Lost Neil Young’s Album from 1977 Set for First-Ever Release

Neil Young, the legendary folk-rock musician renowned for his vast catalog of music, will once again offer fans a glimpse into his extensive archives. Recorded in 1977, ‘Oceanside Countryside' will be released this year on February 14, marking its availability on vinyl for the first time as part of Young's Analog Original Series. This delayed-but-highly-anticipated launch serves to preserve the original essence of the recordings as Young had intended, right down to the analog mixes made during the time of its production. The album, initially intended to debut before his 1978 release ‘Comes a Time,' reflects the country-folk style that has resonated deeply with his followers.

‘Oceanside Countryside' is characterized by its dual nature: Side One, titled ‘Oceanside,' features solo performances recorded at Triad Studios in Florida and Indigo Studio in Malibu. Here, Neil Young takes charge, delivering soulful renditions while playing most of the instruments himself. Side Two, aptly named ‘Countryside,' offers recordings from Crazy Mama’s in Nashville, where Young collaborated with a skilled ensemble including Ben Keith, Joe Osborn, Karl T. Himmel, and Rufus Thibodeaux. This section of the album encapsulates the rich, full-band sound that juxtaposes the serenity of the solo tracks on ‘Oceanside.'

A striking feature of ‘Oceanside Countryside' is its inclusion of tracks that appeared with slight variations on other recordings. For instance, “Goin’ Back,” “Human Highway,” and “Field of Opportunity” overlap with ‘Comes a Time,' while “Pocohontas” and “Sail Away” also featured on Young’s acclaimed ‘Rust Never Sleeps.' However, the forthcoming release preserves the sequence and mixes originally crafted in 1977. Importantly, while some tracks were accessible via Neil Young's ‘Archives Vol. III,' this marks their first comprehensive offering on analog vinyl, engaging purists and vinyl enthusiasts alike.

Young has expressed a profound personal connection with ‘Oceanside Countryside,' stating that this project, recorded by Tim Mulligan, holds a special place in his heart. “These songs are the original mixes done at the time of the recordings,” Young said, sharing his retrospective wish that the album had been released at its inception. The release promises to be not only a nostalgic journey for longtime fans but also an intriguing dive into Young's evolving artistic narrative.

No CD version of ‘Oceanside Countryside' will be available, a decision aligning with Young's focus on authentic analog sound experiences. The album will, however, be available in digital formats through the Neil Young Archives Download Store and other digital platforms. Collectors and enthusiasts can look forward to a limited-edition clear vinyl available through Young’s Greedy Hand Store and selected retailers, ensuring a broad spectrum of listening preferences is catered to.

Adding to the excitement of this release is Young's recent affirmation that he will headline the iconic Glastonbury Festival in 2025, following a brief period of speculation about his participation due to initial concerns about the event's direction. With this upcoming performance, alongside the release of ‘Oceanside Countryside,' 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Neil Young and his fans. As the album drops on Valentine’s Day, it promises to encapsulate the passion and introspective essence that Young has consistently infused into his expansive body of work.