Neil Young News: Archives Open Thread Friday, 6/5/09

Friday, June 05, 2009

Archives Open Thread Friday, 6/5/09

From BIFF BAM POP!: Biff Bam Unboxed! Andy B Unboxes Neil Young's Archives Volume 1
Thanks Andy! Neil was right afterall... June.

Sherm reports:
http://neilyoungarchives.warnerreprise.com/shop/vol1/ it says that "your mp3 downloads will be available after 7pm PST on June 5th"

Here's today's daily open thread on the Neil Young Archives where you can post thoughts and questions.

Archives Guy seems to be checking in on occasion as time permits. But if you know the answer to folks' questions, please try and help out, to free up AG to focus on newer issues.

Got a report? Drop a comment below. No registration required.

Also, see The Neil Young Archives.

And -- as always -- see Everything You've Ever Wanted To Know About The Neil Young Archives But Were Afraid To Ask.

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115 Comments:

At 6/05/2009 02:03:00 PM, Thrasher said...: Folks,

Just a friendly reminder regarding Archives questions and Archives Guy.

Please remember that Archives Guy is a technical production engineer type.

He is not in the marketing, customer service, shipping & handling dept.

Many issues are completely out of his hands.

With that said, feel free to air concerns but try not direct them to AG for resolution. Try and be cool and patient and relax and breathe deep.

He is here primarily to handle issues around playback and enjoyment of the Archives.

Again, feel free to post here your concerns. But also try and resolve through your distributor. If you ordered from WB site, call 866-430-6230.

If still no satisfaction, post issue with your email. AG and his folks have been real good about making things right.

Lastly, we know there are tons of positive stories out there. But there too busy enjoying NYA to post. But let us know if you come up for air something positive.

Otherwise, don't let it bring you down, it's only the NYA working out the kinks.

Smile on your brother.

peace & love,

t
At 6/05/2009 02:11:00 PM, BrotherWill said...: I wanted to repost my recent thoughts incase it got lost on "Thursday's" thread and to say a big "THANKS"!

I love this box set and don't have one single complaint!

I love all of the detail and appreciate all of the blood and sweat that it took Neil over 40 years to create this massive work. Everyone that I've showed can't believe how unbelievable amazing this thing is. I really don't understand why so many are upset. Don't buy it then. Who's forcing you to? If you like the songs included and are an audiophile that thinks hearing the original release of "Old Man" as if you were in the recording booth in Nashville is worth all of the money, then buy it. And if you want to hear an alternate mix of "I've Been Waiting for You" or a new version of "Dance, Dance, Dance" or "Bad Fog of Loneliness" - then buy it. If its not worth your money, then don't buy it.

So you know, I don't have a steady job and am just barely getting by. In order to afford this $300 set and a Playstaytion 3 from Craigslist to watch it, I sold things. Clothes. Lots of clothes on eBay. I'm not a rich kid. But if you love music, and specifically Neil Young, then you'll figure out a way to get what you want. Just because you don't have the $600 bucks to get a PS3 and Achives on Blu-Ray, doesn't mean its not worth it.

Thank you for hearing me Archives Guy, Thrasher and Neil Young.

Now find that old guitar you don't play or some old shoes you don't wear and sell em on eBay. People want your junk and you want The Archives on Blu-Ray.
At 6/05/2009 02:23:00 PM, Carson said...: The detail on this set is astonishing -- love on the Riverboat disc when Neil asks the lights to be dimmed, and sure enough, the lights dim on screen in sync with Neil's cues. Great stuff. The version of "Flying on the Ground is Wrong" from the Riverboat is now my favorite recording of the song.

Will the new releases of Neil's first four albums on Blu-Ray be in the "Shakey Platform" -- with artifacts, clips and other stuff not seen on the Archives? Other than sound quality is there anything we would be missing if we opted for the CD versions of these new releases over the Blu-Ray? Would the Blu-Rays come with downloads, at least of the songs that weren't on the Archives? (Out on The Weekend, the Losing End, etc.)

Loving the Archives and looking forward to the re-releases. Thanks so much.
At 6/05/2009 02:31:00 PM, designschicago said...: Here's good news for those still 'in process' with regards to ordering from WBR.

This morning I checked the status it was shipping, whew, finally! I had been 'in process' for weeks.

2 hours later, I get a notice it's been delivered.

Less than 24 hours notice on the WBR status website. It HAD to have been shipped last week as it was 1st class mail.

It would be nice if WBR site was truly accurate at to status--it just isn't. So, there is a wee bit of hope for those still 'in process'.

I look forward to digging deep this weekend. Fingers crossed it will be in pristine condition.

Thanks AG, Thrasher, & Archives Team.
At 6/05/2009 02:31:00 PM, BDLive Confused said...: Can someone please enlighten me as to why BD-Live downloads are so difficult to find? I understand that future downloads are either a secret or unknown, but I had a heck of a time trying to figure out what the existing download consisted of.

From what I now gather, I need to check the timeline for blue push pins. That in and of itself was a bit confusing for me to figure out. I had thought that the push pin for "I Wonder" was a hidden track until I saw the file size listed next to it, then I noticed I could play it from any disk. So I determined that was a BD-Live download.

Next I saw three grey pins on Disk, all videos. Are those BD-live as well from the first download? I guess I need to throw in a different disk to see if they show up.

My point is, did I miss a tutorial or FAQ that explains what I should be looking for? I get the whole exploring thing with this set, but I don't think I need to go digging around to determine what I've seen vs what I haven't for each new download. Is it possible to at least inform us to what we're downloading with each new download and where to find it once it's done?

Hopefully I'm just missing something obvious, but I was pretty frustrated earlier when I couldn't find it.

Thanks (p.s. everything else is great!)
At 6/05/2009 02:44:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Wow, bringing new meaning to the saying - "Playing Hard to Get."

The people who put this packaging together must have flunked kindergarten.
At 6/05/2009 02:52:00 PM, Babbo said...: To BDLive Confused: Haven't received my set yet (though Amazon tracking says it's in town!), but my understanding was that you would get an onscreen message alerting you when new BD-Live downloads were available anytime you put in a BD disc (whether the download is in that disc's particular time frame or not) - anyone else know that for sure?

Babs
At 6/05/2009 03:01:00 PM, Brian said...: Regarding the BD-Live download material. For me (I am using a PS3), it is fairly straightforward. When you put in any one of the Blu-Ray discs and there is something new to download you will get a message. If you download that material it will exist on your machine until you decide to delete it. In order to play that material you need to have any one of the Blu-Ray discs in the player and you need to visit the timeline. Scroll to the right or left on the timeline and look for a blue pushpin, hit the blue pushpin and you may view the downloaded material.

There are also gray pushpins. These will only show up dependent on which Blu-Ray disc you have in the player.

Hope that helps.

-Brian
At 6/05/2009 03:01:00 PM, BDLive Confused said...: Babs, my issue isn't that I was not notified. I was notified that there was the initial download available.

The issue is that it doesn't tell you what the download is or where to find it once it completes.

All it says is, essentially, a new download available, click to download, then download complete. You're then on your own to figure out what's been updated.
At 6/05/2009 03:01:00 PM, Anonymous said...: I didn't connect my PS3 to the internet last night but have had my archives set since Tuesday. Almost immediately upon loading an archives disc in the player last night, a message popped up alerting that content was available to download. It only took about 1 minute to download everything via ethernet connection. It was incredibly easy. Enjoy exploring. Thanks to AG for your patience and expertise. Thanks to TW for hosting and posting these daily threads. drmiles
At 6/05/2009 03:10:00 PM, because sound matters.... said...: seems no one who ordered from warner brothers directly has received his archives. or why is nobody telling bout the vinyl????

dear mr postman, please knock at my door.......
At 6/05/2009 03:20:00 PM, BecauseSoundMatters said...: Strange things are happening... just posted something over here that is not visible? The only thing I can see is someone's post using my name? Just like that thing with the fake Atchives Guy... Anyway I will use this thing and allways sign. Not going to rewrite my text because I got to get behind the wheel to Antwerpen and after that to my first full moon NY show in Rotterdam.
At 6/05/2009 03:20:00 PM, Anonymous said...: As Brian stated...I do believe all Downloads end up on the time line appearing as Push Pins.
Simply go to the "More" Menu and you'll see "Time Line". That's where they will be. I even had a sneak peek (not telling) of what the future holds for 4 of the Downloads so I can say...great things to come.

And, no...don't ask. :oP

LIVE RUST
At 6/05/2009 03:25:00 PM, dr dip said...: Just remember, "Rubiks Cube" was a brainteaser when it first hit the streets...
Bim Bam, suggest you give it to a 7 yr old Asian Prodigy child (no offence or racial slur here,they're
just very good at opening unknown boxes)and have it figured out in under 10 secs !!!!

The university of California has just released its new summer uni courses for this semester..Yep you guessed it..you can now do a 3yr course in Archives opening..They suspect the drop out rate could be quite high..although it's only gunna cost you $300 to do the first course!!

Oh, and Johnny.."Them apples" were good..except for the grub in them!!

Luv Drip
At 6/05/2009 03:26:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Howdy,

MP3's SUCK!Why do you think they call it dope?
At 6/05/2009 03:39:00 PM, Mark said...: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=105014182&ft=1&f=2
At 6/05/2009 03:40:00 PM, BDLive Confused said...: Thanks all. It makes perfect sense now and is easy after you figure out what to look for and I now know where to look.

But the fact remains that I had to scour the internet to find out that I needed to be looking for blue pins, which is a bit rediculous. It should be mentioned as you download the file or at least in a FAQ within the disk.

As more people pick this up, they need to know how to use it. Simply telling me there's a new download and allowing me to download it easily doesn't really cut it.

I don't think it's too much to ask that we are informed that "Hey, this new download includes tracks x,y,z. Check out in sections a,b,c of the timeline to find them once the download is complete."

If I download an attachment from an email, I know what I'm downloading, where I'm downloading it to and subsequently where to find it after it's done. I don't think that functionality is too much to ask when applying it to this set.
At 6/05/2009 03:49:00 PM, BDLive Confused said...: One last point before I sit back and enjoy the Riverboat.

What happens in 3 years when there are 70 blue pins on the timeline and we get notified that there's a new download available? Sure it's easy to download, but how do we figure out where that 71st blue pin is amongst the 70 others?
At 6/05/2009 03:51:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Just over one hour left in the week.
Still no archives.
Any shipments received in Canada yet?
I don't know how much more waiting I can take.
Syscrusher
At 6/05/2009 03:59:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Not here in BC Syscrusher...I am with ya there...you are not alone, and it sucks.

LIVE RUST
At 6/05/2009 04:08:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Archive Guy,

Yesterday someone posted a problem they were having with a clicking noise they heard while listening to songs, and navigating through photo's or press etc.. You assumed he had a Panasonic blue ray and said the fix was easy but you never wrote what the easy fix was.

I have a Panasonic DMP-BD80, hooked up HDMI to my Panny HDTV, and optical hook up to Yamaha RX-V995 Receiver. With music playing when I navigate through photo's, press, etc. there is a "hicup" in the music. Not a deal breaker or overly annoying but if there is an easy fix sign me up. I should note as of yet I haven't hooked up to the internet.

And now a little something for you folks who may be on the fence about what blue ray player to buy. I went to Best Buy and grabbed a Samsung 3600, this despite a review from a citizen warning that his unit had problems with audio and visual out of sync. I plugged mine in, dropped in a blue ray of Hall and Oats at the Troubador. The high def colors jumped off my screen, the sound was excellent, but son of a gun, the sync was out, singers lips moving and sound a 1/4sec ahead or behind. Watching the drummer hit the snare and the beat is off, very annoying. Tried different audio set ups made no difference. It was off though the receiver, and it was off through the tv audio. Later that day my lovely wife arrived home with "The Archive". Dropped in a blue ray and had the same deal on the video shots, music and picture out of sync. Not acceptable!

I bring this to your attention because if you are just listening to "The Archive" with this player you might not be aware it's out of sync, or you may watch the video that is on the disc and assume its old footage and thats why its out of sync.

Finally after 3 hrs of reveling in "The Archives", the Samsung unit began to freeze up, I couldn't navigate the files in the cabinet. That too was commented on in a CNET review as a problamatic issue with Samsung.

Next day I packed it up, and noticed a note from the company saying if you had problem make sure you call, or link the unit up to the internet for potential patches. Hey screw that, I'm not your quality control, guinea pig, you guys need to send it out of the factory working.

Back to Best Buy, they hooked it up to their equipment same problem. Told me to go pick out another, I did, the Panasonic, hooked it up in 5 min been in Neil Young bliss ever since.

So that's one persons blue ray adventure. Maybe I just got an anomoly, one bad unit from Samsung, if thats the case oh well, I'll stick with Panny or Sony.

And finally thanks to Neil and his crew for their dedication to excellence and nostalgia. Its so nice to return to the days of the albums, where we sat down to LISTEN to music, review the album art and liner notes, talk about the music. When CD's came along if seems like the music got dropped into a player and we walked away from it, it became background music. This blu ray world, and Neils navigation system has return music to its upfront status. I might add its taken a mid 50 year old analog guy and forced me to catch up with the digital computer, hi def world, I can't think of a more pleasureable way to be tutored.
At 6/05/2009 04:26:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Gawd Dammit.....i sure am glad i waited to make this purchase.

When i buy:

1. I hope they improve the quality control, and i dont risk damaging things, or having my book binding break

2. I hope there's a common consensus as to the best technology to utilize...i cant take chances on a purchases this expensive and have my BluRay player keep glitching!

3. I hope the price of the BluRay set DROP$! ;-)

Cough Up The Buck$

Johnny Rocket!
At 6/05/2009 04:34:00 PM, dr dip said...: Sorry JR, you are banned from buying it!..Just get yourself a rubiks cube..I've seen 'm for half price these days!!

Drip
At 6/05/2009 04:51:00 PM, zejt said...: Did not receive Box in Toronto.... ordered in March.
At 6/05/2009 04:55:00 PM, Gwinn said...: Mr. Neilman, bring me a dream (bung, bung, bung, bung)
Make him the cutest that I've ever seen (bung, bung, bung, bung)
Give him two lips like roses and clover (bung, bung, bung, bung)
Then tell him that his lonesome nights are over.
Neilman, I'm so alone
Don't have nobody to call my own
Please turn on your magic beam
Mr. Neilman, bring me a dream.
At 6/05/2009 05:02:00 PM, Anonymous said...: To my many admirers -

Wanted to let you know that Johnny Rocket! will now be stepping away from the keyboard where his annoying, dizzying - yet objective - posts are no longer appreciated in this forum.

For the record, Johnny Rocket! is a HUGE Neil fan, owning everything he's ever released, usually buying new releases on the day they hit the street. I have boxes upon boxes of memorabilia stored away, plenty of unique artifacts and, sadly, i can tell you more about Neil's family then i can my own.

i've seen the man more than 20 times, in 7 difft states, and 3 difft countries. I love the man and his music.

But that won't keep me from calling him out when i think he's making somewhat of a 'money grab.' In some ways - not all - i think he's simply out to line his pockets.

i've waited for the Archives since the late 80s, and for him to mostly resell the same old studio cuts is laughable. I'm sure Neil will redeem himself....Vol. 2 promises to offer more rarities (and if it doesn't.....well, I'll be back...)

Until then...

Rust and Peace

Cough Up The Bucks!

Johnny Rocket!

PS - Dr. Dip....ahhh, never mind!
At 6/05/2009 05:07:00 PM, Anonymous said...: ahhhch

i was planning on buying the samsund bd 3600 since i need a player with wifi.

anyone knows a player with wifi-capability thats reasonable priced?

trouble with LG, trouble with panasonic, samsung out of sync and i dont want a game console. Not easy to access the archives - at least my box looks gorgeous on my shelf.
At 6/05/2009 05:09:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Anyone have artwork for each disc? Like a decent size picture I can copy and paste for the artwork for the mp3s in itunes? thanks.
At 6/05/2009 05:15:00 PM, Anonymous said...: This forum will not tolerate the indiscriminate weaving between first and third person Mr. Rocket!!!
At 6/05/2009 05:21:00 PM, MPS said...: I have the Samsung BDP-3600 and haven't seen any problems with out of sync audio, but I have had a problem with the BD-Live downloads. Only one download came through, "I Wonder". I've loaded several discs and no window to download new BD-Live content has popped up. Has anyone else seen this problem? Also how do I open the download manager to see what files have been downloaded? Thanks for the help!
At 6/05/2009 05:34:00 PM, gobacktogo said...: I hate still being on the fence about this purchase!

I want it, but I want it to be worth it.

I have the perfect set-up already, Samsung BD-P1500, Samsung 47" LCD, and surround sound.

I just don't want to pay $315 and wish I had have put it into finding a vinyl copy of Eldorado or something.

Cheers,
-Dan
At 6/05/2009 05:42:00 PM, Anonymous said...: MPS: There has only been one BR-Live release so far...the "I'm Wondering" track you already have. [Those other tracks you heard about were test downloads posted - and taken away - before the official release date.] No idea when we can look forward to future releases but I can tell ya that an automatic notice will pop when one's available - it comes up as soon as you start one of the BR-Live discs (NOT the 3 performance discs or JTTP). The notice will pop up *before* the Shakey fanfare if there's any treats to be had!

Enjoy!
-Jason-
At 6/05/2009 05:43:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Dan,
If you're a US resident, you can get the box delivered to your door (free shipping) for $279.99. I got mine on the 1st. It was sooooooo worth it!

-Jason-
At 6/05/2009 05:50:00 PM, gobacktogo said...: Well Jason I'm in Canada, but the box is still only $315 CAN w/ free shipping from Amazon.ca.

I'm probably going to get it, I do want to see first though if my brother can get it for me at cost (as he works at a independent music retailer). That would be the absolute best!

Also, I was wondering, is there a good amount of video footage. I know there's stuff like The Loner in Finjan Folk Cafe 1970, and the barn footage. It's just that every time I see a track listing it simply shows the audio, and while the 128 tracks aren't incredibly impressive I still would like to have a good amount of video.

Can anyone fill me in on this?

Cheers,
-Dan
At 6/05/2009 06:04:00 PM, Anonymous said...: To Johnny Rocket,
Go get a job! This set is super inexpensive for what you get. What are you waiting for? The price to drop a whopping $50! (for the Blu-ray version). Post your address - I feel so bad for you that I'm willing to give you my mp3's (after all, apparently there are worthless).

Hope this helps you out! That way you can actually listen to it so your complaints are more justified. You sound like that like a kid who doesn't have what he wants - it would seem to me that's why you are here every day reading and responding to everyone's posts. I guess that's the only way for you to enjoy it.

Cough Up the Bucks Johnny!!!!
At 6/05/2009 06:18:00 PM, Dmitri Karamazov said...: Quote: "Johnny Rocket will now be stepping away from the keyboard where his annoying, dizzying - yet objective - posts are no longer appreciated in this forum."

This is the best news I've heard since Archives was announced!

J. Rocket, I will paraphrase the Traveling Wilburys and just say take your keyboard and park it where the sun don't shine....
At 6/05/2009 06:34:00 PM, Babbo said...: Anonymous said:

I was planning on buying the samsund bd 3600 since i need a player with wifi.

anyone knows a player with wifi-capability thats reasonable priced?

I'm planning on going with the Sony BDP-S560, which has wifi capability and should be out next month - list price is $350, but should be available for under $300 from online retailers. Given the Archive's Sony orientation with the PS3 and the positive reports I've seen from folks with the current 550, should be a pretty safe bet.

Babs
At 6/05/2009 07:27:00 PM, Johnny Rotten said...: JR, You're ruining my high.

Can't see the point in complaining bout something you've never seen. Listen to it first then come back with some real complaints. In the meantime, cheers, everyone. Its the weekend, I've been working. Finally gonna grab a beer and dig into this thing.
At 6/05/2009 07:32:00 PM, Craig said...: So I've had a few days to explore the Archives at great length. All I can say is that I am super impressed. The sound quality is top-notch on BRD, and the attention to detail with the Hi-Def footage of tape players/vinyl etc is simply awesome.
I'm a little disappointed with the volume of video footage (I think the two Archives trailers showed clips of stuff that I assumed would be included but simply isn't,) but what's there is great.

A question about the hidden tracks. I believe I have found most of them, but there are supposed to be 12 correct? 116 + 12 = the 128 tracks total? Well I can only find 10 I think, and I only count 10 on the backs of the individual disc sleeves. What am I missing?
At 6/05/2009 07:45:00 PM, Dave from Australia said...: Hey Johnny Rocket,

For someone who thinks the Archives is not worth it, you seem to spend a lot of your time thinking about it, writing about it, dissing it, and trying to convince others of its non-worth. I think you need a hobby...

Me thinks you protest too much. Are you simply trying to convince yourself that its no good?

I'm sure you'll respond with the usual arguments you've had for the last month or so, but those of us that have the set know that you're now simply full of hot air.

Stop pretending, you're not fooling anyone anymore except for yourself. It may well be time to shut up now!

(currently listening to DBTR from The Filmore - the crispness and warmth of the solos is stunning. Miles ahead of the original DVD release. Blu-Ray all the way!)

Cheers - Dave from Australia
At 6/05/2009 08:12:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Dan,
Yeah, getting the box at cost would be sweeeeeeeet. As far as the video, I'll be honest and say I was hoping for a bit more but: I was pleasantly surprised to find that there was performance video for most of the Massey Hall disc (a little grainy but way cool), there seem to be about 2-4 clips on most of the discs (CSNY doing "Sea of Madness" at Big Sur was good too) but the North Country disc has a *ton* of video by compairson. In addition, there are a series of home videos of Neil working on the Archives in 1997 - these are spread throughout the discs. Anyway, there is enough to keep you occupied for a few days!

-Jason-
At 6/05/2009 08:32:00 PM, Dave said...: @Craig:

There are 12 hidden tracks in all: 2 on Disc 0, 4 on Disc 1, 1 on Disc 2, 2 on Disc 4, 3 on Disc 6.

Seems to me all the video clips from the trailers are in there somewhere. Some are from Journey Through The Past and some are hidden clips on the other discs.
At 6/05/2009 09:42:00 PM, Worthless Recluse said...: It's drunk time here in Ireland. Some obSEERrvations in that spirit:

1) That unwrapping video - it's a good job it wasn't done by some nerd with a really nasal voice, cos that might've been annoying.

2) The guy in that video had a) exactly the same difficulty I had in getting the discs out of the holder and b) a tiny fraction of the difficulty I had in extracting the "secret drawer".

3) He did, however, manage to unwrap the plastic without ripping the stickers, unlike me, despite being the kind of sick specimen who saves such things.

4) DVD rules. CDs for falses; Bluray for sickos. Discuss (or not). Bluray and/or DVD buyers complaining about unavailability of MP3s should be considered dangerous, and should be immediately reported to the relevant authorities. Do NOT attempt to approach as they may be armed with illogical opinions.

4) My day: Bought archives. Spent time with archives. Voted in local & EU elections. Spent more time with archives. Played a good gig with my band. A good day for the Recluse.
At 6/05/2009 09:57:00 PM, D.I. Kertis said...: It's happened-- a miracle! My NYA1 DVD set arrived today. I actually got chills up and down my spine as I carried the Amazon box off of the porch and into my house. My first thought when I took the set out of the box was, "That's BIG." It was even larger than the pictures made it look. I had to go out to dinner with my family (not because of Archives--total coincidence) before I was really able to sit down and spend a lot of time with it. It's been great so far.

Looks great.
Sounds REALLY great.

I found the Squires on disc 0 (a novelty in itself) quite interesting, having only heard ABOUT it and never actually heard it before. "I Wonder" jumped out at me at once. "I'll Always Love You" was quite unique, and the instrumentals were fun. The real highlights of DIsc 0 came with December '65 demos of Sugar Mountain and Nowadays Clancy Can't Even Sing. The former benefited from eventually being slowed down but the recordings were great to hear nonetheless. Also of note is The Ballad of Peggy Grover. I think hear some of "Don't Cry No Tears" in the melody (and Down, Down, Down, has some of Broken Arrow for that matter, right down to some of the lyrics. Interesting to get some idea of how Neil's songs develop through these rare and previously unreleased tracks.)

Due to the aforementioned dinner outing, Disc 0 is the only one I've gotten completely through yet (I'm playing Disc 1 now.)

As far as some of the glitches others have mention, I'm either fortunate or they aren't that common. All my discs are the right kind (no CDs or blu-rays) , and only a TINY spot of glue on Disc 1, which I was more-or-less able to remove and which has shown no effect on play as yet.

In addition, everything came that was supposed to-- 10 DVD discs, 200+ page scrapbook, download card (when WILL the downloading sight be up and running???), free copy of Canterbury House, and poster. And the Speaking Pad, of course-- "if you're a speaking pad, why don't you say something?" (In Neil's handwriting.)

--Completely random but hilarious at the same time.

I'm really looking forward to the Riverboat and Journey Through the Past (though I think I'll have a hard time convincing anyone else to watch it...)

I'll be back later. I think I want to give the Archives my full attention now!
At 6/05/2009 10:01:00 PM, Archives Guy said...: Hello Archives folks,

Well what a week it has been. Nothing like releasing a 10 disc Blu-ray set, a 10 disc DVD set, a 8 disc CD set, a 8 disc iTunes set at the same time that 4 remastered albums are turned loose on the public via iTunes.

As well documented on the fan forums, there were some manufacturing issues encountered in this archives run. With the help of the record company we have identified and are dealing with these problems, setting up a dedicated NYA customer service number help those affected.

What can't be ignored this week is the fact that the first volume of the Neil Young archives series has become a reality for the people that matter the most, the fans and music lovers. You have waited for a long time and we have worked on this for as long as you have waited.

What rises to the top of the heap this week more than anything is overall the joy and pleasure folks are getting from the music and the set in general.
A lot of you "get it" now that you are listening to the amazing high quality of the audio and navigating thru the discs.

I've spent a lot of time interacting with you all to aid in understanding the archives set. We've developed a knowledge base together that is now even stronger because you have the archives in your hands and are experiencing it. (apologies for those still waiting)

Coming in to look at this (and other) forums in the past couple of days I see that the community is now able to answer questions about players, how to navigate, where the content is. That is a great thing and a real important part of this project as it moves forward. The design of the Archives Shakey Platform is one that encourages exploration and discovery. Some of this occurs as one spends time with the set and some of it happens when friends and fans discuss what they see and hear...and compare notes.

We have a lot of pleasant surprises ahead with BD-Live, a feature that will keep this collection growing and expanding. Personally, I am a HUGE fan of the next download coming up. This one is going to make a lot of you happy.

I feel a MP3 download announcement coming up....

-Archives Guy
At 6/05/2009 10:08:00 PM, Worthless Recluse said...: The Squires stuff is surprisingly good - not just historical curios but actually very good musically.

BD-Live updates don't make me happy. They make this suddenly impoverished Neil fan sad :'(
At 6/05/2009 10:12:00 PM, Archives Guy said...: A few replies to today's comments:

I hope that designchicago gets his set soon.

Thanks to those who helped others locate the BD-Live download. It's not really that hard.
In general there are a few rules/guidelines that one needs to learn to master this set. Once you've figured these few things out either by watching the tutorial, reading the Q&A, asking, or exploring....it's easy.
The downloads are always going to live on the Timeline. A blue pin means that you haven't downloaded, a yellow pin means that it's been downloaded, a white pin indicates something that is already part of the disc.

If you still can't figure out the downloads, go to the Timeline when you see a download is available. You will visually see where it is, watch a progress bar as it downloads. It's all right there and straight forward.

Everything that was on the trailer is in the set. If you haven't found it yet it is because you haven't seen everything in your set yet. This thing is deep.

-Archives Guy
At 6/05/2009 10:17:00 PM, Anonymous said...: DI K. - come back and let us know your stories!

Ralphie
At 6/05/2009 10:22:00 PM, Archives Guy said...: Some Archives highlights for AG:

- Neil opening his copyright letter on camera for us.
- Emperor Of Wyoming control room tape during which Neil comes up with the name of the song.
-Bootleg Store film clip
- the sound that the filing cabinet makes
- 1956 Bubblegum Disaster
- Slowly Burning
-original manuscript lyrics for Ohio and Cinnamon Girl
- 24 bit 192kHz audio!!!

What are YOU enjoying as ya poke around?
At 6/05/2009 10:30:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Thanks Archives Guy.... the set IS really great. I have been using a MAC to view the archives and it is just Beyond anything I could have imagined! I love the mood and atmosphere that is created by the…is there a name for it? like a Yule log..The reel-to-reel tape machines and record player for each song! The look is fantastic and most importantly THE SOUND! IT's great! Like hearing a lot of these tunes for the first time! I love the little nuances and the subtitles and the fanatical attention to detail that only Bernard Shakey would have. It’s all the little details that Neil cares about that makes this set so great and give it that Neil Young feel. That’s the reason Neil Young is so great. Most others do just enough…Neil is ALWAYS willing to go the extra mile!
Great Job...BUT I still say us DVD buyers should be able to down load the new content as well! How about we all swear to God we wont share or mess the files?
I ordered though Neilyoung.com and got my set Monday. Not one single issue to complain about. Can’t wait for NYA II!
Thank you
At 6/05/2009 10:31:00 PM, Craig said...: RE: Everything in the trailer is in the set.

Guess I have some more digging to do! This thing is fucking massive!

Highlights for me:

Bootleg video. That clip is hilarious on SO many levels.

Barn footage.

Down by the River TV show clip with CSNY.

24/192 audio!
At 6/05/2009 10:33:00 PM, ben said...: This post has been removed by the author.
At 6/05/2009 10:35:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Hey Archives guy, on Neilyoung.com when you flip though the contents on the archives...where it reads that an MP3 card comes with the set; one item shown looks like a piece of Art....says Farm Aid at the top and has head phones and other hidden things...what is that? It didnt come in my set..am I missing something? Thanks
At 6/05/2009 10:37:00 PM, Anonymous said...: How's the mp3 download goin'? I've got a long drive ahead of me tomorrow and I sure would like to be able to listen to them on my ipod.

- Whitten
At 6/05/2009 10:39:00 PM, ben said...: Naysayer's find a limb to crow from.

If Neil and crew were really in it for the money they'd all be feeling pretty fresh right about now, it currently being sundown Friday evening on the West Coast and they all fresh from the bank having just deposited those massive checks for the whole - what? Probably, 63 cents a goddamn hour they just all made for all the time they've put in over the years. Get off your crazy horse and go get a copy of this thing cause its electric and despite anything else these discs sound really truly handsomely gorgeous. You know these songs like the street you grew up on but for the next few months, maybe a year, you will daily marvel over a lick or crazy chord you'd never heard before. REMASTERS HAVE NEVER SOUNDED BETTER and additionally remarkably analog faithful. The process here is astounding. A benchmark.

I need the Mp3s for the car and my walk to work cause I get out of the house from time to time and this is my new friend. So get them out eventually, relax and mix 'em right. I gotta watch that video of Neil telling off the bootlegger record clerk again.

Fresh out the hi-fi,
Ben
At 6/05/2009 10:42:00 PM, richflynn17 said...: I'm enjoying the sound and I only have 24/96, not being flush enough to own blu-ray equipment.

"I've Loved Her So Long" and everything from the first solo album.

Semi-listenable excerpts from the long-bootlegged BS Long Beach concert to replace nearly unlistenable version on my bootleg version.

The Riverboat show.

The Riverboat show.

The Riverboat show.

Not enjoying:
Having to play with the discs to find audio content.

The fake leatherette book in lieu of the still-advertised "lavish 236-page full-color hardbound book."

The fact that the mp3 downloads are still unavailable--I'm going out of town on business and can't lug the Archives box with me.

The constant hyping of the BD-Live downloads. I'll pay an extra 79 bucks if you let me download them; otherwise I don't want to hear about it.

The consumer-unfriendly fact that the set includes 3 discs I already bought in their deluxe DVD versions.

Did I say that I LOVE the music--have listened to everything I didn't already own--more than once.
At 6/05/2009 10:48:00 PM, Worthless Recluse said...: "You know these songs like the street you grew up on but for the next few months, maybe a year, you will daily marvel over a lick or crazy chord you'd never heard before."

WELL SAID! Only some of the way in, and on first listen, I've heard some chords in very familiar songs that made me raise an eyebrow or three, and even the grain of a slightly overdriven guitar or the timbre of a drum, always there but never evident before, has surprised me. And the beautiful layer of hiss on some tracks, reassuring me that this represents the original tapes rather than being an attempt to "clean up" analogue characteristics.
At 6/05/2009 10:48:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Question for AG (or anyone who knows the answer):

I bought the DVD version and am loving every minute of it. I don't have a Blu-Ray player now (can't afford it), but I predict that I will buy one sometime in the future. Here's the question -

If I eventually get a BR player and buy the Blu-Ray version of Archives Volume 2, will I still be able to download all the BD-Live material that is associated with Volume 1? Or will I only be able to access the Volume 2 downloads?

Ross
At 6/05/2009 10:52:00 PM, BeGreatOrGoHome said...: BOO-HOO CRY ME A RIVER. SOME PEOPLE ARE GOING TO BED HUNGRY TONIGHT! Somewhere some little girl just got raped by her dad! Somewhere someone just got evicted and has nowhere to sleep tonight and WE have to listen to cries this evening of: Not enjoying:
Having to play with the discs to find audio content.

The fake leatherette book in lieu of the still-advertised "lavish 236-page full-color hardbound book."

The fact that the mp3 downloads are still unavailable--I'm going out of town on business and can't lug the Archives box with me.

WAAAAAH! Be happy you got the cash to buy a $200. boxed set
At 6/05/2009 10:54:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Ross, yes you will I asked that same question a few days ago. The downloads don't go away
At 6/05/2009 11:00:00 PM, Archives Guy said...: Can we have shout out to John Nowland, who perhaps makes the best sounding analog to digital transfer in the world?

And a shout out to Tim Mulligan , who not only mixes every live Neil Young performance but also masters audio at a quality level that few ever could?
At 6/05/2009 11:02:00 PM, Anonymous said...: I like the way the tape speed is all messed up awesome on Dance Dance Dance.

I like having a really incredible quality version of the sleigh bell I Believe in You

I like having a really incredible quality version of Bad Fog of Loneliness

I am so glad its the side long version of Words. How great is that?

You really get a feeling for the concept of 'More Barn'

I truly enjoy the interview segments, although a few I've found thus far, like the one where they discuss CSNY playing Down by the River, makes me really really wish that the video was on there somewhere. I know, I've seen it...

I like my new fondness for CSNY, and finally feeling like I understand. A pleasant introduction for me.

That crazy good instrumental track on, I guess the second early years disc. Its got that orchestration that kicks in all chill and perfect. That is outstanding music I had never heard before.

The video clip where Jack Nitzsche's riding shotgun in Neil's jeep all cruising around the hills and they get out at the barn and rock.
At 6/05/2009 11:06:00 PM, Anonymous said...: (Shouting!)JOHN NOWLAND!!!!!!!!!
(Shouting!)Tim Mulligan!!!!!!!!!

GREAT SOUND!!!!
At 6/05/2009 11:07:00 PM, Anonymous said...: I have a laptop I put on top of my turntable and amp when it plays back and I love the way the tape deck animation looks from across the room stacked up their like another componant. It's alive.
At 6/05/2009 11:12:00 PM, Archives Guy said...: Anon about CSNY on the Music Scene....you'll find the clip from the show. It's on there.

Crazy good instrumental track= Slowly Burning!
At 6/05/2009 11:12:00 PM, Anonymous said...: well said Anon 11:02
At 6/05/2009 11:19:00 PM, MP3 said...: MP3?
At 6/05/2009 11:21:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Nowland and Mulligan, amazing stuff. I can't wait to see more of their work.
My favorite new song is 'Casting Me Away'
And I can't get enough of The Squires. Neil should have gone on to lead the Springfield. He had so much experience.

Can you get mail on the weekend?
Syscrusher
At 6/05/2009 11:21:00 PM, Dave said...: I love the way the vintage reel-to-reels and turntables are filmed, especially the "coffeehouse" setup for "Sugar Mountain" and "Clancy" from Canterbury House and the Riverboat disc. There's a real attention to detail and atmosphere, while evoking the quiet loneliness that's so characteristic of NY's acoustic music.

Lyric sheets are cool too. I know NY says he doesn't like to edit his songs, but I'm glad he make some revisions to "Cinnamon Girl." (Had he kept the purple canaries flying through the air, I'm not sure it would have been as big of a hit song.) Also nice to see all the "might-have-been" song orders for various albums, like the long-rumored double LP with Fillmore material and the original all-acoustic Harvest. (So "Long Walk Home" was originally slated for After the Gold Rush...) Love the tape archive section of the book. Lots of info for the hardcore NY fans.

All in all, tremendously satisfying. The only significant flaw is the omission of "Out on the Weekend" and "The Losing End." This thing's so big already, it might as well have it all.
At 6/05/2009 11:22:00 PM, UPS said...: Not UPS
At 6/05/2009 11:29:00 PM, Anonymous said...: ALREADY BOUGHT THE
ARCHIVES VOL 1?

YOUR MP3 DOWNLOADS
WILL BE AVAILABLE
AFTER 7PM ON JUNE 51

PLEASE CHECK BACK
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION!

IT IS AFTER 7PM!

WHERE ARE THEY?
At 6/05/2009 11:34:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Got the Blue Ray version Tuesday ... truly amazing set. Thanks to all who helped with this thing.

Likes ..
1. This thing is groundbreaking on EVERY level. No one has done anything like this before and considering that fact ... I'd call it a massive success. Not perfect for sure ... but damn near close.

2. The book. I like the "leather" cover and the fact that it's actually readable (or shall we say lookable). Much better than a stiff hard bound one IMHO.

3. All the video clips (wish there were more)

4. NY opening the letters for the squires tracks was priceless.

5. Being able to navigate while listening. This alone is worth the extra cost of the BR's.

6. The *potential* of the BR live releases. I really hope they make good on the promises and continue to release new stuff (and do so frequently).

7. NY's archive informer write ups ... let's hope those continue also.

Dislikes
1. Wish there were more videos.

2. Wish all album tracks were included for the period represented. AFTGR and EKTIK are pretty much 100% represented (in some form) I believe. How hard would it have been to add the three or four missing tracks to Harvest and NY??

3. Wish the NY Bios were printed in the book. I won't read that on the TV and I doubt many others would either. That really needed to be in the book.

Definitely glad I purchased this and without any doubt what-so-ever will get the next volume.

Thanks NY and AG and LA and everyone else involved ... much appreciated by this fan.

brian m
At 6/05/2009 11:37:00 PM, chris said...: just downloaded the loner and cinnamon girl from the timeline topagana disc 3. wow. great stuff neil. love the blueray. neil in washington square park teaching a hippie to play cinnamon girl is amazing.
At 6/05/2009 11:41:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Chris,
That is a great video but you didn't actually download through BR-Live...like the rest of the white push pins, it's a permanent part of the timeline that's already there!

-Jason-
At 6/05/2009 11:46:00 PM, chris said...: oops sorry, i thought i downloaded it jason...oh well it is a great video to see.
At 6/05/2009 11:46:00 PM, Anonymous said...: I will also buy Vol.2...cant wait! I'd buy tonight if I could!
At 6/05/2009 11:55:00 PM, Anonymous said...: It's great I feel like I'm just getting into the set after playing with it for 3 nights straight.

Tip: I copied my DVD's so I can play around with the features on my laptop while I listen on the stereo through the DVD player. Hope that's not pirating but I couldn't afford Blu-ray.
At 6/06/2009 12:18:00 AM, Kimball said...: AG: One of the things that struck me the stongest was in the JTTP movie, when Neil is doing Southern Man on film with CSNY. Neil is absolutely into the feeling of the song, you can see that he's singing it and turning red with anger, he means what he's singing. Total immersion. Like he said in one of the raps somewhere, its no use for him to even try to play when he's not feeling it. Well the Southern Man with CSNY really is the best example I've seen of Neil 100% into it...

As always, thanks and keep your chin up, you guys kick ass and don't let anyone tell you otherwise!
At 6/06/2009 12:23:00 AM, Anonymous said...: I've read about NY opening the letters for the Squires' tracks a couple of time now and how great it is. I must have missed it somehow, can anybody tell me where it is at?
Thanks
At 6/06/2009 12:26:00 AM, Tom said...: I'm loving the archives, but I guess I am just too old school. I can't find any hidden tracks. Can someone please point me in the right direction?
At 6/06/2009 12:29:00 AM, Anonymous said...: TOM
From the main menu got to MORE and click around there...when an object lights up (you'll know it) click it
At 6/06/2009 12:30:00 AM, Anonymous said...: What disc has the video of Neil arguing with the record store owner over a CSNY bootleg LP? I can't seem to find that one.
At 6/06/2009 12:31:00 AM, Anonymous said...: The letter video can be accessed from the info folder for "Aurora" I think...there's a small play arrow you can navigate to in either the 'Documents' or 'Photos' folder. // I learned how to get there by watching the Archives traier tonight!

-Jason-
At 6/06/2009 12:32:00 AM, Anonymous said...: The bootleg video is on the North Country disc...

-Jason-
At 6/06/2009 12:34:00 AM, Tom said...: I have gone to MORE But all I seem to get is mostly video of Neil & Joel & the archives. I have spent a bit of time in the more setion...but thanks for the response, I'll try it again...
At 6/06/2009 12:37:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Tom,
Are you talking about the *audio* hidden tracks? For those, ya need to be accessing the individual song folders and look for the alligator clips...

-Jason-
At 6/06/2009 12:41:00 AM, Tom said...: Thank you so much Jason!
back to the archives now...
At 6/06/2009 12:43:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Tom,
No problem - enjoy! Not trying to be a know-it-all or give away all the secrets but I'm just excited to discuss anything related to this release!

-Jason-
At 6/06/2009 12:57:00 AM, Said Fred Said Ed Said Jed said...: north country has the record store incident.....FAB FOOTAGE YO!
At 6/06/2009 01:01:00 AM, HONEYSLIDES ARe, like....whoa....Maann! said...: I GUESS NO MPS TONIGHT? Looks like some people are going to be taking the Archives on the road
At 6/06/2009 01:55:00 AM, Anonymous said...: AG -

who filmed the footage of Neil in the bootleg record store, and where did this episode occur?
At 6/06/2009 02:28:00 AM, Babbo said...: Hot damn - count me as one satisfied customer! My Blu-Ray set arrived today, a mere three days after ordering from Amazon (at the $238 price no less), and they're all indeed Blu-Ray discs, with nary a trace of glue, and the book doesn't smell any worse than I do. With all due respect, I don't understand all the angst about the packaging - it's really not a problem at all, so long as you're careful and take advantage of gravity (I'll admit I was a bit flummoxed at first at how tightly the discs were packed, but as my wife, who accounts for 99.9 percent of the common sense in our relationship, pointed out, all you have to do is turn the box upside down and shake, and out they come - ditto for the box with the DL card.) Only catch is I can't actually play anything until next month when the 560 comes out, but I'm about to head back down to the TV room and continue to OD on IPA and listen to my DVD versions of Massey Hall and Fillmore while looking at the book (sort of the aural/Archives version of dry humping, I suppose - oops, there's the IPA talking!) So, anyway, thank you, Thrasher! Thank you, AG!! AND THANK YOU, NEIL!!!

Babs
At 6/06/2009 02:57:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Repost of an earlier question I would love to have answered:

What happens in 3 years when there are 70 blue pins on the timeline and we get notified that there's a new download available? Sure it's easy to download, but how do we figure out where that 71st blue pin is amongst the 70 others?
At 6/06/2009 03:32:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Regarding the "70 blue pins", and worried about where the 71st pin may be. AG said after you've downloaded a bdlive, the blue pin turns yellow meaning that only the new stuff will be in blue. Sounds easy enough to scan the timeline for a new blue pin. I think the ps3 (not sure about other players) will notify you that new bdlive download is available too.
At 6/06/2009 03:48:00 AM, Lippy said...: Hi Gang!
I got the local music store (www.millvalleymusic.com)guy to reserve me a DVD copy of the archives, and it has been BLISS since I opened the package.

I was just NOT prepared for the lush quality of the DVD audio (and I'm not even listening at the highest quality setting suggested because my DVD player will only play the PCM files at the lower setting)compared to what I've had in the house (iTunes - burned MP3s from shittily mastered CDs). The sound quality alone is impetus enough for me to sqaut down between those speakers and take a well-deserved trip through Neil-Land (Hey! I waited 20 years for this set!)

I've only gone through the first 5 discs as of yet (I'm lovingly pouring over all of their treasures) but look forward to the rest of the set.

As for the MOP#s, yeah.. I'm bummed that they aren't available as of yet, but I can wait. But PLEASE, don't make me wait ANOTHER 20 years for 'em!

:>

=Lippy
www.lippy.com
At 6/06/2009 04:46:00 AM, tomlong95 said...: AG threw me the bone:

My Archives highlights:

- Studio version of "Journey through the past"

- WB radio promo clips ("sounds groovy")

- Finding the origin of the line "we found things to do in stormy weather"

- David Crosby's iconic speech in the movie "JTTP"
At 6/06/2009 07:11:00 AM, sugarmtn said...: Maybe AG or someone else can help here. Am visting a Dutch friend's house today and we're trying to play the preview disk on a new LG BD370 blu-ray player with the latest firmware updates.

All of the connections are via standard yellow, red, white connections to a wide format phillips tube TV.

Going from the file cabinet to a song takes 2-3 minutes. Going from a song "Back" to the File cabinet takes 2-3 minutes also. Going from song to song via "<<" or ">>" takes just a few seconds.

Any help with the slow access to and from the File cabinet would be appreciated.

Thx,
sugarmtn
At 6/06/2009 08:53:00 AM, Anonymous said...: a mail from warner brothers tells me that the preview disc was shipped on may 20th to my european adress and the archives box was shipped on june 1. nothing arrived at my place right now. i would be sad now, if there weren´t these 3 tixs for europe shows on my nonvirtual bulletin board;)
At 6/06/2009 09:19:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Where's the Rick James stuff? haha
At 6/06/2009 10:15:00 AM, BLOODCLOT said...: WHERE BE DA MP-TREES, MON??
At 6/06/2009 11:02:00 AM, Eddie said...: I have the Blu-Ray version of Archives and I popped in the Fillmore East 1970 disc thinking that even in the extras and elsewhere, I can still listen to the album, but everytime I clicked on the main menu, the music stopped. Isn't the music supposed to be continuous, even when I'm on the disc extras (ie. press, photos sections)? Or did I misinterpret Neil's interviews about why he prefers BD over DVD?
At 6/06/2009 11:39:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Eddie,

I noticed the same thing early on. It's one of several minor gripes I have with the set. When listening from the file cabinet interface you can navigate the extras. The Play All section seems to be more useful if you just want to listen to a disc straight through. The minute you navigate to a menu or timeline the music stops.
At 6/06/2009 11:51:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Eddie,
That browsing feature is not on the 2 performance discs (Fillmore & Massey) or JTTP...all the other discs let you browse through a particular song's files if you use the Song Selection option (NOT Play All). You can only browse one song folder and its contents at a time.

-Jason-
At 6/06/2009 11:54:00 AM, karate-chop yoda said...: what a nightmare...let me know when the live Bluenotes stuff and Crazy Horse shows from fall '90 are available in good quality and I'll buy the cd's only....
At 6/06/2009 01:00:00 PM, The Volume Dealer said...: Just a quick note to thank NY and AG and all those who made NY Archives Vol. 1 possible. Thank you so much! I have the Blu-ray version. I didn't have my Blu-ray hooked up to the web until I got this set. It took some rearranging of my wi-fi system at home but it was worth it (I must admit I cursed Neil a couple of times when I lost my internet access and had to reboot the entire system). Anywho, incredible set! The blu-ray BD feature is INCREDIBLE. Please keep sending us "mail" Neil!

Awesome Awesome Awesome!

Please don't make us wait forever for Volume II!!
At 6/06/2009 04:42:00 PM, Eddie said...: Thank you Jason and Anonymous for your insight. Still waiting for the MP3s though - they're 18 hours late! Also, here's really hoping a perfect quality, COMPLETE version of "Sell Out" will be downloadable. It's baffling why Neil decided to omit the catchy choruses, but still nice to hear it with the drums up and front for once. The "la-la-la" chorus is even included in the song lyrics posted on the disc. Bet more people would be excited about its inclusion if it was the full version - that's a huge plus for me even buying the set.
At 6/06/2009 05:05:00 PM, D. I. Kertis said...: Someone asked for more stories, so...

. First of all, I've confirmed that my Disc 1 plays fine, so no issues there.

Some highlights:

. Slowly Burning--how did that stay unreleased for so long? (And am I the only one reminded of Long Walk home from Life?) It's a really great little psychedelic instrumental.

. Mr. Soul without the overdubs really rocks, and being a favorite of mine, I'm glad it was represented with something of a rarity (I don't have the BS box set I have to say, being that when I listen to BS, I'm usually listening for Neil. They were a tight a band but Neil's stuff was always leaps and bounds ahead.)

. I've explored the North Country disc extensively, as I really like a lot of the songs he wrote and during that period (Journey Through the Past/Harvest era). Firstly, I really liked the title: North Country. I think that's what I'll refer to Neil's "country" songs as from now on!
It's nice to have the 15:56 version of Words available, as well as Soldier with wonderfully clear audio and without the Decade edits.

. Much as I love the song Journey Through the Past, I can sort of see why the studio version with the Stray Gators wasn't released: especially compared to the brilliant piano-only Massey Hall version, the arrangement is just overdoing it a bit. Bod Fog of Loneliness fares a good bit better, and both recordings are interesting to hear. I know I'll come back to them.

. The live version of Heart of Gold-- really beautiful, like just about all acoustic Neil tracks. Not quite the history-in-the-making one feels with the medley version (w/A Man Needs a Maid) on Massey Hall, but extremely passionate nonetheless.

. I found some easter eggs a long the timeline ( a neat feature in and of itself): Gator Stomp; scoring of There's a World with London Symphony; and a fun film clip of Neil going into a record store and finding a CSNY bootleg, eventually ending up on the phone with the manager. I wonder what Neil was even doing with a camera crew...

. Of the listed hidden tracks, I've found Do I have to Come Right Out and Say it? And For What It's Worth, so far, on the timeline on Disc 1. I have also found hidden audio clips across the discs of Neil giving insight into a particular album, song, or period in time. I'm still looking through each song's neat little "file". Some of that's really worth looking at as well.
At 6/06/2009 05:12:00 PM, D. I. Kertis said...: Part 2...

I screened Journey Through the Past late last night for myself. It's weird alright, but there is some really enjoyable stuff and something of a concept to it, or at least it starts that way: lots of clips documenting Neil's career up to that point in time. There's something of a "journeying" theme to it, with the car and the streets, etc. There are quite a few random vignettes, and the latter portions seem to be devoted to making some comment on Nixon, the conditions of the Southern states at the time and modern Christianity, as the black cloak-and-hooded horsemen with the crosses charge over the beach The highlights come with performance footage of the Springfield (For What it's Worth and Mr. Soul) and CSNY playing Southern Man-- I always knew there was a lot of passion behind that song, but, my God, Neil looked really enraged when he was singing it. I also enjoyed what basically amounts to a music video for Soldier-- I already thought the song was really underrated and the footage of Neil playing by the fire is very atmospheric. Nice to see the barn footage from Harvest, too.

The last thing I want to mention is the book. I immediately loved the cover-- way better than some self-aggrandizing portrait of Neil with his guitar or whatever. Then once you get inside-- it's like a scrapbook! All sorts of pictures (apparently Neil was on his school's yearbook staff!), newspaper clippings including at least two by Scott Young, and a whole variety of memorabilia, from letters to Rassy, to reprinted posters advertising shows, to reproductions of original hand-written lyrics sheets complete with reproduction liquid spills (looks like Neil enjoys coffee... or something.) There's also information on the recording and previous release status of the all the tracks. It's great to play the DVDs and look through the book as you're doing it, since looking at a record or tape machine turn on a 32" screen, with a few artifacts scattered around, does get a bit dull after a time. (I hope to get a good pair of speakers hooked up to my Mac soon so I can listen in good quality, get things done, and not have to have the spinning record in front me if I don't want to.)

The only setback in any of this has been the continued unavailability of the downloads. Still, I'm checking the Archives page at regular intervals and my card is next to my computer so I'll be prepared immediately when the time comes. After all, that website has been up and down more often than a carousel these past few days. And I know the sound won't be probably be close to the DVDs, but I still really want to have some of these tracks for on-the-go listening. AG hinted recently that things might be coming along on that front. Personally, I just hope they get it up and running by the end of the month, in time for my eight+-hour car ride up to New England to visit relatives that will possibly be happening at the very beginning of July.

In the meantime, I’ve still got to finish The Riverboat. And maybe pop in Massey Hall again a little later…
At 6/06/2009 06:34:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Just got my audio set up to sound awesome on 192 resolution using HDMI and my playstation and Harmon Kardon receiver.
I had to go into the receiver's settings and make sure the front left nd right speakers were set to small, instead of large . The subwoofer is not active during 192 playback. Sounds unbelievable considering my front speakers are ....small!
At 6/07/2009 02:34:00 AM, Sherm said...: re: mp3 download card -- Well, I believed WEA and spoke too soon. NOW (Saturday June 6) the Archives website says, "Stay Tuned for how to download your mp3's." After their very specific announcement about a June 5th 7pm PST release, this delay is quite mysterious.
At 6/07/2009 02:22:00 PM, Christine Lucignano said...: I am not even going to read any of the drivel that may or may not be listed above.........

The bottom line is I am listening to the River Boat portion of the NYA Vol. 1 and my skin is covered in goose bumps. I'm laughing and crying.

How lucky am I, in my lifetime to have the pleasure of hearing this work. I could die tomorrow and be a happy girl. Money means nothing to me when I can feel this happy. No hangover, just the joy of Neil, my Lord and Master of my musical world.

XX
Christine Lucignano
At 6/07/2009 05:04:00 PM, Anonymous said...: I'm wondering what the prevailing attitude towards this mp3 delay is. Are people thinking, "No big deal, it's understandable there'd be problems, just be patient, etc., etc.", or are you as exasperated and as angry as I am? I found an mp3 blog today that has the whole box posted, and I'm sure there are many more out there; meanwhile, we wait, with no explanation whatsoever. This seems like such a perfect encapsulation of why the music industry has squandered its empire.

--No, Really, the Cheque Is in the Mail
At 6/07/2009 05:19:00 PM, Worthless Recluse said...: Jesus! LMAO.