Favorite “New” Tracks from the Neil Young Archives Box, part 1
While I’m not thrilled by the decision to include two of his recently released archival concerts here, which drastically drags down the percentage of previously unreleased material, I’m largely enjoying this set (I got the eight-CD version, but anyone with a Blu-Ray player and $300 bucks to splurge should probably go for the 10-disc Blu-Ray set, which includes online access to a ton of great stuff). Here are ten tracks from the first three discs that are previously unreleased on CD that are either favorites of mine or of particular historical interest. Note that while stores only get the box set, Neil’s website sells the discs individually.
“I Wonder”
From disc 1, Early Years (1963-1968), Neil’s first recorded band The Squires, previously only heard on an extremely rare 7-inch. Half of the six Squires tracks here are Ventures/Shadows-like instrumentals featuring Young’s guitar, but the others, including this one, have vocals. What makes this song particularly interesting is that years later, it evolved into “Don’t Cry No Tears” on the Zuma LP.
“(I’m a Man And) I Can’t Cry”
The other noteworthy Squires vocal track.
“Hello Lonely Woman”
Also from disc 1, this finds Neil singing the blues in acoustic partnership with Comrie Smith.
“Casting Me Away From You”
Another gem with Smith, this previously unreleased song anticipates Neil’s Buffalo Springfield writing style.
“Sell Out”
Still from disc 1, this is a previously unreleased Buffalo Springfield song with Dylanesque rhymes and a pounding beat.
“Slowly Burning”
My last choice from disc 1: a previously unreleased instrumental.
“Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere”
Moving on to disc 2, Topanga 1 (1968-1969), I’m immediately struck by this very different take on Neil’s second LP’s title track. This version comes from the stereo promotional 45 RPM single’s second pressing; it’s much janglier, a very different and more stripped-down production.
“I’ve Loved Her So Long”
Disc 3 is a new solo concert album, Live at the Riverboat (Toronto 1969). The whole disc is worth hearing; this take on a song from his debut album is noteworthy for the way the guitar riff anticipates “Southern Man.”
“1956 Bubblegum Disaster”
Neil goofing around between songs. First he plays a song fragment – the 1956 section. It’s followed by a darkly Dadaist verse – the “Bubblegum” section – set to the tune of “Here We Are in the Years.”
“Expecting to Fly”
From the same concert, my favorite Springfield tune, still a deeply moving song even minus Jack Nitzsche’s gorgeous production, and a literal show-stopper as the last song of his set.
