“Oceanside Countryside” is Neil Young’s newest album, previously known to be lost, consisting of a combination of songs recorded by the artist in 1977, some of which were never released and others that have been slightly altered.
The name of the album, “Oceanside Countryside,” plays into the nature of the physical vinyl record. Side one is titled, “Oceanside,” displaying songs written on the coasts of California and Florida, playing into the seaside aesthetics of the time. Side two, “Countryside,” features songs that have a more authentic country feel and were primarily written in Nashville, Tenn.
Although the album of unreleased mixes has not been released on streaming services yet, many of its songs have come out in other compilations and albums in the past, so here is what to what to expect when the original mixes on “Oceanside Countryside” release sometime in March.
Very fittingly, the opening track to side one is called “Sail Away.” The discusses elements of nature, such as the moon, wind and ocean. Despite being the first of the “coastal songs,” the instrumentals in this track have a very country sound.
Track two, “Lost In Space,” foreshadows the remainder of this side of the album much better, encapsulating a more-stripped, acoustic sound. Again, this song plays heavily on ocean imagery, referencing the “deep sea blues.” Following is “Captain Kennedy,” which has a blues feel, reminiscent of an early American folk song. The song shares the story of a mariner whose father was involved in World War II, and it is arguably the best song on this side of the album.
“Goin’ Back” follows with a softness in the acoustics that we have not heard yet. The song plays similarly to a lullaby with a beautiful guitar melody. Young dwells on the past in the lyrics of the song, remembering and longing for a broken relationship, wishing for “goin back, back where there’s nowhere to stay.”
“Human Highway” sets up the perfect transition to the second side, as it is the final song on “Oceanside,” symbolically allowing listeners to travel to the next part of the work.
Marking the beginning of “Countryside” is a song titled, “Field Of Opportunity.” This song, like the opener of the album, has a very country-folk sound, with both the guitar and the fiddle heavily coming through. This song paints the picture of the countryside perfectly, referencing opportunity as seeds in a field that have risen and been plowed, as Young desperately awaits spring again.
The next song, “Dance Dance Dance,” is in my opinion, the worst song on the album. It is supposed to be a love song of admiration for a girl who is full of life, but the harsh fiddle combined with Young’s whiny vocals do not do these themes justice. The lyrics “feel it all around you” are repeated, but all I can feel is the agony of waiting for this song to end. There may be a reason why this version of the song was not released before.
Thankfully, just after this mess is “The Old Homestead,” the best song on the album. “The Old Homestead” is the longest song featured, totaling almost eight minutes, but does not drag at all. The song is cohesive, fading in and out, playing into a much darker sound. Messages of the passage of time are displayed in this eerie piece, and Young’s soul, as well as artistry really shine through on this track.
“It Might Have Been” is another country song about regret and making the past right. One of my favorite lyrics on the whole album, from this song, is, “Instead of tearing our romance to pieces, why don’t we try to write what we’ve done wrong?”
Closing the album, is “Pocahontas.” The track references the nature of America and its history, while simultaneously referencing Hollywood and old movie stars, like Marlon Brando. The song does a fantastic job of tying together such conflicting areas of interest. The song serves as a message of overcoming adversary and moving forward, especially for Indigenous peoples.
“Oceanside Countryside” consists of songs that tell great American stories, despite coming from a Canadian singer. The album is a letter from the past, reminding people of the good and the bad from our nation’s history, while highlighting experiences of man that are still common today.