Most Helpful Customer Reviews
|
|
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
An Old Friend Remastered, January 29, 2004
Indulge me for a brief personal story.For some reason my parents, whose taste in music usually ran to Perry Como and Nana Mouskouri, and whose political sensibilities are light-years away from radical, bought a cassette of this album when I was about 8 or 9. I fell in love with "Don't Think Twice, It's Alright" and "With God on Our Side," and was thus introduced to a guy named Bob Dylan, who has been a staple of my musical life for over 30 years now. I eventually swiped--umm...borrowed--the tape when I moved out of my parents' home, and I was amazed at the power of the other songs, too--"Once I Had a Sweetheart," "Portland Town" and "Queen of Hearts" are particular standouts. In a world of heavily over-produced, synthetic music (and this is about as far from Britney as you can get!), it's refreshing to hear a singer who can profoundly move an audience with just a guitar, a voice, and a shy request to remove her shoes. Highly recommended.
|
|
|
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
There was magic in the air, November 28, 2002
At the start of her career Joan Baez's pure, soulful voice was the signature of the early 60's folk movement; it is perhaps best displayed on this album and on Vol. 1 of the same. There is a special magic in her voice, her guitar and the response of the appreciative audience. The Portuguese song on this album, Nu Bello Cardillo, is touching but not as memorable as Ate Amanha on the first volume, while there's a lovely tremulous quality to her voice in the Dylan song With God On Our Side. My favorites on this second volume include the sorrowful tale of The Long Black Veil and the traditionals Hush Little Baby and Battle Hymn Of The Republic - the audience participation on the Hymn is very poignant and moving, and turns into a rousing spiritual experience. I personally prefer the first volume since more of those songs have personal meaning to me, but this folk classic is also an enduring treasure.
|
|
|
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Lovely, May 1, 2001
This is beautiful folk music, just Joan and guitar. If you're completely new to Joan Baez, she's got the most clear, rich soprano--it's so pure. Most of the songs are traditional (you may know Jack-a-Roe & Fennario if you're a Grateful Dead fan--Jerry Garcia has said Joan Baez's first albums influenced his guitar playing--and "Long Black Veil" is probably better known as done by The Band). "Don't Think Twice It's All Right" is one of her best Dylan covers (though his original version is still the most stunning). Sing-a-longs on "We Shall Overcome" and "Battle Hymn of the Republic" give a feeling for the early sixties folk scene. "Queen of Hearts," "Once I Had a Sweetheart" and "Portland Town" (which is a gentle protest song), are three highlights which aren't that easy to find elsewhere. I'd recommend this if looking for a CD of her early folk music, it's a bit more accessible to modern ears than the earlier albums, and the sound is very good. This is a lovely collection of mostly mournful songs--a soothing listen.
|
|
|
Most Recent Customer Reviews
|
Interact With Your Music: Discover, listen to, and buy new music, all from the pages of SPIN's digital edition, free to Amazon customers.
by Joan Baez 
