Amazon.com

Good things come to those who wait. During John Prine's nine-year interval between albums of original material, fans who hailed his recovery from cancer wondered whether he'd ever return to full creative speed. Here, Prine puts doubts to rest with an album that ranks with the finest of an inspired career. The big heart of "Glory of True Love," the socially conscious bite of "Some Humans Ain't Human," the reflective grace of "Taking a Walk," the wry whimsy of "Crazy as a Loon"--the hallmarks of Prine's artistry are reaffirmed on Fair & Square. The album also reflects Prine's first attempt at producing himself, with the warmth of his rough-hewn vocals finding a comfortable fit among the organic, largely acoustic arrangements. Though Prine penned 12 of the 14 cuts (including two bonus tracks, one recorded in concert), a pair of covers prove revelatory: Blaze Foley's "Clay Pigeons" sounds like it could well be one of Prine's own (with a melody that recalls "Hello in There" and a lyric of renewal that sounds like personal testament), while A.P. Carter's "Bear Creek Blues" carries an electric charge as the traditional song rocks harder than anything else on the album. With a generous selection of close to an hour of music, the album stands as a creative triumph for Prine, a fully satisfying effort that rewards the patience of his loyal fans. Welcome back. --Don McLeese ... Read more

Reviews (18)

A Comfortable Couch
A good set of songs, most of them written by Mr. Prine. He's in a good mood and moody and estranged....Original music for the most part, kinda low key...at times appropriately qwirky, nice steel guitar, many of the melodies sounding like some of the better cuts from "The Missing Years"..."My Darlin Home Town" is my favorite."Bear Creek Blues" by A.P. Carter is an upbeat backwoods Irish Import from days of yore...."Morning Train" sounds fine...None of this is up to the quality of Prine's orignal American music from the first 3-5 albums..but in view of the music biz today its a breeze one can breathe... authentic, tunes that are not unlike a comfortable old couch, wine stained and unpretentious...

Not *bad*, exactly...
It's probably not possible for John Prine to make a bad album.But it is possible for him to make one that is not up to "John Prine" or "The Missing Years", or even "Common Sense".This disc, while of course containing many of Prine's well-known strengths, suffers on a few counts.

First, Prine's voice is not in good form.There are reasons for this, of course, but, well, there it is.His voice lacks the flexibility to properly emote.

Second, his famous and necessary sense of humor is rarely in evidence.

Third, and most telling, where Prine at his best is oblique in his social commentary, usually getting more than one bird per stone, in this one he is direct, as if he feels he doesn't have the time any more for subtleties.This condescension is unbecoming to an artist of his stature.

I'm still looking forward to his next, and am hoping he'll be back to his regular form.

John Prine - 'Fair And Square' (Oh Boy)3 1/2 stars
As one of America's best singer/songwriters,Prine penned these songs just as he always has with past efforts;with insight,grace and heart.He even has a female vocal talent on a couple of cuts here,country/folk fellow songwriter Mindy Smith.A couple of tracks that I was semi-impressed with were "Some Humans Ain't Human",his tribute to couples married for many years "Other Side Of Town" and "Clay Pigeons".Keep in mind this is not even close to any of my favorite genres,I just thought I'd review this disc as it's my very first listen I've ever had of John Prine.He's very good at what he does.

Prime Prine-it doesnt get any better!!!!!
This is some of John Prines best music.
You just put it on ,and his lyrics and beautiful music will
take you away--and it gets better everytime you listen
to this masterpiece. --The music is simple and
the lyrics are genius. His sense of humor does come out in safety joe. All tracks have a unique and memorizing quality to them. Its gratifing to see excellent music come out
from different styles this time ,instead of the same old crap from the newer artists of today.

Mars

Long long long term Prine fan.
I have been listening to Prine for almost 30 years. I've been to see him many times.

Bluntly, I wasn't impressed with this album. The melodies are recycled and the lyrics are maudlin. I missed the wit that others have identified.

I'll be going to see him this Summer if he comes back to Wolftrap, but I hope he sticks to his standards.




... Read more

Amazon.com

Songbird cherry-picks tracks from the three locally released albums of Eva Cassidy, whose hauntingly beautiful vocals went virtually unheard outside her native Washington, D.C., during her short 33 years with us. Lost to melanoma in 1996, Cassidy sang with an unaffected purity and an astonishing ability to make both classic and contemporary songs sound like they were written just for her. Sting's "Fields of Gold" finally lives up to its title through the alchemy of Cassidy's transcendent rendition, while other tracks on this anthology showcase her ease in the realms of pop (Christine McVie's "Songbird"), soul ("People Get Ready"), gospel ("Wade on the Water"), and traditional standards ("Autumn Leaves" and "Over the Rainbow"). Framed by understated jazz and pop arrangements, Cassidy's clear, soulful voice and exquisite phrasing make her that rarest of vocalists whose interpretations are a complement to any song. A fine introduction to a true talent. --Billy Grenier ... Read more

Reviews (496)

from Solo Piano Publications
I usually review piano and keyboard CDs, but this album is so good and is making such a stir that I decided to throw in my two cents. One of my adult piano students gave me this CD for my birthday, and I had never heard of Eva Cassidy, so I was a little skeptical. Just goes to show that there are still new wonders to discover! Compiled from three previously-released albums, "Songbird" clearly indicates the many facets of Cassidy's voice and the incredibly natural way she was able to use it to convey such depth of emotion. From standards ("Autumn Leaves", "Over the Rainbow") to gospel ("Wade in the Water", "Wayfaring Stranger", "Oh, Had I A Golden Thread"), rock ("Fields of Gold", "Songbird", "People Get Ready"), and gorgeous ballads ("I Know You By Heart", "Time is a Healer"), she slips effortlessly from one genre to another with a voice as pure and honest as a Judy Collins or a Joan Baez. On the gospel and R&B songs, she gets down with the best of 'em! Could this really be a slender, painfully shy, white girl? And then she goes on to a simple ballad and her guitar, and the sweet-voiced folkie returns. The backing instrumentation (usually bass, guitar, and drums) is simple and fully enhances the vocals. It is such a tragedy that Eva Cassidy's life was cut short at the age of 33, but God bless Chris Biondo for recording her singing whenever he could so that her gift and talent can live on and grace us all.

This really deserves six stars
This is the best voice I have ever heard. Eva Cassidy easily ranks with Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, and Billie Holliday in the ability to express pure emotion through voice. You probably know her story, and it is tradegy. This album is a compliation of previous recordings. Several tracks are live, and the album's producer chose to edit out the applause. You won't be able to tell the the studio from the live tracks unless you look at the CD sleeve. That's impressive. There is no bad track on this disk. Song styles range from folk to gospel to ballad...it doesn't matter what she's singing or what your musical preference is, if you HAVE a soul, her voice will hook you and reel you in. Sting's "Fields of Gold," is the first track, and it somewhat showcases her ability to make a song hers. She does this by putting her soul in her vocal. After hearing this rendition a couple of times, you'll forget that some other guy wrote this song. "People Get Ready," a popular popular cover tune, really shows the range of her voice. Man, she can belt it out. My favorite song on the album is "I know You By Heart." This is the most beautiful/sad song I have ever heard. Period. My wife has a hard time listening to this disk because it is so sad, between the power of emotion Miss Cassidy sings with in addition to her tragic demise. This collection of different genres is ultimately the blues, sung with passion only rivaled by the greats mentioned earlier. I hope she can here all of us listening to her music and have the ability to understand the depths her music is able to move its listeners.

This one's a perfect ten
I believe I'm writing this more for myself than for readers who can look at five hundred previous reviews. I was so moved by Eva Cassidy's songs that I want to share my thoughts with everyone. I recieved a copy of 'Songbird' from my sister in law. I rarely prefer a second version of a familiar song so I was hesitant to even listen to this CD which included some old favorites. Then I had to take a long drive and had nothing new to listen to, so I listened to Eva. I was stunned. The music really got to me and I had not seen her or heard Eva's tragic story. I've since purchased all Eva's CDs and enjoyed each as much as the first. It is difficult to describe the impact of listening to Eva Cassidy for the first time. I doubt anyone will ever forget the experience. She is amazing!

Perfect
Just listened to "Over the Rainbow" again. Wow. That's just about as well as a mortal can do it.

6 stars out of 5.....
The beautiful, irreplaceable Eva Cassidy died at the young age of 33, leaving behind a treasury of beautiful and bluesy songs she reinvented with her beautiful voice, guided by an intuitive grace. SONGBIRD is like no album I have ever heard. It has a quiet strength, not unlike Eva herself, that sets it apart from all folk, jazz, blues and pop albums.

The first cut, "Fields of Gold," was made completely unrecognizable from Sting's original. The words took on a different meaning for me, and Eva's melancholy voice made me think of those moments of solitude in the early morning before life begins to emerge, where you can truly be alone with your thoughts in introspection. Eva also has an amazing talent for pumping even more soul into the blues, R&B, gospel and jazz songs she interprets on the album. ("Wade in the Water," "Wayfaring Stranger," "People Get Ready,")
Of course, one of the most well known tracks off of this collection is her arrangement and interpretation of "Over the Rainbow." This truly brought tears to my eyes! When I finished listening to it, the yellow brick road and Dorothy were nowhere to be found.......all I could see was Eva, surrounded by her beautiful light and energy that permeates throughout this recording.

This album will change the way you think about music. Please listen to the samples and make your call. Believe me, this will become a frequently-played part of your CD collection. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Two discs of music don't exactly provide for a thorough overview of four decades of recording, particularly if the subject of the retrospective is one of the most important and prolific performers of his time. So The Essential Bob Dylan definitely skates over the leagues-deep oeuvre of Dylan, summarizing his monumental first half-dozen years in disc one and skirting over the following 34 years in disc two. Delving into Columbia's three Dylan greatest-hits packages (though curiously purging "I Want You," a genuine hit single in its day), Essential offers only a few surprises, opting for The Basement Tapes version of "Quinn the Eskimo" over the Self Portrait remake that made it onto Greatest Hits Volume II and tossing in "Things Have Changed" from the Wonder Boys soundtrack for completists. But this 30-track overview is designed with newcomers, not Dylanologists, in mind. --Steven Stolder ... Read more

Reviews (83)

Not essential really...
Bob Dylan has enough essential recordings to fill 3 CDs and more. But, lets face it, in 4 decades, Bob has had his up's and down's. This collection tries to pick some recordings from all periods of Bob's recording carrer, and unfortunately, Bob has had made some lousy albums and for CD 2 they did not picked the greatest songs and included some preety average songs, to represent some periods in his recording career. I am glad they included 'dont think twice', but I miss something like 'masters of war', 'with god on our side', 'its allright ma', 'a hard rain's a gonna fall', which show a side of Dylan that this collection fails to represent. On the other side, 'quinn the eskimo' and 'I'll be your baby tonight' although are some of his greatest hits, are pretty lame songs. But overall, CD 1 is as good as it can get. CD2 sounds sometimes like a collection of B-sides: 'if not for you', 'you aint going nowhere', 'forever young', 'jokerman', 'silvio', 'not dark yet' , 'everything is broken', could have traded places with 'license to kill', 'I believe in you', 'foot of pride', 'love sick', 'series of dreams' or include more stuff from the 60's, when he really pulled all the stops and changed the face of popular music forever: 'memphis blues again', 'just like tom thumbs blues', 'to ramona', 'hatie carrol', etc.

Mediocre song selection, particularly on disc 2
I can't really give this collection less than four stars, can I? Most of this music is superb, showing both the breadth and depth of Bob Dylan's talent, and the huge impact he had on popular music.

But I do believe that the compilers could have made a considerable better record than this one. Dylan's seminal "Blood On The Tracks" album is almost ignored, and the last twenty-five years of his career is (mis)represented by only six songs, most of which aren't among his best.

Sure, most of the classics are here, including "Mr Tambourine Man", "Lay Lady Lay", "Knockin' On Heaven's Door", "I Shall Be Released" and "Tangled Up In Blue", but "The Essential Bob Dylan" isn't really all that essential. If you are just starting your Dylan collection you should pick up either his two original Greatest Hits-albums, "Bob Dylan's Greatest Hits" from 1966, and 1971s excellent "Bob Dylan's Greatest Hits vol. 2" (the double-disc version), or his two best records of the 60s, "Bringing It All Back Home" and "Highway 61 Revisited". That'll get you started in the best possible manner. And remember - "Blood On The Tracks" is a must-have either way!

bob dylan is great
this is one of the most beatiful box sets of one of the most talented singers of all times and most of his gems find a place here like times there are a changing,mr tambourine man and blowin in the wind.this is highly recommended for the first time listener who wants an overview into dylan

Aw for chrissake people!!
Aw for chrissake people!! Just spent 10 or 11 bucks a pop on the newly released and remastered original albums. ITS BOB DYLAN!! There are plenty of superior album tracks on the original albums that these cuts are culled from. For example, you can't have appreciated Bob without ever having heard "Visions of Johana."

Essential
The key word is essential in many ways. It was a smart move no to call it "The best of" or any of those hokey catch phrases for someone's idea of sample mix.
There is enough Dylan to satisfy just about anyone. The first hand full of songs were also made famous by other singers and you have to get over trying to compare, unless like me it has always been Dylan first. Later you get to the good songs; He may not have personally thought so, but many of the songs struck a cord with me such as "Subterranean Homesick Blues."
To understand most of theses songs it would be best to buy a biography or watch one fro A&E. However with out knowing the man behind the song they will still standout in your mind for years.

Still "The Times They Are A-Changin" ... Read more

Amazon.com

On her first studio album since 2001's Clock Without Hands, Nanci Griffith hearkens back to her best early albums, particularly the Jim Rooney-produced work of the '80s. Whereas her '90s music veered off into arch or uncomfortable pairings with lofty-minded producers and members of U2 and R.E.M., here she takes stock and strives for, as the title of the leadoff track says, a "Simple Life." Griffith was wise to assume the lead as her own producer (with Pat McInerney), scaling back to a more organic, folk-singer approach ("Last Train Home," a 2002 song which appears here, would have fit well on her first Philo albums) and reuniting with guest vocalists Mac McAnally ("Rise to the Occasion") and Jimmy Buffett ("I Love This Town"). While the material draws on a variety of influences, Hearts in Mind wraps its thoughts around two themes: Exploring the hopeful beauty of the romantic heart, and honoring soldiers and civilians lost in the wreckage of war ("Heart Of Indochine"; "Old Hanoi"; "Big Blue Ball of War"; and the exquisitely sad, Julie Gold-penned "Mountain of Sorrow," inspired by the events of 9/11). Throughout, Griffith stretches herself as an artist: "Beautiful," a tribute to her stepfather, marks a lively, clarinet-accented departure from her usual repertoire, while only her delivery lifts "When Ted Loved Sylvia," Le Ann Etheridge's intriguing take on the relationship between Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath, above its lyrical shortcomings. The singer makes fine use of her lower register at times, and continues to push for a fuller voice than the feathery vocals that marred her freshman efforts. The end result is her most accessible album in years, one that deeply satisfies on both a musical and an emotional level. --Alanna Nash

Recommended Nanci Griffith Discography

The Last of the True Believers	Other Voices, Other Rooms	One Fair Summer Evening
Once in a Very Blue Moon	Other Voices, Too (A Trip Back to Bountiful)	The Complete MCA Studio Recordings

... Read more

Reviews (15)

Voice in the Wilderness
In an era where the President of the United States betrays the trust of the American people by taking them into war based on fictitious intelligence resulting in over 1,650 American casualties, the most since Vietnam, and packages as patriotism the effort to prop up oil business buddies with American blood, it is refreshing to see an artist like Nanci Griffith -- a country artist -- take a strong anti-war stand.Her composition that compares our Earth to a "Big Blue Ball of War" is effective as a philosophic statement & as a musical one, "Almost a century the blood has flowed; We've killed our men of peace around this ball & refused to hear their ghosts....These men of evil deed can be proven wrong if we join hand to hand with Abraham so not a soul falls off."Griffith's voice has never sounded braver, crying out in the American political wilderness.Griffith does not confront the current conflict, but instead takes a more indirect (and probably more effective) approach by focusing on the Vietnam conflict."Old Hanoi" focuses more on the regression and polarization of that war, "Where is the eloquence of the ladies on their bicycles?Dressing in their au dias in the lotus flowered nights of Indochine; They rode to progress; They've flown away.""Heart of Indochine" likewise revisits the horrors of conflict, "Oh, deliver me to the river of souls."On her lovely CD, "The Girl I Found," singer/songwriter Julie Gold sounds more like Carole King on "Mountain of Sorrow," a post 9/11 elegy.Nanci Griffith gives the song a powerful reading with her expressive vocal, "How high the top must I climb?Ever blue ... when can I stop & be fine, knowing I'm over you?"

"Before" written with Le Ann Etheridge is delightful Cajun-flavored track that is a repeater in my changer.My very favorite is Clive Gregson's "I Love This Town" with Jimmy Buffett on guest vocals & the insistent toe tapping beat, "Still we can do just as we please, as long as no one's watching."Tom & Jennifer Kimmel's "Angels" that I have on an early 90s lp by John Farnham is remade into pure gold with Nanci's glorious chorus, "We're lifted up by angels, higher than the world."Co-writer Keith Carradine does a guest vocal on the set's closer "Our Very Own" that boasts a charming melody."Hearts In Mind" is musically successful and a gutsy statement from this excellent musical artist.Bravo!

Her Best In YEARS
After several years of tinkering with the style of music that put her on the map (with usually decent, but mixed results) Nanci Griffith returns with her best album of mostly original material in more than 15 years.Yes, this album is her best of original material since "Little Lover Affairs" back in 1988.

Kicking off with the song "Simple Life," co-written and sung with up and comer Elizabeth Cook," the album finds Nancy touching on many of the same themes that she has explored over the years.Her interest in Vietnam continues with "The Heart of Indochine" and "Old Hanoi".Long term Nanci fans will delight in the literally reference that later song makes to the great writer Graham Greene as well as to the Sylvia Plath inspired "Back When Ted Loved Sylvia."

Wonderful produced by Griffith and pat McInerney HEARTS IN MIND has a host of guest artists including Jennifer Kimball, Jimmy Buffett, Clive Gregson, Mac McAnally and the aforementioned Elizabeth Cook.That a gorgeous jazz flavored track like the appropriately titled "Beautiful" can find a home on this album without seeming out of place rings as a real testament to the fact that Nanci's muse is well on target.

bad
nanci needs to get back to her roots. I would just like to hear some new work from the "old" nanci. This cd is terrible

Beautiful!
This may be Nanci's best album/CD ever.I love it.I have tried to choose a favorite song from the CD, but there isn't one song that stands above the rest.It is complete as a collection of songs.And although many of the songs deal with war, after I listen to this CD (while commuting in my car) I feel calm and content and joyful.Even the sad songs are sprinkled with hope.

Griffith Mindful of "Hearts"
Prime Cuts:Old Hanoi, Mountain of Sorrows, Before

Some songwriters with a few musical vignettes could paint some provocative pictures of faith, love and compassion that even the nullifidian would take notice.Nanci Grifiith is such an example of the highest order.With her easy, yet heartfelt storytelling style, Griffith has the proclivity to take simple tuneful melodies and bring her characters to life.Taking the themes of war and love as her conversation pieces, this Texan native returns to the mother milk of her art: rustic country story songs with compelling messages.Digging deep into the song's tissue, Griffith's take of Julie "From a Distance" Gold's "Mountain of Sorrows" is stellar.Though written as a visceral response to the 9/11 tragedy, "Mountain of Sorrows" has such a transcendent message of healing that it extends beyond the Twin Towers menace.Collorary to "Mountain of Sorrows," Angels" is an uplifting ode of hope with an almost spoken verses perhaps played at an octave too low for Griffith.Nevertheless, it's a fetching piece that complimentarily brings out Griffith's vocal nuances.

Inspired by her recent trip to Vietnam, Griffith's pacifisms is brought out through acutely observed songs.Case in point is the surging anguish twang of the dobro-rich album opener."Simple Life" presents a moving plea from a mother who laments over the devastating effects of how war can deprave her of her husband and her children. Contrary to Toby Keith's in-your-face jingoistic approach, Griffith's political views are acutely presented through the gentle sounding ballad "Heart of Indochine" where there's a longing for peace in a city besieged by blood stained and foreign powers."Old Hanoi," with its gentle strumming of the guitar, finds Griffith in search of any vestige of culture in a city that has been pillaged by progress.With a simple plaintive nostalgia, but this time with the focus on the US, "Before" is another catchy ballad bemoaning the truculent effects of loss and changes.

But war and nostalgia are not the only concerns of "Hearts in Mind."In a celebratory note, Griffith (dueting with Mac McAnally) metered out a more joyous disposition on the blissful "Rise Above the Occasion" written by Blue Moon Orchestra's Ron Davies.While the bluegrassy feel of "Last Train Home" (which first appeared on Griffith's previous "Winter Marquee" CD) certainly makes one thankful that Griffith has returned to using the country card.In returning favor to Griffith for singing on the parrot's latest CD, Jimmy Buffett joins Griffith on the doop-woop Tropicana-infused jaunty "I Love This Town."

Out of Griffith's twelve studio CDs of new songs, "Hearts in Mind" ranks loftily as one of this singer-songwriter's best.However, there are a few minor tarnishes: the tetchy feministic bent of "Big Blue Ball of War" is uncalled for.Also, despite its sentiments, "Beautiful," a tribute to Griffith's step dad, with its jazzy inclinations is a tad out of place in a country-hued CD.Other than these quibbles, "Heart in Mind," is an album abounds with heartfelt moments; it is one CD that is highly endorsed. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Patty Griffin's considerable promise is fully realized on Impossible Dream, her fourth studio album. Dixie Chicks fans who loved the trio's cover of Griffin's "Top of the World" will find the blueprint take here, but it's just one of several standouts. "Useless Desires" and "Don't Come Easy" show Griffin in her prime as a heartfelt folk-rock singer-songwriter, while "Love Throws a Line" and "Standing" offer intriguing bluesy/gospel counterpoints. "Kite" nearly floats away on a subtle piano breeze that personifies its mood of Sunday-afternoon solitude. The zenith is "Mother of God", an emotionally wrenching seven-minute masterpiece that begins as a heavy-hearted rumination before transforming midway into an abstract refraction of pure musical radiance and lyrical reassurance, like the cocoon setting loose its beautiful butterfly. --Peter Blackstock ... Read more

Reviews (59)

Literally took my breath away the very 1st time I listened
I have NEVER bought an album before that literally took my breath away. Not to mention it gave me chills and almost made me cry...at the first listen. I just kept waiting for a song that I would skip past, and there are none on this album. Patty is a lyrical genius, her voice is amongst the top female voices out there, and she can't write a bad tune. Every song on this album not only is entertaining and beautiful, but it takes you somewhere and makes you have all kinds of feelings. All the songs are unique and have a different flavor from each other. Patty can do folk, blues, gospel, and she still rocks. Kite Song and Rowing Song are like child hood lullubyes, Cold as it Gets is pure and raw folk, Useless Desires and Florida send you soaring and everything else cuts you deep.

Antidote for the Musical Blahs
For those like myself who find Norah Jones' music bland, here is an alternative. Patty Griffin sings as though her life depends on it, and perhaps ours too. These songs contain memorable melodies and penetrating, at times mysterious lyrics, and it's one of those albums where there's no filler. I get goose bumps from certain music, when a combination of melody and voice somehow transforms what I'm hearing into more than "just music". It doesn't happen often. The classical composer Gustav Mahler is good at giving me goosebumps. Likewise, I get goosebumps in several places on this album. Mahler and Patty Griffin have almost nothing in common musically, but listening to both I feel as though they put me in direct touch with something beautiful, unsettling, and deep.

impossible to get out of my changer
I now know what it must be like to be heroin addict. Since buying this cd a month ago, I have been unable to keep from hearing it at least once a day. I am particularly addicted to
"Useless Desires" and "When it Don't Come Easy". I do not believe I have ever heard two songs on the same cd that have ever had this effect on me. And now, sadly, I am discovering how great the remainder of the album is. I may never be able to get it out of my changer. At least I still have five other slots.

The combination of Patty's writing and vocalizations is something
so rare, I can't think of any current singers other than Don Henley who compares. Buy this cd and you will surely be compelled to explore more of Patty's undeniably brilliant work.

Holy Mother of God, this is great
I have been a fan of Patty's since Living With Ghosts, and I must say that this album contains some of the best songs she's ever written. Patty knows the power of interesting lyrics entwined with emotionally charged music. Just listen to Kite Song, Useless Desires, or When It Don't Come Easy, and you'll be hooked. Flawless album...buy it!

She's brilliant
Geez...Did Michael E Chase listen to the same ID as me?

I would think even a music listening novice would recognize the effectiveness of repeating a word or phrase in a song, especially when that word embodies the spirit and meaning of the song. It's not always clever and cryptic lyrics that make a song great. Cripes... How many times did Mick Jagger say "I can't get no satisfaction" anyway?

Still, Patty writes amazing lyrics (Useless Desires, Florida), Michael E Chase's opinion notwithstanding. So if you're thinking of purchasing this album, don't let one man's opinion change your mind. ... Read more

Amazon.com's Best of 2000

David Gray's glorious fourth record explodes in a wellspring of spacious, electronica-tinged folk-pop. He uses his bright growl of a voice to memorable effect, chewing on vowel sounds while spinning odes to lost love, the resiliency of young hearts, and the pain of experience. Gray's work finds the universality at the heart of folk music and tweaks it just enough to make it relevant for alternative audiences. --Matthew Cooke ... Read more

Reviews (350)

Wish all current singers were as real as this guy
David Gray has always impressed me with his ability to remain completely genuine in his rise to fame. His music, and especially his lyrics, have never suffered in order to make himself more palatable to the pop-listening masses. "White Ladder" is his most "studio" album to date, yet the instrumentation is still spare enough to not be overpowering. You can really feel the lyrics in his voice, starting with the opening track, "Please Forgive Me", a great rolling song with a pace just subtle enough to ease you into the rest of the album. Two different versions of his biggest U.S hit, "Babylon", are listed here - both with a different enough sound for the listener to appreciate each. The mood on the album is introspective and at times melancholy, but upon finishing the album, the listener never feels depressed or drained. You still finish the CD with a smile on your face - a testament to David Gray's incredible talent as a singer, songwriter, and musician. A definite thumbs up.

AN OUTSTANDING ALBUM
I know, I know. You're thinking, "This can't can't be the same guy who listens to Mudvayne, Nothingface, and Slipknot, can it?" Well, it is, and yes, I really did like this album.

Through guitars, keyboards, pianos, and more, David Gray is able to construct some artistically creative and poetic songs. Some of my favorites are, "Please, Forgive Me", "Babylon (I and II)", "This Year's Love", and "Say Hello, Wave Goodbye". Sure, this is a album that has some very soft songs, but they're good and are not like some of these tasteless, commercial-friendly pop songs. There are real instruments playing, and real feeling to it.

This is a great album, although there are times where I don't feel like listening to it because of it being so soft, but I do like to listen to it a lot. Don't let the "soft" image fool you. Hey, you're looking at a guy who listens to nothing but Nothingface, Mudvayne, and Slipknot. Just give it a chance and form your own opinions. Listening to a soft CD won't kill you. All in all, I feel that "White Ladder" is a very good album with very poetic songs. This album gets a four our of four stars in my book.

Leaves you emotionally stimulated
After hearing the song 'Babylon' on radio, I decided to buy this cd. I was thinking to myself, there will be only one good track on this cd. After I listened to it, I realized David Gray has to be one of the greatest songwriters of our decade. All the tracks are brilliant on this cd, and each song will touch you emotionally in one way or another. The experience of this cd will leave you thinking a long time about life and life experinces. One track, I particularily love, called 'Silver Lining' made me realize that I was not the only one that viewed our world's plight filled war, sickness, and hate is something we have no control over. We can cover the good up with fake smiles, fake rhetoric, and corrupt governments but the real problems still exist, and David really touched me with this emotional tune.

Every track is like a rollercoaster ride, and you never know where David will take you. I can assure you, that this cd will be one of the best you ever experienced. Buy this one, because every track is good, well written, and the haunting melodies will leave you breathless.

Who was that?!!
My husband and I, like another reviewer, were driving along the highway fat, dumb and happy when I heard a song very faintly playing over the radio. I thought "hmmmm" and turned it up and we listened to David Gray for the first time ever (as far as we know). The song was "Sail Away" and when it was over we both said "Who was that?!". It sounded like Bob Dylan a bit and we loved everything about it. Thank goodness, FOR ONCE, the DJ actually said who it was (do you find that if you hope and hope they say who the artist is that they never do?!)-he asked if we people out there listening had heard such good music on the usual stations...gotta say "NO" to that question! We don't listen to pop at all...we're "old" after all....grew up during the Led Zep days and love Steve Earle, etc. Anyway, we still had 100 miles to drive and once we got home I went online to Amazon to see what I could find out about David Gray. Sounds like many others have felt just like we did today. I look forward to listening to all of his work.

Yet Another British Gem
I remember first hearing David Gray on the radio and thinking that he was amazing. His sound was refreshing and different from the bubble gum pop and rap that had begun to take over the radio waves. I quickly went out and bought the CD and found that the entire CD was song after song of wonderful lyrics and great music. I was so glad to have found him and now own quite a few of his albums. They are all wonderful and I recommend that if you are looking for something with a little more heart, definately check him out. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Austin City Limits tends to bring out the best in the musicians it showcases, and Richard Thompson is the sort of artist that the series reveres most. The veteran British folk-rock troubadour remains an instrumental virtuoso, a soulful singer, and a songwriter whose depth and emotional complexity rival Dylan's. This 15-song set provides neither a career-spanning retrospective nor a greatest-hits rehash, as Thompson's selection of some of his lesser-known material shows that he's incapable of writing a throwaway. The rhythm section of bassist Danny Thompson and drummer Michael Jerome gives his guitar plenty of room to maneuver on the acoustic numbers that dominate the performance before the set builds to the electrifying climax of the lacerating "She Twists the Knife Again" and the explosive "Shoot Out the Lights." On "Uninhabited Man," Thomspon combines a guitar progression that recalls the Byrds with a lyric that gives a sinister twist to the tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, while the pensive, sinuous "Ghosts in the Wind" extends his exploration into the recesses of the psyche. Though Thompson's droll humor typically provides a change-of-pace respite from the dark intensity of his material, this disc edits out all the between-song patter in favor of more music. --Don McLeese

Recommended Richard Thompson Discography

Fairport Convention, Unhalfbricking	Fairport Convention, Liege & Lief	Fairport Convention, Full House
Richard & Linda Thompson, I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight	Richard & Linda Thompson, Shoot Out the Lights	Hand of Kindness

... Read more

Reviews (2)

The best singer/songwriter of our time
The other day, my best friend, whose name happens to be 'Rich',
was trying to explain to me how much he liked this song, "1952 Vincent Black Lightning." I had never heard it before. Odd, considering I've been an avid Richard Thompson fan for over 30 years, since seeing Fairport during their last tour - in 1976 - before Sandy died. At any rate, Rich went on to tell me how he had found out the song was written by Richard Thompson. And he said, "Man, does that guy write everything??"


The more I thought about it, the more it occurred to me that Richard Thompson has written every song with any meaning that I've heard for at least the last 15 years. From the haunting "Just The Motion," with its rocking guitar solo and suicidal edge, to the venerable "Genesis Hall" (a song RT performed at my request twice); from the wonderfully manic
"Little Blue Number", woven with an out-of-the box krummhorn accompaniment that just isn't allowed, to the intense rocker "Living On Borrowed Time," this gifted musician is neither predictable nor limited, and he gives a hell of a performance, besides!


It really doesn't get better than this. Oh, by the way, I finally got to hear "1952 Vincent Black Lightning." Kinda like Dylan -- only better!

A lively, muscular sesson
I think nearly everyone has heard a Richard Thompson recording, seen him in concert, or both, so many folks may bypass "Live from Austin, TX," figuring why do I need this one? To do so would be a mistake, even for those with a stack of Mr. Thompson's CDs.

This performance, which was recorded live to tape for the "Austin City Limits" PBS show, features songs from throughout Mr. Thompson's long and steady career, some of which are not as well known as the tracks 1952 Vintage Black Lightning or Shoot Out the Lights. But throughout, Mr. Thompson brandishes his guitars like a weapon, ripping off searing solos or letting his fingers do the talking to convey emotional nuances. He is equally adroit on his vocals, conveying pain, adding a dash of humor, underscoring a turn of events with a bit of a sneer or a sustained note.

Every track has its merits and its own story, from the self-effacing Walking the Long Miles Home to the undeterred love-struck soul in Persuasion. Hearing Mr. Thompson take an image, such as the jackknifed truck in Easy There, Steady Now, and using that as metaphor for lost love makes one appreciate what a fine writer he is. The angst that builds through She Twists the Knife Again mercifully culminates into a fiery guitar finale, making one wonder if the strings are infused with magnesium.

Much of Mr. Thompson's work is as a solo artist, and while that work is enduring, hearing this collection performed with the excellent rhythm section of Danny Thompson on bass and Michael Jerome on drums is a revelation. This trio of veteran musicians never sounds at cross purposes but displays a subtle interplay equally effective with on the jazzy Al Bowling's in Heaven or the punchy rocker Crawl Back (Under My Stone).

The sound quality is excellent, but Mr. Thompson's typical onstage banter (if you have seen him live, you know what I mean) and enough of the applause has been snipped out---which I think improves the overall flow and energy of this lively, muscular session.

... Read more

Amazon.com

Though he rose from the ranks of journeyman '60s folksinger to become apotent and consistent '70s hit maker, Canadian singer-songwriter GordonLightfoot's stock in trade was as much hard-eyed, dispassionate observation asromance or poetic whimsy. Perhaps that's why his songs have been covered byeveryone from Elvis (thisset's "Early Morning Rain") toDylan. If there's such athing as an alpha-male folkie, Lightfoot certainly fits the bill. Spanning thetongue-in-cheek chauvinism of 1965's "For Lovin' Me" and the cheatin' ways of"Sundown" to more introspective fare like "If You Could Read My Mind" and"Beautiful," this 20-track collection presents a concise primer on Lightfoot'scareer and craft. After his career peaked with one of the most unlikely top fivehits ever, the gloom-laden 1976 narrative "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,"Lightfoot's production tailed off sharply, though this anthology's "Stay Loose"('86) and "Restless" ('93) are testament to his enduring skills as a songwriterand performer. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Terrific Compilation Of Gordon's Greatest Hits!
I have always been a fan of Canadian Gordon Lightfoot's music. From the first time I heard Peter, Paul and Mary's wonderful covers of Lightfoot songs like "Early Morning Rain" and "For Loving Me", I knew anyone who could write songs like that was a huge talent. So when I got turned onto his own voice and music I was astonished by just how good he was (and still is). This is a perfect album because it traces the course of his rather singularly spectacular career so faithfully. T the song cycle presented here is unforgettable, because it has so many terrific Lightfoot songs back to back. From the first song in this incredible four CD collection, he shows why he is so famous and so popular. And likewise he threads his way through twenty something beautiful and memorable songs, from the early works like to later works like "Sundown", "Rainy Day People", and "If You Could Read My Mind'.

And so on with each of the songs here. My personal favorites are "Sundown", "Carefree Highway", and "Beautiful", but I really love them all. There are literally way too many to list here, so I will resist the temptation to list them all. In addition, one gains access to a number of lovely later songs such as "Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald", "The Circle Is Small", "Baby Step Back", and one of my all time favorites, "Race Among The Ruins". If one listens to all of the similarly terrific albums Lightfoot put out over more than a decade one comes up with literally dozens and dozens of wonderful and memorable songs that fill this great compilation, which wonderfully summarizes Lightfoot's long and illustrious career. This guy was far more prolific than anyone else producing work in the sixties, seventies and eighties. Buy this compilation album, and after listening to it for a week or so you will be back for "Sundown", "Don Quixote", "Summertime Dream", "Cold On The Shoulder" and "If You Could Read My Mind". They are all great. Enjoy this one of a kind artist and his amazingly consistent flood of terrific and appealing mainstream folk albums.

The Greatest From The Greatest
OK, I'm a devoted fan. I admit it. But this 20 song collection is just the best single CD hits collection there is. Of course, when you look at the song titles, you will know that it has to be.

It is the first Lightfoot single CD greatest hits collection to have the original version of all of his top charting songs, and also his original recording of songs that were hits for others before he was well established as a singer. So you find If You Could Read My Mind, Sundown, Carefree Highway and Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald - the original recordings - as well as beautiful early recordings of such folks standards as Early Mornin' Rain, For Lovin' Me and Canadian Railroad Trilogy. In the only departure from "original" recordings, The Circle Is Small is the rerecording from Endless Wire, but this is the recording that charted. And, in his inimitable style, Lightfoot personally selected the final cut, the song Restless from the out of print 1993 album Waiting For You. Lightfoot loves the song, and when you hear it - perhaps for the first time - you will too.

So, put together, you have an outstanding single CD collection - for the casual music lover or for the devoted Lightfoot fan. Even if you have all these songs on CD already (and the devoted fan probably does), you don't have them sounding like this! The remastering is unbelievably exquisite; it is almost hard to believe, but some of the songs sound even better than on the Songbook boxed set! There are four songs here that aren't on the boxed set, and these sound much better than on the original CD. Also, two of the hits are from the single (vs. album) mix, so they really are somewhat different.

The single mix of If You Could Read My Mind includes harmony vocals (by Lightfoot) that are not on the album version. The boxed set used the album version of every song (that had been on an album ever), while here Bill Inglot (who did the remastering for both Rhino Lightfoot releases) went to the single. The single version was also previously used on Gord's Gold, but the sound doesn't compare.

And for Sundown also, Inglot went to the single. I still don't have a definite explanation of the difference, but you have only to listen to this cut and the one from any other CD and you will know you are hearing something different. And really great.

Finally, Rhino has packaged this new greatest hits CD in their characteristic loving manner: full of photos, biographical text, and complete track notes. Thane Tierney (who co-produced the boxed set with Lightfoot), is the producer of this collection and he has done himself proud.

If you don't have it yet, what are you waiting for?

Sad song selection
I was so diasappointed by the selection of early UA trax on this CD, it now sits in the used CD section of my favorite CD store. What could have been an awesome CD, is only mediocre at best... Sorry Thane. Where are his best UA songs, Did She Mention My Name?, I'm Not Sayin or Ribbon of Darkness??? Several songs on here are below Lightfoot average -- why Go-Go Round (very amateurish) & Pussywillows (peraps the most boring song ever written). A great opportunity -- lost...

Complete Canadian Class - Terrific
One of my favourote singers of all time. The is a marvellous collection of classic Lightfoot tracks. All the hits that this very underrated singer-songwriter had, either himself or by others' interpretations, are here from "Early Morning Rain" through "If You Could Read My Mind" and "Sundown" on to "Restless". OK, there are some obvious omissions which other reviewers have, quite rightly, pointed out.

Lightfoot was one of those who had the tag of "the second Bob Dylan", which is like having a monkey on his back. They are very different writers, with Lightfoot being a dispationate observer and reporter of love, the wonder of Canada, great events and all with a wonderful baritone voice.

His usual band - Terry Clements, Red Shea, Rick Haynes, John Stockfish and Pee Wee Charles - deserve a mention. They hold it all together and enhance Lightfoots delivery.

Lightfoot's recent (September 2002) illness and long (many months) hospitalisation will have shocked and horrified his fans. However, they will be relieved that he it is reported that he is on the way to full recovery. More good news is the imminent release of his 20th album at the end of April 2004.

As for this collection, it shows just what a top class artist he is. If you are new to Lightfoot, you have the choice of albums to introduce yourself to his music. You could buy the 4-CD box-set "Songbook" - 5 hours of glorious Lightfoot. Or you could buy "Gord's Gold" (the first album - not Vol. 2), which has some of other tracks; or you could have this. Personally, I would have them all, as the man is a genius. In fact, spend some serious money and buy ALL his albums.

I could play this from sunrise to "Sundown".
Seems like it would be hard to better "Gord's Gold", but this did. This collection is perfect for the average fan. 20 tracks including "Carefree Highway", "If You Could Read My Mind", "Beautiful", and the excellent "Sundown". Also here is "The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald", which other collections miss. Something about "Gordon Lightfoot" stood out among the other 70's singer/songwriters. Be it his looks or voice, he was gentle, yet more masculine than others in the genre, and some of his songs even had a western vibe to them. Dare I call him cool? Highly recommended. ... Read more

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When Eva Cassidy is swinging her way through "Cheek to Cheek" and getting down and bluesy on "Stormy Monday" on this live set from 1996, it's nigh impossible not to get swept up in her voice's vast, barreling force. Her full range, though, becomes most obvious--and soul-shaking--on the slower side, as with Paul Simon's "Bridge over Troubled Water," Buffy Sainte-Marie's "Tall Trees in Georgia," and "What a Wonderful World." On these latter tunes, Cassidy's mix of aching clarity and rich warmth has a melting quality, speaking through the body to some evanescent presence that she seems to know all too well. She improbably makes Sting's "Fields of Gold" an emotional powerhouse just as easily as she makes Billie Holiday's "Fine and Mellow" an offhand declaration of feeling equal to nearly anything in the jazz vocal canon. In doing so she earns her place among the great singers--artists who could take any song and stamp it indelibly as their own. What Eva Cassidy had in her short life was an unbelievably perfect voice and a musical soul that grasped gospel, folk, blues, jazz, and all points in between as if they were mere stops on a single train ride. Alas, her ride ended in 1996, tragically early. --Andrew Bartlett ... Read more

Reviews (109)

this cd will rarely leave your cd player, it's that good.
the first time i ever heard eva cassidy was 3 years ago, on a local dc jazz station (which, sadly, has since gone off the air). it was the song "what a wonderful world," which i normally find cloying. but eva's clear, strong, beautiful vibrato cut through my work day and made me sit back and listen. wow. when i went to buy the cd at the store i was looking for an african-american woman on the cover. i was shocked to see a blue-eyed blonde, looking folkie and meek, on the cover. but my god, the woman has the soul, depth and power reserved for the best of the best, including mahalia and 1960s aretha.

this cd, all covers, ranges from swinging jazz to traditional folk to blues. eva handles it all with incredible control and taste, with real singing and not the pyrotechno crap you hear on the radio these days. her range inspires awe, especially on "golden thread," in which she reaches a note that would give anyone else a hernia. her interpretation skills are amazing; she manages to breathe new life into songs that have been covered hundreds of times. particular standouts are "autumn leaves," "tall trees in georgia" and "fields of gold," all of which will make you cry; "golden thread," which is as spiritual as any hymn; and "fine and mellow" and "cheek to cheek," which are fun and sexy. the band is also in top form, keeping the sound tight and crisp while giving eva the spotlight.

eva's passing robbed her of what surely would have been a big, long career, and us of an enduring talent. buy this cd and you will not be disappointed.

Not the best Eva recording but still something truly special
At this stage, what is there to be said about the genius of Eva Cassidy that hasn't already been said a thousand times before?

All I can add is that you have never heard Ms Cassidy's voice before, I PROMISE that you will love it. Absolutely and completely fall in love with it. Eva's voice bypasses the head and instead goes straight to the heart. Once it is there you won't be able to remove it.

This CD was my introduction to Eva Cassidy and while I think the selection of songs could have been better, it is clear that she is a unique talent. I don't want to give the impression that this isn't a good record - quite the opposite; it is on occasion truly magnificent with Oh, Had I A Golden Thread and Tall Trees In Georgia being among Eva's best recordings and two of the most moving songs I have ever heard. It is a great place to start your Eva Cassidy collection - buy this CD, fall in love with it, then move on to Eva two crowing artistic acheivements Eva By Heart and Time After Time. That's the way to do it!

I don't joke when I say that the music of Eva Cassidy has enriched my life more that I thought any singer ever could and I am sure it will do the same for you.

If God wants you to own only one disc, THIS IS IT.
Hands down, the best music recorded ever, and i believe, eternally and a day.

The Artist/s. Eva Cassidy is so impressive and versatile on this disc. Words are not enough to describe her. She massages and caresses each and every note that would make your hairs literally stand from your skin (I call this a hairstanding ovation). But wait, unlike other Eva discs, this Blues Alley recording puts the other musicians (Chris, Lenny, Keith and Raice) right smack there in the center. A total BAND effort. And that makes it more exhilirating for me. The drums, the guitar licks, the bass, the piano . . . all were perfect.

The record. Another thing that makes this record such enjoyable is that it is recorded live in a very HOME-y set-up. You go to your house, put the disc in, you sit in and close your eyes and youll be mesmerized as the music comes alive, complete with a FEW claps from the relatively small Blues Alley (unlike in massive concerts). So, you'll get the feeling that they are REALLY performing at your house/room when you close your eyes. The recording is so great that the disc is now being used as a tester for branded speaker companies.

The songs. The songs herein would fit for almost any person. I love rock, and there's song #11. But I also love blues, so there's song #2. And man, song #3 or Bridge Over Troubled Water, now that's what I call sensuality in spirituality! You got to hear it. Then there's the songs Cheek to Cheek, Fields of Gold, What A Wonderful World and a lot lot more. Each song, perfect.

Overall, this disc WILL MOVE you in a way you've never felt before. To quote from someone, it's the "best glimpse of heaven yet." And it sells as how much? $30 was it? Nahh, this is priceless. Buy this, thank me later.

If you haven't bought any Eva disc yet, start with this, then American Tune.

Amazing
I first heard of Eva Cassidy in 1987 when I performed in the DC area... She was amazing then, and I wish to God she were with us today.

I have bought this CD for countless friends and family members, and they have all been bowled over. Everyone that I purchased this for is in the music business. Contrary to one reviewers opinion...Eva Cassidy embodies soul, and I love Ella, and Louie and many other great performers from yesteryear, but again, contrary to another reviewer, if Eva were alive today, she WOULD be at the top of the charts month after month.

Everytime I hear her rendition of a popular standard or cover tune I think..."it will never be done any better than that!"

Please order this, and as many of her other albums endorsed by her family as you can...you will NOT be disappointed. She is truly amazing.

wow.
I cannot tell you in words... how this cd moves me. There are a handful of songs on this cd that are sung with such depth and soul... you cannot help but fall in love with it.

I get a chill down my back just listening to the cd right now. If you want a cd that will touch you right there - right there on your heart - music that speaks to YOU as if she is singing directly to you.... this is the cd to have. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Folk's most engaging open wound, Loudon Wainwright III, returns with a dozen new tunes that range from the acerbic to the affecting to the profound. "My Biggest Fan," the album opener, skewers every well-meaning slob who fights his way backstage to prove his merit. "No Sure Way" takes a subway ride into an elegiac past. And "Hank and Fred" walks a circuitous path to link the great Hank Williams with Mr. Rogers. But as usual, Wainwright best burrows into the brain with songs of 3 a.m., head-holding pain, e.g., "Had to Be Her," in which he declares that "love is a lesion." Things get darker from there, believe it or not, and shrinks have labels for what most of these songs evoke. Wainwright, deftly and notably backed here by Bill Frisell on electric guitar and Greg Leisz on lap and pedal steel guitar, never bores, and he never disappoints. But buyer beware: The Prozac nation had best keep its distance. -–Alanna Nash ... Read more

Reviews (2)

We need More Loudo
It's always like getting a letter from an old and interesting friend when a new Loudon record comes out.You can't wait to open the thing and see where he's at.

My favorites recordings are some of his more recent records so I'm inclinded to like the later era Loudon the best.As always, he's original and fresh and open.And funny.I find the music pretty cool on this one though at first it was odd.Now I dig it.

That's all I'm going to say about it.

A continuing saga that is Loudon
This guy's brilliant. Some people think he's a very bitter dude, but these are the folks that just don't get this guy. He sings songs that represent all of us; it isn't always about just him. He's never been afraid to let us know how he feels, and it's made for some interesting listening over the years; this one's no exception. And yes, Loudon's sense of humour is as sharp as ever. This disc showcases a fuller sound than his last couple, and I think it works very nicely here. We need more raw musicians like this today. People with guts that put it out on the line for us to hear. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Minus all the machinery that the music industry can put behind an artist, Eva Cassidy sang bewitchingly in Washington, D.C. and then died without fanfare in 1996, when she was a mere 33 years old. And then the world began hearing Cassidy, thanks largely to Songbird, a posthumous collection of locally released album tracks that went on to garner media attention, critical praise, and commercial success. This collection gathers both live and studio cuts delivered within warm, mostly acoustic settings; often it is simply Cassidy, her voice, and her guitar. Inside are some of Cassidy's best-executed covers, beginning with Paul Simon's "Kathy's Song" and ending with a stellar rendition of the traditional gospel "Way Beyond the Blue." In between are heart-wringing versions of Bill Withers's "Ain't No Sunshine" and Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time." What distinguishes Cassidy so completely is her offhand ability to transform songs beyond their initial character with a voice that brilliantly mixes an airy floating quality and an edge that you know can pop open to reveal a belt-it-out strength to rival the best in the singer's trade. --Andrew Bartlett ... Read more

Reviews (101)

Beautifully Mesmerizing
When God gave us Eva Cassidy he blessed us with a voice so implicitly perfect it seemed to shine like a beacon from Heaven. Eva's was a voice that came from such an innocent place that it simply came and stayed a while and then left us with only its haunting memory. Although Eva Cassidy died of cancer in 1996, her life continues to bless us through this beautiful CD.

Equally at home with jazz, folk, blues, rock, or folk, she was a woman who colored outside the lines and refused to conform to any boundaries in her art and music - boundaries that most of us take for granted every day. It was not just her voice that captivated and moved people, it was the texture and color of it and the way it made every little word seem to take a breath and have a life of its own.

Most of the songs on this CD are colored with simple often acoustic arrangements - some with just Cassidy's voice and guitar. Her version of Paul Simon's Kathy's Song will now forever be the definitive version for me. Also included is a jazz inflected version of Bill Wither's Ain't no Sunshine recorded live at Blues Alley.

In the CD's closing song, Eva sings "Oh Lord do you remember me way beyond the blue?" Yes Eva he does, and so do we in your special place singing with the Angels.

It's A Gift To Be Simple
I have listened to several of Eva Cassidy's albums over and over. I've studied them, and I've listened to them as background music. Because I'm interested in voice, I've listened closely to how she sounds when she sings with a blues style or with a soft, ballad style. I have to honestly say now that I am much more of a fan of hers when "less is more". This album stands out, in my opinion, over "Songbird" because there are many songs where she is not trying to hard to have "soul". My absolute favorite on this album is "Penny to My Name". Her voice is so beautiful because it is gentle and soft, and she truly speaks for the yearnings of a girl who becomes a woman and must live with the realities of a very drab existence. I love "At Last" and "Time After Time" (which I did catch on "Smallville" as well), and I could mention others, but my wish would be (were I more technically proficient!) to capture all of her soft moments on one CD- "Songbird", "Somewhere Over the Rainbow", the songs I mentioned above, "Kathy's Song", "Fields of Gold" come to mind, I'm sure there are others I have neglected to mention. When she sings some higher notes in a more blues-oriented style, she almost has a harsh tone to her voice, and not necessarily the depth of a woman born into blues.
I love the sweetness and the softness of Eva's rendition of ballads.

A Wonderful Talent Who Left Us Too Soon
I discovered Eva Cassidy's "Time after Time," and I was blown away by her talent and ability to sing a wide variety of songs.
Simply said, Ms. Cassidy had a wonderful voice, one that was strong and one that could elicit emotion, all at the same time. She puts her stamp on such standard popular songs like "Kathy's Song," "Ain't No Sunshine," "Time After Time," and "Woodstock." The other songs on the CD are equally amazing.
Get this CD. You will not be disappointed.

EVA and GENIE are the best
Time after Time is not my favorite Eva album, but I think you should have all of the albums by EVA and Genie.

I would get this one and Songbird and get WILDFLOWERS by GENIE.

Just Between Us
This is Eva's best album. "Songbird" is fine but I prefer the songs on this CD. Isn't it amazing that "Time After Time" and "Songbird" have remained ranked so high on Amazon sales and have retained their resale value so well? Maybe not so amazing when you consider the wonder of Eva Cassidy. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Virginia exile Jason Mraz grew up listening to Dave Matthews and Agents of Good Roots, local heroes whose frat-friendly influences are much in evidence on his major-label debut. Producer John Alagia (Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer) augments Mraz's SoCal cohorts with Agents' rhythm section, dramatically expanding and polishing songs like "Curbside Prophet" and "You and I Both," which previously appeared in looser, less developed versions on Mraz's self-released live recordings. But fans from the singer-songwriter's coffeehouse years need not despair. Mraz's witty lyrics and easygoing folk-blues stylings (think Jack Johnson on Prozac) are still very much in evidence. He's also in fine voice and, on two standout tracks--"Who Needs Shelter" and "Absolutely Zero"--rivals Neil Finn in his ability to invoke the spirit of Paul McCartney. Waiting for My Rocket to Come showcases an artist who, while still finding his own direction, is clearly off to a great start.--Bill Forman ... Read more

Reviews (312)

Pure talent -- gorgeous voice and beautiful songs
While Jason Mraz's music sits in the genre of acoustic, singer/songwriter, he has a definite cool unique sound and style of his own. First off, he is surely a "boy with a voice" and a great songwriter to boot. The songs are diverse with some slower, serious songs mixed up with some up tempo songs with an almost hip hop style. "You and I Both" and "Sleep All Day" have a dreamlike, wistful quality, while "The Remedy" and "Curbside Prophet" are high energy/upbeat. And Mraz has a way of scatting that's completely addictive to listen to. I'm a huge fan of John Mayer, Edwin McCain, Pete Yorn, David Gray, but I have to say, Jason Mraz is my definite favorite. And if you ever catch him live, he sounds even better -- the live show showcases his unique brand of humor and amazing talent at performing.

Buy the record -- you won't be sorry!! (And check out his website: jasonmraz.com, to buy an older recording of him live -- fabulous!!)

Thick as thieves...
Waiting for My Rocket to Come is overproduced and gives listeners only a fraction of what this guy is truly capable of. I'm not a big fan of John Alagia - I think he screwed up Mayer's first album when it was rereleased and I think Mraz got the same kind of treatment. Nonetheless, this is what most people will here first when it comes to Mraz, and he's a talented cat. Jason Mraz uses his voice like a lead guitar - he's got incredible range - those American Idol idiots would do well in taking some lessons from JMraz. Highlights of this disc include "Sleep All Day", "Curbside Prophet", "You and I Both" and "Who Needs Shelter". Some of Mraz' best tracks are missing here unfortunately - seek out other songs like "1000 Things", "Unfold", "Did I Fool Ya?", "Common Pleasure", "Zero Percent Interest" or "Dreamlife of Rand McNally" and you'll be even more impressed. His live show showcases these songs and the album cuts in a raw, acoustic format, normally with just bass and acoustic percussion accompaniment. Hopefully a second album will come sooner than later - one where he and his homies are at the controls - there's nothing worse than a new artist resting on their laurels (i.e. the missing follow up to Room for Squares by one John Mayer - I think Guns N Roses had a quicker follow up album).

I should have just burned the money
Before purchasing this cd I read alot of reviews talking about how Jason Mraz was a combination of Dave Matthews and others. He is not. He's not even close. I think the only demographic that would enjoy his music are under 16 year old girls and people who think John Mayer is too deep for them. The first single "The Remedy" is the best song on the cd. Overall it's not a very impressive effort.

Great
I really didn't even like "The Remedy" when it was getting lots of radio play, so what posessed me to pick up this CD I'll never know. But whatever it was, I wish I could thank it personally. I just love this CD, Mraz has an amazing voice and I love his personality as well. I'm not sure where some of those remarks that he was full of himself came from-- check out his journal on his website and you'll get a dose of his funny, sweet personality. Although it's a bit sugary at points Mraz's wonderful voice really makes up for it. And I'm not sure where those Dave Matthews/John Mayer comparisons came in....they really don't have much in common except a guitar and good voices. My favorite tracks are You and I Both, I'll Do Anything and Absolutely Zero. A must-buy, but DEFINITELY pick up his live CD, it's even better.

Incredible artist!
We heard Jason Mraz on Austin City Limits 11/03, and I ran to the computer to order the CD. Upon the 1st listen, I was thrilled to have found a great new artist. The songs have hints of bluegrass, reggae, indie-pop, even a couple of rap riffs. Mraz reminds me of Sting with his almost poetry-like lyrics -- my favorite being "Are you in the mood for some dude, are you in the mood to be subdued...." He duplicates that interesting choice twist of words lin most (if not all) his songs. Add cool guitar and a bit of banjo (!), and you have a fascinating (and I hope long-lived) young, innovative artist. Listen closely to track 7, "Too Much Food"--great wordplay! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Mary Chapin Carpenter's first album of new material in three years has been hailed as a fine example of pop music for adults. This is both true and misleading. In changing producers (from John Jennings to celebrated piano man Matt Rollings), the literate singer-songwriter has slightly broadened her sophisticated Americana sound, and although it's less rhythmic as a whole, her acoustic-folkie approach remains at the core of her classic style. And while "Between Here and Gone"--which addresses the theme of travel and transition, the fragility of life, and the ephemeral nature of happiness--might be said to concern itself with grown-up issues, most of Carpenter's writing has always done just that. Yet this stunning album, informed both by her 2002 marriage ("Elysium," "River") and by the events of 9/11, is more introspective than much of her early work. The alto-voiced singer is compelling throughout, but never so much as on "My Heaven," inspired by Alice Sebold's novel, The Lovely Bones, or on "Grand Central Station," in which a New York City ironworker, standing on the bucket brigade at Ground Zero, hears the voices of the dead, desperate to find their way home. In moments such as these, Carpenter reestablishes herself not only as a world-class poet, but as an artist of the first order. --Alanna Nash ... Read more

Reviews (49)

Poetry set to music
What better way to describe a Mary Chapin Carpenter song than as poetry set to music? "Between Here and Gone" is full of songs that are so beautifully and meticulously written the lyric booklet could be published alone and taught in college poetry classes. In a stellar collection full of knockouts, "Grand Central Station," "My Heaven," and "Goodnight America" are obvious standouts and among the best-written songs of the past few years. And if country radio can get past its obsession with "Nash Vegas" style drivel and broaden its horizons a little, "Beautiful Racket" and "What Would You Say to Me" would make welcome additions to the airwaves.

In a lot of ways, Carpenter is the Stanley Kubrick of modern music: a meticulous artist (and maverick) who isn't afraid to take years to craft albums that strive to be masterful works of art. Like Kubrick, she sometimes misses, but when she's on, she's the best songwriter there is. And she spurns commercialism in search of greater truth and vision in her work, which obviously sets her apart from her contemporary country artists. "Between Here and Gone" may not top the charts commercially, but like most of Kubrick's best films, it's destined to rank high on the year-end "best of" lists.

"Between Here and Gone" is a collection to savor long after today's shallow superhits have been forgotten.

Buying Tips
Don't buy this album if you think Shania Twain is a musical genius. Don't buy this album if you don't like to read or hear, (rather than just listen to) lyrics. Don't buy this album if you think music has to be uplifting, (Jeez-Louise!) to be worthwhile.

Now, if you can get by all those things, there's a lot of brilliance here. While Chapin's lyrics have always been consistently great, the songs here are particularly poetic. My Heaven, Goodnight America...WOW! Grand Central Station is an absolute masterpiece. No, there's not a "Down At The Twist And Shout" in the collection, and while I love that song and the vast majority of this artist's prior work; I'm not in the same place I was back then and it's fairly obvious the artist isn't either. Like Emmylou Harris, Springsteen, and only a handful of other artists, Mary Chapin Carpenter's music has evolved with less and less regard for commercial success. Does anybody remember integrity?

And Yet More Georgous
It is important to remember the purpose of am Mary Chapin Carpenter album. This is not back ground music, this is music to focus on and think about. As good as they were in their time, Stones in the Road and Come On Come On were recorded at a time when there was still potential for Carpenter to be played on mainstream radio. Room for intelligent and grown up voices doesn't exist anymore, and so, like many others Carpenter seems to have stopped caring. And, like so many others she has found her true voice in that vauge collection of music that has become known as Americana. These songs pull you in and let you think about life, love, loss and self--all the things that mainstream outlets seem to want give us easy answers. Carpenter doesn't profer the answers, in fact, she almost never seems to know them. However, unlike the mainstream, she seems to have figured out the questions.

Superb - Heart & Soul, Subtlety & Brass
There's a problem facing any musician who's been in the business as long as MCC - what comes next? Do you stick to what's worked in the past, or do you change as time changes you? Admirably, she's chosen to change. Though some have certainly damned her for it, that was inevitable anyway.

There is no equivalent of "Shut Up And Kiss Me" or "I Feel Lucky" to grab both your earlobes and jerk you into 3.75 minutes of perky pop hook heaven. As fierce and fine as such songs are, it's just as well. BHAG is indeed slower and more sparse than earlier work, but it also spares us the spectacle of a talented singer and writer in her mid-40s trying to recapture who she was nearly 15 years ago.

Instead, there's the charm of "Luna's Gone", the twangy bounce of "What Would You Say To Me" and "Beautiful Racket", a clanging, shimmering mid-tempo number. "Girls Like Me" is the quietest song here, but absolutely piercing, walking the right side of the line between sentimentality and clarity (I saw her perform it live last week and it was riveting - you literally could have heard a pin drop during the number). Finally, there's "Elysium", as lovely, insightful and hopeful a love song as she's ever written.

This disc may not be quite the Mary Chapin Carpenter you expected, but I'd encourage you to jump in. The road may wind a bit, but the ride is smooth and the views are magnificent.

Count me among the disappointed
To say that MCC diversified her sound on this album must mean that adding a violinist to songs that do not depart from her previous slow and slower recipe counts as a major step forward. I don't want to have to write this because I love most of her previous work, but c'mon. I don't understand the blind loyalty and glowing reviews posted here. It makes me wonder if I got the wrong copy of this album and am hearing something different. To be fair MCC is always a first-rate lyricist, but she really needs to work at coming up with more interesting and diverse music instead of repeating her less inspired performances. "Stones in the Road" came close to suffering this same fate, but at least that album had "Why Walk When You Can Fly" and "Shut Up & Kiss Me" to break the monotony. This release is a chore to sit through in its entirety. Go for "State of the Heart", "C'mon C'mon", "Small Town Girl" or even "Time*Sex*Love" before this one. Even great artists miss the mark sometimes. ... Read more

Amazon.com

With her song selection, stately piano accompaniment, and even the soft-focus cover photo, Judy Collins channels the spirit of her 1960s artistry on her first studio album in eight years. Over the decades, her alto vocals have neither lost any of their warmth nor gained much in the way of expressive range. Much of what results is predictably pretty, as Collins's reading of Joni Mitchell's "That Song About the Midway" could pass as a follow-up to her signature rendition of "Both Sides Now," while her revival of "Sally Go 'Round the Roses" evokes similar feelings of folk-era nostalgia. On her own "Singing Lessons" and the a cappella "Wedding Song (Song for Louis)," she delves into New Age spirituality ("I thanked the gods and goddesses for bringing you to me," she sings on the latter) before building to the seven-minute, orchestrated, spoken-word recitation of Aaron Copland's "Lincoln Portrait." For those who loved Collins's albums at her popular peak, this release represents a return to form. --Don McLeese ... Read more

Reviews (12)

VOICE PURER THAN EVER
Being a french fan since 1964 I am bewildered by this extraordinary voice. Unbelievable ! How can Judy surprise me after all these years ?
"Singing Lessons" and "Wedding songs" were already in her book "Singing Lessons". The other songs are all perfect.
Judy reaches first class quality with generally the minimum accompanyment.
"That song about the midway" is a good reminiscence of the beginnings of her friend Joni Mitchell.
"Sally go round the roses" goes far beyond the first version.
"I can't cry hard enough", "Liberté" (thank you for the french word) and "How can I keep for singing" are real masterpieces.
All the other songs are great and versatile.
Any frenchman with a good ear to whom we present Judy (not enough known in France) thinks she is a wonderful singer. A rare singer who knows how to sing well.

Please put the front picture with Judy with open eyes instead of the back picture. Judy with her so beautiful eyes deserves it !

Thank youso much, dear Judy.

A new classic album from Judy Collins
It has been several years since Judy Collins has produced an original album, but Portrait of An American Girl is worth the wait.It is a hauntingly beautiful album that is contemporary in its content and classically Judy Collins in sound and feel.That Song About the Midway, I Can't Cry Hard Enough, and Pacing the Cage are standout tracks in their own right, but following her son's suicide, Singing Lessons, Voyager, and Checkmate are personal introspections that let us into Judy's thoughts and help the listener reflect on his own.Lincoln Portrait is a beautiful recitation based on Lincoln's words, and it is a powerful statement about the state of our world today.

Although every singer's voice changes over time, Judy's voice sounds as clear and radiant as ever.I don't know of any other singer who has been producing music for as long as Judy and whose voice has remained so pure.Some production tricks give us Judy harmonizing with herself and the sounds of an orchestra or single instruments that aren't really there at times, but these effects complement the arrangements rather than detract from them, and I'm glad these choices were made to make the most of these songs and Judy's voice using today's technology.Throughout the album, her own piano playing accompanies most tracks beautifully.

Any Judy Collins fan should listen to this cd, and anyone who wants a comforting and empowering album should give it a try.Judy has a remarkable way of turning her difficulties and sorrow into hope and inspiration and sharing it with her listeners.That is what she has done again with Portrait of An American Girl.

A Disappointed, Yet Hopeful Fan
I have been in love with Judy Collins for over 30 years, so when I saw this new CD of her own material, I was excited.However, as much as I tried to like all her songs, they were uneven and somewhat repetitious.Her voice, that sweet, unerring, pure soprano is still remarkably the same as it was years ago (contrast her voice with Joni Mitchell's that has dropped an octave or more), but on certain songs, her pitch seems off and her phrasing is not self-assured.My favorite song on the album is the a cappella "Wedding Song" but even that song becomes tedious after awhile.Judy Collins invented and perfected the "art song," a classically arranged popular song with complex poetic lyrics.The album "Wildflowers" is an extraordinary example of this genre.Judy Collins is brave soul, a trouper, who continues to grace our lives with her talent.Unfortunately, it is because she was so good that this album suffers by comparison.

a little different
I admit I haven't been listening to Judy much in recent years. My tastes changed & the compilations seemed to signal the end of her recording career, though she still performs constantly. This is a pleasant surprise and a delight for the most part.

Standouts are That Song About The Midway and I Can't Cry Hard Enough. Those and Pacing The Cage are pure classics. Judy is better using her chest voice and the mix on these songs with her head voice is perfect.

I was afraid of Sally Go 'Round The Roses but what a great vocal arrangement!! Is this an old folk song or a 50's oldie? Can't Buy Love is an overdone theme. She might have saved it with a full band though.

I wish she had followed Lincoln Portrait with her rendition of America The Beautiful. (At least the synthesized orchestra here is well done) There is some puzzlement from other reviewers about the Lincoln Portrait. Listen to Abraham Lincoln's words...they are a totally current message about the state of our country, war, and a message for our current government. I think Judy is making a great statement with it!

Beginning the album with Singing Lessons and ending it with How Can I Keep From Singing is another statement. Judy is humble but not about to stop--a testament to a very long career that is not over.

Not the Judy of old
As a die-hard Judy Collins fan for 30 years or more, I must say that I am disappointed in this eagerly-awaited album of new material.It's very uneven and I wish Judy could capture her sound from the 60's and 70's.Then her voice sounded more sincere and it had real depth to it.Her song choices were impeccable, unlike today's.One thing that really annoys me about this new compilation is the use of an electric piano or synthesizer on many cuts.It makes what could be marvelous songs sound like they belong in a wedding band or something...very cheesy, in my opinion. I don't know why she uses this "instrument" so much -- is it her own choice or that of her musical director?Whatever the case, I think it's ill-advised.I also think "The Lincoln Portrait" is totally out of place and sounds forced.I don't think Judy's own compositions hold up that well, either -- too many sound the same and I prefer the songs written by others.I do, however, disagree with the person who disliked "Drops of Jupiter."I think that was a surprising and great song choice for Judy, and I think she does wonderfully on it.I also disagree that her voice sounds weak on this c.d.I think her voice sounds better than ever, unlike the shrillness on previous efforts, and I'd be hardpressed to tell whether her singing on this c.d. was recent or from 30 years ago.That's pretty amazing in a singer.On the whole, I'm not very impressed with this c.d.I yearn for the Judy of earlier times -- her more recent efforts just don't have the same resonance or emotional impact. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This two-disc retrospective traces the Canadian bard's musical maturity from poet and novelist who sang a little to multidimensional artist whose oracular vocals and increasingly rich arrangements are every bit as compelling as his verse. Even when Cohen came to prominence through the 1960s songcraft of "Suzanne" and "Bird on a Wire," the "folksinger" tag never really fit. Later highlights ranging from the deadpan drollery of "Tower of Song" and "Everybody Knows" to the apocalyptic anthemry of "First We Take Manhattan" and "Democracy" suggest that other labels might be more appropriate: cabaret surrealist, spiritual gadfly, sensual prophet, agent provocateur. Cohen chose the selections, drawing more than half of the 31 tracks from three landmark albums--his 1967 debut Songs of Leonard Cohen, 1988's I'm Your Man, and 1992's The Future--along with four from 2001's Ten New Songs. The collection justifies its title as deep as it goes, though it's a shame that Cohen's commercial profile couldn't justify the more elaborate box set his artistry warrants (one that would at least include lyrics and musician credits). Those who sample the consistently inspired music here might come to the conclusion that everything Cohen records is essential. --Don McLeese ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Is There Such a Thing as Non-Essential Leonard Cohen?
LC, I'm your fan. Have been since I first heard Suzanne going on four decades ago. I used to sing it walking down Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley; it was a phenomenal song then and it still is. This 31 song double CD covers Cohen's career from Suzanne taking your hand and leading to the river to Alexandra leaving with her lord. There is nothing that should not be on this collection, unlike many so-called Essential collections when there is almost always one or more "what the heck is THAT song doing here" moment. My only complaint is that it could easily have had 7 or 8 more cuts; Songs from a Room is badly underrepresented -- where is the unbelievably sad Seems So Long Ago, Nancy and the Hours-like Tonight Will Be Fine, with its lyric that captured Cohen then and does now as well, "I choose the rooms I live in with care/the windows are small and the walls almost bare?" And while I'm mighty happy to have Cohen's version of Famous Blue Raincoat, why not his definitive Joan of Arc? Oh, well, enough carping. Those who have most or all of Cohen's work may not need this -- although popped into the CD player it is a magnificant overview of how consistently strong his work has been for decades, none of the Dylan peaks and valleys. But for those who have only a couple of the albums or are looking to get introduced, this CD is definitive and, oh, yes, essential.

essential Cohen
From such early classics as "Suzanne" and "Sisters of Mercy" to such recent gems as "Democracy" and "Leaving Alexandra," Leonard Cohen has been a consistently stunning songwriter and the best of all the song-writing poets. His singing is perhaps an acquired taste - some love it and some hate it - but it complements the songs.

Any Cohen fan will argue with some of the choices here - the albums _Recent Songs_ and _Death of a Ladies Man_, in particular, are underrepresented, and the classic "Joan of Arc" is left off - but every song is poetic and thought provoking. Listening to this CD has renewed my interest in some songs that I hadn't noticed much before, such as "Night Comes On" and "Everybody Knows."

This CD is a major release by an important artist. Cohen's songs will be remembered long after 98% of our contemporary pop music is forgotten.

The Essential Leonard Cohen [LIMITED EDITION] [ORIGINAL RECO
The Essential Leonard Cohen [LIMITED EDITION] [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED]~ Leonard Cohen is an amazing collection of cohens awesome tallent for lyric writing and his scrappy but loveable vocals. He is a serious man: yet it is never pretentious or boring. Which often happens with other vocalists of his God given tallent.

cheatin' and stuff
Leonard Cohen is the one man I would cheat on my husband with. Yes, ma'am.

Potrait of An Artist As Both A Sage and Sinner
The beauty of Leonard Cohen is he has always followed his own eccentric path and I see no duality between Cohen, the young romantic rake who ages into the embittered sensualist. It was always clear that Field Commander L. Cohen was going to dance us to the end of love, regardless of the consequences. Wheter it's the young revolutionary partisan, or the world weary cynic railing against the excesses of "democracy", Cohen has never been satisfied with the political or moral status quo. His career is based on dissatisfaction with the things as they are. For Cohen, redemption is impossible without wallowing in the mire. I can't imagine living the last 35 years of my life without the music of L. Cohen. It is the autobiography of a man unafraid to be both master and slave to desire. There is no contradiction between Cohen the folk singer and Cohen the post-modern electronic poet, just as it's difficult to draw distinctions between Dylan the folk singer and Dylan the rock and roll star. Two sides of the same man that coexist as complimentary halves of the same man.

Cohen may well be the most poetic songwriter of his generation. Well before he ever released "Songs of Leonard Cohen", he was a published poet and a literary icon in Canada. His more recent appeal among younger Bohemians for his existential honesty, differs from first generation hippies who celebrated Cohen as the embodiment of Eros and free love. His minmalist musical approach is a stark counterpoint to his poetic text which is lush with imagery, double meanings and ambivalent wordplay. "Sisters of Mercy" can be read as either a celebration of the good works of, either nuns or prostitutes depending on your viewpoint. "Hallelujah" makes a holy sacrament of uninhibited sexuality. Cohen always challenged the notion of duality in his themes by equating the sacred with the profane. His life's mission his been afflict discomfort on those who see the world in mutally exlusive terms of moral postivism.

Cohen was the reckless romantic who spent several years in a Bhuddist monastary and now he has returned as an aging Siddartha to challenge our conventional wisdom about life, love and morality. "The Essential Leonard Cohen" is the journey of a seeker of the truth beginning with a potrait of an artist as a young man, and ending with jaded musings of a sage and sinner who discovers the more he learns about life, the less he really knows. This is Cohen the zen-master who has nothing left to prove. We are wiser people for Cohen's long jouney into the heart of darkness and if you want the unadulterated truth about love and life, Leonard Cohen will be the first to step forward and fearlessly proclaim, "I'm your man." ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

Inevitably, when critics praise a new Dylan album, they label it the "best since Blood on the Tracks," and with good reason. Inspired by a crumbled marriage, and recorded after a tour with The Band had apparently re-ignited his creativity, Blood is among Dylan's masterpieces. The album's epic songs are well known, but its real high points are the shorter numbers--"You're a Big Girl Now," the flawless blues "Meet Me in the Morning," and the sweetly devastating "Buckets of Rain." These are songs of "images and distorted facts," each expressed through tangled points of view, and all of them blue. --David Cantwell ... Read more

Reviews (43)

The best record I own
That's right.
I have a lot of CDs, enough for me to have lost count a long time ago, but this one I keep coming back to.
I'm not saying that this is necessarily my all-time favorite album, although it is certainly one of them. But I do believe that it is the best.

A quiet, understated album, "Blood On The Tracks" is dominated by strummed acoustic guitars, perhaps a piano, and once in a while a drummer playing a gentle rock shuffle.
The melodies, and the lyrics, too, are among the best things that Bob Dylan have ever written. Lovely and melancholy all at once, and production is superb.

And there is literally not a weak track on this entire album. It opens with the wonderful "Tangled Up In Blue", Dylan singing softly and pleasently, accompanied by a shuffling backbeat and gently ringing guitars, one picked, one strummed.
"Simple Twist Of Faith" is just a bass and two or three acoustic guitars, and a superb, slightly folkish tune, almost a ballad.
And the sparse, acoustic instuments work perfectly. These tunes are too beautiful to be buried beneath layers of electric guitars and pounding drums.

The slow, mellow "You're A Big Girl Now" starts of with an immediately catchy guitar intro, two acoustic guitars playing Spanish-style melodies, and sports a similarly Latin-tinged tune.
And then follows the eight-minute "Idiot Wind". Dylan sings without pause for seven minutes and three seconds with not a single instrumental break, accompanied by drums, organ and guitars (still acoustic). The chorus is lovely, superbly melodic, yet the lyrics are whithering:
"Idiot wind / blowing through the flowers on your tomb /
Blowing through the curtains in your room /
Idiot wind / blowing every time you move your teeth /
You're an idiot, babe /
It's a wonder that you still know how to breathe!"

"You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go" is a fast, country-like song with lots of harmonica, one of only two songs on the album less than four minutes long. It is followed by one of the few lesser-known songs off this album, "Meet Me In The Morning" (again, great job arranging those guitars), a genuine blues, A-A-B and everything. I mean, who doesn't love a slow, bluesy groove and an acoustic slide guitar?

"Lily, Rosemary And The Jack Of Hearts", an up-tempo folk rock song, goes on for sixteen verses and almost nine minutes. "If You See Her, Say Hello" is a gentle tale of lost love set to a simple, yet very pretty tune. Kudos again to the superb studio musicians who backed Dylan on "Blood On The Tracks", guitarists Charlie Brown, Barry Cornfield and Kevin Odegard among them.
And if you've only heard "Shelter From The Storm" played live, you'll be surprised how pleasant and melodious it sounds here, as does the closing number, the bluesy "Buckets Of Rain", which opens with a groovy bass riff and a clanging guitar figure.

All the tunes on this magnificent album, every single one of them, are musical and lyrical masterpieces. I have never heard a finer collection of songs than "Blood On The Tracks".

His Best?
in my mind BLOOD ON THE TRACKS and HIGHWAY 61 REVISITED are perfect albums.
i'd like to think of them as equal.

"tangled up in blue" is an undisputed masterpiece, and it's the perfect opening track for this album (5/5).
"simple twist of fate" is a slower song that is filled with knowing sorrow. like many of the songs on this album, dylan is blindly moaning in pain. no, he is collected and reflective, and this is what makes this song (like many of the songs on this album) so painful (5/5).
"you're a big girl now" has, perhaps, the most beautiful melody i've ever heard. the lyrics are also amazing; the "bird on the horizon" verse is especially magical (5/5).
"idiot wind" is something to behold. it's been said that it is in the same vein as "like a rolling stone," but "idiot wind" is much more bitter and sharp. whether it's actually better than "like a rolling stone" is impossible for me to decide, but the fact that it deserves to be mentioned alongside it should tell you something (5/5).
"you're gonna make me lonesome when you go" is one of the more playful tunes on the album. only dylan can be so profound and silly at the same time (5/5).
"meet me in the morning" is dylan singing the blues. one could easily argue that this is dylan's greatest blues song (5/5).
"lily, rosemary and the jack of hearts" is quite a tale. the only song on the album that doesn't seem like it is an almost direct reflections of dylan's personal life, this is nothing short of amazing (5/5).
"if you see her, say hello" is the most depressing piece of music i have ever heard. the line "she might think that i've forgotten her, don't tell her it isn't so." will make me cry under the right circumstances (5/5).
"shelter from the storm" is another undisputed masterpiece. one of those moments bigger than music that dylan is so known for creating (5/5).
"buckets of rain" is sad enough. the last verse is as reflective as other point on this album . . .

"Life is sad
Life is a bust
All ya can do is do what you must.
You do what you must do and ya do it well,
I'll do it for you, honey baby,
Can't you tell?"

amazing song (5/5).

pain has never been so beautiful.
BLOOD ON THE TRACKS is one of the top five greatest albums ever recorded.

A Lyrical Masterpiece
Few artists can match the impact that Dylan has had on the music industry and Blood On The Tracks is simply on of the best albums ever made. No one before or since has been able to match the passion and the brilliance that Dylan demonstrates on this record. "Idiot Wind" is one of the best written songs of all time and "If You See Her, Say Hello" still manages to stop me in my tracks whenever I hear it...possibly my favorite of all Dylan's songs. This record should be a cornerstone in every music lover's collection and is the perfect place to start for those who are new to Dylan. Quite simply the perfect album.

Amazing does not even begin to describe this....
My mother has always been a big fan of Dylan and I liked a few of his songs (i.e. Hurricane, Shelter from the Storm) but it wasn't until I heard the entirety of Blood on the Tracks that I truely appreciated Dylan's genuis. The album starts out with one of the most deeply moving and thoughtful ever. Tangled up in Blue is really food for the soul following a young man's on and off romance with a girl. The other excellent song is Idiot Wind. I must've played this songs more time than any other. It's amazing that a song could you keep your intrest for 7:50 minutes. Idiot Wind is a rant against the self obsessed but still makes you feel, and thus is a masterpiece. I have heard people complain that Bob Dylan's voice ruins what otherwise could've been a very good album. I have but one thing to say, no one else has felt what Dylan has felt and therefore no one could put the same emotion and passion in to his songs.
Buy this, you won't regret it.

One of Dylan's masterpieces.
Great great recording. I'd give it a 10 if possible. The best thing Dylan did in the 70s. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

Prine's 1971 self-titled debut set the tone for the rest of his career. A critical smash and a commercial disappointment, the record contains many of his best known compositions. Proving himself capable of tackling folk balladry, country, and rock with ease, Prine seems to spring into being as a fully formed singer-songwriter at age 24. Lyrically diverse,Prine offers topical songs such as "Sam Stone," the tale of a drug addicted Vietnam vet, achingly sad songs, such as the oft-covered "Angel from Montgomery," and, of course, his trademark wit gets ample time in the spotlight. Produced by the legendary Arif Mardin (Aretha Franklin, the Modern Jazz Quartet, Hall and Oates), the record is understated, letting Prine's comfy voice drive things. When needed, the famoushouse band at American Recording Studios in Memphis kicks in tasteful backing. --Ian Landau ... Read more

Reviews (32)

Give John His Due!!!!!
Here is how brilliant John Prine is. Bette Midler covered Hello in There" and it still comes off well!!! I remember seeing this album in a stack of vinyl when there was only vinyl. It was the era where flag decals were given with copies of Reader's Digest. I remember hearing the song "Flag Decal" and thinking how awesome it wass that I understood the song. Last year I bought the tape of John Prine for my car. I hadn't heard it in twenty five years...but it seems as relevant today as it was twenty five years ago. Songs laced with pathos, sardonic humor, and most importantly.,heartbeats of the human condition, John Prine is a treasure still, managing to be both a time capsule, a record of the time is was written in and a current event lesson. I listen to alot of music and am not a John Prine head, nor am I a John Prine groupie. I have this album, and this one only...but it is an exceptional one. I say hooray to all kinds of music, but let's give folkies like John Prine his due. Here is one fabulous songwriter that deserves a listen

One of the greatest, if immensely unheralded, debuts ever!
When one thinks of Paul Anka, they immediately get visions of the bright lights and sequined costumes of Las Vegas. This may be the prevailing image, but little do people know that if it wasn't for Anka, we wouldn't get the tremendous talent of John Prine. Until Warren Zevon came along, Prine would be the lone voice of quirkiness among the singer-songwriter movement of the 1970s. But while Zevon's music bordered on the mean-spirited, they were no dark sides to Prine's humor, and whenever he got dark, it was deeply honest. JOHN PRINE was released when he was only 24, a time when some artists are barely finding their feet as creative people. But his first album is the work of a fully-formed, young but not precocious talent. The songs on here are some of the first that come to mind when one thinks of Prine: "Illegal Smile" (the closing seconds are some of the most humorous ever recorded), "Hello In There" (sad-but-true account of aging), "Sam Stone" (an anti-Vietnam War anthem which will have new recruits thinking twice about their enlisting), "Angel From Montgomery" (Bonnie Raitt's theme song it seems), and "Donald & Lydia" (a heartwarming tale of young love, and soon-to-be romance). Songs like this make JOHN PRINE every bit of an unofficial greatest hits album, and one of the rare first albums that new fans ought to buy the first time out. Unlike another folkie favorite of mine, Joni Mitchell (whose albums would always be quite consistent), John Prine's catalog is not exactly perfect and would occasionally slip up a time or two in his career. But this early, Prine could hardly do any wrong with this debut that probably contains more soon-to-be-covered songs than any I can think of. Thumbs up to Paul Anka for bringing us this wonderful artist.

Heck of a strong debut from 1971...
I bought this LP when it was first released, and I've heard a heck of lot of John Prine tracks in the past 33 years. I still think this is his most successful album overall. His voice here is young and full of raw vigor, and his songs mix humor and tragedy in a balanced fashion. In recent years John has moved closer to traditional country material, and he does it well. This one, however, is the folk/protest/social commentary record that pretty much capped the '60's for me. If you like John's later work but have not heard this, you are missing some of his finest writing and singing.

John Prine "John Prine"
"Illegal Smile" 5/5
"Spanish Pipedream" 3/5
"Hello In There" 5/5
"Sam Stone" 5/5
"Paradise" 4/5
"Pretty Good" 4/5
"Your Flag Decal Won't Get You Into Heaven Anymore" 4/5
"Far From Me" 3/5
"Angel From Montgomery" 4/5
"Quiet Man" 4/5
"Donald And Lydia" 5/5
"Six O'Clock News" 4/5
"Flashback Blues" 4/5

The amazing self titled debut by the father of Americana, John Prine. Features timeless songs like "Hello In There" and "Sam Stone." There are no real flaws on this album.

Overall rating: Four stars

Where have you been all my life?
My great musical regret is that I somehow missed this album growing up in the 1970s. It might have changed my life. Prine can be witty, moving, or irreverent, and never patronizing. Some of the most intelligent music I've ever heard, and his understated delivery will have you tapping your toes. A true gem and original. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Since the breathtaking purity of her debut,Living with Ghosts, Patty Griffin has proven she can luxuriate in glamorous pop,rock like a biker, hold her own on stage with theDixie Chicks, and writehit songs and singer-songwriter classics. What she hadn't done is craft an albumas wholly exquisite and emotional as her talent. With the spare, acoustic1000 Kisses, she has done just that. In the basement of longtimeguitarist Doug Lancio's Nashville home, Griffin takes a suite of intenselypersonal songs (and three covers, including a tingling version ofBruce Springsteen's"Stolen Car") into the close confidence of her airy but twang-shaded voice, anddraws accordion, cello, mandolin, brushed drums, and evenEmmylou Harris into acandid and rare musical space. After a four-year wait, 1000 Kisses ismore than reason to celebrate Griffin's return--it's a guileless, glowingmasterpiece. --Roy Kasten ... Read more

Reviews (83)

True Gem
Patty Griffin's latest offering 1000 KISSES has her moving more towards the subdued and poetic lyrics of her debut LIVING WITH GHOSTS from 1996, the album is also more intimate and acoustic sounding than 1998's FLAMING RED which was more of an uptempo rock album than anything. The album was recorded with her band in her home. The opening "Rain" is a beautiful ballad with poignant lyrics and so much pent up emotion. "Stolen Car" is a remake of the Bruce Springsteen song, like only Patty could do it. Emmylou Harris offers harmony vocals on the beautiful "Nobody's Crying", definately an album highlight. "Making Pies" and "Be Careful" are classic Patty Griffin. Other highlights include "Cheif", "Long Ride Home", and "Tomorrow Night". Overall another stellar album from an underrated artist more of the world should listen to!

Short but sweet...
Like any Patty fan, I was thrilled that she was finally releasing a new album. I loved her first album, "Living with Ghosts" b/c of her amazing voice and emotional lyrics. I was slightly disssapointed in the overdone studio sound to "Flaming Red." Well, she's back to her old self here on "1000 Kisses" and that's a wonderful thing! She's filled w/ emotion and soul. "Rain," "Be Careful," and "Long Ride Home" are my instant favorites. The only complaint is that the CD is too short! ...

If you've liked Patty's earlier works... or are simply thinking about expanding your collection of female folk/rock CD's... this is a must have! Enjoy!

A musical miracle!
How did I survive before I discovered Patty?? She combines folk, country and lyrical depth to forge her own unique musical magic. Listen to "rain" to indulge your melancholic, introspective side, "mil besos" to feel uplifted and care-free or "tomorrow night" if you're just feeling plain nostalgic. My favourite track is "nobody's crying"; the lyrics express the fear and uncertainty experienced when a loved one dies, and the longing for their safe passage: "may you dream you are dreaming in a warm soft bed,/and may the voices inside you that fill you with dread/make the sound of thousands of angels instead". My only initial criticism was that her voice sometimes seemed a little grating and insensitive, but eventually found this added a raw, emotive quality (best exemplified in "Living with Ghosts"). I recommend this album to anyone who has a soul - and then buy "living with ghosts"...that's an order! Let's hope "Impossible dream" lives up to its predecessors....

MONKEYTOT IS A MORON.
I LOVE Patty Griffin. She's amazing and everything she's done is amazing. I'm really just writing this to clear up Monkeytot's (prior reviewer)unbelievable and mistaken belief that Patty Griffin was on the sitcom "Suddenly Susan". I mean, come on, dude! The actress playing the secretary, Vicki, on that show is KATHY Griffin, NOT the singer, PATTY Griffin. I realize this distinction may be hard for some to make as it only takes 2 letters to mispell "Patty" as "Kathy". Anyway, I would hate for either woman or their fans to think that people mistake them for the same person. Monkeytot, you should check your info before you make it public. There's no point in wasting your time writing reviews if you're not credible.

MULTI-TALENTED REDHEAD
I enjoyed Patty Griffin as the sarcastic secretary on the sitcom "Suddenly Susan". Who knew she was also a heart-felt singer with a great set of pipes? ... Read more

Reviews (73)

An Excellent Starting Point for the Uninitiated
All excellent songs, 10 of Dylan's best and most famous ever, really. If you are not a big Dylan fan yet, but want to get into his stuff and don't feel like shelling out 20+ dollars for "The Essential Bob Dylan," a great place to start would be this collection.

All of the albums these songs come from are excellent also, especially "Blonde on Blonde" and "Bringing it All Back Home," 2 of the greatest rock albums of all time. For solo acoustic fans, I recommend "The Freewheelin Bob Dylan," the album from which "Blowin in the Wind" is taken.

I am what normal people would call a "Dylanophile;" I now own just about all of his 40+ official releases. From this standpoint, I would say that if I had to choose Dylan's 10 best songs up through 1966, it would look very similar to this. Buy this, and who knows, 2 years later you may become just as obsessed as I am (and thats a good thing!).

Only the tip of the iceberg
For an artist of Bob Dylan's stature, greatest hits packages just don't cut the mustard. This overview of Dylan's early 60s work is completely inadequate as a complete representation of his Bobness' work. Every album the guy did during this period was brilliant from beginning to end. Any serious Dylan fan will yearn to hear "Tombstone Blues" after "Like a Rolling Stone," or "Girl From the North Country" after "Blowin' in the Wind." Forget this disc, stop being a cheapskate, and shell out the money for as many Dylan records from the 60s as you can afford. Then consume his 70s work, maybe half his 80s records, and soak in his renaissance in the 90s. If you insist on buying this, just know you're seriously missing out on the rest of the best body of work rock n roll has ever produced.

bob dylan is awesome
yea...ok. bob dylan is one of the best artists of all time. as with his first greatest hits album, it's great. who was this guy that gave it one star, saying it ain't me babe was sonny and cher? and mr. tambourine man was Captain Kirk? try the Byrds man. this guy has no idea what he was talking about, and anyone that read that should disregard every word and should buy dylan's "regords." and i'm only 18, and i know that dylan is awesome. so people should stop trashing his music because he can't sing. one's voice isn't everything, you superficial people.

AWESOME
Great CD, rarely do I find a CD that I fall in love with everysong, but this is one of the few. If you know someone with a better, cooler voice than Bob Dylan than I'd like to know about it. Everything about this CD is great, the lyrics, the harmonica, the music. I most defenintly recomend it.

Review from a 14-year old folknik
In 1966 I already had every album Dylan made, but "Positively 4th Street" was needed to round out my collection. On the other hand, I wasn't ready to part with $3.57 for just one song, so I suspended principle and placed my order with a classmate who was running a thriving stolen records business. He got it, but somebody broke into his school locker before I took delivery. Serves me right. My cousins eventually bought it for me for Christmas.

An excellent Dylan primer, with Al Kooper hitting his stride with the B3 on "4th Street." ... Read more

Amazon.com

For anyone who suspects that record companies will soon be releasing EvaCassidy's voice mail messages, it's extraordinarily pleasing to note thatImagine is more than just a bottom-of-the-barrel-scraping exercise. Allof these tracks are previously unreleased and most are live recordings, butlisteners who already own Live atBlues Alley know just how refreshing Cassidy's live performances were.Check out her take on SandyDenny's "Who Knows Where the Time Goes?" to feel a shiver of delight atanother effortlessly ideal cover, or listen to her laid-back "You've Changed"from the Blues Alley sessions to experience more of her soulful jazz.Elsewhere, the solo acoustic reading ofGordon Lightfoot's "EarlyMorning Rain" shows off her guitar skills, and if "Imagine" doesn't ever scalethe heights of Songbird's"Over the Rainbow" it still demonstrates how she always had something new anduniquely compelling to say when performing a familiar standard. Studiorecordings "Still Not Ready" and "I Can Only Be Me" are, oddly perhaps, theleast successful cuts. Happily, the album concludes with another lovely solostandard, "Danny Boy." The recording quality varies noticeably from track totrack, and there are a few awkward fade-outs--presumably to remove audiencenoise--but still the sparkling music comes across quite vividly. Imaginemay not be the best way to discover Eva Cassidy for the first time, butestablished fans will warmly welcome this new collection. --Mark Walker ... Read more

Reviews (67)

Imagine---A Spiritual Awakening
I knew nothing of Eva Cassidy until I heard the first track to "Imagine" in an antique store. I had chills from head to toe and demanded to know who the singer was. After purchasing the CD, I could not stop listening, and immediately got online to purchase more CD's via Amazon. Eva Cassidy's voice is so riveting, so original, so stellar, that I can think of no one who even comes close to her. She ranges from folk in "It Doesn't Matter Anymore" to traditional in "Danny Boy," and every note in between is a work or wonder. Though her life was brief, there is something of her very present in her CD's. And though some would think her story tragic, it seems to be exactly as she would have had it. The beauty, the spirit, the musical magnificance---is all captured in this CD by this beautiful soul.
I would buy it 1000 times!

Imagine will take you away on the Wings of an Angel
Eva Cassidy is a song stylist.
She made every song she sang her own.
All her songs were originally made popular by famous recording artists such as Judy Garland, Sting, Paul Simon, Cyndi Lauper, Joni Mitchell, Paul Anka, Sandy Denny, and John Lennon, to name a few.
When she redesigned the song's pacing and melody to suit her own beautiful voice, she topped them all, and made each song her own!
She is a songstress of unmatched quality, and that is why
5 million Eva Cassidy CD's have been sold after she left this world in 1996. This CD is my favorite. It has golden songs, sung by an Angel.
Hear Eva Cassidy sing EVERY song from the samples, and once you're hooked, buy it and play the complete CD, you won't stop playing it! "Danny Boy," may make you cry a little, but that's alright. Just start it over again from the beginning, then later ask everyone you meet, "Do you know the Eva Cassidy story?"
Turn them on to the songs you love the most, and why Eva Cassidy, is the best singer ever.

Imagine Mott
Obviously Mott the Dog does not know how Angels sound like, but he would not be disappointed if Angels sounded like Eva Cassidy. Without doubt, she is the female vocalist of our time.

It is one of the cruelest tragedies that Eva Cassidy never lived to enjoy her success. In fact, with Cassidy's natural shy personality (yet strong character) that kept her from rocketing to superstardom in her short life, she was never sure of her stage presence. She shunned the spotlight till it was nearly too late, or preferred to sing backup vocals or duets as she did on Chuck Brown's wonderful album 'The Other Side', released in 1995, which although is a Brown album, it is the wonderful voice of Eva Cassidy that grabs your attention. Eva Cassidy refused to limit herself to one style, taking on jazz, funk, blues, rock, pop, and folk, all with that ethereal voice, turning each song into something magical.

Eva Cassidy released only one solo album in her lifetime, the wonderful 'Live at Blues Alley' (1996). It was recorded in Washington's most famous blues club after which it was named, and then it only got a local release.

It was one of the cruelest blows that by the end of that year the dreaded cancer had whisked this beautiful girl with the heavenly voice away from us. Fortunately for those of us left here on our very mortal planet, Eva Cassidy left many recordings behind which are now being released to great critical and commercial acclaim internationally. All of Eva Cassidy's recordings are lovingly managed by the Eva Cassidy estate. So far we had 'Eva By Heart' (1998); 'Songbird' (1998); 'Time After Time' (2000); 'Imagine' (2002); and 'American Tune' (2003). These albums have sold over three million copies worldwide and still counting.

It has to be remembered that Eva Cassidy did not write songs herself, but was able to take other people's great skills and twist them into something even greater. At the moment (although I admit it does vary) 'Imagine' is my favorite Eva Cassidy collection.

The album opens with a solo version of 'It Doesn't Matter Anymore' by Paul Anka (who also wrote 'My Way', made famous by Frank Sinatra, Sid Vicious, and then Nigel of the Bastards). This is followed by a version of Little Willie John's 'Fever', not done as Peggy Lee did it in 1958, but as it was originally intended to be, when written in 1956, with Eva's brother joining her, adding violin to Eva's scratch vocal.

You also get a track that has been salvaged from the Blues Alley sessions 'You've Changed', and when you hear this, you realize how high the quality of music was on that particular album. Eva Cassidy's voice sends shivers up and down your spine. She would surely get a nod of approval from the person who first recorded this song, the great Billie Holiday.

Sandy Denny's 'Who Knows Where The Time Goes' gets redefined here, giving the song a whole new lease of life. Eva even gets a little bit country with her true to the roots version of Patti Page's hit 'Tennessee Waltz', which in its days in the 1950's was one of the first cross over country/pop hits.

To finish the album is one of those "enough to make a grown man cry" moments as Eva Cassidy breaks into an emotional solo version of 'Danny Boy'. Still, with all these moments of magic, I think the stand-out track is the title track, a tribute to John Lennon in a touching version of his masterpiece 'Imagine'. Play this song in any room and in seconds it will reduce people to silence as they listen to Eva Cassidy's voice caress the air.

(...)

Add some beauty to your life
I first heard Eva's rendition of "Early Morning Rain" at work, listening to a jazz internet station. It absolutely stopped me dead in my tracks. I immediately bought the Imagine album, and I'm very happy I did. It's wonderful.

Eva's voice has a haunting quality that seems to reach into your soul. I'm here at Amazon again buying more Eva Cassidy CDs.

I commend this album to you. It has added some beauty to my life.

Nope
I never heard of Eva Cassidy before, and picked this CD up blind. Ms. Cassidy sings in a smokey, lounge-singer sort of way that works wonders with "It Doesn't Matter Anymore" (the first track). The second track is "Fever", which is a real lounge-classic, and she does it very well but I have heard that song at least 1,000,000 times. After that, the songs seem to alternate between sleepy/forgettable and some sort of country music gone lounge thing.

Worse, some of the songs picked for this album just don't fit in with the lounge-singer style. John Lennon's classic "Imagine" is ***PAINFUL*** to listen to and seems to drag on for 4 hours rather than 4 minutes, and "Danny Boy" brings tears to your eyes as you wish that Danny was buried and long forgotten.

I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but this album is really not a good album. The first song is great, but the album crashes right after that. Skip this one, folks! ... Read more