Bird on a Wire [Original recording remastered] [Import]

Bird on a Wire [Original recording remastered] [Import]

Track Listings

1. Bird On The Wire

2. Moonshiner

3. Southern Butterfly

4. A Satisfied Mind

5. Soft Summer Breeze

6. Hoboin'

7. Georgia On My Mind

8. Andre Johray

9. If I Knew

10. Love Hymn

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Reissue of 1971 album packaged in a digipak. Columbia.

Tracks:

Don't Wake Me
Don't Let Go
Better
Slipping
Round & Round
My Sweet Song
Alone
One Sure Thing
Overflowing
Weight of the World
Holding Me Down
I'd Be Lost
Good Find

Album Description

There's a music biz truism that says an artist has her whole life to write her first album and six months to write her second. What that statement fails to take into account are maturation and inspiration--two elements present in abundance throughout Bird On A Wire, the surprising second album from New York-based writer/artist Toby Lightman. With 13 songs running the gamut from the Rufus-style funk-pop of "Slipping" to the moving lullaby "Better" and the modern-day torch song "Weight of the World", the album documents an uncommonly gifted young artist in the act of becoming fully herself.

Customer Reviews:

Is she STILL being ignored?.......2007-07-04

As soon as I first caught the video for Toby Lightman's "Devils and Angels" on VH1, I went to check out her album Little Things. As good as that album is, sales showed that apparently I was one of the only people that bought it, even after Toby tacked on a decent contemporary remake of Mary J. Blige's "Real Love". And even less people picked up her second album, Bird on a Wire, but I don't know why because it's also great.

What really drew me to Toby was not only the music but the edginess in her vocals. I was a little disappointed when I found that that edge isn't QUITE as prevalent on here as it was on Little Things (it's on MOST of the tracks instead of ALL of the tracks), it doesn't really matter because everything is pretty damn good. Also, it gives her a chance to show that she can do more things with her voice (see "Slippin'").

There are wonderful harmonious tracks to be found on here, especially "Don't Wake Me", but "Overflowing" isn't far behind. And if you're looking for smooth songs to mellow out to on the ride home, try "Good Find" or "My Sweet Song" on for size. There are also some tracks that are just plain funky, like "Don't Let Go", "Holding Me Down" and "Better" (which might be confusing if you don't REALLY pay attention to the lyrics). Another highlight is "Alone" (the song that inspired the album's title), but it's kind of unnecessary to have a second version of it at the end of the album; the only difference being a slightly slower tempo.

While Toby's voice may go a little off-key here and there, she still sculpted Bird on a Wire into a quality listen. I don't know why more people don't know about her yet, but if you want great music, it's still not too late to help her career take flight.

Anthony Rupert

Sweet & Soulful.......2007-06-13

I found Toby Lightman via Pandora.com and knew I had to hear more of her stuff. I was not disappointed in the least.

Standouts for me include "Alone", "Weight of the World", "One Sure Thing" and "My Sweet Song"

Unexpectedly Surprised!.......2007-05-15

I read other listeners reviews of this CD prior to my purchase and figured, what the heck - let's see how I like it. I had never heard of Toby Lightman before this, but now I absolutely love her music. She has a strong voice that's easy to sing along with - kind of bluesy, kind of rock & roll, sometimes mellow and sweet. This has quickly become one of my favorite CD's to listen to in the car and at work.

Good...but not amazing-more like 3 and 1/2.......2006-12-26

I just recently got this CD and popped it in my CD player almost immediately. I am a HUGE fan of Little Things and I was really excited to see what Toby had in store. I was also excited when I saw Bill Botrell's name on it. (He produced Sheryl Crow's AMAZING Tuesday Night Music Club album.) As I listened,however, I became increasingly disappointed. There were tracks such as Alone,Slippin, and Don't Wake Me that really popped out, but there were many others whose melodies were no different than any other generic pop artist. I really enjoyed Little Things because of the unique melodies, so it was a bit of a let down. However, Toby's voice is in fine form on this album. Also, the use of the organ on most of the songs is quite fun to listen to. The lyrics aren't the deepest, but neither were her lyrics on her first album so I wasn't really surprised. This is a first listen, so maybe I'll find better things on the album in time.

A delight to the ears.......2006-12-12

"Bird on a Wire" is just a delight to the ears. The album shows off Toby's ability to sing in so many different vocal styles, each with such ease. From the soulfulness of "Don't Wake Me" and "Overflowing" to the thoughtful introspection of "Weight of the World" to the sexy jazzy "Slippin'" to the wholesome sweetness of "Better" and the blunt honesty of "My Sweet Song" (come on, admit it...we all have a song we feel that way about!). I can listen to the album a million and one times over and over and never get sick of it.

To those who criticize the lyrics of some songs, learn to occasionally enjoy simplicity, and everyday messages most anyone can relate to without using a hieroglyphics decoder. And don't forgot that sometimes hidden among simple words are deeper meanings - I feel that in Toby's voice. I think the album is gutsy, sexy and real. An awesome accomplishment and a beautiful follow-up to "Little Things".

If you get the chance to catch Toby live, do it. Once you see how she "feels" these songs you can only love them and her even more.

Bird on the Wire/the Songs of Leonard Cohen

Average customer rating:

Bird on the Wire/the Songs of Leonard Cohen
Perla Batalla
Manufacturer: Mechuda Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man
Heaven and Earth
Mestiza
Famous Blue Raincoat
Leonard Cohen I'm Your Man

ASIN: B000CAJQC6
Release Date: 2005-08-16

Tracks:

If It Be Your Will
Seems So Long ago Mancy
Coming Back to You
Dance me to the end of Love
So Long Marianne
Came so far for Beauty
Ballad of the Absent Mare
Famous Blue Raincoat
Bird on the Wire
Suzanne

Product Description

Leonard Cohens gruff voice has kept many from properly appreciating the brilliance and utter romanticism of his songs. Perla Batalla here lovingly wraps her warm voice around 10 of them to glorious results. The best are the ones where she takes the most liberties: Famous Blue Raincoat backed by a string quartet, a jazzy Seems So Long Ago, Nancy, Ballad of the Absent Mare as a duet with David Hidalgo of Los Lobos, Dance Me to the End of Love as a duet with Bill Gable partially translated into Spanish, Suzanne cleverly interpolating bits of Steven Fosters O Susanna. The sound is sumptuous. Engineer/mixer Leanne Unger is an excellent choice for the project as she has worked on many of Cohens own albums over the years. Her sympathy and love for Cohens songs, plus her familiarity with them, greatly enhances the album. The three cover shots of Perla Batalla and Leonard Cohen sharing warm moments speaks volumes both to Perlas sincerity and love for Cohens songs and Cohens endorsement of Perlas work. Beautifully conceived and executed, Bird on the Wire is a rewarding listening experience I find myself returning to frequently. It is every bit the equal of Jennifer Warnes classic Cohen tribute album Famous Blue Raincoat. For those uninitiated to the glories of the songs of Leonard Cohen this is a wonderful introduction. For the rest of us it is simply heavenly. Michael Tearson

Suite for Susan Moore and Damion: We Are One, One, All in One/Bird on a Wire

Average customer rating:

Tim Hardin's Best
The needless "Classic- discussion"
Master of bluesy folk
For Hardin devotees only

Suite for Susan Moore and Damion: We Are One, One, All in One/Bird on a Wire
Tim Hardin
Manufacturer: Bgo - Beat Goes on
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tim Hardin 3 Live in Concert
20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Tim Hardin
Tim Hardin 2
Reason to Believe (The Best Of)
Bird on a Wire

ASIN: B00003CWJ0
Release Date: 1999-12-06

Tracks:

First Love Song
Everything Good Become More True
Question Of Birth
Once-Touched By Flame
Last Sweet Moments
Magician
Loneliness She Knows
The Country I'm Living In
One One The Perfect Sum
Susan
Bird On The Wire
Moonshiner
Southern Butterfly
A Satisfied Mind
Soft Summer Breeze
Hoboin'
Georgia On My Mind
Andre Johray
If I Knew
Love Hymn

Album Description

Reissue featuring two of the folk singer/ songwriter's Columbia LPs together on one CD, 1970's 'Suite For Susan Moore And Damion - We Are One, All in One' and 1971's 'Bird On A Wire'. Both records showcase his undeniable strength for delivering sketchy, yet potent tunes. 1999 release. Standard jewel case.

Album Details

Two on One CD Package: 'Suite for Susan Moore and Damion: We Are One, all in One / Bird on a Wire'.

Customer Reviews:

Tim Hardin's Best.......2005-08-04

Although alot of folks might think that Tim Hardin 2 with "If I Were a Carpenter" on it is his best LP, these two releases in one package and recorded circa 1970 and 1971, I believe, show us Hardin at his creative peak. "Suite" is Tim pulling out all the stops incorporating Jazz, Poetry, Folk, Blues; hell, everything but the kitchen sink is in the mix here. Folklore has it that he recorded "Suite" while living in a huge house in Woodstock, NY and he would wander around the house at all hours recording bits and pieces of songs at a time. "Bird" is a collection of self-penned tunes and covers that show Tim in great voice and he interprets Leonard Cohen's title tune beautifully. On both releases, he pours his heart out about the love he has for his wife, his newly born son, his struggle with drugs and alcohol, as well as his fear of becoming a new parent. Hardin is a must for anyone who is seriously interested in American Folk, Jazz and/or singer/songwriter offerings and this two-for is the best work he ever did.

The needless "Classic- discussion".......2004-10-08

Whenever that "Suite for Susan" album gets mentioned, people don't talk about the musical issues, they argue wether it's a classic album or just overrated "..."(whatsoever).
Needless to say that Tim never could reach the hights of those wonderful two Albums he recorded for Verve in 1966 - 1967 again.
But you get to hear great tunes on "Susan". They don't stick to any Pop or even Folk formula, most of them have a lovely improvised and sensitive feeling about them.
Anyone new to the Tim Hardin world might be irritated, but once you've taken his early classics to your heart, this album here shows you somehow the dark side of Tim Hardin 1 and 2.
"Bird on a wire" comes on strong and jazzy.
Your hear the smoke in Tim's voice, but it's a disappointing album (That's why I only give 4 stars; "Susan"=5; "Bird"=3) cause it lacks the beauty his 3 first records so obviously had.
There are some fine moments, mostly "Southern butterfly", but I guess it lacks more original Hardin songs to be a great album in a whole.
Whatsoever; it's worth buying!

Master of bluesy folk.......2004-06-06

This collection combines Tim Hardin's Suite For Susan Moore (1970) and Bird On A Wire (1971). My favorites are the tracks from Bird On A Wire, where Hardin returns to his roots with a smoky jazzy vocal delivery, supported by guitar, keyboards, bas, drums, percussion, vibes, cello, harp and pedal steel.

Leonard Cohen's title track and songs like his cover of Satisfied Mind and his own composition Hoboin' display a poignant sense of longing. More than a dozen folk and jazz musicians worked on this album, but keyboardist Joe Zawinul and guitarist Ralph Towner deserve special accolades for their instrumental virtuosity that subtly and successfully integrates Hardin's various stylistic influences.

As a romantic musical poet, Hardin was unique in that he straddled the fields of folk and blues. His symbolic imagery and haunting vocals remind me somewhat of that other tragic singer-songwriter, the great Nick Drake. After the release of these accomplished albums, Hardin settled in the UK where he occasionally played on the club circuit. While resident in Britain he released the released the unimpressive Painted Head (1972), the somewhat better Archetypes (1973) and the excellent Nine (1974).

I also recommend the albums Reason To Believe: The Best Of, the double set Suite For Susan Moore And Damian/Bird On A Wire and The Essential Classic Hardin, 1963 - 1980.

For Hardin devotees only.......2002-01-08

It is difficult to define a Hardin devotee. The music that this man made and the way he sang defied all classification. He could veer towards folk,blues and jazz with wonderful results and at the same time he could combine all of them in a rather singular blend accompanied by his distinctive voice. These 2 albums here show that even when under a dry spell Tim was a very sensitive and complex songwriter. Complex in the sense that his voice is added as an extra instrument and can carry a simple tune to incredible heights.
Undoubtedly, there are quite a few "misses" but it is worth buying this for the rest which is Hardin vintage. Probably the two best cuts here are "First love song" and "If I knew" which date back to 1965-66 (alternate takes of these two songs appeared in the "Hang on to a dream" compilation).
Except for those older songs there are some new ones that stand their ground well, notably "Southern Butterfly", "Everything good becomes more true" and "Love Hymn". As always the poetry in his songs is unique in expresiveness and nobility without ever becoming distant from real feelings. On the contrary it only shows the gentleness that this man had along with all the demons that claimed his life on December 29, 1980.
Finally, Hardin includes some covers which don't always hit the right note (at least for me). For example, I didn't enjoy the jazz cover of the standard "Georgia in my mind". That said, there is his interpretation of Cohen's "Bird on a wire" that is beyond description simply because the lyrics could have been a short biography of Hardin and he feels at home with everything said in this song.
All in all, a strange collection of songs that reflect upon the life of an even stranger soul. Listen to the way he sings: "If whiskey don't kill me now, I believe I'll live till I die" from the "Moonshiner" and you'll understand what I mean.

Average customer rating:

Smoky blend of folk and blues

Bird on a Wire
Tim Hardin
Manufacturer: Sony Music Media
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Suite for Susan Moore and Damion: We Are One, One, All in One/Bird on a Wire
Tim Hardin 2
Reason to Believe (The Best Of)
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The Road to Escondido

ASIN: B0000AKP54
Release Date: 2003-08-25

Tracks:

Bird on a Wire
Moonshiner
Southern Butterfly
Satisfield Mind
Soft Summer Breeze
Hoboin'
Georgia on My Mind
Andre Johray
If I Knew
Love Hymn

Album Description

Reissue of 1971 album packaged in a digipak. Columbia.

Customer Reviews:

Smoky blend of folk and blues.......2005-05-31

On this lost classic Hardin returns to his roots with a smoky jazzy vocal delivery, supported by guitar, keyboards, bass, drums, percussion, vibes, cello, harp and pedal steel.

Leonard Cohen's title track and songs like the cover of Satisfied Mind and his own composition Hoboin' display a poignant sense of longing.

More than a dozen folk and jazz musicians worked on this album, but keyboardist Joe Zawinul and guitarist Ralph Towner deserve special accolades for their instrumental virtuosity that subtly and successfully integrates Hardin's various stylistic influences.

As a romantic musical poet, Hardin was unique in that he straddled the fields of folk and blues. His symbolic imagery and haunting vocals remind me somewhat of that other tragic singer-songwriter, the great Nick Drake.

I also recommend the albums Reason To Believe:The Best Of, and The Essential Classic Hardin, 1963 - 1980.

Average customer rating:

New Voice

Bird on a Wire
Joan Crowe
Manufacturer: Evensong Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0008191Q0
Release Date: 2005-03-01

Tracks:

Fever/Caught a Touch of Your Love
Never-Never Land
Every Night I Sleep with an Angel
The Way You Look Tonight
Boom Boom
Petite Southern Woman
I Cover the Waterfront
I'm Only Sleeping
Everything
Me and Mrs. Jones
Twisted
Bird on the Wire
Ich bin von Kopf bis Fuss

Product Description

Joan Crowes debut album Bird on a Wire walks an electrifying line, fusing jazz with a nest of musical styles. Whether putting a gospe l groove to Leonard Cohens song for the title track or a Reggae beat to the obscure Beatles tune, Im Only Sleeping; this album exemplifies her creative flights of fancy. She puts her sensual, soldering iron to work when she melds Peggy Lees Fever with Diane Shures I Caught a Touch of your Love. Her jazzy renditions of Never Never Land and Everything will make you believe that this lullaby and pop tune were always meant to swing. She will seduce you with her sexy, soulful voice on the country ballad Every Night I Sleep with an Angel, then have you tapping your feet to her original tune, Petite Southern Woman. Her smokey voice feels almost translucent on the sentimental The Way You Look Tonight and aches with longing on the haunting I Cover the Waterfront. This MAC award winner for comedy allows her wry sense of humor to enchant you throughout, but it comes through particularly strong on the whimsical Boom Boom, and Twisted. Joan weaves a unique artistic home by building her musical nest with a little jazz, a little country and a dose of whimsy all held together with an honest voice, and a genuine joy of singing. This lovely Crowe walks a fine line indeed balancing on this wire!

Customer Reviews:

New Voice.......2007-07-17

I heard about this singer while in New York City recently. They told me she was a hit at Birdland.Listened to a pod cast and now bought the CD. Keep your eye on this talent.

Average customer rating:

Introspective songs in a fusion of folk and blues

Bird on a Wire
Tim Hardin
Manufacturer: Sony Japan
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0006GAZMG
Release Date: 2005-02-14

Tracks:

Bird on a Wire
Moonshiner
Southern Butterfly
Satisfield Mind
Soft Summer Breeze
Hoboin'
Georgia on My Mind
Andre Johray
If I Knew
Love Hymn

Album Description

Japanese remastered reissue of the singer/songwriter's 1971 album, packaged in a limited edition miniature LP sleeve. Sony. 2005.

Album Details

Digitally Remastered Japanese Limited Edition in an LP-STYLE Slipcase.

Customer Reviews:

Introspective songs in a fusion of folk and blues.......2005-05-31

On Bird On A Wire, Tim Hardin returns to his roots with a smoky jazzy vocal delivery, supported by guitar, keyboards, bass, drums, percussion, vibes, cello, harp and pedal steel.

Leonard Cohen's famous title track and songs like the cover of Satisfied Mind and his own composition Hoboin' display a poignant sense of longing. André Johray could be interpreted as autobiographical as it describes the turmoil and insecurity caused by fame.

More than a dozen folk and jazz musicians contributed to this album, but keyboardist Joe Zawinul, guitarist Ralph Towner and bassist Tony Levin deserve special accolades for their instrumental virtuosity that subtly and successfully integrates Hardin's various stylistic influences.

As a romantic musical poet, Hardin was unique in that he straddled the fields of folk and blues. His symbolic imagery and haunting vocals remind me somewhat of that other tragic singer-songwriter, the great Nick Drake.

The only other artists I can think of that occasionally resemble Hardin's bluesy folk are Nina Simone and the band Palace Music on their album Viva Last Blues.

To enjoy the best of Tim Hardin, I recommend the albums Reason To Believe: The Best Of, and The Essential Classic Hardin, 1963 - 1980.

Average customer rating:

Smoky music

Bird on a Wire
Tim Hardin
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

Tracks:

Bird on a Wire
Moonshiner
Southern Butterfly
Satisfield Mind
Soft Summer Breeze
Hoboin'
Georgia on My Mind
Andre Johray
If I Knew
Love Hymn

Customer Reviews:

Smoky music.......2007-07-23

On Bird On A Wire, Tim Hardin returns to his roots with a smoky jazzy vocal delivery, supported by guitar, keyboards, bass, drums, percussion, vibes, cello, harp and pedal steel.

Leonard Cohen's famous title track and songs like the cover of Satisfied Mind and his own composition Hoboin' display a poignant sense of longing. André Johray could be interpreted as autobiographical as it describes the turmoil and insecurity caused by fame.

More than a dozen folk and jazz musicians contributed to this album, but keyboardist Joe Zawinul, guitarist Ralph Towner and bassist Tony Levin deserve special mention for their instrumental virtuosity that subtly and successfully integrates Hardin's various stylistic influences.

As a romantic musical poet, Hardin was unique in that he straddled the fields of folk and blues. His symbolic imagery and haunting vocals remind me somewhat of that other tragic singer-songwriter, the great Nick Drake.

The only other artists I can think of that occasionally resemble Hardin's bluesy folk are Nina Simone and the band Palace Music on their album Viva Last Blues.

To enjoy the best of Tim Hardin, I recommend the albums Reason To Believe: The Best Of, and Person to Person: The Essential, Classic Hardin 1963-1980.

Average customer rating:

Bird on a Wire
The Neville Brothers
Manufacturer: A&M
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | R&B | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00000DN8O
Release Date: 1990-05-24