"Time Fades Away" is Neil Young's 1973 live album, notable for being a collection of unreleased material recorded during the tour following his successful album Harvest. This album marks the first in what became known as the "Ditch Trilogy," which reflects Young's artistic struggles and feelings of alienation following his commercial success.
Recorded with the Stray Gators, Time Fades Away captures a tumultuous period for Young. He was grappling with the death of his longtime collaborator Danny Whitten, who died from a drug overdose shortly before the tour began. The album features a mix of acoustic and electric performances, highlighting Young's evolving sound.
Despite initial disappointment from audiences accustomed to Harvest’s softer sound, the album received critical acclaim and has since become a sought-after release, often circulated as a bootleg. It was officially released on CD in 2017 and reissued on vinyl for its 50th anniversary in 2023.
The album was recorded directly from the soundboard and mixed simultaneously. It features eight songs, including "Love in Mind" and "Don't Be Denied," with the latter offering a deeply personal reflection on Young's early life and musical aspirations.
Time Fades Away was released on October 15, 1973, reaching #22 on the Billboard charts and achieving gold status, selling over a million copies in the U.S. and U.K.
The title track, "Time Fades Away," reflects Young's sense of disillusionment. "Love in Mind" is a poignant song dating back to Young's earlier solo performances. "Don't Be Denied" is an autobiographical song that delves into Young's childhood experiences and ambitions.
Overall, Time Fades Away stands out as a raw, powerful document of a challenging time in Neil Young's career, blending his signature lyrical depth with the energy of live performance.
