Harry Chapin: Story Of A Life [Box set]

Harry Chapin | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 19, 1999)
• Original Release Date: October 19, 1999
• Number of Discs: 3
• Format: Box set
• Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase.
• Label: Elektra / Wea
• ASIN: B00001WRKR
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #15,433 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Taxi

2. Someone Keeps Callin' My Name

3. Could You Put Your Light On, Please

4. Empty

5. Greyhound

6. Any Old Kind Of Day

See all 15 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. Short Stories

2. Cat's In The Cradle

3. I Wanna Learn A Love Song

4. 30,000 Pounds Of Bananas (Live)

5. Shooting Star

6. What Made America Famous?

See all 15 tracks on this disc

Disc: 3

1. Corey's Coming

2. If My Mary Were Here

3. Dance Band On The Titanic

4. Mismatch

5. I Wonder What Happened To Him

6. Dancin' Boy

See all 17 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The 1970s produced a peculiar school of singer-songwriters whose narrative-driven lyrics set them apart from their self-reflective peers. Think of David Ackles and Randy Newman on the fringes, and far nearer the mainstream, the "Captain Jack"-era Billy Joel and earnest-to-the-core Harry Chapin. Chapin first made a splash in 1972 with "Taxi," a claustrophobic little melodrama set in a cab. He made the top 20 two years later with the familial "Cat's in the Cradle." Though he'd never climb so high again, songs such as "W*O*L*D" and "Dance Band on the Titanic," and albums like Verities & Balderdash kept the folk crooner in the spotlight. From there, he championed a variety of social causes until he was killed in a 1981 auto accident. Story of a Life packages three discs of Chapin recordings in one attractive box. Given the singer's excesses (he wasn't the subtlest of artists, either as a writer or singer), that's a lot of Chapin. But fans will appreciate the loving liner essays from family members and, of course, the cinematic songs from a performer whose heart was always in the right place. --Steven Stolder

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Harry Chapin--Boxed Set for Die-Hard Fans, April 11, 2000

By 

R. Ega "R.Egan, consumer" (Anderson, IN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Harry Chapin: Story Of A Life (Audio CD)

This isn't a collection for someone who is trying to get to know Harry Chapin and his music. It is, however, a collection for people who already love Harry Chapin and are collecting his works.

Die-hard fans know that Harry had a few different versions of some of his songs (i.e. Circle)and this set offers a few new ones.

The recordings between the songs are super, and show a bit of Harry's great sense of humor and his sense of concern for those who are going hungry.

If you don't know Harry Chapin, don't make this the first album of his that you buy. But if you love Harry, this is a must-have for your collection.

35 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Compilation, February 4, 2000

By 

Steven K. Szmutko (EWING, NJ USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Harry Chapin: Story Of A Life (Audio CD)

As a lifelong Harry Chapin fan, I have been frustrated for many years at the absence of his best work from CD. This collection captures the essence of his work from his best known songs such as Taxi and Cats in the Cradle to lesser known (but better) works as well. Of particular note is the excellent sound quality as compared with earlier collections. This should easily have been a 4-CD collection. One can only hope that this collection is a success so that Harry's other albums, such as Short Stories, Sequel and Legends of the Lost and Found (in my opinion, the superior "live album)are released. However, for those wanting a rounded collection of Harry Chapin's work, this is it.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally, Harry in all his glory!, November 12, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Harry Chapin: Story Of A Life (Audio CD)

It's somehow fitting that the box set has a book to read in the middle. It's just 1 more reminder that Harry wasn't just about the music--often the music was the medium for Harry's message. But what a medium! This is what was meant to be for those wonderful stories. Yes, I'm still hoping they release the rest of his albums on CD, but this is such a treat by itself. Songs I'd not heard in ages, sounding better than ever. This is not some maudlin trip down memory lane, though. "Short Stories" is as applicable today as when it was written, and it still blasts you out of the chair. and "Old Folkie"--one of my favorites--is a fantastic tribute to Pete Seeger. Oddly, now you could almost apply it to Harry himself. words won't cover it. All you people from the cheap seats, go get this set--because YOU CAN **ALWAYS** COUNT ON THE CHEAP SEATS! :>)