Nearly half a century after he began recording it, Neil Young has finally released his “long-lost” album, Chrome Dreams. Stream the record below.
Chrome Dreams’ journey began back in 1974, when Young cut a version of “Star of Bethlehem” that would eventually end up on his 1977 album American Stars ‘n Bars. From there, Young found himself in an era of fluidity, recording different songs with a variety of collaborators. By 1977, he had racked up a number of demos, some of which were compiled as an acetate to be considered for an album, dubbed Chrome Dreams.
Ultimately, Young decided not to release Chrome Dreams. Instead, he picked it apart, putting some songs on American Stars ‘n Bars, others on 1979’s Rust Never Sleeps, and some into the vault, never to be heard… err, until bootleggers got a hold of the acetate in the ‘90s, that is. Once copies started going around, the album gained coveted status from hardcore Young fans. But now, with the official release, Young has finally made Chrome Dreams the way he intended it to be.
“Now is the time for Chrome Dreams to find its way into the world, as Neil Young hears and sees it,” the album’s press release reads.
The record’s tracklist boasts 12 songs, including two previously unreleased versions and four tracks never before released on vinyl. The album is available through a variety of formats, including CD and 2xLP vinyl. It will also be available in hi-res digital audio, which can be found on “most DSPs” and the Neil Young Archives (which, if you haven’t checked it out yet, is the kind of creative, whimsical website that it’s hard to find these days).
The album arrives after a relatively busy year for Young, at least by his standards. In April, he stepped onto the stage with Stephen Stills at Los Angeles’ Greek Theater for his first live performance in four years. The following week, he paid tribute to Willie Nelson at the latter’s all-star 90th birthday bash. In July, he embarked on a West Coast tour, which was a delightful surprise considering that he had declared that “concert touring is broken” in March due to Ticketmaster fees.
Next month, on September 23rd, Young will appear alongside Nelson, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews, and more for the 2023 staging of Farm Aid. Grab your tickets here.
Chrome Dreams Artwork:
Chrome Dreams Tracklist:
01. Pocahontas (August 11th, 1976)
02. Will to Love (December 3rd, 1976)
03. Star of Bethlehem (December 13th, 1974)
04. Like a Hurricane (November 29th, 1975)
05. Too Far Gone (September 5th, 1975)
06. Hold Back the tears (February 6th, 1977)
07. Homegrown (November 19th, 1975)
08. Captain Kennedy (August 11th, 1976)
09. Stringman (March 31st, 1976)
10. Sedan Delivery (May 22nd, 1975)
11. Powderfinger (August 11th, 1976)
12. Look Out for My Love (January 20th, 1976)
