Sizzling Clarity
Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 09/24/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"First & foremost, this collection is amazing for the exquisite remastering on these tracks. I have five different places in my music collection with The Drifters' recording of "Up on the Roof." The clarity here is amazing with the little tinkles on the triangle so vibrant and clear. The engineering on this disc is SO superior that it almost reinvents these recordings. Bertell Dache's "Not Just Tomorrow But Always" mirrors the melody of "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" with Carole King's original backing vocals published here for the first time. Gene Pitney opens the set with the delightful "Every Breath I Take" complete with Phil Spector's masterful production. The strings virtually sizzle out of the speakers. I have Maxine Brown's recording of Carole's classic "Oh No, Not My Baby" in two other places. This remastered version is amazing with the vocal nuances and lovely string flourishes so bright & cheerful. Bobby Vee's "Go Away Little Girl" recorded in 1962 has such a dramatic tension with a guy torn between biology & morality. The Hollies recorded the title track of this collection that boasts those classic harmonies of the early Hollies' catalog, with this sweltering version sizzling splendidly from the speakers. Jackie DeShannon's version of Carole's "Child of Mine" that was recorded for her Capitol album "Songs" was left in the can, according to the liner notes. DeShannon nails this lovely song that is an incredible version. Nancy Wilson sounds like a Dinah Washington devotee on her wonderful version of Carole's "Writer" era "No Easy Way Down," with the percussion sounding gorgeous on this remastered version. This collection is essential listening for those who appreciate Carole King and Gerry Goffin's songcraft. Enjoy!"