Some great musicians only record a handful of albums over long careers, creating a sense of scarcity when it comes to their official recordings. Others end up recording copious amounts of fantastic music, with only some of it released at the time that it was recorded. Prince’s discography is probably the most high-profile example of this, but Neil Young’s isn’t far behind — and it’s worth considering what the two men have in common. Stunningly talented guitarists? Check. The ability to veer between musical styles with a proficiency in all of them? Check. Very public clashes with record labels? Check.
As of late, Young has been busy readying a host of lost albums and never-before-heard live records for release. The latest news in this department comes from Stereogum’s James Rettig, who reports that Young’s unreleased 1982 album Johnny’s Island is now being prepared for a formal release.
The album, Rettig writes, shares personnel with Young’s acclaimed 1982 album Trans, which found him taking cues from the emerging New Wave scene. Young’s website offers more details on Johnny’s Island, including the fact that it features the songs “Big Pearl,” “Island In The Sun” and “Love Hotel.”
Stereogum’s article also reveals that a few of the songs recorded for it ended up seeing release on Trans, and that Young offered Johnny’s Island to Geffen prior to Trans. For diehard Young fans, it’s a welcome glimpse ino his musical history.
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