Search - Carly Simon :: Clouds in My Coffee 1965-1995

Jonathon E. from SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Reviewed on 8/8/2006...

This is a 3 CD set, in a special folder, with a special booklet inserted. Significant weight. If you want it as sold, will require me to specially ship in a padded envelope. So we might have to email prior ordering, and it might be nice to get additional credits, since it's three CDs and if you wanted the folder, would be more expense for me to ship.

0 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.

An excellent and comprehensive Carly collection

Hindburn | Church Stretton, Shropshire, England | 08/03/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Due to Carly Simon having changed record companies several times during her recording career, it was until recently impossible to obtain a comprehensive collection of her work. However, this excellent 3CD compilation puts this right, with considerable effort having gone into obtaining recordings from all her record labels, as well as her contributions to film soundtracks and various other 'one-off' projects. The result is a very interesting collection of the familiar hits and numerous rare tracks which even the devoted fan may never have previously come across. Every track is of excellent quality - no dull live performances or out-takes - and the whole package has been remastered to a high standard. The packaging is interesting too, with essays and many 'family snapshot' photographs, although the book is unfortunately stapled into the album cover and has a tendency to tear loose from it. Although here in Britain she is most remembered for 'You're so vain' and a few other smaller hits, this album demonstrates that when on form Carly has produced some excellent work, with memorable melodies. Although the quality of some of her albums has at times been variable (such that some have very little representation here) she has also written some memorable songs that will stand the test of time - just a couple of examples being the powerful 'Let the river run' and the collaboration with Michael McDonald 'You belong to me', which has been covered by several other artists. She is not afraid to attempt some of the old 'standards' she knew when growing up, and although her performances of such songs have been disliked by some critics I find them to be very appealing - her rendition of 'Danny boy' for example is probably the most moving version I have ever heard. Whilst there are undoubtedly other female singers with purer, sweeter voices, the commitment and feeling in Carly's singing more than makes up for any technical limitations - she has a lot of heart and this makes for enjoyable listening.Carly has never been afraid to wear her heart on her sleeve, and most of the lyrical content of the tracks seems as though it has been lifted straight from her personal diaries. Because she has always written her own songs, they often have an uncompromising honesty and give a refreshingly female perspective on life and love; she is not afraid to address issues of middle age, family life etc, which makes a pleasant change from much pop music. This may well have helped Carly to keep her audience, who have grown up with her since the 1970s and can continue to relate to her work. Despite the lyrical introspection, the songs rarely become overly sentimental, and the basic atmosphere of the album is hopeful and positive - Carly seems to have the ability to bounce back despite disappointment.The three CDs have distinct themes - the first being a continuous collection of hit singles, the second a varied selection of rare or obscure tracks, and the third a selection of ballads of varying emotional intensity. It would be difficult to pick a favourite track because there is probably something for everyone here, but the sardonic 'We're so close' is hard to beat. This is an excellent collection and indispensable for anyone who appreciates Carly Simon's music."

My Christmas Gift From Carly

Bob Waskiewicz | Wintersville, Ohio United States | 01/19/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In Late 1995,I knew this box set was coming out,but its release date was being moved up to a later date every week.Finally it was out the second week of December.What a great Christmas gift from Carly. From the first CD,with all of Carly's greatest hits like,"You Belong to Me," my favorite,to the number 1 hit,"Your so Vain," To Carly's oscar and grammy winning song,"Let the River Run." And one hit that's never been on a Carly Simon Album,"Nobody does it Better," and that's Carly.The second CD is a treasure.Some songs I've never heard before like"Angel from Montgomery," "Raining," What a great Children's song."The Night Before Christmas," this song is played every year at Christmas,and Amy Grant recorded this record on her Christmas Album.If your reading this Carly,Why don't you put out a Christmas Record? It would be the greatest Christmas release from anyone.The last CD is the icing on the the cake."Julie through the Glass," from the "Anticipation"record.What a wonderfull song about a new born baby. My cousin named her daughter after this record,and her son's name is Jessie. "Were so Close." The greatest song every made. I could play this record untill the day I die and never get tired of it. "Someone waits for You." from the movie,"Swing Shift." I always wanted this song,and now I have it. "Davy" man,what a voice.And "Love of my Life," Delilia plays this song every night on her radio program.People are requesting this record to show how much they love there children. I could go on forever.Just buy this box set,even if your not a Carly Simon fan,play it,and she will be in your heart forever."