Neil Young’s Archives Vol. III: A Deep Dive into His Transformation
Neil Young’s much-anticipated third volume of his Archives series has arrived, marking a significant moment in the artist’s storied career. Released just four years after the second volume, this expansive collection spans 17 CDs and features a staggering 198 tracks, showcasing a range of material from 1976 to 1987. However, while it’s a cause for celebration that Young has continued to share his vast musical legacy, nearly a third of this new volume draws from his often-criticized ’80s albums, such as Trans, Everybody’s Rockin’, and Landing on Water.
Reassessing the ’80s Era
The previous volumes of the Archives series have demonstrated that even the most maligned works in Young’s discography can be reevaluated. This trend mirrors the critical rehabilitation seen in Bob Dylan’s Self Portrait, which was rediscovered in the 2013 Bootleg Series volume. Archives Vol. III invites a similar reassessment of Young’s ’80s output, particularly when paired with the unreleased 1982 album Johnny’s Island.
From Rock to Synth: A New Direction
Young’s transition from traditional rock to a more electronic sound is highlighted through tracks from Trans, an album that utilized vocoders for his vocals. This shift followed his collaboration with Crazy Horse on the 1981 album Re-ac-tor, before he embraced synthesizers in his subsequent works. This period was marked by tension between Young and his record label, Geffen, which even led to a lawsuit over the unconventional nature of his new music. Eventually, Young returned to his roots with Reprise Records, although Archives Vol. III concludes before this pivotal transition.
Highlights from the Collection
The first 11 discs of Archives Vol. III focus on the more celebrated aspects of Young’s career, revisiting albums like Hitchhiker, Comes a Time, Rust Never Sleeps, and Hawks & Doves. This section features a wealth of unreleased material, including live recordings from Young’s iconic 1976 performances in London and Tokyo with Crazy Horse. Notable among the live tracks is a simmering rendition of “Cortez the Killer,” showcasing Young’s live prowess.
Unearthing the Shelved Albums
The crux of Archives Vol. III lies in its previously unavailable studio recordings. The shelved albums Oceanside/Countryside, Johnny’s Island, and Summer Songs feature prominently. Oceanside/Countryside serves as an early draft of Comes a Time, while Johnny’s Island contains reworked songs that would later appear on different projects, such as “Silver & Gold” and “Soul of a Woman.” The closing album, Summer Songs, offers a reflective glimpse into Young’s transitional phase, featuring solo acoustic versions of tracks like “American Dream” and “Someday.”
Conclusion
Archives Vol. III stands as a testament to Neil Young’s relentless creativity and ability to reinvent himself. While the ’80s may have been a contentious period in his career, this collection offers valuable insight into the artist’s evolution. As listeners engage with these tracks, they may find renewed appreciation for the complexities and nuances of Young’s discography. As this chapter closes, anticipation grows for what lies ahead in this essential series.
FAQs
What is included in Archives Vol. III?
Archives Vol. III includes 198 tracks across 17 CDs, featuring unreleased studio recordings, live performances, and material from Young’s often-criticized ’80s albums.
How does Archives Vol. III connect to previous volumes?
The new volume continues the format of previous releases, providing context and reevaluation of Young’s work, particularly focusing on his transition during the 1976-1987 period.
Are there any notable live performances in this volume?
Yes, the collection features live performances from Young’s 1976 concerts, including a highlight of “Cortez the Killer,” showcasing his dynamic stage presence.
What themes are explored in Archives Vol. III?
The volume explores themes of artistic evolution, the tension of creative expression, and the journey through a challenging yet transformative decade in Young’s career.