Customer Reviews

Paradise

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

A new recording by Judy Collins is always cause for celebration. Her latest "Paradise," consisting of ten selections, is no exception. The title of the CD comes from the last cut "Gauguin" by Jimmy Webb. "I'm going to go down to Paradise." This song is one of my least favorites although it may grow on me when I listen to it more. "Dens of Yarrow" is the kind of song that Judy recorded when she first started singing. What is amazing is that you would swear that she recorded it 50 years ago and not in 2010. On that one she plays the Roland keyboard. A little of that usually goes a long way with me but her accompaniment works here. "Kingdom Come" is the only song that Ms. Collins wrote. It is a tribute to the brave firefighters and others who lost their lives on 9/11. "They will not be forgotten."

"There is nothing wrong with Judy's rendition of the famous "Over the Rainbow" except she is the wrong Judy singing it. That song will always be Ms. Garland's unless you hear the incomparable version by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole which will blow you out of the Pacific Ocean. "Weight of the World" is a fine but terribly sad song about a son and brother-- his sister tells the story-- going off to a war in a desert (It was the first time I saw my father cry.) We know of course that the dad cried on at least one other occasion when the military send her brother home in the dead of winter and the flag on the hometown football field flew at half-mast. (The Dixie Chicks sing a similar song "Travelin" Soldier" on their "Home" CD.)

My three favorite selections on the CD are "Ghost Riders in the Sky," "Last Thing on My Mind," and "Diamonds and Rust." Ms. Collins in "Ghost Riders" has a great backup chorus consisting of Denver Collins, Joe Hurley, Bob Neuwirth, Tom Paxton, Paul Rolnick and Jimmy Webb. She recorded Tom Paxton's "The Last Thing on My Mind" years ago and re-records it here with an old boy friend Stephen Stills of Crosby, Stills and Nash and sometimes Young who almost as many years ago wrote "Suite Judy Blue Eyes" in praise of Ms. Collins. It is great to hear their gentle harmonies on this one of my favorite songs--"Didn't mean to be unkind/you know that was the last thing on my mind." Stills plays 12-string guitar; Judy is on guitar on this arrangement. But the grand prize goes to "Diamonds and Rust," the song Joan Baez wrote and recorded for Bob Dylan. Here we have two of the great women's voices of the folk era-- if not the two best-- singing in what appears to be close harmony in a delicate and haunting arrangement of this beautiful song. They are accompanied by Russell Walden on piano and the Nashville Rhythm Section that provide perfect accompaniment for this perfect duet. The enduring appeal of "Diamonds and Rust" has to be its universality: the remembrance of a love so long ago, a love in which you gave more than you received and you still have feelings for the person you loved.

I wish we had been given the lyrics to the songs and that Ms. Collins had used another photograph for this CD even though she is still very beautiful and Annie Leibovitz, who according to the notes took the picture, is of course considered by some critics to be the best celebrity photographer alive. Russell Walden plays piano on many of the cuts and Larry Campbell picks the 12-string guitar on really fine instrumentals. Judy's silvery voice of course still captivates, still moves the listener, still shines just as it has throughout her long glorious career.

First of all, I think the cover rocks - Judy is an inspiration for women the world over - we are just getting better!

Each track is it's own treasure - some will bring tears (Weight of the World , Kingdom Come , Once I Was ) - some will bring big smiles -
Diamonds & Rust (gorgeous) , Last Thing On My Mind (a real treat) and Ghost Riders (great fun- I bet you can't help but sing along)
The hauntingly beautiful Dens of Yarrow will take your breath away!

Emilio - something totally new & different - but , then , this is a Judy Collins production - Bravo! - and Thank you, Judy !

To those (like me) that have been eargerly awaiting this Collins release you won't be disappointed! Ms: Collins' singing seems like a wonderful red wine that only gets better as time passes by. The sound quality on the CD is so very good perhaps thanks once again to producer Alan Silverman whom Judy has worked with several times in the past. She begins this album "Paradise" with Garland's Over The Rainbow and ends with Gauguin penned by the great songwriter Jimmy Webb. This album is one of Judy's finest in years! The theme here is finding one's place in the world, hence the titled "Paradise" that is taken from some lyrics in the Webb song. Judy shines the brightest on Diamonds and Rust with Baez as they blend their Iconic voices together at times it's hard to distinguish them apart. They're also two more duets with past love Stephen Stills that is a joy! Then there is the final duet with Michael Johnson on the haunting Emilio. This is an album that one can listen to over and over and find such pleasure to contemplate their piece of paradise. This writer's only objection to this album is there is only one photo and the packaging is very poorly done. Yet, I still give it five stars! Thanks once again Judy!!!

As with the previous reviewers, I must say that this CD is absolutely wonderful. First, the title cut (which is hard to outdo Judy Garland's version) is absolutely superb. Ms. Collins does a wonderful job to this song. My favorite songs on this CD are Over the Rainbow, Diamonds and Rust, Ghost Rider's in the Sky, and the Last Thing on My Mind.

Second, I did enjoy the song Emilo, but I was not too impressed with the Duet. Ideally, the beginning vocalist (Michael Johnson) sounded a bit too nasal or flat. However, as the song progressed, the vocals overshadowed the marred beginning.

Trird, Diamonds and Rust with Joan Baez is well worth the price of the CD. I have been waiting for years for my two favorite artists to sing a duet. This song is a 5 star. The voices blended perfectly. What a joy! I can't get past the first two songs to fully enjoy the entire CD!

Fourth, from a historical perspective, I hope the song Kingdom Come resonates in our minds forever and future generations are able to hear the song. TEACHER'S THIS SONG IS A TEACHABLE MOMENT. Buy it and play it in your classrooms on Sept. 11th! I would love to develop a lesson on this song alone.

Lastly, as I listened to the entire album, I found myself coming to the heavenly album in 1966 titled "In My Life". Paradise, Like the In My Life album, has the political tone (Weight of the World), the traditional folk (Dens of Yarrow), and the Soundtrack (Over the Rainbow). In my life is in a class of its own and is hard to beat; but, this CD comes close. Radio stations listen up, play Over the Rainbow! It is a beautiful song to listen to in bumper-to-bumper traffic in Chicago! Buy it and i am confident you won't be disappointed.

"Paradise" is, without a doubt, Judy Collins' best album in a long time (although "Portrait of an American Girl" was very good). And in something unusual for Ms. Collins, this album is a lot of fun.

First and foremost, Ms. Collins, now 71, remains in great voice - her voice has hardly aged at all. I'm sure this is due to her constant voice training, physical fitness regimen, and healthy eating.

The album opens with the classic song from that other Judy, "Over the Rainbow." Similar to her versions of other Broadway and movie classics, Collins includes the introductory lyrics, which were cut from the Wizard of Oz movie. This song was also included in the CD that accompanied the children's' picture book "Over the Rainbow." It's nice to hear those original lyrics.

A duet with Joan Baez follows, with the two of them singing Baez's classic song about her affair with Bob Dylan, "Diamonds and Rust." Judy must be intrigued by Joan's love life, as the only other Baez composition that she has sung is "A Song for David," about Joan's ex-husband. Anyway, Judy and Joan do a great job together, and the arrangement is terrific - and fun. There is an interesting contrast between the two voices - Joan Baez's voice has definitely aged, and is now much older and huskier, while Judy's voice maintains its perfect clarity.

Since I only received the album today, I have not yet had the chance to savoir the next two songs, "Once I Was" and "Weight of the World." These seem like more classic Judy Collins songs about war and great challenges in life. I need to sit down and listen carefully.

In my initial listening, "The Last Thing on My Mind," a duet with Steven Stills, is a bit disappointing. Given that Judy and Steven Stills were lovers so many years ago (the Crosby, Stills and Nash song, "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" is Stills' ode to Ms. Collins), I had high hopes that this rendition would capture the thoughts and perhaps the serendipity of ex-lovers. I did not hear that - Judy's voice overrides Mr. Stills.

"Dens of Yarrow" is a classic in the original Judy Collins folk tradition. This song sounds very similar to the song Judy did on her "Classic Folk" album, "Barbara Allen." Do they come from the same tradition?

Next is Judy's own song about 9-11, "Kingdom Come." This song, previously released as a single, always brings tears to my eyes. "Emilio," a duet with Michael Johnson, is another song that will require more study.

I absolutely love, "Ghost Riders in the Sky." Of course it's been done too many times. But the contrast between Judy's serious voice, and the chorus of "Yippie yi Ohhhhh, Yippie yi yaaaaay," is too much fun - evidently Tom Paxton is part of the "Yippie" chorus.

The final song is a Jimmy Webb song about Gauguin looking for Paradise in the South Pacific. This song ties the album's themes together in classic Judy Collins style.

My review is "Yippie yi Ohhhhh, Yippie yi yaaaaay"

This is a beautiful even if rather old fashioned sounding affair with Judy's clear voice at 70 years of age amazingly coming across still virtually as good as it did back then (recalling 'Both Sides Now' & 'Amazing Grace'). It is a fairly comfortable ride & Judy has not really taken any risks (musically) except has kept the backing dangerously sparse & simple at times which means her "luckily still" beautiful voice is the dominant factor & it works out well. With respect to songs about 911 then she does a great job here on 'Kingdom Come' and takes it from what could have been a corny piece to one of beauty & sincerity and is certainly an album highlight (the only one here written by Judy - also virtually acappella). Other top tracks are 'Diamonds & Rust' a duet with Joan Baez, 'Once I Was' (pretty Tim Buckley song), 'Weight Of The World' (fine anti war lyrics), 'Last Thing On My Mind' (really good to hear Stephen Stills here), 'Dens Of Yarrow' which is an old style traditional folk number of which Judy delivers beautifully, the tender 'Emilio' with Michael Johnson who sings & plays flamenco guitar, 'Ghost Riders In The Sky' which has Jimmy Webb & Tom Paxton among many on the catchy chorus, and finally the delicate 'Gauguin' about the strange story or journey of the painter who inspired the actual album title in his search for paradise. Generally excellently engineered & for Judy's fans (who are still many) plus those who like folk rock pop then they will or should be in raptures with this.

I was a Judy Collins fan back in the late 70's and 80's and had the great pleasure of seeing her live in Lorain at a great outside event that I will never forget. I lose track of her a bit during the 90's and 2000's but I went back and listened to a few of her latest releases. However, this new CD is just great! At 71 years of age, her voice sounds amazing. I would never know how old she was listening to her voice, she hasn't lost much. She would still be a great live show! The song selection and production is just fantastic. Her music still sounds like she did in her 80's period. Many artists who lose something over the years, she just sounds as good today singing the songs in this collection as ever! I especially love the song Diamonds & Rust which I always liked by Joan Baez. But the entire album is great, every song is a gem. The voice soars as high as ever, stirring emotions and feeling in the songs. The duets are also good and a new variety! Judy is still great as ever, A

I am amazed at how strong Judy's voice is! (And Judy is over 70!) What an instrument she commands.

I love Over the Rainbow by both Judy's. (Although Eva Cassidy's always floors me.) Diamonds and Rust with Judy and Joan is tremendous. The other reviewers have said mostly positive things about the choices. I have to say though, do we really need another "Ghost Riders"? Yes I know I'm off to one side on that one. All the other cuts I enjoyed in one way or another.

A great, joyous, addition for Judy's fans and new fans. Thanks Ms. Collins! And I love the Cover! Beautiful..

I have been a fan since the very early 1970's. With each release, Judy never ceases to amaze me with song choice and her heartfelt interpretations. She is 71 years old, still singing, still beautiful after dealing with some tough things that life sometimes hands us. I saw her last year in concert, and her voice gets better and better... she needs no technical help in person, or on her recordings. Truly an exceptional album. See her in person if you can, truly a spiritual experience!
Thank you Judy!

Judy Collins is a national treasure. The duet with Joan Baez on Diamonds and Rust alone makes this CD worth the price of admission.