The Essential Janis Ian

Janis Ian | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 8, 2009)
• Original Release Date: 2009
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B002HMG49A
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #31,973 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

The rollercoaster ride through the music business experienced by one of the most boldly honest songwriters of her generation is chronicled across these 2 CDs. Her 1967 eye-opening anthem Society's Child joins her 1975 smash At Seventeen and her key album tracks Hair of Spun Gold; Stars; Jesse; Love Is Blind; Tattoo; Through the Years; God and the FBI; I Hear You Sing Again; My Autobiography 31 tracks from a 40-year career!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Janis Ian - An Absolute Essential!, September 20, 2009

By 

Kathleen A. Brogan (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Essential Janis Ian (Audio CD)

This is an excellent CD which was released September 9th 2009. A two CD set that starts with Janis' very first song "Hair of Spun Gold" that she wrote at the age of 10, up to her recent songs like "Joy" and "My Autobiography". All of Janis' smash hits are present: "At Seventeen" long and short versions, "Jesse" and disco surprise "Fly Too High". If that isn't enough, this album has three rare cuts: "Ginny the Flying Girl", "Today, You're Mine" and another, beautiful, previously unreleased ballad "I Long For You". Many of the selections are different takes from the regular album issue. A good example is the stunning "His Hands". Read the Janis' 2008 autobiography to find out what that song's about. It's very nice to see Janis working with Sony in the U.S. again after all these years. If you're a fan like me, make sure you add this wonderful CD set to your collection. If not, acquaint yourself with Janis now, this title is a great place to start.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Something for Everyone, September 28, 2009

By 

Barbara Winters - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Essential Janis Ian (Audio CD)

This two cd collection has something for everyone. It's a great choice for the person new to Janis' music as it spans her entire career from age 10 with "Hair of Spun Gold" to her 50's with "Joy" and "My Autobiography" And for the collector of Janis Ian's albums/cds, this set has the never before published song, and my favorite, "I Long for You." It even has something for the child in your family or the kid in all of us, "Ginny the Flying Girl"! If you're like me and love to know the story behind the titles like, "God and the FBI, or "Tattoo," a great accompaniment to "The Essential Janis Ian", is her revealing book "My Autobiography: Society's Child." Check out Janis' tour schedule on her website,[...]and find a show near you. I know Janis would be thrilled to sign your cd and/or book!

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The definitive Janis Ian CD, September 26, 2009

By 

David Gardiner - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Essential Janis Ian (Audio CD)

There is something magic about Janis Ian's songs. Most of us know one or two, often 'At Seventeen' or 'Society's Child', but the sheer number of top quality songs that this lady has written in a career that began seemingly in the nursery is staggering. This two CD set is the definitive introduction to a truly inspirational songwriter who can bring tears to your eyes or a smile to your lips (sometimes in the same song) and say something fresh and important every time she puts pen to paper. As well as her songwriting talent she is also a first class singer, guitarist and pianist, by far the best interpreter of her own songs, as well as a very fine writer (see her autobiography 'Society's Child'). In Janis we have a true multi-talented Renaissance woman, and such a lovely person as well. It's enough to give you back your faith in real talent, unsullied by music industry hype. This is the genuine article, beware of cheap imitations. You have an enormous treat in store if you aren't familiar with her less mainstream work. Janis is still a prolific writer and performer of songs and the work she is doing now is just as poignant and powerful as it ever was. The woman herself is as ageless as her music. Buy the two CDs, you won't regret it!