Neil Young’s Archives Vol. III: A Treasure Trove of Unreleased Tracks and Reevaluated Classics
In the world of music, few artists have undergone a transformation as drastic as Neil Young’s during the 1980s. This era, marked by synthesizers and electronic experimentation, has often been met with criticism and disdain. However, with the release of Archives Vol. III (1976-1987), a 17-CD collection of unreleased tracks, live performances, and previously shelved albums, we are reminded that even the most disparaged records can be reevaluated and redeemed.
The first 11 discs of Archives Vol. III feature a bounty of unreleased tracks, including songs that were never released during Young’s lifetime. Among these are 15 new songs, many of which are previously unheard. This collection is a welcome addition to one of music’s most fascinating and often complicated discographies.
The Archives Vol. III series starts where Vol. II left off, with a few spillover tracks from Young’s March 1976 shows in London and Tokyo with Crazy Horse. The 22 new live tracks from these concerts join the 10 previously released tracks from the earlier set. Live songs comprise a large portion of the box, with previously released tracks from the individual Archives series albums Songs for Judy, High Flyin’, and A Treasure mixed with unreleased onstage cuts covering the 1976-1987 period.
The heart of Archives Vol. III, as with the other two volumes, are the previously unavailable studio tracks. Best heard here are the fabled shelved albums Oceanside/Countryside, Johnny’s Island, and Summer Songs. Recorded in Nashville in 1977, Oceanside/Countryside was an early stab at Comes a Time, with some of its songs ending up on that 1978 album. Johnny’s Island, recorded in 1982, includes a combination of songs reworked later, while Summer Songs, recorded in 1987, serves as a redemption moment for the occasionally disruptive ’80s.
Archives Vol. III wraps up before the change in record companies and the label disputes that plagued Young’s later work. While discs 12 through 17, documented by a handful of previously released album tracks, unreleased songs, live versions, and the shelved LP Summer Songs, may reach a supposed fallow point in Young’s timeline, understanding their place in the restlessness that has defined and supported his creativity is more clear now.
Conclusion
Archives Vol. III is a testament to Neil Young’s tireless creativity and his unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of his art. This collection is a must-have for any serious fan of the artist and a reminder that even the most divisive periods in his career can be reevaluated and redeemed.
FAQs
Q: What is Archives Vol. III?
A: Archives Vol. III is a 17-CD collection of unreleased tracks, live performances, and previously shelved albums, covering the period from 1976 to 1987.
Q: Why is this collection significant?
A: Archives Vol. III features a bounty of unreleased tracks, including songs that were never released during Young’s lifetime, and sheds new light on the artist’s creative process during the 1980s.
Q: What can fans expect from this collection?
A: Fans can expect a wide range of unreleased tracks, live performances, and previously shelved albums, including the fabled shelved albums Oceanside/Countryside, Johnny’s Island, and Summer Songs.
Q: How does Archives Vol. III differ from previous volumes in the series?
A: Archives Vol. III covers a larger period than the previous two volumes and features a greater number of unreleased tracks and previously shelved albums.
Q: Is Archives Vol. III a must-have for fans of Neil Young?
A: Yes, Archives Vol. III is a must-have for any serious fan of Neil Young and a testament to the artist’s tireless creativity and commitment to pushing the boundaries of his art.
