‘On The Beach’ finally makes waves on CD

Spencer Patterson

Friday, April 2, 2004 | 8:37 a.m.

Neil Young has always placed a higher premium on artistic integrity than on commercial viability.

The groundbreaking Canadian-born musician and songwriter split from Buffalo Springfield at the height of that band's popularity, then steadfastly refused to become a permanent member of celebrated trio Crosby, Stills & Nash.

To this day Young continues to march to his own beat, eschewing his greatest hits in favor of his most recent project, "Greendale," at most recent shows.

Young has also been a voice of dissension during the digital revolution. Unsatisfied with compact disc technology, he declined to release six of his albums on CD, even as that medium became the industry's standard.

For nearly 20 years Young's so-called "missing six" were the stuff of legend, entirely out of print and available only in used record bins and as poorly engineered bootleg discs.

Then last year Young finally acquiesced, at least partially. Apparently convinced at last that CD engineering had progressed to acceptable standards, he authorized the re-release of four of his lost albums: 1974's "On the Beach," 1978's "American Stars 'N Bars," 1980's "Hawks & Doves" and 1981's "Re-ac-tor."

Of that group, "On the Beach" stands alone. Recorded during a delay in the release of the more famous "Tonight's the Night," it is one of Young's undisputed masterpieces, ranking with "Everybody Knows This is Nowhere," "After the Gold Rush," "Zuma" and "Rust Never Sleeps" among his finest moments.

As its title suggests, the eight-song disc is a laid-back affair, perfect for a summer day spent poolside with headphones on.

An all-star cast of musicians, including David Crosby, Graham Nash, the Band's Rick Danko and Levon Helm and Young's Crazy Horse mates Billy Talbot and Ralph Molina, help set the scene.

But ultimately, it's Young's legendary songwriting ability, as well as his oft-underappreciated vocal prowess that make "On the Beach" such a memorable experience.

Whether wickedly proclaiming "I'm a vampire baby, suckin' blood from the earth" ("Vampire Blues") or solemnly lamenting all the "bushleague batters ... left to die on the diamond" ("For the Turnstiles"), Young's words come across passionately, in contrast to some of his overproduced later work.

Only one track, bouncy opener "Walk On," charted, peaking at No. 69 among pop singles. Instead of serving as a detriment, however, that lack of everyday radio staples only helps the disc stay fresh with repeated spins.

Time will tell whether Young ever chooses to reissue his remaining "missing two," 1972's "Journey Through the Past" and 1973's "Time Fades Away." Fortunately, neither is anywhere near as essential as "On the Beach," an album well worth the extended wait.

Artist: Neil Young.

Title: "On the Beach."

Year of release: 1974 (Reissued 2003, Warner Bros.).

Tracklisting: "Walk On," "See the Sky About to Rain," "Revolution Blues," "For the Turnstiles," "Vampire Blues," "On the Beach," "Motion Pictures," "Ambulance Blues."