Music » Contemporary Folk Music

This two-disc retrospective traces the Canadian bard's musical maturity from poet and novelist who sang a little to multidimensional artist whose oracular vocals and increasingly rich arrangements are every bit as compelling as his verse. Even when Cohen came to prominence through the 1960s songcraft of "Suzanne" and "Bird on a Wire," the "folksinger" tag never really fit. Later highlights ranging from the deadpan drollery of "Tower of Song" and "Everybody Knows" to the apocalyptic anthemry of "First We Take Manhattan" and "Democracy" suggest that other labels might be more appropriate: cabaret surrealist, spiritual gadfly, sensual prophet, agent provocateur. Cohen chose the selections, drawing more than half of the 31 tracks from three landmark albums--his 1967 debut Songs of Leonard Cohen, 1988's I'm Your Man, and 1992's The Future--along with four from 2001's Ten New Songs. The collection justifies its title as deep as it goes, though it's a shame that Cohen's commercial profile couldn't justify the more elaborate box set his artistry warrants (one that would at least include lyrics and musician credits). Those who sample the consistently inspired music here might come to the conclusion that everything Cohen records is essential. --Don McLeese

20 of his greatest singles and most popular album tracks released on Apple, Warner Bros. and Columbia/Sony. Slipcase. 2003.

Limited Edition Japanese pressing of this album comes housed in a miniature LP sleeve. Warner. 2007.

Dan Fogelberg, The Very Best of Dan Fogelberg

Since the breathtaking purity of her debut, Living with Ghosts, Patty Griffin has proven she can luxuriate in glamorous pop, rock like a biker, hold her own on stage with the Dixie Chicks, and write hit songs and singer-songwriter classics. What she hadn't done is craft an album as wholly exquisite and emotional as her talent. With the spare, acoustic 1000 Kisses, she has done just that. In the basement of longtime guitarist Doug Lancio's Nashville home, Griffin takes a suite of intensely personal songs (and three covers, including a tingling version of Bruce Springsteen's "Stolen Car") into the close confidence of her airy but twang-shaded voice, and draws accordion, cello, mandolin, brushed drums, and even Emmylou Harris into a candid and rare musical space. After a four-year wait, 1000 Kisses is more than reason to celebrate Griffin's return--it's a guileless, glowing masterpiece. --Roy Kasten

Limited Edition Japanese pressing of this album comes housed in a miniature LP sleeve. Warner. 2007.

Import pressing of their greatest hits collection packaged in a slidepack. Part of the Universal 'Just the Music' Campaign. 2006. * Please note, no liner notes are included.

Japanese version featuring a bonus track: "Miss Misery".

No Description Available
No Track Information Available
Media Type: CD
Artist: DAVID & DAVID
Title: BOOMTOWN
Street Release Date: 01/01/1987
Domestic
Genre: ROCK/POP

Limited Edition Japanese pressing of this album comes housed in a miniature LP sleeve. Warner. 2007.