Melanie: At her finest!
Dennis Lee Cleven | Madison, WI | 01/30/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This two-CD set is a true work of art. Many of the tracks are on "Ring the Living Bell: A Collection", but this is well worth having on it's own. Melanie sounds better than ever and the back-up harmonies are beautiful. There are a lot of songs that fans of this fine singer-songwriter will be familiar with, but there are also several new songs that show she has not lost her artistry as a songwriter. The new songs are truly fine works.This is a must-have for any admirer of Melanie. "Silver Anniversary" is a set of all freshly recorded renditions of old and new songs alike. It is not overly produced and one feels that they are in the studio. The sound quality is excellent. There is a very good reason I have played this two CD set over and over again. The old songs sound new. The new songs are gems. I can only say that this is definitely a great work by a truly fine artist. Don't wait--buy it now!!!"
Melanie: Here and Now and Forever Great!!!
Dennis Lee Cleven | Madison, WI | 01/30/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Melanie's Silver Anniversary collection shows her at her finest. This is not a nostalgia album because these are NEW recordings with fantastic harmonies and a live feel. There are the songs we all know of hers, but there are new songs. This is a must have for anyone who likes her great singing style. Her new songs add a fresh quality to this superb collection and they are wonderful new songs. Don't be afraid of the new material. She is still a talent to be held in high regard. What is so superb about Silver Anniversary is that one feels like they are at a live concert. They are not overproduced and there is a sense of joy in these recordings. I find Silver Anniversary to be the best work Melanie has done in a long time. Her voice is better than ever and the harmonies by her daughters and Jess Leary are brilliant. Melanie recorded a great deal in the 70s and into the 90s. Of her recent works, Silver Anniversary is Melanie at her finest. Get this two CD set and you will be hooked. I have played them a great deal. She has changed but the essence of the Melanie we have loved is still there. Again, this is a must-have!"