Clouds in My Coffee 1965-1995

Carly Simon | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (December 8, 1995)
• Original Release Date: December 8, 1995
• Number of Discs: 3
• Label: Arista
• ASIN: B000002VPJ
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,506 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #50 in Music > Box Sets

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

One of the most popular artists of the early-'70s singer-songwriter explosion, Carly Simon made her reputation by combining radio-friendly musical values with lyrics that tackled issues of romance and family with a frankness that's still disarming. In the time since, she's explored a variety of styles, all of which are represented on this nicely packaged 3 CD, 58-song set, which offers a good overview of her catalog, with a disc of her best-known hits (including "You're So Vain," "That's the Way I've Always Heard It Should Be," "Anticipation," "You Belong to Me," and "Let the River Run"), a disc of ballads, and a disc of rare and previously-unreleased material. --Scott Schinder

Product Description

great box set

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent and comprehensive Carly collection, August 3, 2001

By 

Hindburn (Church Stretton, Shropshire, England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Clouds in My Coffee 1965-1995 (Audio CD)

Due to Carly Simon having changed record companies several times during her recording career, it was until recently impossible to obtain a comprehensive collection of her work. However, this excellent 3CD compilation puts this right, with considerable effort having gone into obtaining recordings from all her record labels, as well as her contributions to film soundtracks and various other 'one-off' projects. The result is a very interesting collection of the familiar hits and numerous rare tracks which even the devoted fan may never have previously come across. Every track is of excellent quality - no dull live performances or out-takes - and the whole package has been remastered to a high standard. The packaging is interesting too, with essays and many 'family snapshot' photographs, although the book is unfortunately stapled into the album cover and has a tendency to tear loose from it.

Although here in Britain she is most remembered for 'You're so vain' and a few other smaller hits, this album demonstrates that when on form Carly has produced some excellent work, with memorable melodies. Although the quality of some of her albums has at times been variable (such that some have very little representation here) she has also written some memorable songs that will stand the test of time - just a couple of examples being the powerful 'Let the river run' and the collaboration with Michael McDonald 'You belong to me', which has been covered by several other artists. She is not afraid to attempt some of the old 'standards' she knew when growing up, and although her performances of such songs have been disliked by some critics I find them to be very appealing - her rendition of 'Danny boy' for example is probably the most moving version I have ever heard. Whilst there are undoubtedly other female singers with purer, sweeter voices, the commitment and feeling in Carly's singing more than makes up for any technical limitations - she has a lot of heart and this makes for enjoyable listening.

Carly has never been afraid to wear her heart on her sleeve, and most of the lyrical content of the tracks seems as though it has been lifted straight from her personal diaries. Because she has always written her own songs, they often have an uncompromising honesty and give a refreshingly female perspective on life and love; she is not afraid to address issues of middle age, family life etc, which makes a pleasant change from much pop music. This may well have helped Carly to keep her audience, who have grown up with her since the 1970s and can continue to relate to her work. Despite the lyrical introspection, the songs rarely become overly sentimental, and the basic atmosphere of the album is hopeful and positive - Carly seems to have the ability to bounce back despite disappointment.

The three CDs have distinct themes - the first being a continuous collection of hit singles, the second a varied selection of rare or obscure tracks, and the third a selection of ballads of varying emotional intensity. It would be difficult to pick a favourite track because there is probably something for everyone here, but the sardonic 'We're so close' is hard to beat. This is an excellent collection and indispensable for anyone who appreciates Carly Simon's music.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A musician for the ages, September 27, 2000

By 

John Nelson (North Fond du Lac, WI) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Clouds in My Coffee 1965-1995 (Audio CD)

Carly Simon is probably one of the greatest musical performers ever. With a musical career spanning over 30 years, a wonderful, beautiful voice that will never die, and a list of some terrific songs to beat the band she is one of the best. This box set contains 3 CDs with a huge total of 58 tracks and each CD is over an hour long. CD 1 is all about Carly's hit singles and biggest songs which includes You Belong to Me, Anticipation, All I Want is You, Touched by the Sun, Haven't got time for the Pain, Nobody does it Better, and of course, Your so Vain. CD 2 has a couple more hits, a couple of bit songs as well as some unknowns. The highlight of this disc is the unreleased songs, which are at the very beginning and a couple of which are only available in this set. (Angel From Montgomery is now on the imported Best Of.) Disc 3 is a collection of Carly's more grownup and more serious songs, a few of her "B Sides" and some other hard to find songs. One of her best songs, We're so Close is on this disc as well.

The interior book has a collection of photos from Carly's life from her youth to the present. I wish she had contributed more to the writing. The writing is instead by a reporter who got to visit Carly at her house on Martha's Vineyard. The back of the book tells us where each song comes from which is handy. The only other demerit to this set is that some of her better or more popular songs aren't included. The My New Boyfriend song from her hit and miss Spoiled Girl album is here but absolutely nothing from her infinitely better Playing Possum Album is included. Night Owl, Attitude Dancing, Tranquillo and It Keeps you Run'in could have also been put in.

While she is admittedly not without her faults, Carly Simon is a magnificent talent and musician. (Hint, hint, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.) A Carly fan will find much to like here. Treat your ears and spruce up the CD display with this great collection.

23 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My Christmas Gift From Carly, January 19, 2000

By 

Bob Waskiewicz (Wintersville, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Clouds in My Coffee 1965-1995 (Audio CD)

In Late 1995,I knew this box set was coming out,but its release date was being moved up to a later date every week.Finally it was out the second week of December.What a great Christmas gift from Carly. From the first CD,with all of Carly's greatest hits like,"You Belong to Me," my favorite,to the number 1 hit,"Your so Vain," To Carly's oscar and grammy winning song,"Let the River Run." And one hit that's never been on a Carly Simon Album,"Nobody does it Better," and that's Carly.The second CD is a treasure.Some songs I've never heard before like"Angel from Montgomery," "Raining," What a great Children's song."The Night Before Christmas," this song is played every year at Christmas,and Amy Grant recorded this record on her Christmas Album.If your reading this Carly,Why don't you put out a Christmas Record? It would be the greatest Christmas release from anyone.The last CD is the icing on the the cake."Julie through the Glass," from the "Anticipation"record.What a wonderfull song about a new born baby. My cousin named her daughter after this record,and her son's name is Jessie. "Were so Close." The greatest song every made. I could play this record untill the day I die and never get tired of it. "Someone waits for You." from the movie,"Swing Shift." I always wanted this song,and now I have it. "Davy" man,what a voice.And "Love of my Life," Delilia plays this song every night on her radio program.People are requesting this record to show how much they love there children. I could go on forever.Just buy this box set,even if your not a Carly Simon fan,play it,and she will be in your heart forever.