Memories of Pentangle - mostly great
David N. Krafchick | Seattle | 02/26/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Pentangle has been a special part of my music for many years. In fact SWEET CHILD, a half live/half studio LP has been one of my music LP treasures worn down by many years of listening. Here at Amazon.com, this box set outdoes the other compilations - a few obscure cuts bring it down a notch - egs: "Will the Circle Be Unbroken", an unrecognizable "The First Time I Saw Your Face". Still the production and selections are spectacular mostly - See above - but a double CD with over 140 minutes of Pentangle covering almost all the highs - with a healthy dose from "Sweet Child" (BTW - a CD reissue of this would be a steal at any price) although the intros are cut out. Sounds like I might have some problems - only a fan knows what's missing - but just place yourself in position for the remastered care lavished here. It is masterful - and anyone who knows what the LP sounded like new will be blown back in time and their chairs by this set. I bought a set for my brother who discovered Pentagle before I did. I will buy another to send to a friend soon.Finally what will you hear? Why I want to hear Pentagle on more than one station? Folk, Baroque, Jazz, Blues - where you can hear it all. You are one click away. Don't hesitate here. I guarantee this one."
Start your Pentangle habit here!
brad lonard | Sydney, Australia | 06/05/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This cheap two CD compilation is just about perfect -- a model of how these things should be done. Firstly, the two well-filled discs collect just about every Pentangle classic, with the notable exception of tracks from the 'lost' album Solomon's Seal. (But search out the 'Live At The BBC' CD for some excellent live versions of the best tracks from that.) Secondly, it finds room for some important solo tracks by Bert and/or John that date from the Pentangle years. Good, intelligent liner notes too. As for the quality of the music, well, that's never been in doubt. Jazz-tinged folk and blues from two of the finest guitarist/singer/songwriters England has ever produced; a quality rhythm section; and the glorious tones of singer Jacqui McShee. If I have a couple of quibbles, it's that having the 10-minute Reflection as the opening track of the entire set may be a little offputting to newcomers; and the track labelled 'When I Get Home' is actually 'Sweet Child'. Pentangle have a way of capturing your heart, and this is a damn fine way of letting them do so."
Track Listings (18) - Disc #1