Going for Gold: Neil Young and Crazy Horse, COMES A TIME

39 years ago today, Neil Young’s ninth studio album was certified gold.

Recorded at various points between November 1975 and November 1977, COMES A TIME originally wasn’t intended to feature Crazy Horse. Indeed, when Young recorded it and presented it to the execs at Reprise Records, it was strictly a solo album. The label, however, asked him if he’d consider adding rhythm tracks to the existing material, and as shocking as it might seem, Young actually agreed to do so, hence the appearance of Crazy Horse on “Look Out for My Love” and “Lotta Love.” In case you’re wondering, yes, the latter track is indeed the song made famous by Nicolette Larson, and you can hear her vocals throughout the album, although she’s most prominent on “Motorcycle Mama,” on which she shares lead vocals.

Of course, the most amusing story surrounding COMES A TIME is one that was dismissed as mere rumor for decades, which is that Young purchased 200,000 copies of the album because he didn’t like the sound of the album, a situation which later resulted in him personally remixing the album from the original master. In 2014, Young confirmed that, yes, the story was true. In fact, he used the LPs as shingles for his barn roof, which may be the most Neil Young-sounding move ever.