A star-studded tribute album dedicated to the vast catalogue of Neil Young has been announced, with proceeds benefitting Hillsborough, CA's the Bridge School, an organization that uses creative educational approaches and assistive technologies to help empower children with severe speech and physical impairments.
With vinyl now available for pre-order, Heart of Gold: The Songs of Neil Young Vol. 1 is set for release on March 25 through Killphonic, with a subsequent second volume to be announced at a later date. It features contributions from Fiona Apple, Eddie Vedder, the Doobie Brothers with Allison Russell, Courtney Barnett, Sharon Van Etten, Brandi Carlile, Mumford & Sons, Stephen Marley, the Lumineers, Steve Earle, Rodney Crowell, Anders Osborne, Chris Pierce and Charlie Greene.
Barnett's rendition of "Lotta Love" is available to listen to now, alongside Pierce's take on "Southern Man." Barnett said in a press release, "'Lotta Love' is one of my favourite Neil songs and the lyrics feel especially relevant at this moment in history. It's a real honour to be part of this tribute helping to raise funds for the Bridge School."
Pierce added:
Time and time again, I'm reminded of the power of Neil Young's songs. I'm reminded every time I spin one of his albums at home, when his songs play on the radio, and this was particularly evident when I recently had the honour of being the opening act for his solo tour.
When I was presented with the privilege to be a part of Heart of Gold: The Songs of Neil Young, his impactful song "Southern Man" came to me in a dream. The early morning session at Village Recorders, gallantly led by producers David Resnik and Niko Bolas was an experience that I'll never forget. I felt that the spirits of my ancestors visited us in the studio during the recording of this song, and I was in tears while singing it with the soulful congregation of stellar musicians in the room.
Hear both covers below, where you'll also find the full tribute album tracklist details.
Heart of Gold: The Songs of Neil Young Vol. 1:
1. Brandi Carlile - "Philadelphia"
2. Fiona Apple - "Heart of Gold"
3. Mumford & Sons - "Harvest"
4. Eddie Vedder - "Needle and the Damage Done"
5. Courtney Barnett - "Lotta Love"
6. Stephen Marley - "Old Man"
7. Sharon Van Etten - "Here We Are in the Years"
8. Lumineers - "Sugar Mountain"
9. The Doobie Brothers with Allison Russell - "Comes a Time"
10. Steve Earle - "Long May You Run"
11. Rodney Crowell - "Mr. Soul"
12. Anders Osborne - "Cowgirl in the Sand"
13. Charlie Greene - "Such a Woman"
14. Chris Pierce - "Southern Man"