Natural History

J.D. Souther | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 31, 2011)
• Original Release Date: 2011
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Entertainment One Music
• ASIN: B004TB6GM2
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #11,990 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

If you don't know JD Souther, you surely know his songs. In the renaissance of popular songwriting that occurred during the 1960s and '70s, his name looms large as one of thechief architects of the Los Angeles scene. JD is an artist whose spirit and influence has had an enormous impact on a full generation of this country's greatest musical names: The Eagles, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt, Roy Orbison, just to name a few. The album features 11 songs, many of which have been recorded previously by other artists (The Eagles did 'The Sad Caf ', 'Best Of My Love' and 'New Kid In Town', Linda Ronstadt did 'Faithless Love').

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Familiar old tunes, all grown up, June 3, 2011

By 

J. Schwarz (Ben Lomond, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Natural History (Audio CD)

Souther's last release, "If The World Was You" was a bold re-emergence of a major songwriting talent after a nearly 25 year hiatus. Classified as a "California Sound" singer-songwriter (and unfairly so, by the way), Souther surprised many with a jazz-flavored release that only hinted at his former musical life. Having seen him during the concert tour for that record, I was led to think that this would be a continued direction for Souther. So, what does he go and do? He comes out with a CD of old familiar tunes, many of which he willingly performed on the aforementioned tour. I was initially disappointed at the lack of new material, given he was so adamant about exploring his love of jazz. But after hearing him sing, and rework his songs to suit a more mature singing voice (which is still in stellar shape), and the acquired wisdom befitting his age, this was a project he had to do. The only tune with which I was unfamiliar, "Little Victories" was a nice surprise. Even the recently recorded "I'll Be Here At Closing Time", which was perhaps the most stylistically retro tune on his last album, gets a refresh. This is the way Souther's classic songs are meant to be heard. It will please old fans and newer ones alike.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best of J.D. Souther, June 3, 2011

By 

Stephanie R. Langlois (Simi Valley, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Natural History (Audio CD)

The hardest part of this review was selecting an appropriate title. How do you categorize an artist like J.D. Souther? I have enjoyed his music longer than I care to admit. When I listen to "Natural History", it feels like being at an intimate house concert. The words are clear and heartfelt, and the musical arrangements are just enough. His voice is in perfect form. Certainly, J.D. is one of the foremost singer-songwriters of our generation. If you enjoy the Eagles and Linda Ronstadt's music, you are certain to enjoy this CD, because they are J.D.'s
songs. Listening to "Natural History" is the next best thing to seeing the artist live.

33 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Either you get it, or you don't....I can't explain it, June 3, 2011

By 

JamieLuck.... - See all my reviews

This review is from: Natural History (Audio CD)

I am just recently 60 years of age. I found his first album through the music that I was listening to at the time, 30+ years ago. My friends and I spent a lot of time working out his vocal harmony arrangements and his "outside" chord progressions. There was just something different about this guy. I have to say that he is what I would call a true artist. If you know his work, you know that there is no discernable compromise in his art. Whether it is his first record or his most recent, this is a guy who does what he does because he was made that way. His lyrics, arrangements and vocal harmonies all make sense according to his own true calling, which, as I said, you get or you don't. His art is difficult to articulate, but the purity, and the intimacy of it feels, to me, so close. There are so so many great artists out there. At the end of the day, my favorites are the ones that "speak to me". There are many other greats, and I acknowledge their gifts, that just don't. JD does. Please, John, get the follow-up to Natural History going for all of us that "get it". Blessings, Jamie