Gord's Gold

Gord's Gold

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Warm, gentle, and welcoming, Gordon Lightfoot's folk-rock disarms even the most cynical listener. When his bright melodies mesh with his full, deep voice and his innocent poetry, the result is almost hypnotic, like floating away on a soft cloud. Of course, after 21 songs' worth, you might float into a deep slumber. In 1975 Lightfoot rounded out this hits collection by revisiting nine of his 1960s compositions, including "I'm Not Sayin'/Ribbon of Darkness," "Song for a Winter's Night," "Early Morning Rain," and "Steel Rail Blues." Rather than maintain the direct approach of his early work, he adds the string arrangements that mark his 1970s work. The smashes "Sundown" and "If You Could Read My Mind" accompany outright gems such as "Cotton Jenny" and "Cold on the Shoulder," although this set predates "Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." --Marc Greilsamer

Tracks:

I'm Not Sayin'/Ribbon Of Darkness
Song For A Winter's Night
Canadian Railroad Trilogy
Softly
For Lovin' Me/ Did She Mention My Name
Steel Rail Blues
Wherefore And Why
Bitter Green
Early Morning Rain
Minstrel Of The Dawn
Sundown
Beautiful
Summer Side Of Life
Rainy Day People
Cotton Jenny
Don Quixote
Circle Of Steel
Old Dan's Records
If You Could Read My Mind
Cold On The Shoulder
Carefree Highway

Amazon.com

Warm, gentle, and welcoming, Gordon Lightfoot's folk-rock disarms even the most cynical listener. When his bright melodies mesh with his full, deep voice and his innocent poetry, the result is almost hypnotic, like floating away on a soft cloud. Of course, after 21 songs' worth, you might float into a deep slumber. In 1975 Lightfoot rounded out this hits collection by revisiting nine of his 1960s compositions, including "I'm Not Sayin'/Ribbon of Darkness," "Song for a Winter's Night," "Early Morning Rain," and "Steel Rail Blues." Rather than maintain the direct approach of his early work, he adds the string arrangements that mark his 1970s work. The smashes "Sundown" and "If You Could Read My Mind" accompany outright gems such as "Cotton Jenny" and "Cold on the Shoulder," although this set predates "Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews:

Please Add "Affair on Eighth Avenue" When Remastering This One.......2007-04-14

Let me say that one of my pet peeves in life is the sheer number of ways our friends at the record companies have found to release slightly different versions of an artist's greatest hits. Besides greatest hits, there are best ofs, anthologies, esstentials, all-time greatest hits, very best ofs, completes, golds, definitives, classics, favorites, proper introductions to, etc. I'm sure anyone who reads this can think of other terms. Having said that, this CD reissue of what was originally a two-LP set of "Gord's Gold" is an excellent starting point for fans of the man. As other reviewers have noted, "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" is not present because it was recorded after this set was released. So if you must have that song or anything else Mr. Lightfoot recorded after about 1974, look elsewhere. The reason this set does not get five stars from me is the glaring omission of "Affair on Eighth Avenue," a great song that was on the original records. Because of space limitations, it was omitted from the CD so that Reprise Records could issue this collection on a single disc. Mr. Lightfoot originally had the song on one of his United Artist albums from the late 1960s. But he re-recorded it for "Gord's Gold," and to the best of my knowledge, the newer version has never appeared on any other CD. I was hoping it would be on the excellent 4-CD box set covering Mr. Lightfoot's entire career that was released by Rhino Records a few years ago. But it wasn't. Nor was it a bonus track when Rhino put out Mr. Lightfoot's four studio albums _ "Old Dan's Records," "Dream Street Rose," "Shadows" and "Salute" _ that hadn't been on CD before. It could have been. What a shame it wasn't. So this is a plea to Rhino/Reprise/Warner Brothers: Please, if you ever get around to digitally remastering "Gord's Gold," restore "Affair on Eighth Avenue" to it. I believe the technology has improved to the point that a single CD can hold up to 80 minutes now, which would easily accomodate the extra track.

A true folk musician!.......2007-01-15

I enjoy driving down the road and singing along with Gordie!

Some thoughts on half of a great album...........2006-08-07

Since 1968, I have followed this masterful singer songwriter.I have thoroughly enjoyed this recording. That being said,it is frustrating that Warner/Reprise has not remastered Gord's Gold, because one can hear how blurred the sound is, especially the UA material. You can HEAR the difference in the sound, if one has the 4 CD Songbook, regarding the remainder. This may sound like heresy, but I suggest skipping Gord's Gold, Vol 2. That is the only disappointing rerecordings of the incomparable originals.

A true work of Art.......2006-07-13

Gordon Lightfoot, a remarkable pioneer of Canadian music and culture, gives us a magnificent "best of" with this beautiful album, "Gord's Gold". Originally released in 1975 for LP, it gave you 22 tracks of beautiful Canadian heritage. Re-released in 1992 for c.d. fans still get 21 tracks(minus "Affair on 8th Avenue" -it states on c.d. back cover) of intelligently wrote and recorded material from one of Canada's best.

Track 1, is a 2 track combo (for it's similar sound), I'm Not Sayin', and "Ribbon of Darkness". These are beautiful, thought provoking songs of friendship and personal findings, not sad tales of despair heartache, and loss.

Tracks 11 - "Sundown", 14 - "Rainy Day People", 19 - "If You Could Read My Mind", and 21 - "Carefree Highway" are songs that people the world over recognize due to their beautiful sounds, and wordplay that radios over the last 35 years have been loving to play due to such a high demand for the love and respect for human life, brought forth by Gordon Lightfoot.

All in all, every track is a gem, and should not be taken lightly. Gordon Lightfoot, stood up for the Native Canadians long before anyone cared to pay attention, hence his " Canadian Railroad Tilogy", and it's strong Native ties for an understanding of what the white man did to Native soil. He mentioned in an interview that our Countries anthem does have the words, " Our home and NATIVE LAND" in it. He demonstrates on this album, the fact that, whether or not you are white, black, native, etc. the universal language, and color, is music.

Where is Affair on 8th Avenue?!?!?.......2006-04-20

Of course this is one of my favorite albums by one of my favorite artists - I wore my mothers record out when I was a kid, so I was thrilled to get it on CD... and then I noticed that one of my all-time favorite songs was not on it! Affair on 8th Avenue was cut from this album for space. Although I think a version of it is available on other CDs, the version on Gord's Gold was by far the best, most beautiful, and most haunting.
So, whomever put this CD out should definately re-release it with that song back on it - I'd not only pay more money for another copy that HAS that song, but I'd buy them for my friends, most of whom are now also huge Lightfoot fans, thanks to my incessant playing of his music.

Average customer rating:

Open Mind
"Write a review..............eh??"
Well worth the listen
Nuggets
More Great Songs From Gordon Lightfoot

Gord's Gold, Vol. 2
Gordon Lightfoot
Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music

General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music

Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Canada | North America | International | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music

Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Country Folk | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Gord's Gold
Gord's Gold
Summertime Dream
Don Quixote
United Artists Collection [2 CD Set]

ASIN: B000002LFJ
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

If It Should Please You
Endless Wire
Hangdog Hotel Room
I'm Not Supposed To Care
High & Dry
The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald
The Pony Man
Race Among The Ruins
Christian Island
All The Lovely Ladies
Alberta Bound
Cherokee Bend
Triangle
Shadows
Make Way (For The Lady)
Ghosts Of Cape Horn
Baby Step Back
It's Worth Believin'

Customer Reviews:

Open Mind.......2007-06-17

I have to give this 5 stars to hopefully raise the overall rating. When I bought this yesterday, I was expecting a train wreck but it's actually very good. Yes, Gord's voice isn't as strong as in the early recordings but it's great to hear a newer-take on the songs...it's almost like listening to a live concert sometimes. I have every Gordon Lightfoot album and I still enjoyed listening to this CD.

"Write a review..............eh??".......2006-11-23

Some thoughts on this album. One previous reviewer stated that Gord's voice is not as good as it was, in the 1970's. When Sundown was recorded in 1973-74, he was 35. I do not know of anybody, whose voice is the same, say at 55. His voice has matured. It is true that his problems with the bottle, did nothing to help his voice,but I enjoy his recordings post-1984. This particular album is noteworthy for the inclusion of "If It Should Please You". The others are more like in concert. These songs are well done, but I still prefer the original recordings.

Well worth the listen.......2006-04-13

Being an avid fan of Lightfoot for 35 years, I would recommend any/all/and this collection to everyone. Lightfoot has a special
magic of making each time you listen to one of his songs, just like the first time. I never tire of his music, and find unique special moments in remakes. His version of "Not Supposed to Care" in this collection is absolutely outstanding. My wife always asks me...."Don't you ever get tired of listening to Gordon Lightfoot music?" The answer is NO. This album is a good example of why I don't.

Nuggets.......2005-11-10

Funny thing about fandom. Even among casual fans, there are all kinds of gradations. I would admit to being only a casual fan of Gordon Lightfoot, but that's not to say that given world enough and time, I wouldn't be more of one. I'm certainly not like the (probably apocryphal) joker who once yelled out at a concert, "Play the Wreck of the Ella Fitzgerald!" Not quite that bad.

In fact, in my teens I had several of Gordo's earliest records (the ones on United Artists) and loved them. But then, in college I started hanging out with some acoustic musicians who were hard core Lightfoot FREAKS. And you know how it is, since you know you're going to get to hear your friends copies, you spend your own hard earned cash on something else. And it was true, to a degree. I certainly got to hear all of Lightfoot's early 70s Reprise albums at friends' places.

But did I really absorb them? I guess not. When I recently picked up on a used copy of GORD'S GOLD II--one with the inserts missing--I realized there were a large number of these "golden oldies" that I didn't know after all (must have come out after we graduated or something). And many seemingly obvious choices for inclusion (title tracks from his many albums, for instance) did not make the cut. And it probably does not speak well for me that it wasn't even clear to me until I started to peruse the reviews included on this Amazon, that these were, for the most part, RE-recordings of tracks from earlier albums. Hmmm, I THOUGHT there was something different.

And being only a casual fan, I scarcely realized the level of controversy I was entering into by purchasing this CD and actually liking it. I vaguely recall reading about Lightfoot's decision to do "live in the studio" re-recordings of these selected "gold standard" tracks. Seems like a valid artistic choice to me, but then, I try never to second guess any artist's decisions. Judging from some of the other reviews, I may be in a distinct minority.

I like the warm live sound of this recording--and I don't miss the audience response particularly either. Lightfoot is one performer I regret never having seen. This record gives me a taste of what I have been missing all these years. Without any distraction. Close your eyes and you almost have your litte personal house concert going on. And I can't say I miss the strings from some of those classic 70s albums exactly. I never objected to them, but the stripped down sound of most of the tracks here is preferable to me.

But of course, many people bought this album thinking they were getting something else, and I suppose they have every right to vent their spleen. Hopefully though, they'll satisfy their craving for collections of the original studio versions from among the several now available. But if they give GOLD II a second, third or umpteenth chance, they may find its laconically seductive charm creeping up on them.

It would be pointless to deny that Gordo's voice was already showing some wear by the mid-80s when this was recorded. But those who describe his singing as "horrible" here are surely exaggerating. A pro like Lightfoot doesn't just lose it totally. There's a frayed quality to some of the vocals, no question, but his expert phrasing more than makes up for that. As a performing artist he's got what TV newscasters everywhere would give their eyeteeth to have: gravitas.

Which is not to say he lacks humor or warmth. It's all there in spades. And his rapport with the band is remarkable. This is one tight ensemble. You don't get that quality with your typical studio production job. Now that it's been in release for close to 20 years--and now that other compilation packages are also available--it's time to drop the controversy re: this record. Just listen to it for what it is. And enjoy.

More Great Songs From Gordon Lightfoot.......2005-09-28

Canadian folk singer Gordon Lightfoot has followed up his first greatest hits collection (Gord's Gold) with "Gords Gold II", another fine anthology of songs. Most people are more familiar with the songs on the first g.h. album, such as "Sundown" and "If You Could Read My Mind", but this disc has several great songs of its own.

The most recognizable track on this disc is the wonderful and haunting "Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald", a sea ballad about the Great Lakes ore boat which sank in November of 1975 on Lake Superior. Lightfoot's voice and his excellent backing band bring the story of the Fitz to life in this great song.

There are other good songs on this disc as well, including "Race Among the Ruins" and "Cherokee Bend". Although the songs on this disc did not attain the prominence of the ones on his first g.h. cd, they are still great to listen to.

I recommend this cd very highly. Gordon Lightfoot still sounds good today, and each of his songs carries a unique message. Listen to this collection of hits and hear some great folk music from one of its best artists.

Average customer rating:

Gord's Gold Minus One is Still a Treasure
Where is "Affair on Eighth Avenue"?
Why Rhino, did you re-release without "Affair on Eighth Ave"?
Perfect.... if only....
Still missing "Affair on 8th Avenue"

Gord's Gold
Gordon Lightfoot
Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music

General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Canada | North America | International | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

Country Folk | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Gord's Gold, Vol. 2
Summertime Dream
If You Could Read My Mind
Sundown
United Artists Collection [2 CD Set]

ASIN: B000AYEIWW
Release Date: 2005-10-04

Tracks:

I'm Not Sayin'/Ribbon of Darkness
Song For A Winter's Night
Canadian Railroad Trilogy
Softly
For Lovin' Me/Did She Mention My Name?
Steel Road Blues
Wherefore and Why
Bitter Green
Early Morning Rain
Minstrel of the Dawn
Sundown
Beautiful
Summer Side of Life
Rainy Day People
Cotton Jenny
Don Quixote
Circle of Steel
Old Dan's Records
If You Could Read My Mind
Cold on the Shoulder
Carefree Highway

Album Description

A national treasure in his native Canada and a timeless star Stateside and worldwide, legendary singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot first rose to fame in the mid-'60s when his compositions became hits for Peter, Paul and Mary ("Early Morning Rain") and Marty Robbins ("Ribbon of Darkness"). Both songs are featured on Rhino's newly reissued CD version of the artist's hits compilation Gord's Gold-a Top 40 Album-originally released in 1975 as a 2-LP set currently out of print. This in-depth overview of troubadour Lightfoot's famed Warner Bros. years provides an insightful portrait of an exemplary talent.

Customer Reviews:

Gord's Gold Minus One is Still a Treasure.......2007-07-08

Other reviewers' complaints about why this Rhino re-issue of the 1975 double LP "Gord's Gold" (total running time 72:03) doesn't contain the song "Affair On 8th Avenue" (total running time 3:25) are right on. Why the Rhino folks, who have done an excellent job in re-issuing long out of print records with interesting, neat and sometimes great bonus tracks, chose not to include "Affair On 8th Avenue" on a single disc that will easily accommodate 79 minutes of music so as to duplicate the original sequence of songs on "Gord's Gold" (including Affair On 8th Avenue"), is truly baffling. Basically, the only way to get that song now is to buy the 2 disc set, "Gordon Lightfoot: The United Artists Collection". Trust me and the other reviewers, "Affair On 8th Avenue" is one of Lightfoot's best songs. That being said, "Gord's Gold" is still an excellent record that documents the early to middle period songs of legendary Canadian folk singer, Gordon Lightfoot.

The richness and depth of emotion in the lyrics of his love songs "Song For A winter's Night", "Beautiful", "Softly", rightly place Lightfoot as one of the greatest singer songwriters of the 1960's and 1970's. I emphasize singer as Lightfoot's voice, with his distinctive Canadian accent, is a musical instrument in and of itself! Instantly recognizable, it's an urbane yet earthy voice that continues to be a pleasure to hear either on radio or on disc or live. This collection of 21 songs is a nice place to begin if you're starting your Lightfoot collection or if you just need a best of. Don't be surprised though if after a few listens to this one, that you'll be tempted to check out the full length albums that these melodious and infectiously hook laden songs were culled from. When Canada was forging its' own unique national identity in the 1960's, Lightfoot often gave voice to Canada's rich heritage of building railroads "Canadian Railroad Trilogy", fishing out east "Bitter Green", and the freedom of the open western road, "Carefree Highway". Lightfoot is also a terrific guitar player and when he arrived at Warner Bros. in 1970, he assembled a top notch cast of session players to add a warm full sound to his occasionally melancholy and hard bitten lyrics. Never pretentious, Lightfoot often sang of his own failed adventures in love with whimsy and genuinely self-deprecating humor ("Early Morning Rain", "Sundown"). So minus one great song, this slightly flawed disc is still a great collection of Gordon Lightfoot's finest songs. Really beauty, eh!

Where is "Affair on Eighth Avenue"?.......2007-04-15

Let me say that one of my pet peeves in life is the sheer number of ways our friends at the record companies have found to release slightly different versions of an artist's greatest hits. Besides greatest hits, there are best ofs, anthologies, essentials, all-time greatest hits, very best ofs, completes, golds, definitives, classics, favorites, proper introductions to, etc. I'm sure anyone who reads this can think of other terms. Having said that, this CD reissue of what was originally a two-LP set of "Gord's Gold" is an excellent starting point for someone who wants to listen to a truly great artist. It should be noted that this CD does not contain "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" because it was recorded after this set was released. So if you must have that song or anything else Mr. Lightfoot recorded after about 1974, look elsewhere. The reason this set does not get five stars from me is the glaring omission of "Affair on Eighth Avenue," a great song that was on the original records. Because of space limitations, it was omitted when the set was first issued on CD so that Reprise Records could put it on a single disc. Mr. Lightfoot originally recorded the song for one of his United Artist albums from the late 1960s. But after switching labels to Reprise, he re-recorded it for "Gord's Gold." To the best of my knowledge, the newer version has never appeared on any other CD. I was hoping it would be on the excellent 4-CD box set covering Mr. Lightfoot's entire career that was released by Rhino Records a few years ago. But it wasn't. Nor was it a bonus track when Rhino put out Mr. Lightfoot's four studio albums _ "Old Dan's Records," "Dream Street Rose," "Shadows" and "Salute" _ that finally made it to CD only a few years ago. It could have been. What a shame it wasn't. So this is a plea to Rhino/Reprise/Warner Brothers: Please, if you ever get around to digitally remastering "Gord's Gold," restore "Affair on Eighth Avenue" to it. I believe the technology has improved to the point that a single CD can hold up to 80 minutes now, which would easily accomodate the extra track. But even without "Affair on Eighth Avenue," this is an excellent CD.

Why Rhino, did you re-release without "Affair on Eighth Ave"?.......2006-12-19

I agree with the two previous reviewers, where is "Affair on Eighth Avenue"? There is no excuse for Rhino (now part of WEA) leaving this out. I e-mailed them but received a standard reply. I will e-mail or write periodically, hoping they do the right thing.

Perfect.... if only...........2006-12-12

I have several versions of "Affair on 8th Avenue" on CD, but NONE of them can match the beauty of the one that was on the original record and cassette release of Gord's Gold. I was very disappointed that they STILL have not released that version on CD, and especially that they re-released this CD without it. This album would be a perfect 5 were it not for that glaring ommission.

Still missing "Affair on 8th Avenue".......2006-05-24

When the single CD for the double album first came out, they eliminated the remake of "Affair on 8th Avenue" even though CDs at that time handled up to 70 minutes and it would have easily fit. This song, as were the other 'older' songs that comprised the 1st album of the set, was remade/reproduced by Gordon Lightfoot just for this compilation. So the continued unnecessary exclusion of this precious version of this song is a waste of all the original effort that went into making it and a loss for all GL fans.
If and when they decide to re-release this CD including "Affair on 8th Avenue" (one of my favorite songs from the set), is when I will buy this CD...if just for this version of that song.