Description
Book Of Stories (Home Recordings 1998-2003) is a 12-track collection exploring the archives left behind by Neal Casal. In 1997, the beloved singer-songwriter was gifted an Otari 8-track analog tape recorder, along with essential mics and gear, by producer Jim Scott who helmed his seminal albums Fade Away Diamond Time (1995) and Anytime Tomorrow (1999). Over many long nights in Hope, New Jersey, between 1998 and 2000, and later upon relocating to Los Angeles in 2001 to join Beachwood Sparks, Casal taught himself home recording. It’s during this period that he captured this collection of intimate, fully realized solo songs that now comprise this historical release.
“Neal became adept at playing all the instruments on his songs and making these lovely recordings,” explains Casal’s friend and longtime manager Gary Waldman, who co-produced the collection. “Although none of these songs ever appeared on any of his official albums, there are many highlights here; these are not just throwaway tracks.”
Brought back to the East Coast by Waldman after surviving multiple relocations over two decades, the original 12 analog reels were played back on Casal’s original Otari machine—currently housed in bassist Jeff Hill’s Connecticut studio. The result is an essential, hauntingly present listening experience for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
“We weren’t sure if these tapes would still work, having not been played in 25 years or so, but we put the first reel up and out came Neal’s voice like he was sitting right there with us,” continues Waldman. “It blew our minds! Listening to these tunes all these years later reminded me of how great he was at not only layering guitar parts, but how good he was on bass and even his primitive drumming. These songs are essential listening for longtime Neal fans and hopefully for some new fans, too.”
Highlights across the 12-track collection include “Down With A Friend,” “Leave My Loving Cup Behind,” and “Where Does The Time Go,” all sparse and primarily acoustic performances. There are also a handful of more developed standouts with Casal multi-tracking guitar, bass, and drums, including the Harvest-era Neil Young-inspired “Muscatine” and the fully electrified dirge “In My Mind.” In addition to the album’s 11 Casal originals, there is a reading of Tom T. Hall’s “Joe, Don’t Let Your Music Kill You,” a stark warning of the treacherous road musicians traverse. Unearthed all these years later, it’s a poignant foreshadowing of what would ultimately be Casal’s own fate.
Book Of Stories (Home Recordings 1998-2003) is released via the Neal Casal Music Foundation in conjunction with Blackwing Music and Royal Potato Family on vinyl, CD and digital formats.
