No Secrets

by

Carly Simon

Edit

Besides boasting one of Carly Simon's sexiest, better-known album covers (probably tying with the negligee-and-boots shot that graced "Playing Possum"), "No Secrets" is a testament to the writing, singing, and innate good taste of one of rock's most talented artists.

Of course, the sell of "You're So Vain" is a no-brainer; Simon's only #1 hit is still the topic of debate regarding its subject (Simon herself has been quoted as saying the Trivial Pursuit question that sites Warren Beatty is inaccurate) and, more importantly, it still has a driving groove and intoxicating strings to make for an irresistable listen. "The Right Thing to Do" was another major single, and one of Simon's most gorgeous ballads ever.

"We Have No Secrets" should have been a more successful single than it was; besides a killer hook and easy-going flow, the trademark-clever lyric, about a young woman finding out that honesty sometimes tells you more than you want to know, ranks with her finest moments as a writer. "Waited So Long" finds Carly blooming amidst a bluesy backdrop and racy lyrics ("Daddy, I'm no virgin...") and the barroom blues of the James Taylor composition "Night Owl" make for a infectiously rocking experience.

Throw in the arty pop of "Embrace Me You Child" and "The Carter Family," the latter of which features a unique lyric dealing with varying degrees of loss, and there's very little to complain about. Carly reportedly resisted working with producer Richard Perry initially, saying that his work with Barbra Streisand and others was "too slick" for her. But apparently Perry was able to add a polish without taking away Simon's shine..."No Secrets" still stands up as one of Carly's most thoroughlly enjoyable records.

Do you ever get the feeling that you are being exploited by the major record companies ? I certainly do, and this is a good example. This album was recorded in 1972, yes, 1972, some 37 years ago. To the best of my knowledge it has never been remastered for CD. If it has been, Warner Music are keeping it a well kept secret, as it is never mentioned in the liner notes and these 3 chilling letters appear: AAD. (It was remastered for DVD-Audio only, and that has since been deleted and required DVD-A player compatibility). 25 years after its original release I purchased a Japanese pressing (AMCY-3017) issued in 1997 which was not remastered. Now, another 12 years later another edition has been released - still not remastered but on SHM-CD. If, and this is a big if, SHM-CD actually makes a difference in the clarity of the sound, why would they not remaster the recording first to obtain the best possible sound ? I will leave the conclusion to you. My advice is to think carefully before spending extra money on a format whose benefit is doubtful given the source material.