If You Could Read My Mind

Gordon Lightfoot

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
• Original Release Date: 1970
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Warner Bros / Wea
• ASIN: B000002KOS
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #8,988 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The First Of A Dozen Fabulous Gordon Lightfoot Albums!, August 20, 2000

By	Barron Laycock "Labradorman" (Temple, New Hampshire United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

I have always been a fan of Canadian Gordon Lightfoot's music. From the first time I heard Peter, Paul and Mary's wonderful covers of Lightfoot songs like "Early Morning Rain" and "For Loving Me", I knew anyone who could write songs like that was a huge talent. So when I got turned onto his own voice and music I was astonished by just how good he was (and still is). This is a perfect album because, like several of his other releases, each of the dozen songs included is something you smile at as it first comes on because it is a special favorite. Indeed, the song cycle here is unforgettable. The first song is "Minstrel Of The Dawn", written by Lightfoot himself and a wonderful example of his singular songwriting style, which often relates a personal story, followed by an incredible cover of Kris Kristoferson's "Me And Bobby McGee". No one other than Janis Joplin ever did a version of this that can compare with Lightfoot's. "Approaching Lavender" is a simply wonderful love song delivered with fervor and passion in Lightfoot's inimitable style.

Later he weighs in with some of the hits from the album, including "Sit Down Young Stranger" and "If You Could Read My Mind", both done in colorful and unique prose styles that leave the listener to interpret what Lightfoot is talking about. And so on with each of the songs here. My personal favorites are those mentioned above as well as "Your Love's Return", an evocative and haunting song inspired by a poem by Stephen Foster, but I really love them all. If one listens to all of the similarly terrific albums Lightfoot put out over a seven or eight-year period one comes up with literally dozens and dozens of wonderful and memorable songs that could fill several double albums. This guy was far more prolific than anyone else producing work in the sixties and seventies. Buy this album, and after listening to it for a week or so you will be back for "Sundown", "Summertime Dream", "Cold On The Shoulder" and "Don Quixote". They are all great. Enjoy this one of a kind artist and his amazingly consistent flood of terrific and appealing mainstream folk albums.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Timeless, June 4, 2002

By A Customer

Released in 1970, Gordon Lightfoot's first album after signing with Reprise remains one of his most enduring. Retitled from Sit Down Young Stranger after "If You Could Read My Mind" became a hit, the album reveals a songwriter of increasing depth and maturity. The title track, which to me remains the most powerful "breakup song" I've ever heard, is a showpiece, of course--but this is an album filled with showpieces. Featuring the beautiful ensemble playing of Red Shea on lead guitar and Rick Haynes on bass, the album also features guest appearances by Ry Cooder and John Sebastian, and some very tasteful, unobtrusive string arrangements (on "Minstrel of the Dawn," for example, the strings are scored by Randy Newman). The album is beautifully produced by Lenny Waronker and Joe Wissert--guitars are crisp and rich, the vocals have presence and depth. You'll find a terrific cover of Kris Kristofferson's "Me and Bobby McGee" on this CD: Lightfoot doesn't do many covers, but, when he does, he sings them like he wrote them. Other highlights include "Minstrel of the Dawn," "Sit Down Young Stranger," "The Pony Man," and...oh heck--the whole album is just one long highlight! Buy it!

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Lightfoot's Breakthrough, April 5, 2002

By	Thomas Magnum (NJ, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)

If You Could Read My Mind was originally released in 1970 under the title of Sit Down Young Stranger. The album generated little action as Canadian Gordon Lightfoot's previous albums had. Then in 1971, the hauntingly beautiful ballad "If You Could Read My Mind" became a top ten hit, the album was re-released with the new title to capitalize on the popularity of the song. This started a good run of chart success for Mr. Lightfoot. The rest of the album is equally as strong as the title track. "Minstrel Of The Dawn" is a great track as is "Cobwebs & Dust".