...my personal favorite is Neil's first...and of course the original cover WITHOUT the "NEIL YOUNG" title across the top is just fantastic! I have TWo first pressing covers around-and two nice platters! I believe that less than 800 were pressed before Neil changed it...it didn't sell too well
Neil Young is the self-titled debut studio album by Canadian musician Neil Young, which was his debut release as a solo artist following his departure from the band Buffalo Springfield. Released first in November 1968, it was then partially remixed and re-released in January 1969.
I still have that rare first pressing purchased in November 1968, which has never been reissued. I would love a digital copy. The several original rare tracks are much better for me than the subsequent remixes...lk.
Many sources cite that Neil Young was released in January 1969; however, the album was originally released on November 12, 1968 (Young's 23rd birthday). The first release of the album used the Haeco-CSG encoding system. This technology was intended to make stereo records compatible with mono record players, but had the unfortunate side effect of degrading the sound in both stereo and mono.
Young was unhappy with the sound quality of the first release, so the album was partially remixed in January 1969 and then re-released without Haeco-CSG processing. The "Neil Young" header was added to the album cover; previously the cover art had consisted of only the portrait. Copies of the original 1968 version are now rare and highly sought-after, because legions of Neil Young fans believe that the 1969 mix destroyed much of the beauty of the songs, especially "Here We Are in the Years."
Neil Young was remastered and released on HDCD-encoded CD and digital download on July 14, 2009 as part of the Neil Young Archives Original Release Series. It was released on audiophile vinyl in December 2009, both individually and as part of a box-set of Neil's first 4 LPs available via his official website (this box set was limited to 1000 copies – a CD version of 3000 copies also exists). A high resolution digital Blu-ray disc is planned, although no release date has been set.
Side one
1. "The Emperor of Wyoming" – 2:14
2. "The Loner" – 3:55
3. "If I Could Have Her Tonight" – 2:15
4. "I've Been Waiting for You" – 2:30
5. "The Old Laughing Lady" – 5:58 (5:05 on original mix)
Side two
1. "String Quartet from Whiskey Boot Hill" – 1:04 (Jack Nitzsche)
2. "Here We Are in the Years" – 3:27
3. "What Did You Do to My Life?" – 2:28
4. "I've Loved Her So Long" – 2:40 (2:00 on original mix)
5. "The Last Trip to Tulsa" – 9:25
The original "Here We Are in the Years" has a longer fade out than the remix and fades with the sound of a heartbeat--missing in the remix. It also has the guitar further in the background and has a stronger piano line throughout.
The original "What Did You Do To My Life" is devoid of that reverb and psych sounding chorus. It's more straight folk but still psych folk. If you ever get a chance to heat this, DO IT!!
The original UK release is actually still on that pink and green steamboat label...very cool.
Old Laughing Lady....still the greatest tune from Neil
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqoU_8Qd7q8
This a rather appropriate quote from youtube...how I felt the first time I put needle to vinyl on side one....
"I'm 22 and hearing this song for the first time. I feel like I just found Jesus."
[:D]
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Next would be, a very close second....."Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere"!
That says a lot since this album is in my TOP FIVE OF ALL TIME...
