Neil Young

Between 1966-1976 Neil Young recorded some of the most important songs of his career. This '77 release compiles 35 of those songs, including a few recorded with Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. Not only is this perfect for beginners, but also for fans still pining for the release of Young's box set.

As usual with compilations by album artists, I prefer the original LPs in both theory and practice. But this triple is done with care right down to the packaging and commentary. The five previously unreleased songs range from pretty good to pretty great, the sides cohere stylistically, and I'd rather hear "Ohio," "Soldier," "Helpless," and "Long May You Run" in this context than in any other. (Grade - A)