Neil Young is set to release Oceanside Countryside, one of his legendary “lost” albums, on 14th February. A part of his Analog Originals Series, this long-shelved gem from 1977 is finally seeing the light of day in its originally intended vinyl format. Pre-orders are now open.
Recorded across two coasts between May and December 1977, Oceanside Countryside bridges the gap between Young’s classic Comes A Time and earlier experimental works. Fans may recognise three tracks: ‘Goin’ Back,’ ‘Human Highway,’ and ‘Field of Opportunity’, as they also appeared on Comes A Time. But here, they’re presented in the unique context of their original mixes.
Neil Young shared his enthusiasm for the project, saying: “This analogue original album, recorded in 1977, was unreleased at the time. These songs are the original mixes done at the time of the recordings. I sang the vocals and played the instruments on Oceanside, in Florida at Triad Studios and Malibu, at Indigo Studio. I sang the vocals and recorded with my great band of friends at Crazy Mama’s in Nashville on Countryside. I hope you enjoy this treasure of an Analog Original recording as much as I do.”
The album’s tracklist reflects its two-part nature: Side One (Oceanside) leans into an intimate, stripped-back folk vibe, while Side Two (Countryside) captures Young’s Nashville collaborations. Adding to its appeal tracks like ‘Lost in Space’ and ‘Captain Kennedy’ appear in their original forms, offering a glimpse into Young’s creative process.
While some of these songs surfaced in Archives Vol. III, fans should take note: these versions often differ, with alternate mixes or arrangements. The standout differences include original backing vocals by Young himself on tracks like ‘Field of Opportunity’ and ‘Dance Dance Dance’, instead of the later additions by Nicolette Larson.
Full Tracklist
Side One: Oceanside
- ‘Sail Away’
- ‘Lost In Space’
- ‘Captain Kennedy’
- ‘Goin’ Back’
- ‘Human Highway’
Side Two: Countryside
- ‘Field Of Opportunity’
- ‘Dance Dance Dance’
- ‘The Old Homestead’
- ‘It Might Have Been’
- ‘Pocahontas’
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- Analog Originals Series
- Archives Vol. III
- Classic Albums
- February 14th Release
- Folk Rock
- Lost Album
- Neil Young
- Oceanside Countryside
- Vinyl
