My Morning Jacket Cover Neil Young Like a Hurricane

My Morning Jacket and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band have joined forces to record a fresh take on Neil Young’s classic “Like a Hurricane.” Recorded live at Marigny Studios in New Orleans with producer Ross Hogarth, the rendition appears on the upcoming multi-volume tribute collection, Heart of Gold: The Songs of Neil Young.

While the track retains a monster guitar solo, Jim James infuses the vocals with an unusual sense of sadness. The arrangement is further distinguished by the Jazz Band’s brass instrumentation and individual solos, giving the 1977 American Stars ‘n Bars cut a distinct new emotional weight.

Supporting the Bridge School

Both Heart of Gold: The Songs of Neil Young, Vol. 2 – Out of the Blue and Vol. 3 – Into the Black are slated for release on November 6. The records serve as a fundraiser for the Bridge School. The California nonprofit was co-founded 40 years ago by Young and his ex-wife Pegi to aid children facing physical and communication disabilities.

“We were so honored to get to be at several of the Bridge School Benefit concerts in the past, and are so honored to once again be a part of raising funds for this amazing school, with these amazing songs of Neil Young,” James said in a statement. He added that collaborating with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band brought an extra layer of magic to the studio sessions.

The tribute albums feature a massive lineup of contributors. The roster includes Lucinda Williams, Ann Wilson, Peter Frampton, MJ Lenderman, Ben Gibbard, and Los Lobos. Gabriela Berlanga, executive director of the Bridge School, noted that the project underscores the long-standing community supporting the institution’s mission as it celebrates its 40th anniversary.

Modest Mouse Tackles ‘Barstool Blues’

Alongside My Morning Jacket’s contribution, Modest Mouse and Califone have shared their own collaboration from the project. It is a new version of “Barstool Blues” from Young’s 1975 Crazy Horse album, Zuma. Frontman Isaac Brock drives the track with his signature staccato delivery, layered over shimmering synths.

“Getting to do a cover of one of Neil’s songs on a project like this matters both because it gets to be helpful for an important cause like the Bridge School, and because it’s actually attached to the person whose song we are covering,” Brock said.

These upcoming volumes follow last year’s Heart of Gold: The Songs of Neil Young Part I. That release featured contributions from artists like Eddie Vedder, Fiona Apple, and Brandi Carlile.

Heart of Gold: The Songs of Neil Young, Vol. 2 – Out of the Blue Track List

My Morning Jacket with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, “Like a Hurricane”
Ann Wilson, “Walk With Me”
Draco Rosa, “After the Gold Rush”
Peter Frampton & John Jorgenson feat. Jay Dee Maness, Herb Pedersen, Steve Duncan and Mark Fain, “Heart of Gold”
Lucinda Williams, “Don’t Be Denied”
Los Lobos, “Cinnamon Girl”
Edie Brickell, “Only Love Can Break Your Heart”
Tyler Ballgame, “Tell Me Why”
Sharlotte Gibson, “Ohio”
Jesse Malin, “Pocahontas”
Southside Johnny and Bobby Bandiera, “Rockin’ in the Free World”
Dramarama, “Kinda Fonda Wanda”