Back catalogue: Rock

Review: A rare live album from Neil Young, this companion to the Daryl Hannah-directed tour documentary captures the American singer-songwriter's 2023 Coastal solo tour. Through 11 handpicked songs from his 60-year career, including 'I Am a Child' and 'Vampire Blues', the album shows off Young's instrumental virtuosity on guitar, piano, and harmonica, and marked a transformative moment as the world emerged from the COVID pandemic. Coastal stands as one of the most intimate live albums Young has ever released, its recordings mutating between various cities, reconnecting chameleonically with his own timeless songs. The weight of history, the rebirth of an artist.

Review: Crazed equestrian songwriter Neil Young hears the first reprisal of a formerly unreleased album, deemed one of his great "lost" albums. Recorded in 1977, Young commented on the record's various inspirational breeding grounds: Florida's Oceanside beach, Triad Studios in Miami, and Crazy Mama's in Nashville, and of the fact that it was "quite a personal record, mostly made up of acoustic songs with no bass or drums." Known of for years online, where it was place-held with a hand-scrawled album cover, the record now comes with full-blown official cover art, documenting Young in the brief interim period between American Stars 'N Bars and Comes A Time (1977-78).

Review: Neil Young's On the Beach, his fifth studio album, marked a pivotal moment in his career. Originally released in 1974, the album featured a wide array of collaborators, including Crazy Horse members Billy Talbot and Ralph Molina, as well as iconic musicians like Levon Helm, Rick Danko, and David Crosby. Recorded at both his Broken Arrow Ranch in Northern California and Sunset Sound in Hollywood, On the Beach captured a transitional period for Young, as he ventured into new sonic territories while reflecting the evolving counterculture of the 1970s. The album features standout tracks like 'See The Sky About To Rain' and 'Ambulance Blues', songs that poignantly capture the shifting cultural landscape. Known for its introspective tone and bold experimentation, On the Beach signaled new creative directions for Young, expanding his musical palette in unexpected ways. Now, a 50th-anniversary edition of the album will be released via Reprise Records. This limited edition will be pressed on clear vinyl, featuring updated artwork to commemorate the milestone. Decades later, On the Beach remains a defining work in Young's catalogue, resonating with its depth and timeless relevance.

Review: Neil Young's Archives Vol. III Takes is a 16-song sampler that offers a deeper listen into his creative journey from 1976 to 1987. Released as part of the expansive Archives Vol. III box set, this collection is great for die-hard fans but also for those who want to get more familiar with this period of his career, with a balance of unreleased gems, live performances and alternate takes that illuminate one of Young's more prolific eras. Opening with the acoustic beauty 'Hey Babe,' recorded during a session with Nicolette Larson and Linda Ronstadt, the album showcases Neil's knack for crafting harmonies. The live version of 'Drive Back' with Crazy Horse from their 1976 London show injects electric energy into the mix, while 'Razor Love' presents an earlier digital version of the track later polished for Silver & Gold. Another standout is the unreleased 'Bright Sunny Day,' reminiscent of the rugged feel of Ragged Glory, recorded years before that album saw the light. In essence, Archives Vol. III Takes is a curated journey through Neil Young's vault, offering a rich experience for those eager to explore his lesser-known works.

Review: Neil Young's Weld is a raw, electrifying live album showcasing his signature collaboration with Crazy Horse. Recorded during the 1991 tour, the triple vinyl set features sixteen tracks filled with gritty intensity. Opening with 'Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black)', a rock anthem, the album shifts into fierce renditions of songs like 'Blowin' in the Wind' and 'Love to Burn'. Performances of classics such as 'Cortez the Killer' and 'Powderfinger', with extended jams adding fresh layers to the originals. The thunderous 'Like a Hurricane' stretches over 13 minutes, bringing the full force of the band's energy. Weld highlights the enduring chemistry between Young and Crazy Horse, whose synergy elevates the powerful, guitar-heavy sound. While it may lack acoustic diversity, its relentless rock-and-roll edge is a great glimpse of Young's grunge-influenced rock side.

Review: Neil Young's Early Daze with Crazy Horse is a treasure trove of mostly unreleased rarities from the early 70s. This 10-track album features familiar songs in rare and previously unheard versions, showcasing Young's raw, unfiltered creativity. Highlights include unreleased takes of 'Come On Baby Let's Go Downtown' and 'Look At All The Things,' co-written with Danny Whitten, adding depth to their collaborative legacy. Fans will also relish unreleased versions of classics like 'Helpless,' 'Wonderin',' and 'Down by the River.' The album offers a fresh experience with rare mixes of 'Birds' and the seven-inch mono mix of 'Cinnamon Girl,' complete with a unique guitar outro not present on the original LP. Early Daze is a compelling collection that captures the essence of Neil Young and Crazy Horse's early synergy, making it a vital piece of rock history.

Review: Neil Young's Early Daze is a treasure trove for fans, featuring mostly unreleased rarities from the early 70s with Crazy Horse. The ten-track album offers iconic Young originals and co-written pieces with Danny Whitten, including rare versions of 'Come On Baby Let's Go Downtown' and 'Look At All The Things.' The LP includes unreleased versions of classics like 'Helpless,' 'Wonderin',' and 'Down by the River.' Fans will also appreciate the rare mixes of 'Birds' and 'Cinnamon Girl,' the latter being the 7" mono mix with a unique guitar outro not present on the original LP version. Early Daze is akin to a mini Archives release, with only two tracks overlapping with Archives Vol 1, making it an essential addition for collectors. This album captures the raw and unpolished brilliance of Young's early work with Crazy Horse, offering a fascinating glimpse into the genesis of some of his most beloved songs.