Sandy Denny & the Strawbs

Sandy Denny & the Strawbs

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Sandy Denny was all of 19 when this one-off was recorded in 1967. Recruited at an open-mike night by Strawbs cofounder Dave Cousins, the bellwether of British folk music was just passing through the group; the following year she skipped over to Fairport Convention, with whom she did her most celebrated work. Sandy Denny and the Strawbs' charms are considerably more modest than those of classic Fairport records such as Unhalfbricking and Liege and Lief. Still, this is an engaging portrait of a preternaturally gifted newcomer who'd soon become a pivotal figure in folk-rock circles. The arrangements straddle the border between the courtly folk of the early '60s and the Beatlesque explorations that closed out the decade. And Denny gleams like a new penny, particularly on the closer, "Stay Awhile with Me." --Steven Stolder

Tracks:

It'll Take A Long Time
Sweet Rosemary
For Nobody To Hear
Tomorrow Is A Long Time
Quiet Joys Of Brotherhood
Listen, Listen
The Lady
Bushes And Briars
It Suits Me Well
The Music Weaver
Here In Silence
Man Of Iron
Sweet Rosemary (Demo)
Ecoute, Ecoute
It'll Take A Long Time (Live)

Album Description

Remastered reissue of her 1972 album. Universal. 2005.

Album Details

Sandy Denny's Second Solo Album from 1972 Has Been Digitally Remastered with Five Bonus Tracks and Sleevenotes.

Customer Reviews:

Not As Good As Fairport Convention.......2007-05-13

I've only recently re-discovered Fairport Convention and Pentangle, both distant, vague memories from my youth. I started collecting re-released albums on CD of both groups, in chronological order. I rank both groups now among my favorites and regret the many years lost that I didn't enjoy them both. But as these two groups seem to me so coincidentally similar, including the similarity that each group's female lead vocalist seems to be the gem of the group, I also notice (Is it only me?) that these women, gifted singers that they are (were), need direction, and left on their own come up short on arrangements. They seem to need the group, and on their own they make poor choices in material. I've come away from this Sandy Denny (formerly of Fairport Convention) album with the telltale bad impression that I can't recall anything she sang -- neither a title or a tune. Did fame go to her head and she thought that she could make it on her own? Did her talent as a singer exceed her judgment of material and arrangements?

Listen, Listen.......2006-03-08

Sandy Denny's second solo album represents her best work. While there were other terrific albums in her brief life, this captures the magic of her songwriting and singing. The remastered CD from Island sounds terrific. Sound quality is exceptional crisp with nice detail and depth. The original artwork has been redesigned for the CD booklet with liner notes by David Suff.

I was one of those people who discover Sandy via Led Zepplin's "Zo-So" (or "Led Zepplin IV")with her work on "The Battle of Evermore". Her rich, powerful voice took possession of the song from Robert Plant immediately and that, by itself, was quite an accomplishment. I finally replaced the old vinyl version of this album with the CD once it was remastered with bonus tracks and am glad that I made the transition.

This edition features five bonus cuts. The first two are from the soundtrack to "Pass of Arms", a demo, "Listen, Listen" with the vocals recorded in French and a live track of a recording of "It'll Take a Long Time" recorded with Fairport Convention. The only thing missing that might have made this set better is a collection of these tracks aside from "It'll Take a Long Time" performed live.

The sad part is that the cult of Sandy remains that--a cult of people who love and are devoted to her music. Sadly, in our homogenized world of radio pap Sandy's music is nowhere to be found. It would enrich radio and there's certainly a place for her work it's just that there are so many people that have never heard of her that her work falls between the cracks. Heck, I've even heard Nick Drake's stuff played as muzak. Never Sandy's music. Maybe that's a good thing though because the music hasn't been cheapened but it would be nice if her resonate voice and songwriting could find a larger audience because she deserved so much more.

The music lasted so much longer than Sandy did.......2005-08-07

I too bought this album in 1972, not knowing anything about Sandy Denny other than a positive review of the album from Rolling Stone. Played the first side regularly for 30 years. It was only when I bought this CD recently and really delved into the entire work (and extra tracks) that I could see how ahead of her time Sandy was. [Somewhere in the second chorus of "Listen Listen" you'll hear what I've always thought was Chrissie Hynde's signature ululation -- nope, she stole it from Sandy.] The writing on the best songs is so spare and engages the listener's intellect (what a concept!), and the musicianship still sounds fresh, a third of a century on. This is a voice, both in her writing and singing, that was only just starting to realize its potential, and anyone who values truly beautiful, conservatively adorned music will be rewarded in exploring Sandy Denny. Would that she were still alive!

Great Album!.......2005-08-01

As a big fan of Fairport Convention and Sandy's own first album, I bought "Sandy" back in 1972. I must admit that it took me quite some time to get used to some of these "new" songs. "For Nobody to Hear" did not sound like anything she'd done before - almost like a "Band" (Cahoots) arrangement. Other tracks like "The Lady" and "The Music Weaver" sounded dark and pretty difficult to get into.

Fortunately there were immediate "hits" like the majestic "It'll Take a Long Time" , Tomorrow is a Long Time" and "Listen, Listen" - great production.

Now I have learned to acppreciate the album as a whole, but still my favourites are the more simple folkish tunes "Sweet Rosemary", "Bushes and Briars" and "It Suits Me Well".

Of the five bonus-tracks the Fairport version of "It'll Take a Long Time" stands out!

Finally, a great version of this one.......2005-07-10

Can't add too much to the other review. The sound quality of this
rerelease is by far the best. Good & interesting selection of bonus
tracks as well, particularly "It'll Take a Long, Long Time" w. Fairport, which I like even more than her solo one on SANDY album. For those who like a more 'folk rock' side of Sandy, this album is definitely one
to pick up-- though her other solos, if more pop, are very interesting
too I think. (Check out the even better rerelease of LIKE AN OLD FASHIONED WALTZ in this regard).

Average customer rating:

One of this artist's best
Sandy's Best
Denny's First Solo Album!

The North Star Grassman and the Ravens
Sandy Denny
Manufacturer: Ume Imports
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

British Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

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Fotheringay
Rising for the Moon
A Boxful of Treasures
Liege & Lief
Unhalfbricking

ASIN: B0007Q6RS6
Release Date: 2005-06-07

Tracks:

Late November
Blackwaterside
The Sea Captain
Down In The Flood
John The Gun
Next Time Around
The Optimist
Let's Jump The Broomstick
Wretched Wilbur
The North Star Grassman And The Ravens
Crazy Lady Blues
Late November (El Pea Version)
Walking The Floor Over You
Losing Game
Next Time Around (No Strings)

Album Description

Digitally remastered reissue of her 1971 album includes the bonus tracks 'Late November', 'Walking The Floor Over You' (Nsg & Tr Sessions), 'Losing Game' (Nsg & Tr Sessions) & 'Next Time Around (alternate take). Universal. 2005.

Album Details

Sandy Denny's Debut Solo Album from 1971 Digitally Remastered with Four Bonus Tracks and Sleevenotes.

Customer Reviews:

One of this artist's best.......2007-02-11

Back when music came on vinyl albums with "sides" that you turned over to play, "Side Two" of this album got a workout on my turntable. It contains some of Sandy Denny's finest songs and finest singing, with two particular standouts, "Next Time Around" and the title song. On both, the qualities that those know and love in Denny come to the fore immediately---an earthy grit to her voice that is lovely rather than coarse, songs that defy any particular time and era to connect with the listener, combined with arrangements that enhance both these other traits. They're beautiful. The rest of the album is only slightly less arresting than those two songs, but "slightly" is the important word here. With the exception of a rather rote version of Bob Dylan's "Down In The Flood," Denny is in top-form throughout, ably assisted by long-time cohorts including Richard Thompson, Gerry Conway and her former husband Trevor Lucas.

Sandy Denny left this world far too soon, but the music she made still stands up today, for all seasons. Get this CD and listen....you won't be disappointed.

Sandy's Best.......2006-07-10

I read a magazine review calling this recording an "uneven masterpiece." It IS a masterpiece, but it is not uneven. Every song on it is strong. Several are now classic. Sandy's voice was in its prime at this time. The newly-remastered CD version is an absolute delight, with an alternate take of "Next Time Around" and a few added tracks. The voice and music of Sandy Denny will live on forever and her first solo album, "The North Star Grassman and the Riverns," is her best.

Denny's First Solo Album!.......2005-08-07

Sandy Denny's first solo album was recorded shortly after she had disbanded her group Fotheringay in late 1970. All Fotheringay members were present at the recordings of Sandy's album, so it's no surprise that quite many songs sound like Fotheringay. The opening song "Late November" was actually intended for a second Fotheringay album, that was never finished. Fotheringay did record the song and that version is included among the bonus-tracks. Though only one song , the great "Blackwaterside", is a traditional folk-song, there is a very folkish feel to many of Sandy's own songs. Especially on "John the Gun" and the title track.

Other songs are quite complicated, both musically and lyrically ( her lyrics at times are pretty cryptic ). "Next Time Around", "The Optimist" and "Wretched Wilbur" may be the easiest songs to get into, but eventually they are bound to grow on you.

Two tracks "Down in the Flood" and "Let's Jump the Broomstick" ( and 2 more among the bonus-tracks ) are rockers a little in the same vein as the "Bunch" project recorded in early 1972 with most of the same people, who are backing Sandy on this album. Among them the outstanding guitarist and song-writer Richard Thompson.

Though the album may sound slightly more dated than her other solo-albums, it's still a great album.

My favourites are "Blackwaterside", "Wretched Wilbur", "Crazy Lady Blues" and both versions of "Late November"

Average customer rating:

Live at the BBC
Sandy Denny
Manufacturer: Umvd Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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In Concert November 1975
Sweet Warrior
Last Flight
Family Tree
Just Roll Tape: April 26th, 1968

ASIN: B000RHR7W0
Release Date: 2007-09-17

Tracks:

Late November (Bbc Session Bob Harris 24/8/71)
The Optimist (Bbc Session Bob Harris 24/8/71)
Crazy Lady Blues (Bbc Session Bob Harris 24/8/71)
The Lowlands Of (Bbc Session Bob Harris 24/8/71)
It Suits Me Well (Bbc Session - Bob Harris 25/10/72)
The Music Weaver (Bbc Session - Bob Harris 25/10/72)
Bushes And Briars (Bbc Session - Bob Harris 25/10/72)
It'll Take A Long Time (Bbc Session - Bob Harris 25/10/72)
Solo (Bbc Session John Peel 11/9/73)
Like An Old Fashioned Waltz (Bbc Session John Peel 11/9/73)
Who Knows Where The Time Goes? (Bbc Session John Peel 11/9/73)
Until The Real Thing Comes Along (Bbc Session Bob Harris 14/11/73)
Whispering Grass (Bbc Session Bob Harris 14/11/73)
Dark The Night (Bbc Session Bob Harris 14/11/73)
Solo (Bbc Session Bob Harris 14/11/73)
The North Star Grassman And The Ravens (Bbc In Concert Paris Theatre 16/3/72)
Sweet Rosemary (Bbc In Concert Paris Theatre 16/3/72)
The Lady (Bbc In Concert Paris Theatre 16/3/72)
Next Time Around (Bbc In Concert Paris Theatre 16/3/72)
Blackwaterside (Bbc In Concert Paris Theatre 16/3/72)
John The Gun (Bbc In Concert Paris Theatre 16/3/72)
The North Star Grassman And The Ravens (Bbc One In Ten 15/09/71)
Crazy Lady Blues (Bbc One In Ten 15/09/71)
Late November (Bbc One In Ten 15/09/71)

Average customer rating:

Sombody FINALLY got it right
that is you to they...that is where they think you are
bluespro
Incomparable voice of the 20th Century
An Unknown Superstar

A Boxful of Treasures
Sandy Denny
Manufacturer: Fledg'ling UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

British Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Live Albums | Folk | Styles | Music

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Fotheringay
Unhalfbricking
No More Sad Refrains: The Anthology
Liege & Lief
RT: The Life and Music of Richard Thompson

ASIN: B0004O5STA
Release Date: 2004-10-18

Tracks:

3.10 to Yuma
She Moves Through the Fair
Boxful of Treasure
They Don't Seem to Know You
Go Your Way My Love
Geordie
Been on the Road So Long
You Never Wanted Me
This Train
Sail Away to the Sea
Tell Me What You See in Me
Who Knows Where the Time Goes?
Autopsy
Now and Then
I Don't Know Where I Stand
Bird on a Wire
Fotheringay
Nottamun Town
Meet on the Ledge

Tracks:

Si Tu Dois Partir
Cajun Woman
Ballad of Easy Rider
Sailor's Life
Reynardine
Farewell Farewell
Tam Lin
Sir Patrick Spens
Pond and the Stream
Sea
Banks of the Nile
Silver Threads and Golden Needles
Lowlands of Holland
Nothing More
Gypsy Davey
Late November

Tracks:

North Star Grassman and the Ravens
Next Time Around
Blackwaterside
Sea Captain
Thro' My Eyes
Learning the Game
Here in Silence
Bruton Town
Sweet Rosemary
After Halloween
Lady
Music Weaver
Ecoute Ecoute
Quiet Joys of Brotherhood
It'll Take a Long Time
No End
Bushes and Briars
Walking the Floor Over You

Tracks:

Whispering Grass
Solo
At the End of the Day
Like an Old Fashioned Waltz
Until the Real Thing Comes Along
John the Gun
She Moves Through the Fair
One More Chance
King and Queen of England
Rising for the Moon
White Dress
I'm a Dreamer
By the Time It Gets Dark
No More Sad Refrains
Losing Game
Easy to Slip
Full Moon
Moments

Tracks:

One Way Donkey Ride
I'm a Dreamer
Take Me Away
Rising for the Moon
Still Waters Run Deep
All Our Days
No More Sad Refrains
By the Time It Gets Dark
Music Weaver
What Is True?
Stranger to Himself
Take Away the Load
By the Time It Gets Dark
Full Moon
Knockin' on Heaven's Door
It'll Take a Long Time
Who Knows Where the Time Goes?

Album Description

The most comprehensive portrait of one of England's finest singer/songwriters. A deluxe five CD long format box-set. Includes such previously unreleased gems as 'Silver Threads & Golden Needles' (outtake from 'Fotheringay'), 'Losing Game' ((Duet with Jess Roden), 'She Moves Through The Fair' (live duet with Dave Swarbick), plus many alternate takes & demo versions, with & without Fotheringay, Fairport Convention, & more. 56-color booklet with a forward by Richard Thompson plus pieces & remembrances from Jim Irvin (MOJO), Joe Boyd, John Renbourn, Linda Thompson, Pete Townshend, & more. Fledg'ling. 2004.

Album Details

Sandy Denny is One of the Most Beloved of British Singer/Songwriters. This Deluxe, Comprehensive 5cd Set Comes Packaged in Long Box and Traces Denny's Complete Recording Career. The First Four Discs Include Many Rare and Previously Unreleased Songs While the Fifth Has Rare Demo Recordings and Live Tracks. The Accompanying Book Includes a Foreward by Former Bandmate Richard Thompson and Reminscences from Contemporaries Like Pete Townshend, Joe Boyd, John Renbourn, Linda Thompson and More.

Customer Reviews:

Sombody FINALLY got it right.......2007-01-28

This is the Sandy Denny retrospective that her fans have been waiting for! Everything about this set screams quality, from the packaging to the book to the songs themselves. Get rid of your Hannibal box set & replace it with this. You will not be sorry!!!! Although it is a bit pricy, it's worth every penny.

that is you to they...that is where they think you are.......2006-02-16

A simply glorious set covering maybe the greatest, most emotionally-resonant vocalist anyone will ever hear. There's really not much to say that hasn't already been said, but that won't stop me from saying that in addition to the identifiable-by-one-syllable voice she possessed perhaps the rarest of gifts: the ability to transmit the purest emotional impact through the most obtuse & indecipherable words.

In this she is only rivalled by Bob Dylan and possibly Neil Young... songs like "The Sea," "The North Star Grassman and the Ravens," and "Nothing More" will just wrench your still-beating heart from your chest and open up previously-floodgated torrents of deep, melancholic feelings from within you. That is to say, I guarantee this woman will make you weep like a child, often through lyrics where you won't have the foggiest conscious inkling of just what or who it is she is singing about. It's as if she is able to transmit the innermost meanings of her songs, as only she understands them, through the barriers in your mind and send them right to your heart, bypassing the unconscious filters we have and cutting straight to the core. Which is to say nothing of her incredible, one-of-a-kind vocal instrument, itself a rival to singers like Billie Holliday, Maria Callas, and others outside the periphery of what you'd call "pop".

Someone on here said she is maybe the best singer of the 20th century and that about says it. Don't just buy this set, buy everything she did and let it change your life as it did mine and countless others... let this woman wash over you and become, inevitably, the music you hold closest to you in your private moments and that which sustains you for the rest of your life, even though (so sadly) she herself only lived to be barely 30 years old.

There are precious few artists about whom you find yourself thanking Providence that you got to be alive at the same time as they were and to experience the indescribable totality of what it means to be alive through their eyes. This is one of those people, period.

bluespro.......2006-01-24

I use to put Sandy Denny right up there with Joni Mitchell. Not any more. After listening to this box set I came to the conclussion that Sandy was the best female vocalist of this era. Its too bad she was not known very well in the U.S. What Richard Thompson had written about Sandy (see 52 page booklet) say's it all. I highly recommend this CD collection.

Incomparable voice of the 20th Century.......2005-11-23

Even those who are not Sandy Denny completists should consider springing for this set. Her vocals are among the sweetest ever recorded, whatever the setting. And the settings with Fairport Convention are very good indeed. The biography included in the set was well done, even if it unfortunately confirmed my worst fears about her life and depressing death. Only complaint: Like the previous set Who Knows Where The Time Goes, this one leaves off Matty Groves, one of Fairport's great folk ballads.

An Unknown Superstar.......2005-07-02

You've probably never heard of her.

But, ironically enough, you've almost certainly heard her.

And you've probably heard at least one of the songs she wrote, again without knowing it. Both Joni Mitchell and Sandy Denny share the somewhat dubious distinction of writing songs ("Clouds" and "Who Knows Where The Time Goes", respectively) Judy Collins made into hits. (But Sandy's several recordings of her own work make Collins' cover version sound almost sterile in comparison.)

And just where exactly did you actually hear her? Three female guest vocal appearances on albums by some of rock's greatest bands of the early 1970's come to mind: Mary Clayton's incredible shriek on the Stones' "Gimmie Shelter"; Clare Tory's unbelievable wordless solo on Pink Floyd's "Dark Side Of The Moon"; and Sandy Denny's jaw-dropping duet with Robert Plant on Led Zep's "The Battle Of Evermore".

Yeah, she's that singer.

As far as I know, Mary and Clare were never heard of again. For most people, at least here in the States, Sandy might just as well have dropped totally out of sight too, except for a handful of devoted followers, though in Britain she was a queen. Her untimely and tragic death, coming at a lull in her career, prevented her from ever reaching the level of recognition here she deserved. I can remember still how downhearted I was when I heard a radio DJ say: "And the last selection was by Sandy Denny ... or should I say, the late Sandy Denny?" Only John Lennon's death saddened me more. Had she not died, I'm sure Sandy would have rebounded from that lull and her personal problems and become the superstar she ought to have been.

But beware--listen to this collection only when you really want to feel something, something strong. Sandy's voice was like a strong drink, perhaps the most emotionally evocative voice of her generation, and her songs were given to strong emotions, introspection, and melancholia. Along with her remarkable emotional range, her dynamic range was simply astonishing, ranging from a breathy, delicate whisper to a full-throated roar (all the more impressive coming from such a diminutive woman) in a single breath, with perfect control. Her live work, especially where she's accompanied only by a simple piano or guitar, displays her true vocal power, clearly demonstrating she often didn't need a band behind her at all--one of the contradictions of her life and career was her lack of self-confidence often required a supporting cast and often led to producers over-adorning her songs needlessly.

This is by no means a perfect anthology but it is certainly a great start. Hoepfully someday the legendary BBC Sessions, which were withdrawn immediately after they were released, will be officially re-released; those recordings and the live "Gold Dust" concert would round out this collection nicely.

Average customer rating:

Great music, poorly compiled
Young Sandy Denny stops to make music with David Cousins
Listening obsessively
Spirit-lifting early work !

Sandy Denny & the Strawbs
Sandy Denny
Manufacturer: Hannibal
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Fotheringay
From the Witchwood
What We Did on Our Holidays
Liege & Lief
Rising for the Moon

ASIN: B00000061W
Release Date: 1991-07-01

Tracks:

Nothing Else Will Do
Who Know Where The Time Goes
How Everyone But Sam Was A Hypocrite
Sail Away To The Sea
And You Need Me
Poor Jimmy Wilson
All I Need Is You
Tell Me What You See In Me
I've Been My Own Worst Friend
On My Way
Two Weeks Last Summer
Always On My Mind
Stay Awhile With Me

Amazon.com

Sandy Denny was all of 19 when this one-off was recorded in 1967. Recruited at an open-mike night by Strawbs cofounder Dave Cousins, the bellwether of British folk music was just passing through the group; the following year she skipped over to Fairport Convention, with whom she did her most celebrated work. Sandy Denny and the Strawbs' charms are considerably more modest than those of classic Fairport records such as Unhalfbricking and Liege and Lief. Still, this is an engaging portrait of a preternaturally gifted newcomer who'd soon become a pivotal figure in folk-rock circles. The arrangements straddle the border between the courtly folk of the early '60s and the Beatlesque explorations that closed out the decade. And Denny gleams like a new penny, particularly on the closer, "Stay Awhile with Me." --Steven Stolder

Customer Reviews:

Great music, poorly compiled.......2004-12-23

I've been in love with "All Our Own Work" ever since finding a copy of the LP on a budget Canadian label in the late 70s. I've never got deeply into British folk as a whole (my loss, I know), but I dearly love so many of the songs that are a part of this CD.

As others note, the freshness and innocence of a 19-year-old Sandy Denny is a wonder to hear, and the harmonies with her fellow Strawbs mesh perfectly. This combination really represents the best of both worlds -- nicely played acoustic folk coexisting with pop melodies and harmonies.

So what's wrong with this compilation?

1) Alternate mixes, particularly on the great "Tell Me What You See in Me." It's probably the same performance as the album, but they've mixed a sitar back in that wasn't present on the original version. I'm sure the thought was to give it an exotic flair, but this song doesn't need it. It was fine in its original form.

2) More than anything else, the sequencing. There was obviously no thought whatsoever put into track order here. The CD kicks off with one of the lightest-weight tracks here. "Who Knows..." is great, of course, but then you have to wait till Track 5 before you get to another really good song, and Track 7 until you get to a truly great one, "All I Need Is You." As for the original "All Our Own Work" opener, "On My Way," it shows up as Track 10! It should have kicked off the CD as well, obviously.

When I played this CD for a friend, after promising it was great stuff, I was embarrassed by how long it took to get to its really strong tracks ("Who Knows Where the Time Goes" excepted). What were they thinking?

So the best thing you can do, short of locating an original "All Our Own Work" LP, is to program your CD player along the lines of the original LP, or extract the tracks into a playlist on your computer and rearrange them. That's what I've done.

Bottom line: these performances eminently deserve to be heard. I just wish someone had taken more care to present them as they should have been.

Young Sandy Denny stops to make music with David Cousins.......2003-02-12

There are those who only know Sandy Denny from her singing of "The Battle of Everymore" with Robert Plant on Led Zeppelin's "Runes" album (a.k.a. "Led Zeppelin IV"). That is there loss, because Denny was the preeminent voice in English folk music for her generation. Denny was a teenager when she recorded this album with the Strawbs before she went on to her first notable success with Fairport Convention. The Strawbs have long been one of my favorite groups and when I was in England for a week I dug up all of their CDs I could get my hands on. The Strawbs would become one of the best B-level progressive rock bands in England, but not surprisingly on "Sandy Denny & The Strawbs" they are a folk-pop group with the emphasis on acoustic guitars. Except for the fact that David Cousins is writing the songs you would come to the conclusion that they were just backing up Sandy Denny on this album while she sings "Nothing Else Will Do," "Who Knows Where the Time Goes" (which was recorded by Judy Collins and also by Denny again with Fairport Convention) and "Tell Me What You See In Me." Both Sandy Denny and the Strawbs went on to bigger and better things on the British music scene, but their paths crossed and this album preserves their unique collaboration. If you are fans of either Sandy Denny or the Strawbs then you will stumble across this album, at which point you should proceed to cross over and listen to what the other one came up with after they parted ways. Unfortunately, Sandy Denny died way too young at the age of 31 from injuries the singer received while falling down a flight of stairs. This album is just one of many reminders of what a great singing talent was lost.

Listening obsessively.......2000-11-03

I realize that this release is probably not considered by most to be Sandy Denny's finest work (or Dave Cousins' either), but I love it and have been playing it non-stop for the past several weeks. It has a gentle, mid-60s flavor to it (not surprising since it was recorded in '67), but is never overly coy or whimsical. There are touches of Beatles-style psychedelia at moments and the mostly chanted "Tell Me What You See In Me" is a lovely bit of exotica, but mostly this is music that wears its English folkiness with a wry sense of pride.

Credit goes to the entire band, although Sandy Denny does shine as the lead vocalist on most of the tracks. This release contains the what is doubtless the first recorded version of her signature song, "Who Knows Where the Time Goes?" and Denny's unadorned approach to the song is something of a revelation. Judy Collins (God bless 'er) did an absolutely gorgeous version in '69 and brought Sandy to the attention of many American listeners. Her version had a bit more flair, but ultimately Sandy Denny's is more intimate.

Dave Cousins' contributions cannot be overlooked. His wry lyrics and delivery are always engaging. When he gives one his songs to Sandy Denny to sing, which is more often the case, he and the rest of the band provide wonderful back-up and multi-part harmonies. I love just about every track on this album and hope you will too.

Spirit-lifting early work !.......1999-02-26

Because of the fact that I only had Denny/Strawbs recordings on a tape, I was very eager to buy this album when it appeared in the stores. At home, there was some disillusion, though. The tape I had contained the songs of the original album "All our own work", while this cd differed from the original album in several ways (hence the title change, I suppose).

What had changed ? Some songs that were featured on the original had gone, to be replaced by other songs (like "Poor Jimmy Wilson"). The worst blow to me, though, was the addition of strings to some Denny songs - and I can't tell you how much I dislike the use of strings in her work ! Instead of leaving the gentle, simple version of her best song "Who knows where the time goes" unspoiled, somebody must have felt it was necessary (for commercial reasons) to make it sound like her later solo work. Fortunately, I've been able to find the "All our own work" lp afterwards.

After having grumbled about these changes, I started to enjoy the album anew, because there sure is some uplifting stuff here. In fact, all songs sound really fresh and there are no bad ones to be found.

This album, like many firsts, shows a lot of freshness and enthusiasm and it pays off well. If you start singing along, don't be surprised.

Tracks:

Solo
Like an Old Fashioned Waltz
Whispering Grass
Friends
Carnival
Dark the Night
At the End of the Day
Until the Real Thing Comes Along
No End
At the End of the Day [Alternate Take Without Strings][*]
King & Queen of England [*][Demo Version]
Like an Old Fashioned Waltz [Live][#][*] - Sandy Denny, Fairport Convention
No End [Solo Piano Version][*]

Album Description

Digitally remastered reissue of her 1973 album includes the bonus tracks 'At The End Of The Day', 'King & Queen Of England' (demo version), 'Like an Old Fashioned Waltz' (live with Fairport Convention) & 'No End' (solo piano version). Universal. 2005.

Album Details

Sandy Denny's Third Solo Album from 1974 Has Been Digitally Remastered with Four Bonus Tracks and Sleevenotes.

Customer Reviews:

Could have been perfect .......2006-09-20

Sandy Denny never made the perfect album, but then again very few artists have. This set comes the closest to a classic Sandy album. My advice would be to put this on your PC or I-Pod and move the two cover versions, both superb by the way, to the end of the CD. What is revealed is a perfect, albeit a rather short cycle of Denny penned masterpieces. The vocals are, as always, deeply moving, the songwriting is top notch and the lovely arrangments and musicianship make for Sandy Denny performing at the peak of her powers.

Classic, Beautiful and Timeless .......2006-03-11

I bought and loved Bonnie Raitt's initial release in 1970, with a cover of Sippie Wallace's "Women Be Wise," and Bonnie's gorgeous, definitive version (IMHO) of "Since I Fell For You," to name a few classic tracks. Bonnie remains every bit as good today as she was then.

Three years later, Sandy Denny released this recording, and I fell in love with it immediately (and love it every bit as much today.) These songs (as well as all of her vocals), remain as mentioned above - classic, beautiful and timeless (this one in particular being 33 years ago!) There are different styles on this record to be sure, but Sandy had the rare gift of taking you on the same journeys she was on within her songs - just try imagining you're not in a jazz club, holding the one you love close when you hear or dance to "Whispering Grass" and "Until The Real Thing Comes Along," with Sandy's being THE definitive version (once again, IMHO), of this very fine, often-recorded gem.

"Solo," "No End," "Dark The Night," and "At The End Of The Day" are only a few very moving, classic songs from this outstanding album from one who left us much too soon. "Like An Old-Fashioned Waltz" remains a beautiful legacy of Sandy Denny, replete with ballads and stories that sound as great today as they did over 30 years ago, and that you will treasure over and over again.

Her Most Enduring!.......2005-08-06

This was Sandy Denny's third solo-album. On her second album, the much acclaimed "Sandy", she had begun a slow departure from her folk-music roots. On this album you probably would not have thought of there being any folk-roots at all, if it had not been for her backing band consisting of people with strong roots in Britsih folk-rock - people like Richard Thompson, Dave Pegg, Dave Mattacks, Jerry Donahue, Gerry Conway, Pat Donaldson and several more.

Sandy and her husband/producer Trevor Lucas were seeking a broader approach with a wider range of styles, using heavier production; often with use of strings; which some people thought a progress, and other people hated.

The opener, the gorgeous "Solo" is one of Sandy's very best songs ( I would buy the album for that song alone ). The nostalgic title-track is almost as strong, in spite of a quite unrestrained use of strings. The bonus-track version proves the use strings quite unnecessary.

Her covers of two old romantic jazz-ballads, "Whispering Grass" and "Until the Real Things Comes Along" are actually quite good, though some people find them out of place on a Sandy Denny album.

"Friends" is another highlight on the album - a classic Sandy Denny song; according to the liner notes on the "No More Sad Refrains" anthology, the lyrics were written about Pete Townshend; not a very flattering picture drawn of him there.

"Carnival" is a tune in the same vein as "Friends" - though darker and not quite as melodic.

"Dark the Night" is a light tune, but with dark lyrics. "I'm not good at singing happy songs", I believe Sandy stated at a certain point.

"At the End of the Day" has such a beautiful melody line, and possibly her ultimate love song. The bonus-track version with no strings is my favourite.

The closing track "No End" with its strange, but thought-provoking lyrics, gives the album the perfect end.

"King and Queen of England" is an outtake from the sessions, but was probably thought not strong enough when the final track-listing was to be made. I think I'll agree to that, though some might have preferred it to one of her jazz-covers.

In spite of some flaws ( too much strings ) the album as a whole is her most consistent and enduring, with Denny on top in her song-writing.

Sandy's most beautiful work.......2005-06-08

A wonderful, romantic, joyous, sad album that Sandy made at the point where her songwriting was at its strongest. But why is Amazon advertising all her reissues as featuring EXPLICIT LYRICS? None of Sandy's albums features so much as one swear-word? Amazon - why are you deliberately dissuading people from discovering Sandy by this dishonest and blatant misrepresentation of her music. She's no Lil' Kim. What are you doing, and why?

Average customer rating:

Good to have it back in print
Contains Some of Denny's Greatest Songs!

Rendezvous
Sandy Denny
Manufacturer: Ume Imports
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

British Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Fotheringay
Rising for the Moon
Live Convention
A Boxful of Treasures
Liege & Lief

ASIN: B0007Q6S2G
Release Date: 2005-06-07

Tracks:

I Wish I Was a Fool for You
Gold Dust
Candle in the Wind
Take Me Away
One Way Donkey Ride
I'm a Dreamer
All Our Days
Silver Threads and Golden Needles
No More Sad Refrains
Still Waters Run Deep [*]
Full Moon [*]
I'm a Dreamer [*][Demo Version]
Easy to Slip [*]
Moments [*]

Album Description

Digitally remastered reissue of her 1977 album includes the bonus tracks 'Still Waters Run Deep', 'Full Moon', 'I'm A Dreamer' (demo), 'Easy To Slip Away' & 'Moments'. Universal. 2005.

Album Details

Sandy Denny's Fourth and Final Solo Album Has Been Digitally Remastered with Five Bonus Tracks and Sleevenotes.

Customer Reviews:

Good to have it back in print.......2005-08-08

This album has divided Sandy fans over the years. Many find the
strings are overrought. I get that, but agree that some of her finest songs
are here, and over time I've even come to appreciate the arrangement 'experimentation.' Nice inclusion of extra tracks. Only downside to me is perhaps too much sensitivity to the strings, & remastering has at times mixed them almost too far back- a few tracks get 'flattened' just a bit.
But still beautiful stuff: I think if you let it the album will grow on you, even if somewhat fr removed from her Fairport/Fotheringay albums.

Contains Some of Denny's Greatest Songs!.......2005-07-31

"Rendezvous" was Sandy Denny's last studio-album. Though it's generally agreed that all Denny's records are of the highest quality this album is often referred to as the least succesful. This is mostly due to the fact that some tracks seem a little burdened down by too heavy orchestration. Another problem could be that the album may seem to lack the clear direction of her previous three.

Nonetheless, the album contains some of Denny's greatest songs. "One Way Donkey Ride", "Take Me Away" "No More Sad Refrains" and "I'm a Dreamer" are all classic Sandy Denny.

The album features three cover versions. The opening track "I Wish I Was a Fool For You" was written by long-time friend Richard Thompson whose great guitar playing is present on many Denny recordings. It's the most hardrocking track on the album and a great opener. The inclusion of Elton John's "Candle in the Wind" is probably a mistake; Sandy doesn't sound very inspired and the arrangement of the song is not very different from the original. Her version of "Silver Threads and Golden Needles" is much more successful, it sounds like a Denny original.

The ambitious "All Our Days" has some fine thought-provoking lyrics ( like most of her songs ), but the grandiose classical arrangement makes it seem a little out of place on this album.

"Gold Dust" shows the funky/jazzy side of Denny. The song was originally thought to be the title track and it became part of Denny's 1977 live-repertoire, along with a handful of other songs from this album.

The live album "Gold Dust / The Final Concert" released on Island Records in 1998 is highly recommended.

The five bonus-tracks are all fine. I'm particularly fond of the B-side "Still the Waters Run Deep" and her very last studio recording, the moving "Moments".

Collection: Chronological Covers and Concert Classics

Average customer rating:

Not my Sandy Denny
21st Century Mix Tape of Some of Denny's Finest

Collection: Chronological Covers and Concert Classics
Sandy Denny
Manufacturer: Umvd Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

No More Sad Refrains: The Anthology
Attic Tracks 1972-1984
Original Sandy Denny
Fotheringay
Liege & Lief

ASIN: B0002Z9YIW
Release Date: 2004-10-18

Tracks:

Two Weeks Last Summer (Ft Fotheringay)
Banks Of The Nile (Ft Fotheringay)
Gypsy Davey (Ft Fotheringay)
Down In The Flood
Let's Jump The Broomstick
Blackwaterside
Tomorrow Is A Long Time
Quiet Joys Of Brotherhood
Whispering Grass
Until The Real Thing Comes Along
I Wish I Wsa Fool For You
Candle In The Wind
Silver Threads & Golden Needles
Solo (Live In The Royalty Theatre)
John The Gun (Live In The Royalty Theatre)
Who Knows Where The Time Goes (Live In The Royalty Theatre)

Album Description

Subtitled - Chronological Covers & Concert Classics. Import exclusive compilation for the pre-eminent British folk-rock singer features 16 tracks including three with Fotheringay (a short-lived offshoot of Fairport Convention), 'Two Weeks Last Summer', 'Banks Of The Nile', & 'Gypsy Davey', three live tracks, 'Solo', 'John The Gun', & 'Who Knows Where The Time Goes', recorded at the Royalty Theatre, & covers, 'Down In The Flood' (Bob Dylan) & 'Candle In The Wind' (Elton John). Universal/Spectrum. 2004.

Customer Reviews:

Not my Sandy Denny.......2007-01-11

If you are a fan of the whole range of Sandy Denny's work and like English interpretations of the blues, then this collection is for you. However, if you're expecting those folk tunes (both traditional and contemporary) sung in Sandy Denny's absolutely splendid voice, then you will be grievously disappointed (as I was). I had hoped that this collection would yield some pleasant surprises, even though her sadly shortened output is familiar to anyone who has listened to her music over the past three-and-a-half decades. I respect her willingness to explore different realms of musical experience, but other than the first few Fotheringay tunes and the familiar refrain of the "Quiet Joys of Brotherhood" I was hard put to sit quietly and listen to the music. The vocal inflection and phrasing of the bluesy tunes, as well as her sometimes self-conscious use of caesura and rhythmic variation, were almost painful to hear. I recommend the 3-CD set of "Who Knows Where the Time Goes?" for anyone unfamiliar with Denny's work and ready to experience one of the most unique voices in the history of folk rock.

21st Century Mix Tape of Some of Denny's Finest.......2005-01-07

Especially popular in England, the 'mix tape' CD is proliferating everywhere. These cd's, often a freebie with a magazine, are a personalized mix of new music (Tracks Magazine, Word Magazine), themed music (MOJO, Q from England) or, in this case, some of Sandy Denny's most moving interpretive work.

If you are new to Denny, go to Leif and Liege/Fairport Convention, or to the No More Sad Refrains Anthology. This Collection is for obsessive fans, like myself, who get a kick out of another fan's mix of her work.

The Best of Sandy Denny: Millennium Collection

Average customer rating:

The Best of Sandy Denny: Millennium Collection
Sandy Denny
Manufacturer: A&M
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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No More Sad Refrains: The Anthology
Liege & Lief
Collection: Chronological Covers and Concert Classics
Movin' On: 1967-68
Full House

ASIN: B00006LWSD
Release Date: 2002-10-22

Tracks:

Who Knows Where The Time Goes?
Nothing More
Late November
Listen, Listen
It'll Take A Long Time
It Suits Me Well
Solo
Like An Old Fashioned Waltz
One More Chance
I'm A Dreamer

Average customer rating:

I Had No Thoughts Of Flaws
Great Concert!
Still an excellent album, despite some recording anomalies
Still an excellent album, despite some recording anomalies
Still an excellent album, despite some recording anomalies

Gold Dust: Live At The Royalty Theater
Sandy Denny
Manufacturer: Island
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

British Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Live Albums | Folk | Styles | Music

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General | Rock | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Fotheringay
Rising for the Moon
Live Convention
A Boxful of Treasures
Unhalfbricking

ASIN: B000007P6J
Release Date: 1998-06-09

Tracks:

I Wish I Was A Fool For You (For Shame For Doing Wrong)
Stranger To Himself
I'm A Dreamer
Take Me Away
Nothing More
The Sea
The Lady
Gold Dust
Solo
John The Gun
I'll Take A Long Time
Wretched Wilbur
Tomorrow Is A Long Time
The North Star Grassman
One More Chance
No More Sad Refrains
Who Knows Where The Time Goes

Amazon.com

Such a voice: warm, inviting, and mysterious, like a lamp glowing in some dark, distant window. When Sandy Denny died in 1978, she left unfinished one of the most intriguing chapters in the history of rock & roll and folk music. This concert, recorded five months before her death, is a suggestion of all the power her voice and vision promised and a picture of Denny at her musical and vocal peak. While her final studio albums for Island possessed fine songs, the production and arrangements were mostly unfocused. But on this night in London, everything falls into place. Denny's vocals are expressive, verging into jazz complexity; the band, including the remarkable Dave Mattacks on drums, Pat Donaldson on bass, Pete Wilsher on pedal steel, and Trevor Lucas and Jerry Donahue on guitars, is sympathetic and rocks when necessary. And the set list features the cream of Denny's compositions. Quite simply one of the most exciting records of the year. --Roy Kasten

Customer Reviews:

I Had No Thoughts Of Flaws.......2005-07-03

Obviously, as you can gather from the other reviews here, some major reconstructive studio and electronic magic had to be conjured to even bring this concert to us at all. When you add in the caveats about Sandy battling a bad cold and a failing marriage (and a complaint I heard elsewhere about her chain smoking already starting to do to her voice what Joni Mitchell has lived long enough to do to hers), it's a wonder this is even listenable. And yet I think it is a triumph and I would hardly have noticed it's shortcomings unless someone had gone to great lengths to point them out to me. I'm old enough to remember when live performances by most of your favorite bands or artists usually sounded absolutely awful in person and even worse on tape or vinyl. I once tried recording gigs for a rock band in Austin--a likely deservedly long forgotten and unlamented group whose major distinction was that their biggest competition for work was from Stevie Ray Vaughan and his brother--in the very early 1970's using a 2-track Radio Shack 909A reel-to-reel tape recorder, and had more luck than most major bands had during the same years. So I've never expected live recordings to be anything but fraught with glitches and sub-par performance, muffed notes, etc. But if the essence of the artist was strong enough, even those poor quality recordings could be transfixing, and this concert is, at least to me, one such performance, and the problems with it minor compared to what we get from it--a portrait of one of the best singer-songwriters of our times, who voice even when ravaged could melt your heart effortlessly. The fact that it sounds halfway decent is just pure gravy. As a long time fan of Sandy's I can only be humbly thankful to the people who managed to bring us this recording, and even more grateful that is sounds as good as it does. Their work honors hers.

Great Concert!.......2004-06-01

This concert turned out to be Sandy Denny`s last. This fact might make it quite sad to listen to it, but fortunately the music is so great that you forget the sadness, and remember Sandy for the great music she created, as a singer and composer. The fact that the CD has been released is a small miracle in itself; Sandy`s voice was not in the best condition, as she had caught a cold during the tour; so the tapes had been shelved for years. When the release of the concert was reconsidered, the tapes were in bad condition, but fortunately they were restored; and the result is really magnificent. Even though her voice is not in optimal condition, she is still great; and the band is terrific.

The concert covers her career from her early masterpiece "Who Knows Where the Time Goes" till her final album "Rendezvous" from 1977. Most of her classic songs are here; some of the performances are maybe even better than the studio versions.

My favourites are "I`m a Dreamer", "Take Me Away", "It`ll Take a Long Time", "Solo", "Tomorrow is a Long Time", "One More Chance" and "No More Sad Refrains"-

Still an excellent album, despite some recording anomalies.......2002-06-29

I was surprised to learn only after several listens that there had been serious problems with the master tapes of this concert. I had noticed that some of the vocals on a song or two were not as loud and clear as they could have been, and the ending to "Take Me Away" stumbles, but other than that, it's not easy to spot problems. Since there isn't a lot of live Sandy Denny material available to begin with, I'd recommend this CD without hesitation. Despite the conditions described by other reviewers under which this recording was made, it is still immensely enjoyable as an album and I've listened to it as much as the Fairport albums and her box set. The band sounds great. And considering the high price of imports, the unavailability of much of Sandy's material in the USA, and the low price of this album, I would say if you already like Sandy, you can't go wrong with this album. I have to wonder what a live recording from more favorable conditions would have yielded, but it might have been a classic.

Still an excellent album, despite some recording anomalies.......2002-06-29

Music Review: