Customer Reviews

25

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I'm a huge Patty Larkin fan, but honestly this album is rather disappointing. The concept has tremendous potential, and there is an astounding list of collaborators but for the most part it seems like they are just placed in the role of providing very limited background vocals (doubling the original leads by Patty or maybe humming along). For me, it has the feeling that all these talented people are somewhat hamstrung by having to use the original lead vocal and guitar tracks and it feels like a bit of a waste. I'm constantly wondering what this album would have been like if all these people had really been turned loose. As it is, I think the original performances are for the most part more satisfying and would especially not recommend this album for someone new to her work.

Patti Larkin's "25" spans her career with 25 singer-songwriter friends re-recording songs with her, among them Shawn Colvin, Rosanne Cash, Bruce Cockburn, Suzanne Vega and Janis Ian. More musical partnerships than duets, these songs entrance.

Performance highlights include the powerful "St. Augustine" with Beppe Gambetta, "Brazil" with Chris Smither, "Good Thing" with Dar Williams, and "Chained to These Loving Arms" with Mary Chapin Carpenter. Even quieter songs (such as "Booth of Glass," with Peter Mulvey, and "The Cranes," with David Wilcox) transfix with their lyrics.

A mesmerizing treatment throughout, those new to the artist will be rewarded in turning next to her live album "In the Square" for earlier incarnations of "25"'s book-ends, "Lately" and "I'm Fine," and to "A Go-Go" for a more recent live set. Thank you, Patti, for the first 25!

Not a follower and bought this based on reviews. If there had been deeper collaboration and real duets, this would win, as it is stellar "friends" merely accompany.

Released in January '10, the theme here is simple - 25 songs reworked in a stripped-down solo acoustic format with 25 friends/music cohorts to celebrate 25 years of making music. Larkin is a contemporary folk troubadour whose long resume speaks for itself. 25 is an intimate recording, bare-bones in its delivery, which is refreshing, and the 25 selected songs are some of Larkin's best over the years. The inclusion of "friends" such as Greg Brown, Catie Curtis, Bruce Cockburn, John Gorka, Merrie Amsterburg, Martin Sexton, Shawn Colvin, Chris Smither, etc. makes it all the more interesting.

GENRES: Contemporary Folk.

BUY IF YOU LIKE: Patty Griffin, Sara K, Dar Williams.

If you're looking to fill your life with a collection of songs that span the entire spectrum of emotional depth, delivered by one of our nation's greatest assets (joined by 25 of her closest friends, who just happen to be amazing musicians in their own right), then look no further, as Patty Larkin's 2010 double-disc release, "25", is the next greatest thing since wireless internet delivered to mobile devices via a 4G network (in select areas).

It's no surprise that this two CD package can stand alone as a definitive guide to "all-things Patty Larkin", but that which does surprise, is the amount of humble talent, ever so masterfully woven throughout each and every note, which seems to float on a string, reaching the listener's ears like warm milk and honey would an infant on a cold winter day - well received and greatly appreciated.

"Patty Larkin's, `25' is not only an amorous retrospective, but smoke signals of greatness coupled with a luminous and onward beacon for the future." -Brian Ball, Music Editor

great album. great singer/songwriter and great duets
I would only have wanted "Me and That Train" on here.
One of my favorites by Patty Larkin.
I was able to see her live about 7 years ago in a small club. she was alone and solo.
a great night

Shades of life and love w/ a beautiful voice holding hands w/ friends. I love it!

I heard about this CD on NPR. Like many radio reviews it would seem they played the best on air. When I played this double set I was disappointed. While I like Patty's layed back style and warm voice I was bored to tears. Each cut was so much like the previous one it was as if I was listening to one very long, continuous song.