Betty's Diner: The Best of Carrie Newcomer

Betty's Diner: The Best of Carrie Newcomer

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Carrie Newcomer wonderfully combines the earthiness and social conscience of contemporary folk with a strong flair for elegant pop melodies. Though she's a teacher, social activist, and practicing Quaker, this rich 18-song collection (15 songs from her eight previous albums, three new compositions) reveals an ambitious and surprisingly broad thematic range that goes beyond mere didacticism or inspiration. Sure, there's a trace of benevolent righteousness in songs like "When One Door Closes," "Hold On," and "The Gathering of Spirits." Yet compelling tracks like the cynical "I Should've Known Better," the cleverly satirical "Bowling Baby," and the evocative title track reveal a willingness to grapple with messier and more troubling worldly themes as well. --Bob Allen

Betty's Diner: The Best of Carrie Newcomer,Carrie Newcomer,Rounder / Pgd,Contemporary Folk,Folk,Folk & Traditional,Pop,Progressive Folk,Singer/Songwriter

Average customer rating:

Not really the Best of...

Carrie Newcomer - local star, national talent

A new favorite

g8orguy

Great Sampler

Betty's Diner: The Best of Carrie Newcomer
Carrie Newcomer
Manufacturer: Rounder / Umgd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music
Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music
General | Folk | Styles | Music
Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music
Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music
Rounder Records | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Regulars and Refugees

The Gathering of Spirits

The Age of Possibility

My True Name

My Father's Only Son

ASIN: B0000WN0Y6
Release Date: 2004-01-27

Tracks:

Toward The Horizon
Betty's Diner
Bowling Baby
I'll Go Too
Bare To The Bone
When It's Gone It's Gone
Love Is Wide
The Gathering Of Spirits
Hold On
I Should've Known Better
The Moon Over Tucson
When One Door Closes
Threads
The Yes Of Yes
Only One Shoe
Straight To The Point
My Father's Only Son
Three Woman

Amazon.com

Carrie Newcomer wonderfully combines the earthiness and social conscience of contemporary folk with a strong flair for elegant pop melodies. Though she's a teacher, social activist, and practicing Quaker, this rich 18-song collection (15 songs from her eight previous albums, three new compositions) reveals an ambitious and surprisingly broad thematic range that goes beyond mere didacticism or inspiration. Sure, there's a trace of benevolent righteousness in songs like "When One Door Closes," "Hold On," and "The Gathering of Spirits." Yet compelling tracks like the cynical "I Should've Known Better," the cleverly satirical "Bowling Baby," and the evocative title track reveal a willingness to grapple with messier and more troubling worldly themes as well. --Bob Allen

Customer Reviews:

Not really the Best of..........2007-04-03

When it comes to Carrie's music, I'm sort of a newcomer (insert groan here), but I actually bought the album that came AFTER this one first (Regulars and Refugees). In my opinion, THAT CD is her best material, with almost every song being a gem.
THIS CD, however, is not bad at all. There are some great tracks (I'll Go Too, A Gathering of Spirits, The Moon Over Tuscon), and some not-so-great (Bowling Baby). And the title sounds much more alive on this CD than it's remix on 'Regulars'. This is probably a good retrospective of her previous CD's, and if you pay attention to which songs came from each CD, you can trace the maturing of her sound and of her songwriting. It makes me definitely want to go out and purchase 'A Gathering of Spirits'.
The main problem, as is the case with many 'Best of' CD's, is that it is merely a collection of songs that don't really fit well together. Some songs are wonderfully powerful or emotional, but sound very out-of-place sandwiched between other songw that bear no lyrical similarity and little (if any) musical continuity.
If not for her gift of songcraft, this CD would be rated lower. If you're into the economy of 'Best of' CD's, this one should be on you're list. If you want to REALLY experience an artist, expecially one with the depth of Ms. Newcomer, then I'd say start with 'Regulars and Refugees' and work your way back, skipping over this one.

Carrie Newcomer - local star, national talent.......2006-07-28

I've only started listening to Carrie in the last year, but she always impresses me with her ability to put emotion and life into relatable song. I love this CD and can't wait for her to release a new one!

A new favorite.......2004-10-05

I was delighted to stumble upon this greatest hits album, my first introduction to Carrie's work. I especially love the spiritual songs, Gathering of Spirits and When One Door Closes.

g8orguy.......2004-08-29

Carrie's very talented theres no doubt. I love her other stuff. But say what you will, BEST-OF's SUCK. Buy her other CDs!

Great Sampler.......2004-03-14

I have been listening to Carrie's music for more than 10 years now, and have introduced many many people to her music. Instead of picking the album that best fits the person, I will be keeping a couple of "Betty's" on hand. It contains some of the best of her other albums. That said, some real gems are missing--but at 17 tracks, how many more could she have chosen?

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