Tuesday 30 August 2016

Joan Baez No. 5 – JOAN BAEZ****

There But For Fortune/Stewball/It Ain’t Me Babe/The Death Of Queen Jane/Bachianas Brasilieras No. 5 Aria/Go ‘Way From My Window/I Still Miss Someone/When You Hear Them Cuckoos Hollerin’/Birmingham Sunday/So We’ll Go No More A-Roving/O’Cangaceiro/The Unquiet Grave

Joan Baez No. 5 provided the contemporary folk singer with the UK No. 8 hit single There But For Fortune. It mixed traditional with current folk songs in about equal measure. (US:12 UK:3)

"Unlike her earlier albums, Joan Baez 5 was divided evenly between contemporary work, and traditional folk material. What made it really special for me was the song Birmingham Sunday, her lovely lyrical voice coupled with the story really had a profound effect on me. I also found that I enjoyed all of the other works as well."

"She is able to project her message in a very emphatic but still complex way. Her version of Phil Och's There But For Fortune is inspirational and takes you down a road less travelled today. And I Still Miss Someone is sad and solemn, and touches you deep inside. All in all, a stunning performance from the days when music meant something. Don't hesitate, if you're into good folk...no, good music, just buy this one."

"If you prefer the acoustic guitar and the traditional ballads as I do, this is Joan's last album that features this kind of music, and she was already crossing over with songs like Birmingham Sunday, mixed in with contemporary (well, 'sixties) songs."

"This is the most beautiful recording. I grew up listening to the incredible voice of this folk queen, and after all these years, this is still my favourite. Birmingham Sunday may bring tears to your eyes."

"Joan Baez 5 starts with the finest version of Phil Ochs There But For Fortune that I know of. Her perfect soprano accentuates the hauntingly beautiful lyrics, which seem to grow more topical as the years go by."

"Ms. Baez continues to dazzle with her voice, a voice like no other, as well as with her song selections, a blend of old, traditional folk songs and contemporary ones, some with historical significance as well as political overtones. Never does she fail to move the listener, who is transported to another realm on the simple strength and beauty of her pure, clear, sweet voice."

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