Back catalogue: Rock

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: This is the great Neil Young's latest "lost" album, now released as part of his Analog Original Series. Recorded between May and December 1977, it precedes Comes A Time from 1978 but it also shares its country and folk sound. Three tracksi'Goin' Back,' 'Human Highway' and 'Field of Opportunity' appear on both albums in fact. This vinyl release reflects the album's original planned tracklist and 'Oceanside' finds Young perform solo, while 'Countryside' features collaborators like Ben Keith, Rufus Thibodeaux and Levon Helm. Some tracks differ from Archives Vol. III, with original versions of 'Field of Opportunity' and 'Dance Dance Dance' featuring Young's backing vocals.

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 Freedom marks a triumphant return at the end of what was a turbulent 80s for the Canadian-American legend, re-establishing him as a force in rock music. The album blends gritty hard rock with country influences, harking back to his classic 70s sound, while also laying the groundwork for the grunge movement. With standout tracks like 'Rockin' in the Free World', the socially charged 'Crime in the City', and the sonic adventure of 'Eldorado', Young proves his songwriting and guitar prowess remain intact. Balancing aggressive, distorted guitars with heartfelt ballads like 'Hangin' on a Limb' and 'Wrecking Ball', the album showcases Young's versatility. Its diverse soundiranging from raw rock to introspective folkicreates a cohesive, compelling experience. The blend of intelligent lyrics, dynamic drumming, and distinct lead guitar playing solidify Freedom as one of his most potent efforts. It revitalised Young's career as the grunge music was forming and its influence would echo throughout the next decade.

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 Ragged Glory is a masterful return to form, blending raw power with a grungy edge that solidified his status as the "Godfather of Grunge." Released in 1990, this album with Crazy Horse is one of his most distortion-heavy works, offering a gritty, jam-packed sound that contrasts sharply with his earlier folk and country rock roots. Songs like 'F*!#kin' Up' and 'Over and Over' showcase Neil's ability to lock into extended grooves, delivering music that's both intense and heartfelt. One of rhe album's standout tracks, 'Mansion on the Hill,' carries a nostalgic weight, while 'Country Home' evokes warmth and memories of simpler times. The instrumentation is where Ragged Glory truly shines. Each track, is loaded with powerful guitar solos and heavy riffs. Neil's collaboration with Crazy Horse is unfiltered, spontaneous, and fiercely alive. With the closing track 'Mother Earth (Natural Anthem)' closing the album out in style, Ragged Glory remains a triumph. Its a raw, unapologetic album that shows Neil Young at his grungiest best.

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 and Crazy Horse's 'Fu##in' Up' is a raw and electrifying rock anthem that showcases the band's signature gritty sound and Neil Young's impassioned vocals. Released in 1990 as part of the album 'Ragged Glory,' this track is a powerhouse of distortion-drenched guitars and driving rhythms that now lends its name to a live recording from a club in Toronto in 2023. With its catchy hooks and rebellious spirit, Fu##in' Up encapsulates the essence of Young's defiant songwriting style and Crazy Horse's unbridled energy and is a blistering sonic journey that leaves a lasting impression.

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.