Neil Young News: Archives Guy Has Some Answers

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Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Archives Guy Has Some Answers

Archives Guy -- our official inside source on all things Archives related -- has stopped by again with a few answers.

We've seen an avalanche of questions since the announcement of Neil Young Archives track listing.

UPDATE: 3/25

More on this "unreleased Crazy Horse album"...NYA V1 period.

Yes, these are some songs recorded during the ATGR sessions, but there is not some whole other unreleased album packed with songs you have never heard before.

Take a look at the track listing and some of your answers will be pleasantly found.

Jonathan - the remastering has been done on all this material. Those tracks that are included in Volume 1 are all remasters. (that is one of the cool things about the Archives versions of the previously released songs.)
Release dates have not been set for either HDCD CD and fresh vinyl with these remasters...but work has been done for both formats.

I agree that the world needs to have better CD versions of these important albums. What has been out there all these years isn't the best that it could be.

Here are a few answers from today's questions:

1- UK and other countries can place their orders thru neilyoung.com

Details on shipping charges, as well as contact info for customer service questions can be found here:

http://warnerbrosrecordsstore.com/store/st.handler.asp?sslist=%27WBR%27&doc_type=CSP&l=NEILY

2- Credit cards are charged at the time of ordering. Details in regard to this can again be found on the Customer Service Page listed above.

3- no info at this time about Amazon UK

4- Steel: yes, Fillmore and Massey have all the videos, photos, etc on them in the BD version.

5- unreleased Crazy Horse album? Not from the time period of Volume 1 (1963-72). This would be later on.....

6- Jonathan Criswell: thanks for the tech facts.

7- Mark: you don't need to access the bak of your player constantly with a USB drive....the players have a built in hard drive. This is where your BD-Live downloads are stored. Once you have them....you have them. BD-Live files can't be transferred to other devices such a your computer, not directly be burned to a disc.

8- Sony BDPS350 Blu-ray Disc is compatible and a good player. Once again, look for a Profile 2.0 BD player with internet port. As with most consumer electronic players, don't buy the cheapest thing that you can find or an off brand. Cheap and unknown brands usually lead to disappointment.
I'm sure that many of you have learned this lesson at least two or three times. (I have) :-)

-Archives Guy

And a few more answers later in the day:

in reply to:

Joe from T.O. If your player dies, just download again from your new player. The downloads won't expire/ become no longer available.
In a similar manner, if you choose to delete any downloads via the NYA BD-Live Download Manager, you can go back and grab them again.

Eddie from Toronto: Ponder for a minute the possibilities of BD-Live and I think you will be able to answer your own question.

FITR question- BD version is being released later than CD/DVD because it is still in production. Look for more special features on BD plus 24/192 audio.

The main video program for the disc will be a full length performance piece and NOT one of our screensaver/wallpaper releases.

At this time, there are no plans for a free mp3 download of this release. I'm not saying it won't happen, just not in the plans right now....so hold off on the whining(those of you who are so inclined)

FITR on BD is shaping up to be pretty cool, if I do say so myself.

-Archives Guy

Archives Guy also answered questions over the past few days and those are posted here.

If you have dropped a question recently that has not been answered, then re-submit as a comment below in this thread.

PLEASE NOTE: Do *NOT* use this thread for off topics. NYA questions only. Off topic comments will be deleted with prejudice, per comments policy.

If you have a complaint about the NYA packaging, track listing, box color or some other snark, READ THIS FIRST. If you still feel wronged, then take it here.

For some of those who have been waiting for this moment ever since the release of Decade in 1977, this is not a game.

Thanks AG!

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96 Comments:

At 3/24/2009 06:40:00 PM, Thrasher said...: Thanks Archives Guy for all the answers!

It is most appreciated.

I seem to recall there would be a NYA FAQ once the official NYA site came up? Is that still the plan?

Thanks!
At 3/24/2009 06:51:00 PM, thisbyronichero said...: Hi, I would just like to thank Archives Guy for finding the time to post on TW. Thanks Thrasher too for maintaining a great site.

I have one question: I'm wondering about the difference between the Fillmore and Massey Hall CD/DVD which have already been released and the ones included in the archives.

Basically, are we to assume that if you were to buy the Blu-Ray archives, Fillmore and Massey would be Blu-Ray? Or would they still be the same type of DVD-A or similar that they were issued as before?

If one already had the two releases as they are, would they play on a Blu-Ray player?

Thanks.
At 3/24/2009 07:02:00 PM, Archives Guy said...: Thrasher- yes we will have a FAQ page coming up at some point.

thisbyronichero- The Fillmore and Massey Hall CD and DVD are the same as that released. The upward mobility comes in the BD edition of the Archives.
* better resolution picture quality
* 24 bit/ 192 kHz audio.....the DVD was only 96kHz.

IMHO, Massey Hall sounds stunning in the BD format.
It is already a great recording and the 192kHz audio gets as close to the original as we can in the digital domain.

Yes, CDs and DVDs can be played on a BD player.

-Archives Guy
At 3/24/2009 07:25:00 PM, Jonathan Criswell said...: Thanks, Archives Guy

It would be nice to see HDCD remasters of albums (For mobile use) from Neil Young-Sleeps With Angels, (not counting, Time Fades Away,On The Beach,Stars And Bars, Hawks And Doves,Reactor) since they have been released, well somewhat released...

I also hope that the NYA PS will become like the Dead's Dick Picks series, lots of random,great shows from various tours (I wish years from now I could be the guy listening through all the tapes, trying to make the selection for the pick, and not some record company jerk that had no idea what Neil wished in quality/selection. And the releases don't have to be in order by year, Hell, I saw NY in Philly last year, great show,great tour, that could be a NYA PS show.

Though I think Blu-ray will be a great format, audio quality will be like DVD Audio, though I'm assuming a little better per not using MLP with Blu-ray.

It may not prevent the music industry from sinking, but it will give audiophiles like me, more quality with sound and vision combined and artists more options with there media.

I'm just glad to know, I should be around for all of the volumes of NYA's (I'm 26 now.)

Peace; JRC
At 3/24/2009 07:39:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Hello! Regarding CSNY material on the Archives: there is previously unreleased version of OLCBYH mentioned. Can you tell the date and venue of recording?
Do you know the latest updates of CSNY Filmore concert DVD? Are there any plans for special 40th anniversary of Deja vu? Cheers!
At 3/24/2009 08:07:00 PM, cirerita said...: Hi, AG!

I'm planning to buy a powerful laptop -with a Blu Ray player- and then hook it up to an external receiver. Question is: is the laptop Blu-Ray player required to be profile 2.0 compatible? I mean, since the laptop will have Internet access, you'd think that the Blu-Ray player would also have Internet access, right? But, of course, I want to be sure that's the case before I buy a laptop with a "useless" Blu-Ray player.

thanks!
cirerita
At 3/24/2009 08:18:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Dear Archives Guy -

Can you let us know if some of the unreleased tracks released on Westwood One's "Hard to Find" Neil Young CD (1994) will end up on Volume 1 of the Archives?

If so, technically, the actual number of unreleased songs will decrease, correct? Plus, 4 songs from Live at the Riverboat have already been officially released, lowering the number even more.

Maybe the myth outweighed the reality of actual unreleased songs in Neil's Archives, i'm talking specifically about Vol 1. (i can't comment on other volumes as the track list hasn't been made public yet)

A few years ago i had a conversation with Jimmy McDonough. He made 2 points about the Archives:

1. He did not believe there was as much UNRELEASED material as legend told us there was.

2. He didn't think the Archives would ever be released in Neil's lifetime.

Let's hope Jimmy was wrong on both counts, but my guess is he's dead-on on No. 1, and way off on No. 2.

I guess i can deal with that. I gots no choice.
At 3/24/2009 08:18:00 PM, sugarmtn said...: Asking these for others -

Will this be on itunes (or equiv) and could I potentially download just the 16 or 20 or 40 songs I really want as a means of getting the ultra cheap version?

Also, if I buy just one or two of the Blu-ray discs, can I participate in BD-live?

Me - I'm buying the whole thing in BR and have a zillion suggestions for downloads :-)

Thanks for listening.
At 3/24/2009 08:29:00 PM, Ian G said...: 1. He did not believe there was as much UNRELEASED material as legend told us there was. "

It wouldn't surprise me if this was the case with this early period which is why there aren't any big surprises to Vol 1 but I'd expect there to be a lot of unreleased material for later periods. Just for example hasn't Neil been basically filming every concert from 2007 onwards?
At 3/24/2009 08:41:00 PM, Anonymous said...: The first official download for BD Live should be - drum roll please - COUGH UP THE BUCKS!
At 3/24/2009 08:46:00 PM, Chris Burns said...: Thanks for all the helpful information Archives Guy and Thrasher.
At 3/24/2009 09:11:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Archives Guy,
Many thanks for all your answers. I'm wondering if there is a limited amount of BD NYA sets being produced and if it works like printing books where they print in runs ... I'm trying to get some sense of the risk of not being able to get a BD NYA set if they sell out of the first run and then hold off on making more. Can you provide any detail around how available the NYA BD sets are likely to be say 6-12 months after the release date?
Thanks again!
At 3/24/2009 10:13:00 PM, Babbo B. said...: Add me to the list of folks appreciative of AG's time and patience. One question I don't believe I've seen specifically answered: If one goes the PS3 route (which seems tempting with the WiFi capability and built-in HD), would the 80 GB version be sufficient for anticipated BD-Live download extras for this volume and beyond, or would you recommend the 160?
At 3/24/2009 10:17:00 PM, Anonymous said...: To Babbo B...

I'm no expert, but I am fairly sure that the HD in the PS3 is replaceable (500GB for about $100)...

I plan on getting the 80GB PS3 and upgrading if/when needed.

- GregInTheDesert
At 3/24/2009 10:31:00 PM, Mark said...: This comment has been removed by the author.
At 3/24/2009 10:32:00 PM, Jonathan Criswell said...: To answer the ? about his Blu-ray drive being 2.0 compatible, u will have to make sure u have the latest drivers for the drive, make sure the firmware is up to date, basically same thing. Also on your laptop, u wanna make sure you have a Video card/processer capable of producing HD video. Most standard sound cards go up to 24 Bit 48khz, so if you want high resolution sound, you'll have to buy a 24 Bit 192khz soundcard, about $100-150.

To answer Sugar Mountain; I'm sure a Itunes version will be an option, but keep in mind, usually with Itunes, the popular or rarest song usually is Album Only. Yes, and no matter if you buy 1 or the whole Blu-ray set, you can still access BR-Live, but keep in mind, your content to download will be much less with 1 or 2 discs, than the whole set. Since i'm assuming the content will vary per what disc you put in.

I just hope they offer "Sea Change", and "Get Around" as a download bonus with the FITR BRD release, and not offer it on Itunes as a bonus. I really like those songs.

Being a fan of Neil's music since I was little (thanks to my father,singing Got Mashed Potato, Ain't Got No T-Bone, everytime he'd make mashed taters) I grew up in 82-90, listening to RNS, Live Rust, Stars And Bars,Reactor,Life. At a fast pace; I became a big fan of this music (especially after my first show in Hershey at the old Arena in 91 with Crazy Horse), In high school, my friends were listening to rap, I was listening to Silver and Gold. So after purchasing every CD,DVD, DVD Audio,EP (Mind you, 4 different editions of Greendale alone (plus book)I am alittle shocked with the reaction of this blog at Thrashers Wheat, all the whining/crying, what the Archives has/doesn't have,what I'm getting for my$, not getting for my $. Just shut up, We all know this is going to be a great thing, Neil/co/Reprise can't satisfy every single person, For $467, Blu-ray/HDCD/extra poster, I'm glad to pay that amount to make my life a little brighter, what ever comes in it, that's the beauty of music, and thats what musicians try to do for themselves and others. I'm glad Mr Young, Mr Mellencamp, Mr McCartney, and Mr Fogerty are still alive, Their music connects with me and brightens my day. Its really a great thing!
At 3/24/2009 10:33:00 PM, Sigma6 said...: Thanks for the info AG.

You stated the following:

"2- Credit cards are charged at the time of ordering. Details in regard to this can again be found on the Customer Service Page listed above."

However on the customer service page it details the following:

"Your credit card will not be charged until the product is shipped."

I can only assume the WB Store information is correct?

Cheers!
At 3/24/2009 10:44:00 PM, Mark said...: Hey Archives Guy, this is extremely important. Not all profile 2.0 (BD-Live) players have internal hard drives. Some are listed as profile 2.0 "ready" which means that you HAVE to ADD an external storage device such as a USB device.

The player in question was a BD-Live "ready" device. Take it directly from Sony:

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665368427

Experience the next wave of home entertainment with this Blu-ray Disc™ player, featuring Dolby® TrueHD™ and BD-Live™ compatibility

* Upgrade to BD-Live by connecting your player to a high speed internet connection and by adding USB flash memory (not supplied).
At 3/24/2009 10:46:00 PM, Anonymous said...: will volume 1 contain a sneek previiew of volume 2?
At 3/24/2009 10:57:00 PM, Mark said...: Just to clarify, some players are listed as BD-Live "capable" or "ready." These will require an additional storage device to be attached since they don't have an internal hard drive.

For instance, read the 'features' tab for the Sony BDP-S350:

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665368427

" * Upgrade to BD-Live by connecting your player to a high speed internet connection and by adding USB flash memory (not supplied)."

Long and the short of it is, while I'm a huge fan of blu-ray and have been longer than I've known about Archives on blu, people need to know what you're buying and what to expect.
At 3/24/2009 11:12:00 PM, Babbo B. said...: Back to the PS3 HD capacity question, after seeing the post from "GregInTheDesert" (thanks) and doing some more poking around, it does appear that you can not only replace the internal drive with a larger-capacity one, but also hook up an external HD - anyone know about the latter for sure?
At 3/25/2009 12:30:00 AM, Doug said...: Hello.

"cirerita said...

I'm planning to buy a powerful laptop -with a Blu Ray player- and then hook it up to an external receiver. Question is: is the laptop Blu-Ray player required to be profile 2.0 compatible? I mean, since the laptop will have Internet access, you'd think that the Blu-Ray player would also have Internet access, right? But, of course, I want to be sure that's the case before I buy a laptop with a "useless" Blu-Ray player."

The drive itself is "dumb." It's the software you need to worry about. Get a program like TotalMedia Theatre Platinum ($90 for Version 3, which just came out yesterday and is getting rave reviews), PowerDVD 9 or Nero 9 (exact title probably isn't right) and you're good to go.

"Babbo B. said...

Back to the PS3 HD capacity question, after seeing the post from "GregInTheDesert" (thanks) and doing some more poking around, it does appear that you can not only replace the internal drive with a larger-capacity one, but also hook up an external HD - anyone know about the latter for sure?"

If you mean accessing data on an external HD, yes, it's possible. Hook it up to the USB port and make sure the drive uses FAT32 formatting.

If you mean have the BD-Live contents saved to the drive, I don't think that's possible. The PS3, as far as I know, will save to the internal hard drive. There are solutions for adding (physically) larger hard drives but they're butt ugly. You're best off sticking with adding a 2.5" Serial ATA (SATA) drive. A guide is here. You can get a 500 GB 2.5" SATA drive for $100 these days, which I'm pretty sure will handle just about all the BD-Live downloads you'll ever want to throw at it. ;)

By the way, you all need to keep in mind that, in order for a BR player to be 2.0 certified, it only has to have 1 GB of storage available. I'm guessing the Archives will fill that up almost immediately. You're best off do one of three things.

-Getting a PS3 or other hard drive-based BR player.
-Getting a BR drive for your computer and appropriate BR-playing software, as mentioned above.
-Making sure you can add external storage, such as a hard drive, to your 2.0-ready player. (Check around first and make sure that it can use a hard drive!)
At 3/25/2009 01:38:00 AM, Peter M said...: Archives Guy said: "The Fillmore and Massey Hall CD and DVD are the same as that released. The upward mobility comes in the BD edition of the Archives."

So the deception on the Massey Hall DVD remains in place then AG?? You know the one I'm talking about, how the Massey Hall audio has been dubbed onto concert footage from another show and then passed off as being Massey Hall footage? Once you start lying, you've got no choice but to keep it going I guess. Nice one Neil...
At 3/25/2009 03:10:00 AM, AlBell said...: Just want to add another big "Thank you" to Archives Guy for all the helpful information provided.

The Archives is actually starting to feel like a reality!!
At 3/25/2009 04:54:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Archives Guy: Is it worth getting a stand alone Blu-Ray player even though I already have a PS3? The reasoning for this question is due to the excessive fan noise that the PS3 omits every time a Blu-Ray disc is played. Obviously I want my NYA experience to be of the best possible quality and I feel it will be spoiled by the cooling fan. Do the newer Blu-Ray players such as the Sony BDP-S550 (which is the one I’m thinking of getting) manage to keep the fan noise down? Has anyone else had this problem with their PS3?

Thanks in advance,
AB, Manchester UK
At 3/25/2009 06:23:00 AM, Anonymous said...: My understanding is that Neil has filmed every show from around 1978 onwards, not 2007 onwards.
At 3/25/2009 06:34:00 AM, cirerita said...: Hi,

thanks for the info re. Blu-Ray drives for a laptop. At $85, it seems that the Panasonic UJ-120 Blu-ray drive is a very tempting option (it does not burn Blu-Ray discs, though). There's also a USB version in case you want to use it as an external drive.
At 3/25/2009 07:15:00 AM, Marc C said...: hey Archives Guy

i'm deffinately no techno-junkie,and there's no use in me reading through all these comments talking about micro processors and giga-cards and fan noises and all the rest of that techno-jargon..

but i do want to buy the Blue-Ray Archives set...and i'd just like to know straight up, with no bull or technicalities, what console or BD player i need to truely enjoy the Archives without hassle.

either ''PS3'' or the name of some other BD player model would be extremely appreciated hehe...

thanks again for all of this great info...certainly makes all this waiting worthwhile, and your hardwork certainly is appreciated!

-Marc C
At 3/25/2009 09:35:00 AM, Davide from Italy said...: I have to make a little correction to the answer that Archives Guy gave to Mark about bd live downloads (answer no.7).
I recently bought a Panasonic DMP BD 35, and I found out that the only way to be able to download bd live contents is by inserting a SD Card into the reader slot. I found that the player works this way only after reading comments about on the net. The instruction manual only says that SD Card is just for watching JPEG pictures. Apart from that, Panasonic DMP BD 35 is an excellent player, highly reccomended.
At 3/25/2009 09:35:00 AM, MARIAN M. said...: "For some of those who have been waiting for this moment ever since the release of Decade in 1977, this is not a game."

I couldn't have said this any better myself.

I am certainly one of those people, and am absolutely delighted at what's in store for us. We are now officially down to the 10-week wait for Volume I (after waiting 30 years)!!!!

Thank goodness, we'll have FITR in just 13 days.

What a feast of riches!

Thanks Thrasher and Archives Guy! All the information makes the waiting more bearable.

Marian M.
At 3/25/2009 09:45:00 AM, Anonymous said...: I know you guys will always extol the benefits of buying NYA on Blue ray but the fact is some of us can not...as much as we would like to....money is a factor to a great many in this economy. My question is does the DVD version have the same amount of content as the blue ray? While I understand there are the down loads that us DVD buyers wont be able to enjoy (thats too bad) is that the only difference as far as content is concerned? Or is there more the DVD version is lacking?
At 3/25/2009 09:49:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Add me to the chorus of 'thanks' to AG, Thrasher, & Neil for this forum.

My question is an echo of Marc C.:

Can the FAQ page have a sort of NYA Consumer Reports page on BD players? Name/brand with features at cost points?

As for brand names, you know as well as I, that the name most recognized via marketing & advertising doesn't necessarily equate best value.

Thanks again!

-Chicago
At 3/25/2009 10:24:00 AM, J Neo Marvin said...: What I really want to hear is "Archives, Vol. 2". Time Fades Away on CD? Outtakes from Tonight's The Night and On The Beach? The original Homegrown track listing in order? A whole CD of The Ducks? Ah, a guy can dream....
At 3/25/2009 10:31:00 AM, Doug said...: Hello.

"Anonymous said...

Can the FAQ page have a sort of NYA Consumer Reports page on BD players? Name/brand with features at cost points?"

I believe AG said such a report was coming. I'm guessing it got held up but it's a good idea. Not all BR players are created equal, especially when it comes to the ability to run the computer code (BD-J) that the Archives will be using.
At 3/25/2009 11:20:00 AM, Archives Guy said...: In Reply to:

Question on dates and locations of live tracks:
This info is provided in the book Archives book and onscreen in the BD and DVD editions. A booklet in the CD versions details such info.

Questions about Archives ears outside of 1963-1972:
We are only discussing Volume 1 here.
Clearly Jimmy McDonough was wrong.

sugarmtn: I'll look into this. BTW- nice set list site you have.

Ian G- you are completely correct.

Yes production of the Archives will be limited and highly collectible in the future. Availability will be determined by sales.

Babbo- 80G PS3 is sufficient. That is what I have.

Jonathan- good answer on the computer BD, thanks. Folks, check this out to learn more about BD and the difference in Profile 1 and Profile 2.

Sigma-I'll find the correct answer on this. My info came from a discussion with WB, not by reading the page. sorry for the confusion on this.

Mark- they all have a hard drive of some size, though maybe not adequate for BD-Live. Youare not limited to USB flash memory. Any USB hard drive would work. If your player is loaded into a home entertainment center, connect a long USB cable to the player so that ya don't have to pull components out to deal with this.

Babbo- yes you can hook up external drives to PS3.

AB in Manchester- This fan question came up once before, but I don't find it to be an issue. I have hard drives sitting here that are louder. If I turn on my PC (which is rare) o drowns out everything else.
Is your PS3 too close to your listening position?

Marc C- it wouldn't be real air for us to claim one manufacturer is better than another, but the PS3 works great with the Archives (I QC'd and checked for bugs the entire set with my PS3) ther Sony players and the Samsung players also tested high with us. Samsung went as far as issuing some firmware upgraded based on some bugs we found in this product that pushed the boundaries of the BD tech spec.

Chicago- we are still trying to get a buyers guide on the web, but as I mentioned above it is a sensitive matter praising one manufacturer while beating up on another.

that's all for now.
-Archives Guy
At 3/25/2009 11:35:00 AM, Steve B said...: Concerning the message from Neil where he explains why we need to buy the Blu-ray version of the Archives.

There are quite a few items that Neil mentions that have been discovered since the Archives were mastered and will only be available as a download for those who buy the Blu-ray format. If the Archives aren't going to be released for another 2 1/2 months and they have all of this "newly discovered material (pictures, videos, etc.) I am sure they have enough time to include this material on the DVD / CD formats (which ever is appropriate) by including an extra disc with these items included, rather than dangle these items in front of us as an incentive to get us to buy the Blu-ray version. As for myself I am retired on a fixed income, who retirement fund has been nearly cut in half due to the financial crisis, and can barely afford the CD edition but I have pre-ordered the DVD edition. There is no way I can afford to buy a Blu-Ray player ($200 - $300) and pay the extra $100 for the Blu-ray edition. Thankfully I have a DVD player so I at least I don't have to buy one.
It really burns me up to hear about all the great things that I could have if I could afford it, and then to top it off by having Neil close out his message by saying that if I didn't buy the Blu-ray I would regret it and he told us so! Maybe one day I will win the lottery and I can go out and get the Blu-ray edition and player, but until then I guess I will have to miss out on what I could have.
At 3/25/2009 11:50:00 AM, Chickamonga said...: Thanks J.B. !
At 3/25/2009 11:58:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Will the BD-Live content be available well into future?

In other words, if I go with CD now but get BD in a year or 2, could I still get the downloads?
At 3/25/2009 12:04:00 PM, curious g said...: So if I bought just the JTTP blueray, would I get downloads for all the new stuff? Or do you only get the downloads that accompny a disc?
At 3/25/2009 12:12:00 PM, Pinto (or Flounder) said...: "It really burns me up to hear about all the great things that I could have if I could afford it,.. but until then I guess I will have to miss out on what I could have."

So I guess you're burned up every time you see a Mercedes or a big house or a fancy restaurant or any of the gazillion things you can't afford? This has to be the single funniest post I've ever read on this site and should be immediately moved to the Whiner's Hall of Fame. (Unless, of course, Steve B. is actually being ironic, in which case I apologize for taking his post at face value.)

Neil originally only wanted to put the thing out on Blu-ray. He has never been a fan of CDs, much less MP3s. He is (quite properly) determined to protect his legacy with the best possible quality in its archival form. He has every right to provide incentives for people to buy a higher quality format. He has been enormously accommodating in making the vast bulk of the set available in lower quality formats and, by way of thanks, he gets this incessant whining.

Steve - there are always going to be things you can't afford. With a little patience, you will find Blu-ray players at significantly lower cost in near future. With a little wisdom you will realize that you are not entitled to everything you want because you want it REALLY bad.

Peace
At 3/25/2009 12:28:00 PM, BrandNewGuy said...: An important point for UK buyers: be warned that if the Archives are being shipped from the USA, you will be liable to duty and Value Added Tax, which could add up to at least 18% of the total value of the goods being sent, plus a Royal Mail customs handling fee of 10 pounds - which on top of 300 bucks would be very painful indeed.

That's why there are queries about its availability from retailers in the UK/Europe...

BNG
At 3/25/2009 12:37:00 PM, Anonymous said...: preorder available in norway:
http://www.platekompaniet.no/dvdproduct.asp?id=7599399968
At 3/25/2009 12:48:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Thanks for the info, AG!

Fans/Readers may be interested in checking details discounts to Sony PSP/BD products, link here:

http://tinyurl.com/7leqnd

I personally haven't pursued it, however, it appears 'innarestin'...

-Chicago
At 3/25/2009 02:14:00 PM, Archives Guy said...: in reply to:

Sigma6- yes it is correct that credit cards are not charged until product is shipped.

Steve B- newly found/additional content will only be available via BD-Live.

BD-Live content will be available in the future. Please see my comments at the top of this post.

Hot tip- If you buy an individual BD disc (any disc), you will be able to access BD-Live content. This might help those who are strapped for cash.
Of course you will still need to have a Blu-ray player.
Personally, I think once you experience the Archives on Blu-ray, it will be clear why it is the best format for this interactive experience.
Just the fact that a user can navigate thru the archives materials without stopping the music is huge.
This ability is not possible on DVD....a huge limitation of the format.

-Archives Guy
At 3/25/2009 02:47:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Brand New Guy mentioned really heavy tax and duty hitting those importing the set. We so need a UK and European pre-sale going on soon. Can't understand for the life of me why the record company would miss that trick. It's like shooting yourself in the foot.
At 3/25/2009 02:53:00 PM, facls said...: "Jonathan Criswell said...
you'll have to buy a 24 Bit 192khz soundcard, about $100-150."

Jonathan, if you can help me, does the Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium Sound Card (not the Fatal1ty model) play that high resolution then? I assume I'll need a digital speaker too.

I plan on playing the Archives on my desktop computer, which has a good processor and a HD video card, however my current sound card does not support even 24 bit 96khz (the Massey Hall DVD audio is all noise).

Thanks in advance,
Fabio Silva
At 3/25/2009 03:11:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Dear Archives Guy,

First off thank you and the team for the help and info.My question.When and is Archives vol.1 going to be made available through other sellers i.e. Amazon,Target,Best Buy etc.And will each format be the same prices as through Warners/Reprise?Thanks again and LET'S GET IT OOOONN!!
The Mugwump
At 3/25/2009 03:42:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Archives Guy when is the free early years blu-ray going to be sent out? Does anybody have a idea of what years Archives Vol.2 will cover? I know its still kind of early for an answer. TIA
At 3/25/2009 04:38:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Why aren't the following songs not on the archive box?
- Don't pity me babe
- I ain't got the blues
- When it falls it falls over you
- I'm your kind of guy
- Do i have to come right out and say it
- What ever happened to saterday night
- Falcon Lake
- The Emperor of Whyoming
- If i could lover her tonight
- Out of the weekend

And why is ther only a live version of Winterlong?

BTW Thanks for all the information Threasher!!!
At 3/25/2009 04:45:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Steve B,
One approach I'm considering is buying the BD NYA set and waiting until BD players come way down in price or for a huge discount sale ... in the interim, you get the free MP3 download which can tide you over in the interim ... $100 is not chump change these days but that $100 extra is a downpayment for future material ...
At 3/25/2009 04:47:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Dear Archive Guy,

There still seems to be a problem for non US citizens ordering through the NY website. I am in Australia.

I was asked to verify my address which I did then I received an email to say that my order had been referred for processing.

This morning I received another email asking me to verify my address. I have again but I would appreciate it if you would ask the right person to fix the problem

Percy
At 3/25/2009 04:48:00 PM, Anonymous said...: And why isnt The Losing End not on the list...?

does anyone know?

And why is the song Music is Love from David Crosby on the list, i find i weird,

But maybe someone has an explenation?
At 3/25/2009 04:56:00 PM, Speakin' Out said...: Hi,
Thanks, TW, for the great discussion and to AG for all his info.
I have a 160 gig PS3 I bought a few months ago in anticipation of the archives. I've really enjoyed it and rent a lot of bluray discs from netflix. I wanted to share a problem I experienced playing BD discs on the PS3, and the solution, in case others have the same problem. Many of the bd discs would not load or play. My wife googled PS3 blue ray playback problem and we found the fix.
I needed to do this:
In PlayStation 3 system settings there is a setting called BD 1080p 24 hz Output (HDMI) it will likely be set to Automatic. Switch it to OFF.
Once I did that I have not had any problems playing any BD discs. I can imagine some folks getting upset if they buy a PS3 and pop in an archive disc and have a problem and think the disc was defective.
Looking forward to the NYA Vol.1 release on June 2- my birthday!! I ordered from the warner bros site off Neil's garage and hope the rush delivery gets it here that day. My wife rolls her eys when I tell her it is really coming out this time.
Speakin' Out
At 3/25/2009 05:05:00 PM, Anonymous said...: I'm so freakin' stoked & nobody to relate it to other than you 'like minded' folk's on this site!...been waiting for this since forever!
At 3/25/2009 05:11:00 PM, Anonymous said...: simione s here....australians will be also able to order archives through the better independent retailers,which each city still has one or two..big star..78,s..red eye..greville records..basement disc etc etc//as wea australia will be bringing these in...and at a cheaper price than buying from usa suppliers..as the freight itself will be huge to send so far..so ausssies check with your local store im sure the good ones will help..
At 3/25/2009 05:20:00 PM, Anonymous said...: an awesome set..i cant wait..the archives are very very very exciting...it seems almost perfect..but its very iritating that being so wonderful that something as crazy as leaving a handful of songs off..out on the weekend..emporer of wyoming..etc..really has put a irritating slant on this..why make the archives so perfect and put so many years work into it and then leave of a small handful of VITAL tracks?/very very frustrating ..what do we make of this archives guy
At 3/25/2009 07:16:00 PM, Archives Guy said...: In reply to a couple of questions:

- just because one of your favorite songs isn't listed on the tracklist, it doesn't necessarily mean that it is not included in some manner. Remember that there are hidden tracks and BD-Live.

- in regard to the inclusion of "Music Is Love". Songwriting credits for this song are shared by Neil, David and Graham.

-Archives Guy
At 3/25/2009 07:24:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Hi Ag,

Is it possible there will so much BD-Live content that a PS-3 drive would fillup?

Bill
At 3/25/2009 07:47:00 PM, Doonerak said...: AG-

Thank You! Clarification Requested: Will the purchase of a single BD allow access to any BD-Live download from anywhere in the timeline? Or just for the timeframe associated with that one disk?

Second: Does the free BD Disk0 come with ANY online archives purchase (single disk)? or just with the package sets?

Thank You. LRR
At 3/25/2009 08:21:00 PM, Dave said...: Anonymous@3:38:

I'm no expert, but it appears that what circulates as "Don't Pity Me Babe" is included under the title "The Ballad of Peggy Grover" and that "When It Falls..." is as well under the title "Extra, Extra."

As for "Do I Have to..." and "Whatever Happened...", it may be that no recorded versions exist with Neil singing lead. Just a guess as to why they aren't listed. The other BS songs written by Neil but sung by Furay on their standard versions seem only to be represented on the Archives either as demos or live versions sung by Neil.

We may have to wait for Vol. 2 for the studio version of "Winterlong," which was recorded during the TTN/OTB era.

Presumably some of the other "missing" songs will be represented as hidden tracks. Personally, I don't consider the potential omission of "The Emperor of Wyoming" or "I'm Your Kind of Guy" to be fatal to the artistic achievement of the Archives.
At 3/25/2009 09:09:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Archives Guy?
I preordered NYA BD from your website. I Live in Toronto Canada. Will I receive the archives on June 2?
syscrusher
At 3/25/2009 11:10:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Thanks Archives Guy for your answers...
One question regarding the FITR release, can you give us the specs and details of the CD/DVD edition? Have any difference the CD/DVD edition from Warner store with the other stores like Amazon?

Thanks again.

Sergio
At 3/25/2009 11:47:00 PM, Anonymous said...: For Australian please note that FITR has a scheduled release date of 24 April according to the JB Hi Fi website. It obviouslly takes three weeks longer in Australia to make CDs!!! (Still in the 20th Century when dinosaur record companies roamed the earth).
What this probably means that if you wait to get it locally it will probably be Christmas. Another example of Warners Australia servicing its public. So if you want to get the Archives sooner than later I suggest you order it from overseas or get a local store to import it for you.

Regards
Percy
At 3/26/2009 12:15:00 AM, Doonerak said...: I have collected every article written about the Archives over the past 20 years or more. Here is one snippet from an interview in Musician Magazine back in 1993. It is important in it's explaination of Neil's Vision and it's remarkable how true his vision has held over the years. Enjoy. LRR.

"My idea is to have an unbelievable amount of CDs, each with their own package, representing the time they came from. Some of them being 35 minutes long, some of them being 70 minutes long, depending on what the content is, not just trying to cram the CD full but to make it an era. some eras have three volumes, some might only be 35 minutes long. But you can hear what's happening and see the images and pictures from that time and take that CD with you. Then you've got 1986 or 1964."
At 3/26/2009 02:07:00 AM, jake said...: any chance of seeing some of the cover and disc art up close soon?

can't wait for this!!
At 3/26/2009 04:41:00 AM, Nicolas Spilmont said...: For Jake: you can see the cover of each individual CD/DVD/BD on the Warner-Reprise website:

http://neilyoungarchives.warnerreprise.com/shop/vol1/shop-individual-items.html
At 3/26/2009 11:17:00 AM, Archives Guy said...: In Reply to-

Bill: your PS3 drive will be fine for Archives BD-Live.

LRR: The free BD Disc 0 comes only with the pre order of an entire set, not the purchase of an individual disc. Pre order of a set also gets you, for free, the collectible 45 single of Aurora and Mustang.

Any one BD disc can access all NYA Vol1 downloads on the Timeline. This was designed and programmed this way so that the user could explore the entire Timeline content from any disc. Once you have accepted a BD-Live download, it lives in your player (or external storage) and will pop up as a colored pin in the Timeline. Hats off to our brilliant programmers for figuring out how to work this kind of magic.

LRR: You bring up a god point about the vision of the project. The dream of an Archives user being able to navigate thru the archives materials while listening to the music has been there from Day 1 of the project.
A number of formats offered the promise of this, but none delivered until Blu-ray. Even with this format, our team has stretched the limitations of the format spec to meet Neil's vision of playability and exploration.

Delivery dates: sorry, I don't have any information on this right now.

FITR: While this forum isn't about FITR, there is only one CD/DVD version/release. It will be the same from any vendor.

-Archives Guy
At 3/26/2009 11:40:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Yet another question comes to mind. Again, thank you for this forum, Thrasher, AG & Neil!

AG,

If I were to pre-order the dvd set, receive the BD preview, be so blown away that I am convinced to eat a diet or Raman noodles for 2 months in order to fund both a player and the BD set, will I, with relative ease, be able to change my order to the deluxe BD set?

I suppose the Music Today site actually handles the logistics for shipping as any purchase to The Greedy Hand?

Thanks,

-Chicago
At 3/26/2009 11:58:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Thanks AG?
One question regarding the BD-Live downloads, If I buy only one disc, I will only have access to the downloads of that certain disc or period?

Thanks again.

Sergio
At 3/26/2009 12:02:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Hi - same trouble with address confirmation - but also another email saying my order is in hand???
Also no mention on the shipping note of the 7" single- will it get sent???
At 3/26/2009 12:36:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Hey AG,

I have a few questions regarding the Blu-Ray preview disc.

1) Is this available to ther purchaser of any set, or just the Blu-Ray sets?

2) Does this disc have the ability to access BD-Live material?

I can't afford the full Blu-Ray set & player at this time, but am very intrigued by the possibilities Blu-Ray offers for this set. It would be great to get this disc and test it out over at a friend's house. If it's as great as it sounds, hopefully in the future I can upgrade!
At 3/26/2009 12:41:00 PM, Minne said...: When I purchase a player without HD I need to use a USB memory stick to store the BD-live material. These sticks come in 1, 2, 4, 8 and (currently) 16Gb flavors. Which minimum size should I use to be able to store all current and future DB-live downloads?

AG, thanks for all your information.

Minne
At 3/26/2009 01:06:00 PM, Archives Guy said...: Folks,

I suggest that some of you take the time to read my comments.
Just scroll up a bit to 3/26/2009 10:17:00 AM and some of your questions will be answered.

All questions about what ships when, order questions and such should be directed to the the Warners Customer Service Page.
http://warnerbrosrecordsstore.com/store/st.handler.asp?sslist=%27WBR%27&doc_type=CSP&l=NEILY

When you receive answers, please post them to help others.

Neither myself or anyone involved with Archives production team/Shakey Pictures is in any way part of order processing and shipping.

-Archives Guy
At 3/26/2009 01:09:00 PM, Anonymous said...: you don't need to get a stick for memory. it's a usb port, so you can get an external hard drive. i think you can get a 1 tb hard drive these days for pretty cheap (around 100 bucks). that's what i'd do.

-NAG
At 3/26/2009 01:35:00 PM, Anonymous said...: AG,

Thanks for all the info, but I am more than a bit confused as to many repeat titles--especially from the BS box--wasn't that remastered already?

With that in mind, is there a way to inform us as to what is specifically video/performance footage? We saw teasers for Harvest barn rehearsals; is that video footage in full when naming Harvest era songs on associated discs? Riverboat a video performance?

Thanks.

Thrifty Consumer
At 3/26/2009 02:02:00 PM, Minne said...: AG says the Sony BDP-S350 is a good player. In the manual (http://pdf.crse.com/manuals/4120891121.pdf) I read on page 23 "Do not connect anything other than a USB flash memory, such as an HDD, etc. to the EXT slot". As far as I can see, this player does not have a HDD. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems to me that I can store additional content only on a USB stick.

So, remains my question, what would be the minimum size required for current and future BD-live downloads?

Minne
At 3/26/2009 03:50:00 PM, Anonymous said...: I guess that's a no then.
The thing is, if Neil wants his fellow Canadian's to receive the archives on the release date then he could make sure that gets done.
If it's left up to Warner/Reprise then there ain't no chance I'm getting it on the release date.
No disrespect
Syscrusher
At 3/26/2009 03:52:00 PM, tim said...: Tell me why…
1. … I should get the Blu-ray edition of the Archives when I don’t even have the internet and when I did I was using the only thing available dial-up ( I live where no DSL or cable fear to go[the sticks] ) . As you know dial-up is a pain in the ass. Satellite internet isn’t any good and much too expensive. I only have internet access at the school where I teach.

2. … when I’m not a technical wizard [ as most of you guys seem to be] that I should go the Blu-ray way. I’m worried that if I get it I wouldn’t be able to play it and I would of blown $600 bucks. I know of no one who has a Blu-ray player so who would show me before it’s too late.
3. … I shouldn’t get both the CD &DVD versions for the same price as the Blu-ray discs.
4. … when I have to work odd jobs[besides my other two jobs] just to save for the Archives should I take a chance on Blu-ray.
Any thoughts and ideas on what I should do would be helpful
Tim’s dilemma in the sticks
At 3/26/2009 05:06:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Hi Archives Guy this might of already been covered but I cant seem to find it so the question is this.....if you buy the Blue Ray Discs individually will you still get the mp3 download code or is that only if you buy the boxset? and does it include all the songs or only the ones on let's say the first disc I purchase? I cannot afford to buy the Blue Ray set and was planning on buying the Blue Ray discs individually but only if I get the mp3 download with them. also and most importantly how long with the option to buy the Blue Ray Individually last? hope you can answer this for me.

thanks!
At 3/26/2009 05:10:00 PM, paul said...: Laat ons eerlijk zijn. De laatste tijd wordt er behoorlijk wat geklaagd en gezaagd in middens van Neil Young-fans. Is het algehele klimaat van verzuring en gekanker dan zelfs tot daar doorgedrongen? Spijtig toch. Waarom niet een beetje vertrouwen hebben in de man die zijn fans al zoveel gegeven heeft. En ik geef toe, bij momenten heb ik ook wel gesakkerd als hij weer eens een bokkensprong vanjewelste maakte. Maar meestal bleek het achteraf een interessante ervaring. Door hem ben ik op zijweggetjes beland waar ik anders wellicht nooit zou zijn gekomen. Soms zelfs tot in de sloot.
Als er iemand is die dusdanig met volle teugen van de artistieke vrijheid heeft geproefd, dan is het Neil. Zonder ze te misbruiken. Je kan hem niet betrappen op goedkoop effect. Altijd in de eerste plaats een artiest, de show is bijkomstig.
Ik heb dan ook alle vertrouwen in de Archieven. Ze zullen ongetwijfeld zijn als de man zelf: speciaal, eigenzinnig, intens en integer. But, that's why I like him!

(Written in the tradition of Tonight's the night; in the same language as the inserted sheet. So, Neil Young-fans can handle this, isn't it?)

Paul
maybe a red man
At 3/26/2009 05:11:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Do we know any specifics about video content yet? Not that I think there's much BufSpring vid that we haven't seen before.

Just wondering if we really have video content and not a record player spinning or some wallpaper.

Future Vol's will have lots of vid but I'm thinking whether it makes sense to go with video rather just audio? I know there's the timeline and photos and stuff, but i'd really like to know more about Vol1 vid.

Thanks AG!

Teddy
At 3/26/2009 08:00:00 PM, pdh1978 said...: Archives Guy, thanks so much for all the info, you must have written enough to fill a magazine so far, if not a novel...

Following on from your/LRR's comments, especially the quote about having an "not just trying to cram the CD full but to make it an era" - when the Archives vol. 2 arrives, will it's timeline link with the vol. 1 timeline already on the BD hard drive and all the already downloaded BD-live content, or are they designed to be separate entities? So is it designed to be here's all this amazing archives stuff form Neil's whole life, and we just pick and choose our favourite sections? And it all links together so in the end you can have a whole 50+ year timeline filled with mountains of stuff or with just your favourite eras? Am I jumping the gun a bit too much? Sorry! :)

If it's any consolation re. your comment about not reading your earlier posts, let me just say yours are the only ones I'm reading - I come for the facts, not for the opinions.
At 3/26/2009 09:15:00 PM, Doonerak said...: pdh1978...Incase AG doesn't get back to you....question has been asked and answered elsewhere on TW. Future volumes will be linked to the volume1 timeline. Any disk from any volume will trigger downloads from BD-Live which will find their appropriate home on the timeline.
At 3/26/2009 09:25:00 PM, Steve from Annandale said...: On the breakdown listing of the BD / DVD / CD where you order the discs individually, the fist disc (0) Early Years 1963 - 1965 isn't listed as being available for sale as a individual DVD. Is this a typo, or can it not be purchased individually in the DVD format?

Also, if you just buy just one of the Blu-Ray discs will you still be entitled to the BD-Live downloads?
At 3/26/2009 10:17:00 PM, Jonathan Criswell said...: Wouldn't it be amazing if people actually read the whole blog b4 submitting a ? that has already been answered!

Archives Guy doesn't have time to answer over and over the same ?'s.

Thanks
At 3/26/2009 10:42:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Re: Sony BDP-350

I have this player, too. It is my understanding that the connection for the USB port is an awkward one that not all drives will plug into (if any). That may be part of the reason for USB sticks being the only recommended storage media. However, I haven't checked this out for myself yet...

But this leads to an interesting technical question for Archives Guy: if BD-Live downloads are spread over more than one storage device (eg. a couple of USB memory sticks), will this cause problems trying to access them? Or will the player know where to find them and prompt the user to put the right one or at least another one to search in?...

Joe In T.O.
At 3/27/2009 12:52:00 AM, Anonymous said...: can anyone tell me if i buy the individual discs if i get the mp3 downloads?
At 3/27/2009 09:19:00 AM, Bob P said...: Sorry if this has been answered, but do we know what the mp3 downloads will be...128kbps, 256, 320,etc...I saw that it will not be flac but nothing else was answered. Can't wait for archives!

Bob P.
At 3/27/2009 10:17:00 AM, Archives Guy said...: I think that we are coming to the end of this edition of the forum. I'll look into some of the items that I don't have an answer for right now. Queries about the deep details of content ( i.e. film clips, hidden tracks, easter eggs and future releases) will go unanswered.

The free BD Disc 0 comes only with the pre order of an entire set, not the purchase of an individual disc. Pre order of a set also gets you, for free, the collectible 45 single of Aurora and Mustang.

Perhaps this analogy will help folks remember:
If you buy the whole load of diamonds, you get a bag of coal for free.
Buying gem doesn't get you a bag of coal nor a lump of coal.

When it comes to listening to music, some are ok with workin' in a coalmine.....while others realize that diamonds are the ears best friend.

We'll be back at another time. Look for more Archives Vol 1 info coming to neilyoung.com in a week or two.

-Archives Guy
At 3/27/2009 10:27:00 AM, Doonerak said...: AG-

Are the free MP3s, included with the BD edition, a special offer available through NY.COM only, or will editions sold elsewhere, Amazon for example, also include the free download code/card?

Thx, LRR
At 3/27/2009 07:48:00 PM, Fabrice said...: Hi,
I received an email about my address being different from what Warner got from my bank when they check my credit card information.
I replied and gave the exact address my bank is using to send me letters.
Warner replied and wrote that they "released my order for shipment".
I guess people who received the same email about their address just have to reply and give their address in the exact form used by their bank.
I hope that will help some of you.
Thanks TW and AG!
Regards,

Fabrice
At 3/29/2009 04:48:00 PM, Anonymous said...: I doubt Archives Guy is still checking in here, but here goes...

I am curious if there will be a comprehensive essay included in the Archives book? In the early 90s, Neil approached Jimmy McDonough about writing an Archives essay but that ultimately turned into a book - Shakey.

Also, can we expect to see full recording information on each track listing?
At 3/30/2009 06:12:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Amazon.co.uk and amazon.de now both list the cd version. The price is 77.99 euros on the German site. No sign of the dvd and blu-ray versions yet.

Rog
At 4/20/2009 08:25:00 PM, Jonathan Criswell said...: Archives Guy;

Simple ? here; Will the HDCD set come with a File Folder poster?

I wanted to buy an extra to hang, but I'm already buying the Blu-ray and HDCD sets?

Thanks

jonathancriswell@comcast.net
At 9/23/2009 07:28:00 PM, Shari said...: Can someone please tell me how to get the Shakey audiobook? Thanks!
Shari
At 9/13/2011 09:37:00 AM, more web traffic said...: This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.