Article Contributed by Calabro Music Media
Published on 2026-09-18
Book Of Stories (Home Recordings 1998–2003) is a new 12-track collection of previously unreleased songs by Neal Casal, due November 6 via the Neal Casal Music Foundation, Blackwing Music and Royal Potato Family. The collection was compiled by Casal’s longtime manager, Gary Waldman, from an extensive archive of recordings left behind following the beloved singer-songwriter’s passing in 2019. “Muscatine,” the album’s first single, is out today alongside an accompanying video created by director Ray Foley from footage he filmed of Casal in 1998.
Listen to “Muscatine” | Pre-order Book Of Stories
In 1997, Casal was gifted an Otari eight-track analog tape recorder, along with essential microphones and recording 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 after relocating to Los Angeles in 2001 to join Beachwood Sparks, Casal taught himself the art of home recording. It was during this period that he captured the intimate, fully realized solo songs that comprise this new archival release.
“Neal became adept at playing all the instruments on his songs and making these lovely recordings,” Waldman said. “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 Otari machine, now housed in bassist Jeff Hill’s Connecticut studio. The result is an essential, deeply affecting 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,” Waldman continued. “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 also on bass and even his primitive drumming. These songs are essential listening for longtime Neal fans and hopefully for some new fans, too.”
Primarily consisting of sparse acoustic performances, the collection’s highlights include “Down With A Friend,” “Leave My Loving Cup Behind” and “Where Does The Time Go.” There are also a handful of more expansive arrangements featuring Casal multitracking guitar, bass and drums, including the Harvest-era, Neil Young-inspired “Muscatine” and the electrified dirge “In My Mind.”
In addition to the album’s 11 Casal originals, the collection includes a haunting version of Tom T. Hall’s “Joe, Don’t Let Your Music Kill You,” a stark warning about the treacherous road musicians traverse. Unearthed all these years later, the song serves as a poignant foreshadowing of Casal’s own fate.
1. Muscatine
2. Down With A Friend
3. Leave My Loving Cup Behind
4. Words and Music
5. Dark and Dangerous Days
6. In My Mind
7. Joe, Don’t Let Your Music Kill You
8. Something You Should Know
9. Where Does the Time Go
10. It’s Got Me Down
11. How Many Times
12. Good News
Book Of Stories (Home Recordings 1998–2003) will be available November 6, 2026, on vinyl, CD and digital formats via the Neal Casal Music Foundation, Blackwing Music and Royal Potato Family. Pre-order the album.
