Search - Maria Mckee :: Ultimate Collection

A great sampler especially for newcomers

Frederick Rudofsky | East Greenbush, NY USA | 08/23/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Maria is one of the great singers of the past 20 years-- seriously. I'd rank her with Emmylou Harris and Toni Price and Chrissie Hynde in a heartbeat. Plus, she's an excellent songwriter and one of the all-time great live performers. How Geffen Records failed to get her the attention and success she deserved is beyond comprehension, as is the label's dumping of her. While she's working on an independent release in Ireland ... , this complilation will perhaps keep her rabid fans at bay (though likely debating track selections) and entice new listeners. It covers her early days with Lone Justice right through her solo work to 1995. It's got a marvelously annotated and photo-filled booklet with choice commentary from MM herself, and the music sounds great. However, 6 of the 17 songs are from the LJ days, which means that her finest album, LIFE IS SWEET, seems underrepresented with a mere 3 cuts. (Also a notable omission is her fabulous cover of Victoria Williams' "Sweet Relief" but hey you can seek out that all-star benefit album, right?) With the possible exception of Steve Earle or Sam Phillips, no one else explores as many styles with such daring and soul as Maria-- just line up the roots-rock of "Ways to Be Wicked" with the sonic maelstrom and vivid lyrics of "Absolutely Barking Stars" or the country ballad "Don't Toss Us Away" (written by her late brother and later covered by Patty Loveless) with the ferocious live cover of VU's "Sweet Jane" to feel the energy and eclectic spirit that dwells within her. A pivotal song from the PULP FICTION soundtrack, "If Love Is a Red Dress" should also get your immediate attention-- it's spine-chilling stuff, especially with the lights low. "Am I the Only One) Who's Ever Felt This Way)?", which was recently covered by McKee fans the Dixie Chicks, closes things out with gusto. This album retrospective will be a revelation to newcomers weened on soporific AOR noodlings. Burn your Paula Cole and Sarah McLachan cd's and pick up on the real deal, the Little Diva known as Maria McKee!"

A Winning Collection of the Little Diva

C. Brown | Atlanta, GA United States | 08/29/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Did you just learn of Maria McKee and Lone Justice? Unsure what CD to buy first? Well, of course, get them all - but this one is sure a great start!The fantastic "If Love is a Red Dress," was a stand-out on the Pulp Fiction soundtrack, and Maria McKee fans will love this song. The acoustic demo of Show Me Heaven is also a must-have for those looking to complete their CD collection.The pacing of the CD is great - mournful to toe-tapping, all in the right order.Add this one to your collection!"

Stunning

C. Brown | 09/07/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A superb collection. I agree with an earlier review that the cd "You Gotta Sin to Get Saved" should have been better represented. My copy of the cd differs on one of the tracks - the song "Only Once" replaced by "Grateful". I would have preferred the former song - oh well."