Legendary Canadian singer-songwriter Neil Young will release a new album, entitled Storytone, on November 4th, 2014, via Reprise Records, a division of Warner Bros.
According to a press release, Storytone features “10 brand new compositions recorded live in the studio with a 92-piece orchestra, choir and Young.” And, the press release delves into Young’s creative process on this record, stating that he took a different approach with this record by “first recording the songs on his own in a solo-setting, then creating compelling versions of the songs in a new light with an orchestra and big band, resulting in a deeply-personal emotional listening experience throughout the new record.”
“Who’s Gonna Stand Up?” – the first single off the new album – was performed this summer at shows in the U.K., and in the States at Farm Aid. The song is a plea by Young to the world, as a means of bringing awareness about the dependence on fossil fuels – like coal and natural gas – with the hope of inspiring citizens to take action that will protect the Earth for future generations. “Who’s Gonna Stand Up?” is now available via Soundcloud.
Neil Young and Niko Bolas produced all of the music on Storytone. Additionally, the album was recorded and mixed by Al Schmitt with additional co-production, arranging, orchestration, and conduction by Michael Bearden and Chris Walden.
Storytone will be released in several formats, with pre-orders now available through iTunes and other media outlets. The first available format for Storytone is as a standard CD edition featuring the 10 orchestral song versions of Storytone. The second available format is a deluxe CD edition with the 10 orchestral songs, and Young’s solo versions of the same tracks. And lastly, the third available format is a deluxe 180 gram double vinyl pressing, featuring both versions of the album. However, the vinyl will not be released until December 16th, 2014.
Tracklist: Neil Young’s Storytone
01. Plastic Flowers
02. Who’s Gonna Stand Up?
03. I Want To Drive My Car
04. Glimmer
05. Say Hello To Chicago
06. Tumbleweed
07. Like You Used To Do
08. I’m Glad I Found You
09. When I Watch You Sleeping
10. All Those Dreams