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About as close to perfection as it gets...

philosoph123 | Manhattan | 11/23/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sandy Denny is the most beautiful singer I have ever heard. This is not to say that she has the finest voice (although it is magnificent); rather, she has an emotive quality that can draw in the listener. The only problem that I find with some of her music is that it is over-produced. This is not a problem with this CD. She is also an excellent songwriter, and many of the best songs on this album are examples of her finest work. Of the 10 songs, I would say that 6 or 7 are magnificent, and none are less than decent. Her voice is front-and-center, ranging from the clarion call of "The Quiet Joys of Brotherhood" (by Richard Farina) to the wistful (yet strong) "The Music Weaver". If I could choose only one CD to keep from my collection, this one would be a strong contender. One other indication of the quality of this CD is the number of DIFFERENT songs that people have mentioned in their reviews. It is well worth the extra money to buy it."

One of folk music's greatest voices

D B Campbell | Auckland New Zealand | 08/16/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The tragic death of Sandy Denny, aged just 31, left an unfillable gap in the British folk music scene. She had a voice that could make you feel warm on the coldest day of the year, never finer than on this 1971 recording. Backed by some of Britain's best folk musicians, including members of Fairport Convention, she delivers an exquisite package of haunting melodies. "Listen Listen" is arguably her greatest moment, the richness of her voice complimented by a lush orchestration and soaring chorus harmonies. Nearly as good is "Bushes and Briars", a sparse, low-key arrangement giving full rein to a subtle tune with enigmatic lyrics. "The Quiet Joys of Brotherhood" is revamped from an earlier version with lovely accapella harmony singing. "It'll Take A Long Time" showcases the outstanding musical talent assembled for this recording, especially the violinist Dave Swarbrick. "The Lady" is another rich orchestral journey, Denny just as home playing piano as guitar. I could go on, but I get a bit emotional when I start talking about this record. I saw Sandy twice in concert and, nearly 30 years after her death, I still miss her terribly. Listen and understand why."

The uncrowned queen of classic folk

R. McSpadden | 03/12/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I discovered this artist about 15 years ago by accident, and have never cooled my obsession for her work. I have enjoyed everything she's done in different ways, but in my eyes, this is her crowning acheivement. Songs such as "Bushes & Briars", "It'll take a long time" and "Listen, Listen" speak directly to the soul. Also enjoyable is her collaberation with Alan Toussaint "For nobody to hear".
All in all Sandy Denny is one of the most talented and undeservedly obscure artists of the last hundred years. Buy this now!!"