Customer Reviews

Farewell Andromeda

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This album was released when John was at the apex of his popularity, and the songs on this album served to continue his ride into the stratosphere. From the wry and yet poignant "I'd Rather Be A Cowboy" to the incredible smash hit "Farewell Andromeda", John Denver showcases his incredible talents here. Denver was instrumental in firmly fixing the younger generation's sights and sensibilities upon the outdoors in general and on environmental issues in particular, and he nearly single-handedly began the outdoor backpacking, hiking, and orienteering movements after popularizing the idea of a more close and intimate human relationship with mother nature. Therefore, more than a few of the young baby-boomers, like John, were more than ready for the kind of unconventional intimacy with nature he sang about so effortlessly and so elegantly. From "Zachary And Jennifer" to an evocative and almost ethereal "Rocky Mountain Suite'", Denver's songs soar in their description of the beauties of a simple and natural life and in being close to the "great wide-open'.

Denver also does an unusually good rendition of "Berkeley Woman", written by a friend but usually identified with Denver himself. He shows that even a sugary sweetheart like him can have some "colorful" thoughts about women. Indeed, the simple and well arranged acoustic blast of infectious energy and sweet simplicity that was John Denver is here in spades, whether it be in original songs like "Sweet Misery" or with covers of others' work, the kid who had adopted the majesty of Colorado for his setting and his inspiration sings simply, sentimentally, and superbly about the simple pleasures and undying verities of a homespun and simple life well lived. My special favorites here are "Berkeley Woman" and "I'd Rather be A Cowboy", and I always wondered why they weren't bigger hits for John. Hearing John sing in his youthful enthusiasm about what turns him on is still a rare treat. As with many of his albums, the message outlives the messenger. It has successfully weathered all the seasons since with its energy and beauty intact. I love this album, and I think you will too. Enjoy.

John had some tall shoes to fill in his first release after Rocky Mountain High, and Farewell Andromeda fills them entirly, if in a slightly different style. This album has the unique feel of a real folk album, every track smoothly introduces the next, and John is right on target with every one of them. John opens with a riviting performance of one of his finest compositions, "I'd Rather Be a Cowboy". As the album continues you are treated to a wide variety great tunes, from a cover of John Prine's "Angels From Montgomery" to the albums closing title track "Farewell Andromeda" (Welcome to My Morning). What seperates this album from the rest is John's relaxed set of flok songs. You get the feeling that he is singing for you. This is what he would play if he were with you in the mountains, on a picnic, or out fishing. It is as if he made this album especially for the times when you need to get away and take your mind to a simpler place. Buy it and enjoy, it is a treasure for anyone.

You have to appreciate that it is most simplistic to criticize an artist for their excess, not for what did well.

This album was an example of some stunning interpretations of songs that worked for this artist. Angel from Montgomery, Please Daddy and Rocky Mountain Suite are vital, warm and stand the test. It is disappointing that John Denver never received his due for this type of work.

Along with Darcy Farrow and Mother Nature's Son on Rocky Mountain High his work was true. You can ask for little more.

Plus, he could sing. A high true tenor. Ease up on the criticism and open up to his manner.

The original LP version of this album was one of my personal treasures as a teenager. I'm so pleased that it's out on CD and in my collection as such. (Some lucky library now has my LP, donated in still-excellent condition.)

John Denver's heart was always on his sleeve, musically and in other ways -- but I believe that in his later years (beginning with the album "Spirit"), his work lacked much of the artistic vigor that characterizes this album. Here you will find all that made John Denver and his music special -- his love of nature and the environment and his knowledge of the human condition -- without the sappy sentimentality that mars too many of his later albums.

What a great guy's song. I am surprised that the Politically Correct Denver recorded it but I will always respect him for it.

Here's my guilty pleasure. I think "Angel from Montgomery" is the single best track JD recorded. I recall at the time of the album's original release, after a steady diet of sunshine and country roads, this track popped out of my stereo and left me thinking, 'where the hell did this come from?' It's a revelation, song and singer, that still knocks me out.

I have listented to this album hundreds of times. My father used to take the tape along when we went fishing in Wisconsin and we would listen to it over and over together. The material is a real departure from what John Denver usually records. There is a John Prine song in there, a Christmans song, a song about the Canadian Rockies, and it all fits together to form a relaxing, interesting record. I highly recommend Farwell Andromeda to any John Dever fan. It's different, but I bet you'll be playing it over and over just as I have.

mike grabowski

John Denver's music has had quite an effect on my life over the years. I still remember when my mother bought Farewell Andromeda on 8 track when it was originally released. This compilation of
songs has stuck with me throughout the years as one of my favorite albums. Excellent songwriting, meaningfull lyrics, and perhaps some of his best vocal performances make this CD a must have for any J.D. fan. Definitely one of his best.

absolutely one of my favorite albums. I grew up listening to this with my mother. Berkely woman and Angels from Montgomery are 2 of my favorite songs.

Denver's follow-up to "Rocky Mountain High" is pretty close to as real Denver as it gets--before he was a superstar and doing Vegas with Sinatra. Some fantastic originals--"Id Rather Be a Cowboy," "Rocky Mountain Suite," "Whiskey Basin Blues" and "Zachary and Jennifer." But the covers are really perfect too--Bill Danoff's "We Don't Live Here No More" is exquisite and still one of my favorite songs, and Denver's cover of "Angels From Montgomery" is the best version I've ever heard of that song. John Summer's "River of Love" is heartbreaking bluegrass--just the way it ought to be. Hoyt Axton's "Sweet Misery" sticks in your head. "Berkeley Woman"--that's such a guy song--not at all the wildflowers and "lite-ness" some associate with Denver. The only weak track is the famous one--the title track, which sounds like an add-on he came up with to justify the album title. I think what I like about it is the same thing I like about the fact that Denver wears a t-shirt on the inside jacket of the Rocky Mountain High album that says "Be kind to animals...kiss a BEAVER." He was a "guy" through and through, despite the homogenized version that became the superstar.