Customer Reviews

Both Sides Now

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

 

 

It has always been my experience with Judy Collin's albums that even if I wasn't crazy about the whole album, there were usually a few gems that made the album well worth the price. This album has three cuts , two of which I think are extraordinary and Judy at her best. The 1st is 'Plaisir D'Amour', and the second is 'Loch Lomond'. These two I consider as flawless in every way as her best version of Amazing Grace that was included on the 'Forever' collection, her original 'Send in the Clowns' or 'My Father' to name a few. 'Barbara Allen ' is nearly as flawless but I'm spoiled by the Jo Stafford version, which on her "Best Of" box set Judy is quoted as saying that was a favorite of hers. The rest of the album is good with 'Black is the Color' and 'Morning Has Broken' rounding out my top five for this album. The rest of the album's songs are not spectacular but make for a overall enjoyable album.

As a great fan of Judy's, I was delighted with this folk compilation. With lush orchestration and Judy's crystalline voice, fans of her folk side will take particular joy from the very moving "Barbara Allen" and "Black is the Color of My True Love's Hair." I have only heard Joan Baez' interpretation of the latter and found Judy's somber, pensive version the highlight of the CD. Though I enjoy Judy's interpretation of more contemporary songs and love her original music, she brings an almost angelic purity to traditional folk songs and hearing these new recordings is magic.

I think buying JC albums has become a life-long habit for me. I would say this one is above average, but not a classic. There seems to be a glut of folk re-releases right now, so Ms. Collins certainly hasn't lost her timing. I think we do have enough recordings of Amazing Grace that she could issue an album of nothing but her previous recordings of that hymn (and I would buy it and listen to it--she knows how to sing that one!). The tradition selections are definitely the highlights of the recording.

This is a great CD. JC has taken familiar songs and put her own great style and touches to them. I was "taken in" the first time I heard it. This CD is relaxing and quite beautiful. I highly recommend it.

If you own many CD's by Judy Collins you may be very disappointed in this one. It is just more of the same old music. There is nothing fresh and new about this CD. Judy sings more Bob Dylan, traditional folk music, MORNING HAS BROKEN, AMAZING GRACE, and CATS IN THE CRADLE once again. Judy tries something new with combining John Denvers LEAVING ON A JET PLANE with COUNTRY ROADS in a medley, which was a bit different. The band on this album plays very well but has a tendency to hold out the last notes of each song expecting Judy to hold her last note longer; but she never does. Judy also growls a few notes on this one. My suggestion is stick to the old Judy Collins recordings.