The reviews for Neil Young Archives Volume #3 continue to roll in from around the EARTH.
Here's an in-depth review with all of the track analysis we need to disCERN the nuggets. Not that there's a lot of chaff on NYA#3, but getting to the wheat is the treat.
Photo by Pat "Barefoot Floors" Q.
From Everybody’s Dummy, here's a clip from their #72 Neil young review:
Accepted Neil lore is that he recorded an album of mostly solo acoustic songs to be called Oceanside Countryside, to which the label execs suggested he add more instrumentation.
Rather than be offended, he did exactly that, resulting in what would be eventually released as Comes A Time. Because there is no documentation otherwise in the box, it’s therefore implied that the Oceanside Countryside disc presents that unreleased first draft verbatim, which is curious, as it’s sequenced in strict recorded order, unlike Homegrown and Chrome Dreams. (Neil has since confirmed the official planned running order included eight of the songs on this disc, plus the older “Captain Kennedy” and “The Old Homestead”, and not chronologically.) At any rate, there are some nice stripped-back mixes of Comes A Time songs, plus the familiar “Pocahontas” and “Lost In Space”, unreleased takes of “It Might Have Been” and “Dance Dance Dance”, a rightfully rejected “Comes A Time”, and a mix of “Peace Of Mind” with a lost verse.
The sessions to complete Comes A Time—which also included outtakes of “We’re Having Some Fun Now”, an unreleased version of “Love/Art Blues”, and a cover of the oldie “Please Help Me, I’m Falling”—bookend a one-off benefit performance performed by Neil with Nicolette, the session players, and the Gone With The Wind Orchestra. That show is not in the box, but the rehearsal for it makes up the bulk of the Union Hall disc. It’s a mix of old and new songs, including a pointed medley of “Dance Dance Dance” and “Love Is A Rose”, a strings-laden “Alabama” with a “Sweet Home Alabama” tag, and the mega-rare “Lady Wingshot”.
Thanks much Everybody’s Dummy! Good notes to assist on zeroing in the most vital elements of NYA#3. While we would love to sit down and listen to 17 discs, it's just impossible these days. Many times we wish things like this came out in the 1980's. Not that we had unlimited time back in the 80's but everything was so different back in the days that used to be.
Full review @ Neil Young 72: Archives Vol. III | Everybody’s Dummy.
More on Neil Young’s Archives Vol. III:
More on Neil Young’s Archives Vol. III @ Unboxing Neil Young Archives Vol. III (1976–1987)
- Today's The Day! Neil Young Archives Volume #3 Drops
- Neil Young Archives Vol #3 Now Live on NYA + Comment of the Moment
- In Depth Review: Neil Young Archives Vol. 3 | Davy's Flicks
- Comment of the Moment: Neil Young Archives Vol #3 "Takes" Compilation
- Neil Young Patron ZOOM Call Update: Discusses NYA#3 & More
- Exclusive First Look: Neil Young - Archives Vol. III | Qobuz
- TRACKLIST: Neil Young Archives Vol. III + Comment of the Moment
- Neil Young Archives Vol. III - 17 CD BOX SET - Pre-Order + Promo Video
- Neil Young Archives Volume #3: September Release Planned.
- WHAT IS NEIL YOUNG GOING TO PUT IN NEIL YOUNG ARCHIVES VOL. 4? | NYU
- Neil Young Archives Volume #4 Creation Begins
Another interesting article on Vol III with some very good observations and points.
ReplyDeleteI have listened to all of the CDs now (via NYA streaming) - took me quite a while but I was determined to listen to it all once, before spending more time with individual discs/CDS and tracks. I found much of interest and enjoyed a lot but probably fair to say I didn't have quite so many 'wow' moments as first listens to Volume I and II. But then again a lot of 'archive' material from this period has already been released - on Hitchhiker, Judy, Odeon Budhokan, A Treasure, Summer Songs etc. If I was hearing all of that for the first time now I am sure I would have a different reaction.
I am also thinking that maybe the previously unseen films are going to be some of the most lasting highlights. I am hoping they eventually become available on NYA and/or to buy separately.
Time to do a bit more listening - will take many months to form more definite thoughts.