Favorite “New” Tracks from the Neil Young Archives Box, part 2 of 2
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.
“Birds”
From disc 4, Topanga 2 (1969-1970), a mono 45-RPM single version with Crazy Horse, drastically different from the album version.
“Everybody’s Alone”
Also from disc 4, this is a very catchy previously unreleased song with Crazy Horse, featuring a coruscating guitar tone.
“Only Love Can Break Your Heart”
From disc 6, Topanga 3 (1970), CSNY at the Fillmore East on June 5, 1970.
“Tell Me Why”
Ditto, with two-and-a-half minutes of amusing group banter before the music kicks in, although I’d prefer the banter had its own track.
“See the Sky About to Rain”
From disc 6, Topanga 3 (1970), a previously unreleased live solo version, Neil accompanying himself on piano. Years later this song finally showed up in band format on On the Beach.
“Bad Fog of Loneliness”
From disc 8, North Country (1971-1972) with The Stray Gators – previously unreleased version
“Journey through the Past”
A previously unreleased version. Why aren’t all Neil’s songs from the Journey through the Past soundtrack here? On DVD and Blu-Ray, this point is finessed by the inclusion of the entire movie, but CD buyers still haven’t gotten the opportunity to own Buffalo Springfield and CSNY tracks. (Glad I have the vinyl!) But this bodes poorly for the chances of Time Fades Away making it onto volume 2 of the Archives. (Glad I’ve got that vinyl too!)
“Words (Between the Lines of Age)”
At least the greatest track by far on JttP is included: this 16-minute rehearsal jam with The Stray Gators.
“War Song”
Neil Young & Graham Nash with The Stray Gators – one of the legendary gems of Neil’s catalog, long available only on a 45 and a Warners promo set.
“Dance Dance Dance”
Neil & Graham on a song that Neil considers so integral to his discography that even though it never made it onto an LP, this joyous song was included in his songbook collection Complete Music Volume I [1966-1969] (Warner Bros. Publications, 1974). Of the three versions in this box, this is my favorite (the others are solo acoustic and with Crazy Horse).
