Originally released in September 1970, Neil Young’s seminal After The Gold Rush has rightly been acknowledged as one of the finest albums ever made. The second of three consecutive masterpieces Young recorded between 1969 and 1972, After the Gold Rush captures the vibes, emotions, and cautious optimism of the era better than any album of its time. Moreover, it contains a host of impeccably written and performed songs that transcend the period and stand as an inextricable part of the American conscious. Recorded at Young’s Topanga Canyon Ranch and featuring backing from the legendary Crazy Horse, the then-unknown prodigy Nils Lofgren, and several other friends, the album embraces many of the seemingly artistic contradictions and eccentric diversity that have made Young peerless.

The title track, a devastatingly gorgeous balladic meditation on the ’60s and a warning of what may come in the ’70s, proved prophetic. Every other song is equally spectacular and significant. The bristling whip-crack of “Southern Man” furthered Young’s no-holds-barred political commentary and prompted a response song in the form of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama,” an anthem that its target praised. The country heartache of “Oh, Lonesome Me” simultaneously plays off and into the romantic spirit of the uplifting “Don’t Let It Bring You Down” and the exuberant romp of “When You Dance You Can Really Love.” In one fell swoop, Young and company traverse the Heartland, Southern plantations, Appalachian valleys, and the Los Angeles hills.

This 50th anniversary reissue includes the album, with a variant of the artwork originally created by Neil’s long-time art director Gary Burden, in collaboration with Jenice Heo. In the years before he passed away, Burden had envisaged solarizing the album art – especially the back cover shot of Neil’s jeans and patches. Gary’s partner, Heo, has now executed Gary’s vision and created a unique take on this classic album cover. The cover is printed on special silver coated paper stock to create the desired effect.

1. Tell Me Why
2. After The Gold Rush
3. Only Love Can Break Your Heart
4. Southern Man
5. ‘Till The Morning Comes
6. Oh, Lonesome me
7. Don’t Let It Bring You Down
8. Birds
9. When You Dance I Can Really Love
10. I Believe In You
11. Cripple Creek Ferry
12. [Break]
13. Wonderin’
14. Wonderin’ (previously unreleased)*

*This unreleased version was recorded on 5 August 1969 at Sunset Sound in Hollywood, CA.