Neil Young has some big news this Christmas season. He says he's found a "treasure of old songs, half of them never released."
They were recorded in 1985 at Castle Studios in Franklin, Tennessee (outside Nashville). He writes on his website that as he listens to them, he's trying to remember "where I was in my life at that time and what was going on.
"The first things I heard from 1983 were not that good... When I listened back to Nashville in '85, everything changed! The results were really great!
"Upon research, I find this recording, which I called 'Silver and Gold' at the time, was during the Geffen period, while I was being sued by the label for making records 'uncharacteristic of Neil Young.' Maybe that is why I didn't put it out. My next album was Life, my last album for Geffen Records.
"Between my brand-new album with the Chrome Hearts in 2024 called Talkin' to the Trees, Homefires from 1974, plus this new find from 1984, I have three of what I feel are the 'kind.' I'm feeling mighty blessed to have these unheard recordings to share with you. They will be scheduled soon."
In other Neil news, he says he will do at least one fireside session this Christmas season. "[My wife, actress] Daryl [Hannah] will be filming and I will be playing a few tunes."
Until then, he says they're busy getting their Christmas cards and gifts ready.