 discs have already been released separately including disc 7, called Homegrown. I will link my earlier review of that disc. As I listened to each disc, I made notes.

I am not sure why he included almost entire albums of songs he has already remastered and released.  Different versions, demos, or other unreleased tracks might have been a better choice.  Tonight’s the Night, Zuma and On the Beach are prominently featured on this set.  What is here is good, sometimes a bit redundant, but the unreleased songs (new to me) are quite good, especially the Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young versions.  The liner notes are good about listing the players and when they were recorded, but not really helpful in understanding the context or why the songs were picked.

If you are really into Neil Young, this is an essential item.

download (2)

Disc: 1 Everybody’s Alone (1972-1973)

This disc includes a couple of unreleased songs, different versions of songs on albums, a couple of live tracks and a CSN&Y song from an aborted group album project.

  1. Letter from ‘Nam – I have never heard this song before in any version. Just Neil solo. I like it.
  2. Monday Morning – A version of what would become “Last Dance” which is an average song.  This version is better.
  3. The Bridge – A different version of the released song.  The lyrics may be different.  I like this version better.
  4. Time Fades Away (12/15/72) – By Neil Young & Stray Gators – A studio version of the song, rockabilly.
  5. Come Along and Say You Will – By Neil Young & Stray Gators
  6. Goodbye Christians on the Shore – By Neil Young & Stray Gators – A nice song, mostly instrumental.
  7. The Last Trip to Tulsa – By Neil Young & Stray Gators – I didn’t care for the original, this sloppy, live version is great.
  8. The Loner (Live) – By Neil Young & Stray Gators – Slower version, trippy.  It’s really good.
  9. Sweet Joni – Written about Joni Mitchell. A nice song, but feels unfinished. Why didn’t he finish it?
  10. Yonder Stands the Sinner – By Neil Young & Stray Gators
  11. L.A. (Story) – This noodling and talking does not add anything.
  12. L.A. (Live) – Solo guitar, nice, but the original is a classic.
  13. Human Highway (6/29/73) – By Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young – Very sad that this project crashed. Great harmonies.

Disc: 2 Tuscaloosa

This disc was previously released as Tuscaloosa.  The songs on this set draw from After the Gold Rush, Harvest, Tonight’s the Night and Time Fades Away. The set was recorded on February 5, 1973.  The band are the musicians he used to record Harvest. Most of these songs sound like the original album versions. It is great that he could re-produced them live without losing anything.

  1. Here We Are in the Years (Live from Tuscaloosa) – By Neil Young & Stray Gators
  2. After the Gold Rush (Live from Tuscaloosa) – By Neil Young & Stray Gators
  3. Out on the Weekend (Live from Tuscaloosa) – By Neil Young & Stray Gators
  4. Harvest (Live from Tuscaloosa) – By Neil Young & Stray Gators
  5. Old Man (Live from Tuscaloosa) – By Neil Young & Stray Gators
  6. Heart of Gold (Live from Tuscaloosa) – By Neil Young & Stray Gators
  7. Time Fades Away (Live from Tuscaloosa) – By Neil Young & Stray Gators
  8. Lookout Joe (Live from Tuscaloosa) – By Neil Young & Stray Gators
  9. New Mama (Live from Tuscaloosa) – By Neil Young & Stray Gators
  10. Alabama (Live from Tuscaloosa) – By Neil Young & Stray Gators
  11. Don’t Be Denied (Live from Tuscaloosa) – By Neil Young & Stray Gators

download (1)

Disc: 3 Tonight’s the Night

This is mostly the album Tonight’s the Night, with a few differences. I am not sure why he needed to include most of the album, since the original album has been remastered and released.  At least it could have been different versions or demos.

  1. Speakin’ Out Jam – By Neil Young with the Santa Monica Flyers
  2. Everybody’s Alone – By Neil Young with the Santa Monica Flyers
  3. Tired Eyes – By Neil Young with the Santa Monica Flyers
  4. Tonight’s the Night – By Neil Young with the Santa Monica Flyers
  5. Mellow My Mind – By Neil Young with the Santa Monica Flyers
  6. World on a String – By Neil Young with the Santa Monica Flyers
  7. Speakin’ Out – By Neil Young with the Santa Monica Flyers
  8. Raised on Robbery – By Neil Young with the Santa Monica Flyers
  9. Roll Another Number (For The Road) – By Neil Young with the Santa Monica Flyers
  10. New Mama – By Neil Young with the Santa Monica Flyers
  11. Albuquerque – By Neil Young with the Santa Monica Flyers
  12. Tonight’s the Night, Pt. II – By Neil Young with the Santa Monica Flyers

Disc: 4  Roxy: Tonight’s the Night

This disc was released as a stand-alone live album, Roxy: Tonight’s the Night Live, September 20-22, 1973. Since it is most of the original album live, I do not understand why he needed both studio and live versions. If I had to pick, I would include these live versions over the studio tracks.  The live tracks have more soul and energy, and even thought they may be sloppier, they are bluesier than the originals.  Having Nils Lofgren on guitar and piano gives this band a lot of flexibility.

  1. Intro (Live from The Roxy) – By Neil Young with the Santa Monica Flyers
  2. Tonight’s the Night (Live from The Roxy) – By Neil Young with the Santa Monica Flyers
  3. Roll Out the Barrel (Live from The Roxy) – By Neil Young with the Santa Monica Flyers
  4. Mellow My Mind (Live from The Roxy) – By Neil Young with the Santa Monica Flyers
  5. World on a String (Live from The Roxy) – By Neil Young with the Santa Monica Flyers
  6. Band Intro (Live from The Roxy) – By Neil Young with the Santa Monica Flyers
  7. Speakin’ Out (Live from The Roxy) – By Neil Young with the Santa Monica Flyers
  8. Candy Barr Rap (Live from The Roxy) – By Neil Young with the Santa Monica Flyers
  9. Albuquerque (Live from The Roxy) – By Neil Young with the Santa Monica Flyers
  10. Perry Como Rap (Live from The Roxy) – By Neil Young with the Santa Monica Flyers
  11. New Mama (Live from The Roxy) – By Neil Young with the Santa Monica Flyers
  12. David Geffen Rap (Live from The Roxy) – By Neil Young with the Santa Monica Flyers
  13. Roll Another Number (For the Road) [Live from The Roxy] – By Neil Young with the Santa Monica Flyers
  14. Candy Barr 2 Rap (Live from The Roxy) – By Neil Young with the Santa Monica Flyers
  15. Tired Eyes (Live from The Roxy) – By Neil Young with the Santa Monica Flyers
  16. Tonight’s the Night, Pt. II (Live from The Roxy) – By Neil Young with the Santa Monica Flyers
  17. Walk On (Live from The Roxy) – By Neil Young with the Santa Monica Flyers
  18. The Losing End (Live from The Roxy) – By Neil Young with the Santa Monica Flyers
  19. Outro (Live from The Roxy) – By Neil Young with the Santa Monica Flyers

images

Disc: 5 Walk On (1973-1974)

Mostly from the On the Beach album.  Again, not sure why he includes most of an album available elsewhere.  These are good songs, mostly dark, but quality.

  1. Winterlong – By Neil Young & Crazy Horse – An orphan song, appearing only on his Decade compilation album.
  2. Walk On – By Neil Young & Crazy Horse
  3. Bad Fog of Loneliness – By Neil Young & Crazy Horse – This song is quite pretty and is hard to find.
  4. Borrowed Tune
  5. Traces (12/5/73) – I have never heard this song before.  It is a winner.
  6. For the Turnstiles
  7. Ambulance Blues
  8. Motion Pictures (For Carrie)
  9. On the Beach
  10. Revolution Blues
  11. Vampire Blues
  12. Greensleeves – A cover of the traditional song.  A soulful version.

download

Disc: 6 The Old Homestead (1974)

This, is a great compilation of material not heard elsewhere, perhaps on bootlegs.  All of these songs were recorded in 1974 with a variety of backing musicians.

  1. Love/Art Blues (6/15/74)  – I am not familiar with this song, although I was aware of it. Very nice solo guitar work by Young.
  2. Through My Sails – Unreleased version, a different version appeared on Zuma.  This version does not have the CSN&Y harmonies, it is just Young.
  3. Homefires – Another one I had never heard, Young on guitar with Tim Drummond on bass.  It is quite lovely.
  4. Pardon My Heart (6/16/74) – Different version than the one on Zuma.
  5. Hawaiian Sunrise – Again, one I had never heard.
  6. L.A. Girls and Ocean Boys – Another one new to me. Very poignant. 
  7. Pushed It Over the End – By Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young – A different version is on their 1974 live album.
  8. On the Beach (8/28/74) – By Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young – A solo track performed on their 1974 tour.
  9. Vacancy (11/4/74) – Never heard of this one.  Nice.
  10. One More Sign – Again, new to me and I very nice song.
  11. Frozen Man – Solo performance by Young, nice song.  Another new I had not heard.
  12. Give Me Strength –  Young on several instruments, nice track.
  13. Bad News Comes to Town – Young on guitar, new to me.
  14. Changing Highways – By Neil Young & Crazy Horse – A country waltz, could have fit on Harvest.
  15. Love/Art Blues (12/10/74) – Country version of the song.
  16. The Old Homestead – From the Hawks and Doves album. 
  17. Daughters – Another song that could have been on Harvest, I’ve never heard this one before.
  18. Deep Forbidden Lake – From Decade, another orphan. Overlooked.
  19. Love/Art Blues (12/31/74) – An upbeat country version of the song.

Disc 7 – Homegrown (1974-1975)

A couple of these songs appeared on later albums.  These songs fit the earthy, down home Harvest / American Stars ‘N’ Bars albums.  “Little Wing” is one of my favorite Neil Young songs.

https://ticket-2-ride.com/2020/07/08/neil-young-homegrown/

  1. Separate Ways
  2. Try
  3. Mexico
  4. Love Is a Rose
  5. Homegrown
  6. Florida
  7. Kansas (6/12/75)
  8. We Don’t Smoke It No More
  9. White Line – By Neil Young & Robbie Robertson
  10. Vacancy
  11. Little Wing
  12. Star of Bethlehem

Dume

Disc: 8 Dume (1975)

These songs are generally from the Zuma period, and most appeared on Zuma or different versions appeared on that album.  The Dume name is from Dume Point where Young lived.

  1. Ride My Llama – By Neil Young & Crazy Horse – This song appeared on a later album, but I like this version better.
  2. Cortez the Killer – By Neil Young & Crazy Horse – Always loved this song.
  3. Don’t Cry No Tears – By Neil Young & Crazy Horse
  4. Born to Run – By Neil Young & Crazy Horse – Not the Springsteen song, but this one is also an upbeat rock song, which I like.  Never heard it before.
  5. Barstool Blues – By Neil Young & Crazy Horse
  6. Danger Bird – By Neil Young & Crazy Horse
  7. Stupid Girl – By Neil Young & Crazy Horse
  8. Kansas – By Neil Young & Crazy Horse – An electric version of this song.
  9. Powderfinger – By Neil Young & Crazy Horse – Slower version of the album release.
  10. Hawaii – By Neil Young & Crazy Horse – New to me and a very nice song.
  11. Drive Back – By Neil Young & Crazy Horse
  12. Lookin’ for a Love – By Neil Young & Crazy Horse
  13. Pardon My Heart – By Neil Young & Crazy Horse
  14. Too Far Gone – By Neil Young & Crazy Horse – Never heard this one, but like the guitar and mandolin.
  15. Pocahontas – By Neil Young & Crazy Horse – Different version.
  16. No One Seems to Know – By Neil Young & Crazy Horse – New to me. Young solo on piano.

xngcgt7pzs261

Disc: 9 Look Out For My Love (1975-1976)

A little bit of everything on this album, including songs from American Stars ‘N’ Bars, Comes a Time, Long May You Run, some unreleased songs and some live versions.  There are three CSN&Y songs from an aborted album.  These three songs appeared on other Young albums.  All songs from the albums unless otherwise noted.

  1. Like a Hurricane – By Neil Young & Crazy Horse
  2. Lotta Love – By Neil Young & Crazy Horse
  3. Look Out for My Love – By Neil Young & Crazy Horse
  4. Separate Ways (2/3/76) – By The Stills-Young Band – Unreleased song. Not sure why this was left off of the Long May You Run album. It is quite good.
  5. Let It Shine – By The Stills-Young Band – A different version from the album.
  6. Long May You Run – By The Stills-Young Band
  7. Fontainebleau – By The Stills-Young Band
  8. Traces (2/8/76) – By The Stills-Young Band – A different version of this song, still unreleased.
  9. Mellow My Mind (Live – 3/5/76) – A solo live version.
  10. Midnight on the Bay (Live – 3/30/76) – A solo live version.
  11. Stringman – A solo live version.  Better than other band versions.
  12. Mediterranean – Unreleased song.  Not great, but interesting.
  13. Ocean Girl – An unreleased CSN&Y version.  Nice.
  14. Midnight on the Bay (4/14/76) – Also an unreleased CSN&Y version.
  15. Human Highway (4/15/76) – Another unreleased CSN&Y version.

qzerbz7pzs261

Disc: 10 Odeon/Budokan

Recorded March 1976 from concerts in London and Tokyo.  Songs 1-5 were recorded in London and feature Young solo on guitar or piano.  The remaining songs are from several nights in Tokyo and feature Crazy Horse.

  1. The Old Laughing Lady (Live) – By Neil Young & Crazy Horse – A quieter, less polished version. Also not as moody.
  2. After the Gold Rush (Live) – By Neil Young & Crazy Horse – Young solo, great harmonica on this version.  Pretty.
  3. Too Far Gone (Live) – By Neil Young & Crazy Horse – Not released on a studio album till 1989.
  4. Old Man (Live) – By Neil Young & Crazy Horse – The song has every bit the power as the original.
  5. Stringman (Live) – By Neil Young & Crazy Horse – No studio version released. Beautiful song.
  6. Don’t Cry No Tears (Live) – By Neil Young & Crazy Horse – This version sounds nearly identical to the album.
  7. Cowgirl in the Sand (Live) – By Neil Young & Crazy Horse – A shorter version, I prefer this to the elongated ones.
  8. Lotta Love (Live) – By Neil Young & Crazy Horse – A slightly ragged version, but retains its poignancy.
  9. Drive Back (Live) – By Neil Young & Crazy Horse – Powerful and gritty.
  10. Cortez the Killer (Live) – By Neil Young & Crazy Horse – One of Young’s best songs for playing in concert.

3 thoughts on “Neil Young Archives Vol. 2”

  1. Neil Young has indeed been prolific with his archives releases. This Friday, he’s set to release yet another one titled “Young Shakespeare.” It’s both an album and a film capturing an acoustic gig at the Shakespeare Theater in Stratford, Conn. on January 22, 1971 – apparently, the oldest released concert footage of Young to date.

    The track list looks great:
    1. Tell Me Why
    2. Old Man
    3. The Needle and the Damage Done
    4. Ohio
    5. Dance Dance Dance
    6. Cowgirl in the Sand
    7. A Man Needs a Maid/Heart of Gold
    8. Journey Through the Past
    9. Don’t Let It Bring You Down
    10. Helpless
    11. Down by the River
    12. Sugar Mountain

    Like

    Reply

  2. I love Neil, but I’m not a completist. I’m always dubious of these high-priced multiple-disc boxed sets. How much of the time is it merely a money grab by the record corporation? I mean, when is enough enough? Sounds like you’re aware of some redundancy and context problems here, so thanks for that candor.

    That being said, if I’m contributing my cash to any artist, I’d rather it go to Neil than someone like Ted Nugent!

    Like

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Please log in using one of these methods to post your comment:

Gravatar
WordPress.com Logo

You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Twitter picture

You are commenting using your Twitter account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Facebook photo

You are commenting using your Facebook account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Cancel

Connecting to %s