Last year saw the release of Heart Of Gold: The Songs of Neil Young Volume I, the first instalment a series of Neil Young covers albums courtesy of Cinema Music Group, Killphonic Records, and City Slang. On November 6, they will release two new volumes, Heart of Gold: The Songs of Neil Young, Vol. 2 – Out of the Blue and Vol. 3 – Into the Black. Featured artists across both records include MJ Lenderman, Kurt Vile, Lucinda Williams, Ben Gibbard, My Morning Jacket, Ann Wilson, Devendra Banhart, and Modest Mouse with Califone. Today’s announcement comes with the release of King Princess’s take on ‘Helpless’ and Draco Rosa’s version of ‘After the Gold Rush’. Take a listen below.
“It felt kismet that they asked me to do ‘Helpless’,” King Princess said in a press release. “It’s my mom and my favorite Neil Young song; I can hear her singing it in the car on our way upstate. As far as the recording process, Brad Oberhofer and I decided to take it on together at my dad’s studio (recorded by my dad himself). We tried to record it as simply and intimately as the Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young version. Brad played guitar, and I played drums and keys. We did it as a one take, off click, and the rest we just built together as a two-man band. The only thing we changed was just making it longer. My only complaint about the original is that it’s too short. I want more.”
The compilation series benefits the Bridge School in California, which serves children with extensive speech and physical disabilities. “Bridge School holds significance,” Rosa commented. “Neil Young’s melodies resonate deeply. ‘After the Gold Rush’ is a pivotal song in my journey, reflecting the hope of finding a new home in the sun. It’s a true honour to be included in this purposeful project.”
