What people search:
 | Title : From a Distance: The Very Best of Nanci Griffith
Author : Griffith, Nanci
Release Date : 20020625
Binding : Audio CD
Regular Price : $18.98
Amazon.com Price : $13.49
(29
%)
VISIT AMAZON.COM'S PAGE |
Editorial Reviews :
Well, the title is misleading, as this collection showcases only her MCA era; a more accurate designation would be From a Distance: The Best Stuff Nanci Griffith Did After She Left Philo and Before She Went to Elektra, but maybe that's not catchy enough. What is compelling is the music itself. During the period of 1987 to 1991, Griffith wrote some of her best material. She also discovered Julie Gold's classic title song, but found herself floundering commercially in her transition from folkabilly queen to arch chanteuse. Griffith's Philo records are still the most memorable--loose and full of Texas ranginess and sawdust memories. But this compilation is surprisingly satisfying, as it ends just before she began to take herself too seriously. You can hear a tinkling banjo driving 'Lone Star State of Mind' and a pedal steel guitar as hillbilly as the Grand Ole Opry on 'Ford Econoline.' Her little-girl voice modulates to fetching reediness when necessary and even dips into deep Texas in the spoken intros to several live performances. But what stands out is the overall quality of the writing, which turns stunning on the wistful 'Gulf Coast Highway' and on 'Trouble in the Fields.' If the reason for Griffith's status as a cult artist has eluded you, this anthology should go a long way toward clearing up the mystery.
Buyer Reviews :
I was turned on to Nancy Griffith back in 1988 by a young country western singer attending Manhattan's American Academy of Dramatic Arts and Music. Knowing my interest in music, he convinced me buy 'One Fair Summer Evening,' which immediately became a seminal part of my music collection.
Now, on one CD you get some of the best songs from that album as well as many other favorites - all beautifully remastered. I compare this lady's musical progression (bear with me here) to Woody Allen's growth as a filmmaker. She is never satisfied to stick with what made her popular. She's always expanding her music to reflect her own personal interests and causes. Sometimes that has led to less than perfect albums. But you have to admire someone who wants to grow as a person and as an artist.
I finally had the privilege of seeing her in concert last December here in NYC (rescheduled from 9/14/01, for obvious reasons). And I repaid a longstanding debt to the guy who connected me with her music so many years ago - I took a lady to the concert who had never heard Nanci's music. In one evening she became a devoted fan.
Do yourself a favor and buy this CD. I'd have to highly recommend 'One Fair Summer Evening' also. It includes the song 'Red Brick Floor,' which is just beautiful. My view is that Ms. Grifffith should be a lot more famous than she is. Her voice and talent are huge. But I have the impression that isn't as important to her as making little pieces of art with her Blue Moon Band.
(by Patrick O'Connell)
back
What people search:
|
|
