Greatest Hits

by

Joan Baez

Edit

This selection of prime cuts contains all of Joan Baez's best works, but some of the recordings are live. Warning: these songs are just as good, but you may have a preference of studio over 'live'.

"The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" is a live recording, but misses none of the mood or flair of the single. "Please Come To Boston" is nearly better than the original and Joan captures the tenuous love longings with her voice. "Oh Happy Day" is given the justice and respect it deserves and "Never Dreamed You'd Leave In Summer" is still heartbreaking.

"Diamonds And Rust" is the first cut and with reason. It has to be her best written song/recording to date. Faded memories, lasting longings, the broken heart; ah, Joan Baez is truly gifted.

The remaining songs are her classics from over the years. If you have any misgivings about this album, listen to some of the clips to decide if these versions are the ones you want.

The CD title is a bit misleading because it makes you think that it contains the traditional studio versions of "..OLD DIXIE.." , "PLEASE COME TO BOSTON" and the others but some of these songs are live concert recordings of her greatest hits. I love the song "NIGHT THEY DROVE OLD DIXIE DOWN" but in this version the backup singers aren't present. The song is still all right but the song doesn't have that infectious lofty sound of the studio version when she sings the chorus. The backup singers makes the song fly and soar but without them the song doesn't quite have the same power and overwhelming feel. Its still good but not quite as effective as the studio version.

I like her version of John Lennon's "IMAGINE". Lennon's gentle and delicate version starts quietly with a lone piano and gently builds as it goes along with the addition of a soft drum beat and violins; beautifully endearing in its simplicity. Baez's version somewhat maintains the same characteristics of the song but with the addition of a guitar and horns and she sings it in her folk style.

I wouldn't suggest this CD to someone who wants to introduce themselves to Joan Baez music. There are other 'best of' CD's of Baez that may do a much better job of introducing her music like "HITS:GREATEST & OTHERS" and "MILLENIUM EDITION". The advanced Baez listener might appreciate this CD , particularly the live concert audio thats here , otherwise I suggest sticking to the essential albums/CD's and getting other Baez 'best of' CD's.