NEIL YOUNG - Trans Electronic Rock New Wave Geffen 1982 12" LP VINYL

Neil Young's 1982 album "Trans," released under Geffen Records during the electronic rock and new wave era, marked a departure from his folk-rock roots. Utilizing synthesizers and vocoders, Young embraced a futuristic sound that reflected the evolving musical landscape of the early 1980s. While initially met with mixed reviews, "Trans" stands as a daring exploration and snapshot of Young's artistic evolution in a dynamic period of musical experimentation.

 

NEIL YOUNG - Trans Geffen 1982 12" LP VINYL front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

"Trans" Album Description:

In the vibrant musical landscape of the early 1980s, Neil Young, a revered American singer and musician, made a significant transition with the release of his 1982 album, "Trans." This seminal work marked Young's debut under the Geffen Records label, a move that would bring a distinctive blend of electronic rock and new wave elements to his oeuvre.

The early 1980s witnessed a dynamic shift in the music industry, with artists exploring new sounds and experimenting with innovative production techniques. Neil Young, known for his versatility and penchant for musical exploration, embraced this transformative period by embracing the electronic rock and new wave genres in "Trans."

Geffen Records, founded by industry magnate David Geffen, was gaining prominence as a label that fostered artistic freedom and experimentation. Neil Young's decision to sign with Geffen Records was a testament to the label's commitment to providing a platform for artists to push boundaries and evolve creatively.

"Trans" stands as a testament to Neil Young's willingness to embrace change and explore uncharted musical territories. The album showcases a departure from Young's traditional folk-rock roots, featuring a synthesizer-heavy sound that was indicative of the electronic music trends of the time.

The use of vocoders and electronic modulation on Young's vocals in tracks like "Computer Age" and "Transformer Man" added a futuristic dimension to the album, aligning it with the evolving sonic landscape of the early 1980s. The incorporation of these electronic elements marked a departure from Young's acoustic and rustic style, presenting listeners with a bold and experimental sonic experience.

While "Trans" received mixed reviews upon its release, it has since garnered retrospective appreciation for its daring departure from the norm and its role in Neil Young's artistic evolution. The album serves as a time capsule, encapsulating the musical spirit of the early 1980s and reflecting the industry's willingness to embrace new sounds and production techniques.

Music Genre:

  Country Folk Rock 

Album Production Information:

 

The album: "NEIL YOUNG - Trans" was produced by: eil Young, Tim Mulligan, David Briggs

This album was recorded at: 24 September 1981 – 12 May 1982 at Modern Recorders in Redwood City, California, and Commercial Recorders in Honolulu, Hawaii

Record Label Information:

  Geffen Records GEF 25019

Media Format:

  12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram  

Year & Country:

  1982 Made in Netherlands
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: NEIL YOUNG - Trans
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Neil Young – Sennheiser Vocoder VSM201, guitar, bass, Synclavier, electric piano, vocal

    Neil Young, born: Neil Percival Young, born on 12 November 1945, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is a legendary singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Renowned for his distinctive voice, poetic lyrics, and versatile musical style, Neil Young has established himself as one of the most influential and enduring musicians of his generation.

    Young's passion for music was evident from an early age. He began playing the ukulele at the age of five, and by his teenage years, he had already taken up the guitar and harmonica. Inspired by artists like Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry, he formed his first bands, The Jades and subsequently The Squires, in his early teens. These early experiences ignited Young's desire to pursue a career in music.

    In the mid-1960s, Neil Young co-founded the band Buffalo Springfield, which became a prominent part of the burgeoning folk-rock scene. Their self-titled debut album in 1966 showcased Young's songwriting skills and featured the classic track "For What It's Worth," which became an anthem for the 1960s counterculture movement. Despite internal conflicts, Buffalo Springfield released three albums before disbanding in 1968.

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    Following the breakup of Buffalo Springfield, Young embarked on a highly successful solo career that would span several decades. His debut solo album, "Neil Young," was released in 1968, and he followed it up with a string of critically acclaimed albums, including "Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere" (1969), which introduced his backing band, Crazy Horse. This album featured the classic tracks "Cinnamon Girl" and "Down by the River," solidifying his reputation as a masterful songwriter and guitarist.

    Throughout the 1970s, Neil Young released a series of influential albums that showcased his musical versatility. Albums like "After the Gold Rush" (1970) and "Harvest" (1972) brought him widespread commercial success and produced timeless classics such as "Heart of Gold" and "Old Man." Young's music during this period was characterized by his introspective lyrics, melodic hooks, and his ability to effortlessly switch between acoustic folk and electric rock.

    Neil Young's career took various creative turns in the subsequent decades. He formed several different backing bands, including the country-rock-oriented Stray Gators and the hard-hitting Crazy Horse, with whom he would collaborate intermittently throughout his career. Young continued to experiment with his sound and tackle a diverse range of topics in his music, often using his platform to address social and political issues.

    Young's discography is vast and diverse, and he has released numerous critically acclaimed albums, including "Rust Never Sleeps" (1979), "Freedom" (1989), and "Harvest Moon" (1992). His willingness to explore different genres, from rock and folk to country and grunge, has solidified his status as an iconoclastic artist who refuses to be confined by conventional boundaries.

    In addition to his solo work, Neil Young has collaborated with various musicians, including Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, with whom he produced politically charged anthems like "Ohio" and "Woodstock." He has also been an advocate for environmental causes, most notably with his involvement in the annual Farm Aid concerts, which raise funds and awareness for family farmers.

    Neil Young's contributions to music have earned him numerous accolades and inductions into prestigious halls of fame, including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995. His artistic integrity, unwavering commitment to his vision, and ability to connect with audiences through his honest and emotive music have made him an enduring and beloved figure in the world of rock and folk music.

    Even after decades in the industry, Neil Young remains an active musician, continually creating new music and captivating audiences with his live performances. His legacy as a singer, songwriter, and guitarist continues to inspire generations of musicians, ensuring that his influential voice will resonate for years to come.

  • Nils Lofgren – Sennheiser Vocoder VSM201, guitar, piano, organ, electric piano, Synclavier, vocal
  • Ben Keith – pedal steel guitar, slide guitar, vocal
  • Bruce Palmer – bass
  • Ralph Molina – drums, vocal
  • Joe Lala – percussion, vocal
  • Frank Sampedro – guitar, stringman
  • Billy Talbot – bass
Complete Track-listing of the album "NEIL YOUNG - Trans"

The detailed tracklist of this record "NEIL YOUNG - Trans" is:

    Side One:
  1. "Little Thing Called Love" – 3:13 (non-vocoder, real vocals).
  2. "Computer Age" – 5:24 (Sennheiser Vocoder VSM201 vocals).
  3. "We R in Control" – 3:31 (Sennheiser Vocoder VSM201 vocals).
  4. "Transformer Man" – 3:23 (Sennheiser Vocoder VSM201 vocals).
  5. "Computer Cowboy (aka Syscrusher)" – 4:13 (Sennheiser Vocoder VSM201 vocals).
    Side Two:
  1. "Hold On to Your Love" – 3:28 (non-vocoder, real vocals).
  2. "Sample and Hold"– 5:09 (Sennheiser Vocoder VSM201 vocals).
  3. "Mr. Soul" – 3:19 (mostly real vocals, but does contain background vocals done on the Sennheiser Vocoder VSM201).
  4. "Like an Inca"– 8:08 (non-vocoder, real vocals).

 

Front Cover Photo Of NEIL YOUNG - Trans Geffen 1982 12" LP VINYL

 

NEIL YOUNG - Trans Geffen 1982 12" LP VINYL front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

 Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).

Photo Of The Back Cover NEIL YOUNG - Trans Geffen 1982 12" LP VINYL

 

NEIL YOUNG - Trans Geffen 1982 12" LP VINYL back cover

Close up of Side One record's label NEIL YOUNG - Trans Geffen 1982 12" LP VINYL

"TRANS" Record Label Details: GEFFEN Records GEF 25019 , LC-7266, Made in Holland ℗ 1928 The David Geffen Company Sound Copyright

"TRANS" Record Label Details: GEFFEN Records GEF 25019 , LC-7266, Made in Holland ℗ 1928 The David Geffen Company Sound Copyright
 

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