Neil Young reaches a "Fork In The Road"

By David J. Prince

NEW YORK (Billboard) - Neil Young's most recent obsession -- a retooled 1959 Lincoln Continental that runs entirely on alternative energy -- is the inspiration behind "Fork in the Road," the 63-year old musician's upcoming studio album.

"Fork," due April 7 via Reprise Records, is the follow-up to 2007's "Chrome Dreams II." It was recorded last year with his touring band in between concert dates.

The album's social and ecological themes are drawn from Young's involvement with the Lincvolt Project (www.lincvolt.com), his joint effort with biodiesel pioneer Johnathan Goodwin to develop a commercially viable electric power system for automobiles.

The prototype Lincvolt vehicle, Young's own 1959 Lincoln Continental, is now completely finished, and a documentary is planned about the car's first cross-country gasoline-free road trip to Washington, DC. Young even named one of the album's songs, "Johnny Magic,' after his Lincvolt partner.

A special edition of "Fork in the Road," which includes a DVD that features three music videos and a live concert video of Young performing the Beatles' "A Day in the Life," is available now for preorder on www.neilyoung.com (www.neilyoung.com).

(Editing by Dean Goodman at Reuters)