Playful
Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 05/09/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is made up from Joni's mid-50s discs that the liner notes refer to as "transcription discs" which have never before been released commercially. The sound quality is not quite on a par with some of her album releases for MGM. Some of the tracks were obviously live, however, whether in a studio or concert setting is not cited. The crowd on "Am I In Love" clap enthusiastically, sounding like a big crowd. The songwriters are not cited on the insert. "Purple Shades" sounds like a 40s-style rendition with Joni's lovely voice blending seamlessly with the strings. "Almost Always" that charted for Joni in 1953 is a lovely melody with a tango-flavored arrangement. "These Foolish Things" is a lovely melody with Joni's vocals playful and alluring. "That Old Feeling" creates a slow burn with Joni carrying a torch for a lost romance. "Let There Be Love" is a good disc for those seeking a complete canon; however, the technical sound quality is a bit under par. But Joni's always worth listening to with the live versions displaying particular charm. Enjoy!"
This is a best of?
Larry Burton | Nevada | 05/30/2005
(1 out of 5 stars)
"This release takes a very distant second place to the Stardust Records issue "A PORTRAIT OF" which has so much more to offer."