Writer

Carole King | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 1, 2008)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sbme Special Mkts.
• ASIN: B0012GN0M6
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #379,935 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Spaceship Races

2. No Easy Way Down

3. Child of Mine

4. Goin' Back

5. To Love

6. What Have You Got to Lose

7. Eventually

8. Raspberry Jam

9. Can't You Be Real

10. I Can't Hear You No More

11. Sweet Sweetheart

12. Up on the Roof

Editorial Reviews

Review

...The album is very relaxed, almost mellow in mood...Carole did the arrangements, which are excellent...a listenable, indeed nice, record... --Rolling Stone

Personnel: Carole King (vocals, keyboards); James Taylor (acoustic guitar, background vocals); Danny Kortchmar (guitar, congas); Ralph Schuckett (organ); John Fischbach (Moog synthesizer); Joel O'Brien (vibraphone, drums, percussion); Charles Larkey (bass); Abigale Haness, Delores Hall (background vocals). Recorded at Crystal Sound, Los Angeles, California in March & April 1970. 1970's WRITER: CAROLE KING had the misfortune to come out right before Carole King's gazillion-selling commercial breakthrough TAPESTRY. As a result of this poor timing, the album is largely ignored even by some of King's biggest fans. This is a real shame, because TAPESTRY's roots are clearly audible all over WRITER. About the only difference between the albums is that WRITER lacks a surefire hit along the lines of "I Feel the Earth Move" or "So Far Away." King's first true solo album--1968's NOW THAT EVERYTHING'S BEEN SAID was originally released under the band name "The City"--WRITER still has the electric full-band arrangements of its predecessor, and while the production sounds just a little dated at times, the songs work more often than not. The psychedelic, jazzy "Raspberry Jam" is an unexpected highlight, as is a soulful reworking of the Goffin and King hit "Up on the Roof." This is excellent stuff, well worth checking out for those who already have TAPESTRY and are wondering what to try next. --Muze

What an unforgettable album and what a pleasure to hear in the studio during the mastering of this wonderful compact disc....Let's all celebrate the 40th anniversary of this album and Carole's and James Taylor's Troubador Reunion .....check out Up On The Roof.....wow! --Joe Reagoso-Reissue Producer --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Product Description

As 1970 dawned, this former Brill Building superstar staffer went solo and strategically made the risky leap from songwriter to becoming the consummate performer and unleashed Writer on the world. This incredible masterwork of a dozen songs illustrates how her angelic voice and soothing piano style would soon be the catalyst for what would later become Tapestry and usher in an unprecedented four decade long career which continues to this day to gain new fans and faithful followers.

With great outside support from her soon to be superstar friend, the newly signed Warner Bros. artist James Taylor, and a very hip band consisting of Danny Kortchmar and Co., the Writer sessions began. Produced by John Fischbach, Carole King s debut album was one incredible body of work, which even forty years later continues to influence, inspire and thrill the listener. It shows the depth and brilliance that she would soon unleash on the world as the seventies singer/songwriter era was born.

Up On The Roof is one of the most poignant songs in her catalog and a significant addition to this album in many ways. Recorded by hundreds of artists over the years, this song about urban plight and the need to get away signifies the fears and the times when it was written during the Vietnam conflict, and it is so very timely in message today. The song offers escape, peace and hope, as it has done since being a hit record for The Drifters way back in 1962. James Taylor had another definitive reading with the song in 1979, and he also played and sang on the Writer version, which brings us full circle to 2010.

As the new decade is now here, our first lady of song Carole King and the great James Taylor are touring around the world as the Troubadour Reunion tour, which is a tribute to the first show they did together four decades ago at the famous Los Angeles nightclub. The two legendary future superstars in waiting played songs from their early works together, his Sweet Baby James and of course Carole King s Writer and in no time became two of this generations most relevant singer songwriters.

Friday Music is honored to be a part of the celebration, as we today honor the music and life of Carole King - an important poet and songstress of our times, a musical genius, the one who opened a lot of doors in the music business for many, and the superstar who wrote some of the greatest songs of all time. Remastered from the original Ode Records tapes, we believe you will truly enjoy this great new remaster of this 1970 Carole King debut classic. Complete with original graphics, limited edition digi-pak packaging, rare photos, original art elements, etc...Enjoy! --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The one that set the standard for Tapestry, September 14, 1999

By 

Steve S. "dbronx" (Roswell, GA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Writer (Audio CD)

I couldn't agree more with the previous reviewer. Writer is a terrific album, full of the creativity and lyricism that would come full bloom on Tapestry. I want someone to tell me who has written a more eloquent song about the hopes -- and fears -- of the 60s generation than "Eventually."

By the way, I'm also a James Taylor fan, and I hate his version of "Up On the Roof." I MUCH PREFER Carole's version on this album.

Buy it, you won't regre it!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Carole's most underrated album, August 23, 2003

By 

Chester Hine (Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Writer (Audio CD)

At 16 years old, my musical tastes are finally starting to be refined and I'm breaking away from the wasteland of today's popular music and finding interest in the music of the early founders of rock and roll. My favorite is Carole King. I don't think I have to discuss the brilliance of all the songs on "Tapestry" instead I'll share my thoughts on "Writer." This album is, by far, Ms. King's most underrated album. It includes classic ballads such as "No Easy Way Down", in which Carole finds confidnece in her voice and delivers a song that deals beautifully with the ups and downs of life and relationships. The slower version is much more evocative then Dusty Sprinfield's cover on "Dusty in Memphis." "Child of Mine" is a simple yet beautifully delivered song written for Carole's daughter, Louise. "Goin Back" is another classic which expresses a deep yearning for the simpler things in life. Much like her songs, the simpler things in life are usually the best. The standout on this album is "Up on the Roof" Never has a song captured a longing to get away from it all. Carole's delivery and superb piano playing put you on top of a New York City apt. buidling, gazing at the stars wishing all your cares away. The only drawback on this album is the almost amateurish production of John Fischbach, especially on "Spaceship Races". It sounds as if a cheap punk band were playing it in a high school gym. Now that I'm running out of space, let me close by saying that the mediocre production can't diminish the power in each of Carole's songs and the understated, yet captivating way with which she delivers each song.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars All I'd hoped it would be!, March 15, 2010

By 

bonfamily "bonfamily2" (Parkesburg, PA United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Writer (Digi-Pak) (Audio CD)

I first purchased this album in 1970, at age 13, and loved it. If I'd had the power to review it then, I would have praised the heartfelt performances of Ms. King, but I would have criticized the imperfections in the quality of the record's sound. The vocals were not done justice by my less than perfect record player. They often sounded fuzzy and not loud and robust, like I know our Carole is capable of. Well, in 1991, I purchased the cd. The vocals stood out more and the orchestration was clearer, but alas, some songs were faded too soon, most notably Goin' Back, with that lovely harmonious duet between Carole and James Taylor almost non existent. Well, I am happy to report that I have the new digipak and all vocals and orchestration sound pristine, and all songs appear in their entirety. I am enjoying the recording as much as I did 40 years ago. It is worth replacing if you are questioning the quality of any prior un-remastered cd's or the original lp. A comforting purchase indeed!!!