Customer Reviews

Ring Them Bells

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is an ideal intro album for those wanting an album that covers the range of Baez's career, but one that also updates the material she had recorded on Vanguard pushing 40 years ago. The duet/coffee house approach with assorted artists works well with the women Baez chose to include on this album; among my favorites are the duets with Tish Hinohosa, the Indigos, and Dar Williams. If you haven't listened to Baez for a number of years, this is the album to reintroduce you to what is still the best voice in the business. The years have been extraordinarily kind to her voice, as evidenced in this album.

I love this album. I've always loved Joan Baez, but thought that sometimes her recordings were a little stiff (I didn't want to hear more than a couple of her songs in a row). But this recording is refreshingly ragged and relaxed. When I first heard her sing "Don't think twice" with the Indigo Girls, I felt like the song was new again, as it always should have been. If you love Joan, if you love folk music, I highly recommend this cd.

I have followed her throughout her career, and there are many Joan Baez songs I 'like'. This was the first CD by Ms. Baez I purchased, though. Ms. Baez' voice has aged very well, at the age she is now she is much more pleasant to listen to.

My very favorite on this CD is the recording of "Don't Think Twice", which she performs with the Indigo Girls, but there is no one who does justice to Dylan music as well as Ms. Baez does. It's become one of my favorite CDs.

Joan Baez and Indigo Girls' rendition of Bob Dylan's "Don't Think Twice" is the most awesome cut I have ever heard of this song. Their guitar work is extraordinary. The Indigo Girls blending with Joan Baez's vocals makes one wish that the Indigo Girls had been on the 60's scene with her. I would purchase this CD even just for this song.

This is one of the best collaborative works I've heard in a long, long time. Joan Baez's voice has softened through the years but her melody, timing, and delivery are spot on. The harmonies on these songs are perfectly carried, bringing together many strong and familiar voices and personalities, great in their own rights. It is difficult to pick one favorite on this CD, as each song is true and honest, and sung with a passion that often escapes a recording. I recomment this CD very highly!

This is my favorite Joan baez CD. On one track she sings with the Indigo Girls. Another great song....."And the Band Played Waltzing Mathilda" is a haunting anti-war ballad. Only song I don't like (and which I have never liked) is "Jesse."

I've enjoyed Baez's music over the years but the main reason this one is my favorite is because her voice seems fuller and richer sounding than in other recordings. The other reason is it's a really nice selection of songs that all compliment each other while adding just the right amount of contrast. It's the kind of music that makes you want to light a fire, turn off the lights and watch the pattern of light from the fire on the ceiling as you relax, feeling all safe & cozy. ;-)

I had the honor of hearing Joan Baez sometime after this CD was done. She IS aging well. Her voice was still exquisite.

"Ring them Bells" is a hard to find portion of Baez' collection, so if you can order it, grab it. The CD is a review of Joan's career with a few friends like Dar Williams and the Indigo Girls to round things out. It's a great intro to Baez or folk as well as a collection rounder.

"You're Aging Well," is probably the loveliest of the songs. There really isn't a song on the CD that isn't exquisite, although I prefer Eric Bogle's original version of "And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda" to Baez' cover.

Just overall, a timeless effort.

Rebecca Kyle, May 2008

This live CD is one of Joan's best. The duets here are a wonderful melding of the old and the new. It includes the best version of DON'T THINK TWICE IT'S ALRIGHT, that I have ever heard. It's sung by Joan and The Indigo Girls. Exelllent!

Joan's duet with Dar Williams, "You're Aging Well", is worth the price of the album