Natural
Woman:
The Ode Collection 1968-'76 review
If you are looking for one
Carole King recording this is the way to go. This includes the
complete Tapestry album as well as highlights from throughout King's
career. The inclusion of the complete Tapestry album confirms its greatness,
and also assures buyers of this box-set that they aren't being short
changed by missing a few key tracks from that.
Natural Woman: The Ode
Collection 1968 - '76 is mostly organized chronically and it includes some unreleased tracks and
live recordings. The first discs best moments supplement Tapestry with a sampling of songs from
the album that preceded it, Writer, and followed it, Music, both which
have elements of Tapestry. From Writer, "Up On a Rooftop"
features James Taylor, and "Child Of Mine" smartly display Kings
vocals.
The second disc is not to
die for, but it does have lots of excellent material, along with a
few tracks that I can do without. Quite a
bit of her Rhymes and Reasons album is represented. "Goodbye
Don't Mean I'm Gone" offers country elements with pedal steel
guitar and a bright and friendly chorus. "Ties That Bind" is jazzy with a
Steely Dan approach to both the horns and guitar
solo (though tamer).
Wrap Around Joy, has
three tracks featured including her smash hit "Jazzman" that is
known for its upbeat melody and Tom Scott's saxophone solo.
Meanwhile the title track features Jim Horn on
sax. Horn is a superb studio musician, who became known after his
work with Duane
Eddy.
The last song features a live rendition
of "You've Got A Friend" from her live album Live at Carnegie Hall '71.On
it James Taylor joins her where they perform a version so pretty
that you'll be stunned.
Many casual fans of Carole
King's music think that Tapestry is the only album by her
you'll need. This Anthology puts that myth to rest. It is true that
Tapestry is her best work and if you have limited resources, that is
the CD to get. However, there is an abundance of excellent other
Carole King material to enjoy.
by Barry
Small
©
Grade A +
