Search - Jonatha Brooke, Marshall Crenshaw, Chrissie Hynde :: Bleecker Street: Greenwich Village In The 60's

Faithful but refreshing rendering of some genuine classics

Daniel Galeza | Pittsburgh, PA USA | 08/04/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I've never been especially fond of tribute albums, which always seem to be either ill-conceived, misguided, or both. Happy to say, "Bleecker Street" is neither. The selection of songs is in itself a history in microcosm of sixties folk-rock, and the matching of artist to title is almost always on target. Of particular interest are Jonatha Brooke's wistful version of the title tune, John Cale's channelling of Cohen's "So Long Marianne" (with Suzanne Vega the perfect choice for harmony vocal on the chorus), and Ron Sexsmith's plaintive "Reason to Believe". It's also nice to see long-forgotten chestnuts like "Thirsty Boots" and "I Ain't Marchin' Anymore" covered. Well crafted and produced, this CD (along with "Return of the Greivous Angel", the Emmylou Harris-helmed tribute to Gram Parsons) has restored my belief that tributes can actually function well (and artistically) as albums."

Nostalgic tribute of 60's folk

Daniel J. Hamlow | Narita, Japan | 10/05/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Bleecker Street is a more than satisfactory collection of folk songs from the 1960's is a nice relaxing antidote for the weary soul. Looking at the photos of Bleecker Street with its cafes, apartments, and even the arch in the park, I felt myself transported back to all those years ago.All the artists, be they folk, alternative, or other, do admirable covers of the songs. I must admit I even liked the songs I'd never heard of before. Hey, after all, the album's released by Astor Place so there's a high standard by virtue of that fact. Of familiar tunes, I was taken with Jonatha Brooke's cover of Simon and Garfunkel's title track and Marshall Crenshaw's rendition of Dylan's "My Back Pages." Patty Larkin's cover of "Everybody's Talkin'" has a tasteful understatedness, which makes a contrast to Harry Nilsson's version. The oft-covered "Reason To Believe" is a familiar friend here, done gently by Ron Sexsmith. And who can forget the timeliness of "Let's Get Together": "C'mon people now/Smile on your brother/Everybody get together/Try to love another right now." Kudos to Paul Brady there!Of unfamiliar tunes, highlights included Cry Cry Cry's version of "The Last Thing On My Mind," "Pack Up Your Sorrows" by Loudon Wainwright III and Iris Dement, and "The Love's Still Growing" by Suzzy & Maggie Roche. Beth Nielsen Chapman's lovely crystal clear voice enhances her cover of Judy Collins' "Since You Asked."The most upbeat song is Larry Kirwan & Black 47's cover of the angry anti-war anthem "I Ain't Marchin' Anymore." This song was originally done in 1964, and it lists military engagements involving White America fought in, such as the Mexican War, World War II, and Little Big Horn. Given the current state between the U.S. and Iraq, it's still relevant today.The rear of the CD booklet listing the artists and songs also lists the original performers. I'll list the song and original artists:No Regrets, Tom Rush
Pack Up Your Sorrows, Mimi & Rich Farina
The Love's Still Growing, Buzzy Linhart
Reason To Believe, Tim Hardin
Darling Be Home Soon, John Sebastian
Since You've Asked, Judy Collins
Morning Glory, Tim Buckley
Turn Turn Turn, Traditional
Thirsty Boots, Eric Andersen
Last Thing On My Mind, Tom Paxton
My Back Pages, Bob Dylan
Let's Get Together, Dino Valenti
Bleecker Street, Simon & Garfunkel
Everybody's Talkin', Neil, Fred
So Long Marianne, Leonard Cohen
I Ain't Marchin' Anymore, Phil OchsOverall, a superior and introspective cover album, which reinforces the standard of how cover songs collections should be."

Superbly produced CD!

Daniel Galeza | 07/28/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the way CD's should be produced! Others have commented on the great music. I want to emphasize the production values of this CD. This CD is worth getting just for its cover.Before CDs came along, the classic record jacket with its photos and notes provided a way of enriching our experience of the music. This CD reinvents the record jacket in a way that's even better. It doesn't come in the standard jewel case with the usual inadequate space for words and photos, but rather comes in a beautiful modern version of a cardboard record jacket with a booklet of essay and song lyrics. It's even better than the old record jacket -- Bleecker Street creates a new standard for CD packaging and production that enriches the experience of owning this CD. It's beautiful."