Retrospective

Indigo Girls

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 3, 2000)
• Original Release Date: October 3, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B00004Z3SS
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #4,202 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential recording

Try to think of an enduring, widely respected, artistically progressive female songwriting duo. Now, try to think of one besides the Indigo Girls. Amy Ray and Emily Saliers have been pounding the folk-rock pavement since the early 1980s, filling the ears of eager listeners with their ethereal harmonies, lush arrangements, and evocative lyrics. Retrospective traces their progression from budding singer-songwriters to stunning musicians, arrangers, activists, and artists. Progressing chronologically, the album allows the listener to appreciate the depth and breadth of the pair's musical growth--from the reedy, passionate plea of "Strange Fire" to the blithe bounce of "Least Complicated" to the dark electricity of "Go." As time passes, more instruments are added, more sensitive political topics are addressed, and more experimental techniques are incorporated. The two new cuts--Ray's uptempo but slightly turbulent "Devotion" and Saliers's heartfelt road ballad "Leaving"--are reminiscent of the Girls' younger days but also reflect their artistic growth through subtle lyrical turns and deft melodic variations. --Sally Weinbach

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great... retrospective, February 4, 2002

By	popjunkie "popjunkie" (Atlanta, GA USA) - See all my reviews

This is a great "retrospective" in the sense that it provides a journey for the listener through the Indigo Girls' recorded history. As a long-time fan (since "Closer to Fine"... yes, I'm old!), this CD was sort-of a let-down because it didn't contain MY favorites... however, that wasn't its intent. It's intent is to cull one or two representative songs from each recording. The two new songs are, in this reviewer's opinion, some of the best music the Indigo Girls have ever done... especially "Leaving," which I cannot listen to without thinking of all my friends and loved ones over the years who have moved on... it always brings tears to my eyes. I think this is a great addition to the Indigo Girls' body of work.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good overview, but not complete, November 25, 2000

By	Amy Krug "amykk25" (Centerville, OH United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Retrospective is a good CD, and a good one to get if you're thinking of getting into the Indigo Girls' music. While the album provides a good sampling of Indigo Girls old and new, it's far from complete. If you want a real 'compilation' of their works, 1200 Curfews is much better (not to mention, they're at their best live). But for a quick and dirty taste of the Girls, Retrospective provides good flavor.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Power of Two., September 17, 2003

By	H3@+h (VT) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

I normally don't listen to this kind of stuff, but I was won over by the sound and talent of these two. Great melodies and meaningful lyrics are just a couple of the things I like. The more popular songs are on here, like "Closer to Fine", "Power of Two", and "Least Complicated", but I really like "Three Hits", and "Galileo" just as much. I wish "Back Together Again" was on here, but otherwise this has everything I know by them. It's hard to compare them to anyone, but "CSN", "Simon and Garfunkel", and "Cowboy Junkies" come to mind, kind of. If you want just one "Indigo Girls" cd, this is the one.