Best Bit EP [EP]

Beth Orton

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 7, 1998)
• Original Release Date: April 7, 1998
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: EP
• Label: Dedicated
• ASIN: B00000677U
• Also Available in: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #151,461 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Best Bit isn't the revelation its predecessor, Trailer Park, was. With that eye-opening debut, Beth Orton was marked as an uncommonly promising newcomer. Best Bit represents a rest stop between records. That said, the five-song EP is of value, if for no other reason than it unites the Londoner with American folk-soul stylist Terry Callier, who duets with Orton on his own "Lean on Me," as well as a cover of Fred Neil's "Dolphins." The title track provides another highlight; just as with the strongest tracks on Trailer Park, Orton here reinforces the notion that she's the long-sought offspring of such rich-voiced '60s thrushes as Bobbie Gentry, Jackie DeShannon, and Dusty Springfield. --Steven Stolder

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Just hanging out & jamming, March 7, 2002

By	C. Brennan - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This collaborative work with the great Terry Callier was an interlude following "Trailer Park", while "Central Reservation" was still gestating. Callier is an icon in folk circles, and Orton celebrates his influence in the "Trailer Park" liner notes. Small wonder, then, that she seems to be having so much fun jamming with him on this release.

Though Orton includes some original tunes on this EP, the middle cuts are the centerpiece. Here, Orton shares vocals and guitar duties with Callier. The result is a burlap collaboration of sweet guitars and plain-jane harmonies. They sound for all the world like they're hanging out in the living room, having a blast. We are lucky enough to watch and listen. The "best bit" is their rendition of Fred Neill's "Dolphins", which I've only ever heard another cover of, that by Linda Ronstadt on the Stone Poneys' "Hand Sown, Home Grown" album. Orton and Callier let the lyrics carry them and they follow along with wonderfully open results.

A common criticism of Orton is that her vocals tend to reediness or wander off-key. Whilst I don't hear the off-key bit much at all, I think the reedy quality to some of her vocals adds to her essential appeal as a "folk" singer. We have become so exposed to slick, highly produced music we seem to forget that most music is organic, hand-made and tends to be messy. The squeak of fingers changing chords, the trail of a note on a last gasp of breath, the sharp inhalation between phrases or notes -- this is the stuff of music. The "rough edges" on these tunes are their beauty. Enjoy!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Got to have it, November 12, 2002

By A Customer

I've never written a review on Amazon before, although I am a frequent shopper, but this cd is incredible. If you never heard of beth orton or terry callier, who cares? Give it a try. The music is so moving, you won't be able to stop listening to it. Trust me on this one.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terry Callier and Beth Orton make beautiful music, June 25, 1999

By A Customer

This is one of the best EPs out there. Beth Orton's and Terry Callier's voices match to make the two songs that they are together in soulful, suggestive, and beautiful. The songs are very touching and poignant, especially Callier's "Lean On Me." You should definetly invest your money in this EP, along with Orton's other CDs.