Neil Young will be honored with a new tribute album titled Heart of Gold: The Songs of Neil Young, featuring Fiona Apple, Eddie Vedder, Mumford & Sons, Brandi Carlile, and many more. Today, the album’s first two singles have arrived: covers of “Lotta Love” by Courtney Barnett, and “Southern Man” by Chris Pierce.
Due on April 25th, Heart of Gold will be the first release in a two-volume project, with proceeds benefiting The Bridge School. In addition to aforementioned artists, the 14-song tracklist will feature fresh takes on Young’s cherished catalog by Sharon Van Etten, The Lumineers, Stephen Marley, The Doobie Brothers, Allison Russell, Steve Earle, Rodney Crowell, and more.
Check out the artwork and full tracklist for Heart of Gold: The Songs of Neil Young below. Pre-orders for the album are ongoing.
The singles, “Lotta Love” and “Southern Man” show each artist honor Young’s sound with thoughtful interpretations. With a breezy, soft rock sound, Barnett’s single showcases her delivering Young’s message of love and understanding.
Speaking about her contribution in a statement, Barnett said, “‘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.”
As for Pierce, he expressed how honored he was to be part of Heart of Gold in a statement, and explained that he chose to cover the song “Southern Man” after it came to him in a dream. Describing the “early morning session” the cover was recorded at, he said, “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.”
Stream both singles below.
In other Young news, he recently unveiled a brand new single, “big change,” marking his first release with his new band, neil young and the chrome hearts. He also reportedly “loved” the recent Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown.
For more, check out Consequence’s blurb on Young’s 1983 album Everybody’s Rockin’ from our recent roundup of artists who made an album that pissed off their fans.
Heart of Gold: The Songs of Neil Young Artwork:
Heart of Gold: The Songs of Neil Young Tracklist:
01. Philadelphia – Brandi Carlile
02. Heart of Gold – Fiona Apple
03. Harvest – Mumford & Sons
04. Needle and the Damage Done – Eddie Vedder
05. Lotta Love – Courtney Barnett
06. Old Man – Stephen Marley
07. Here We Are In the Years – Sharon Van Etten
08. Sugar Mountain – The Lumineers
09. Comes a Time – The Doobie Brothers with Allison Russell
10. Long May You Run – Steve Earle
11. Mr. Soul – Rodney Crowell
12. Cowgirl in the Sand – Anders Osborne
13. Such a Woman – Charlie Greene
14. Southern Man – Chris Pierce