1972 2LP Die cut gatefold. Neil Young’s "Journey Through The Past" is an intriguing and eclectic soundtrack album that serves as a companion piece to his 1972 film of the same name. This collection is less a cohesive studio album and more a patchwork of Young’s varied musical influences and performances, spanning from live recordings and raw rehearsal sessions with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, to selections featuring The Stray Gators and The London Symphony Orchestra. The album paints a vivid, albeit fragmented, picture of Young’s artistic journey during a transformative period in his career. While not universally praised for its cohesion, the record offers an authentic glimpse into Young’s creative process, capturing the spontaneous and sometimes chaotic nature of his work during the early 1970s.

The album’s charm lies in its raw honesty and the unfiltered look it provides into Young's artistic endeavors. From the hauntingly beautiful rendition of "Ohio" performed live with CSNY to the orchestral version of "A Man Needs a Maid," listeners are invited to explore the diverse facets of Young’s musical identity. The inclusion of archival footage and rehearsal takes underscores the experimental and often unpredictable path that Young was known for. Critics might argue about the album's lack of polish or its disjointed nature, but this very quality is what makes "Journey Through The Past" both a challenging and rewarding listen for those willing to embrace its imperfections.