Vol. 1-in Their Own Words

I loved this CD. Bought it in the 90's and someone pilched it from my collection. Was thrilled to find it again. Not only were the song selections wonderful but getting the chance to hear the songwriters talk about the story behind their selections made each work richer and more meaningful. It's a bit like learning art history.I only wish they continued this series. This was the first CD and there is a second, but then it ends - shame.

Wonderful artists, great songs

very good!!!

Delight is the only word I can think of to describe my reaction after stumbling upon this album in a surplus store. These live tracks, recorded at The Bottom Line in New York's Greenwich Village, are all great performances on their own, and most are prefaced with short insights into the songs by the artists who wrote them. Of particular note are Dave Alvin's haunting performance of "Andersonville," Dion's bravado driven "King Of The New York Streets," Jimmy Webb's soulful rendition of "Wichita Lineman," and Fred Koller's hilarious "Let's Talk Dirty In Hawaiian." The last five tracks are of songwriters singing their favorite songs by someone else, highlighted by Luka Bloom's heart-wrenching cover of the LL Cool J's classic "I Need Love" that will forever change your view of the rap genre. The setting is intimate, the artists are brilliant, and the recording an instant classic. Any musician worth his axe would be jealous of the fortunate few who brought this project to fruition. And the people at the ever eclectic Razor & Tie Music should be flogged for not continuing this series past the second volume.....

I love this disc. Except for "I Wanna Be Sedated", which just doesn't work on acoustic, it's great stuff. If you like most of the tunes you see, you won't be disappointed.

On this C.D., Luka Bloom plays an acoustic version of a rap song, "I Need Love", that moved me to tears. If that is not enough, Graham Parker plays a song from the "King of Pop...Bob Marley" that is fabulous! Dion, Ric Ocasek, and Lucinda Williams play incredible acoustic songs. Barrett Strong, Janis Ian, and Fred Koller play acoustic versions of songs they wrote that will move you. It is a shame that there are only two volumes of this incredible series! If I did not already own this C.D., I would be happy to pay a premium to get a copy!