Do you like James Taylor?

[shack]

I was going to post this in the "What are you listening to?" thread, but decided it needed it's own thread. Every now and then you hear something that makes you go...wow! This album fits the bill. I am generally not a fan of compilation albums, but this one is worth mentioning.

James Taylor - The Best of James Taylor
Warner Bros. R2 73837
2003



I'm not sure where or when I purchased this CD, but it has been in the rack for quite a while. I have several of JT's albums on vinyl including the James Taylor - Greatest Hits album from 1976, which is considered to be a very good compilation...but nothing on CD.

I decided to open this one up and give it a listen tonight. I took off the shrink wrap and sealing tape...popped it in the CDP and sat down to listen. It started playing and I immediately looked up to see if the green SACD light was lit up. It wasn't. The first track was "Something in the Way She Moves" and it sounded awesome! "Sweet Baby James" was next and more of the same sweet sound. I listened to all 20 tracks...(all of them very recognizable since they are truly some of his biggest hits) and was not disappointed in any of them. Whenever you get a "best of" album it may be a bit of hit or miss. Often they are merely a group of tracks quickly put together with little or no care as to the flow or mastering. Not the case here! There has been some excellent re-mastering of these tracks. Balance, soundstage, clarity, position of the voices vs instruments, etc were spot on. Afterwards I put the Greatest Hits LP on for a spin and this CD sounds better IMO.

The live version of Steamroller Blues alone is worth the price of admission.

Here are the tracks:

1 - Something in the Way She Moves
2 - Sweet Baby James
3 - Fire and Rain
4 - Country Road [Single Version]
5 - You've Got a Friend
6 - You Can Close Your Eyes
7 - Long Ago and Far Away
8 - Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight
9 - Walking Man
10 - How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)
11 - Mexico
12 - Shower the People
13 - Golden Moments
14 - Steamroller Blues [live]
15 - Carolina in My Mind [1976 Version]
16 - Handy Man
17 - Your Smiling Face
18 - Up on the Roof
19 - Only a Dream in Rio
20 - Bittersweet


All in all this CD has most of James Taylor's best known "hits" and excellent SQ. If you are interested in picking up a James Taylor "best of" that won't disappoint...this is one to consider.

[Conradicles]

I have that one and love it. Track 1 rules.

[schwarcw]

I like JT. I heard him live in 1976 and I was really impressed. His LP on the Beatles "Apple" label is outstanding. All Apple label recordings were very good. JT's had a lot of brass, strings, spectacular fidelity. "Something In the Way She Moves", "Going to Carolina in my Mind" were originally on that LP. Good stuff. I may pick this CD. Thanks for posting Steve!

[schwarcw]

I'm glad this CD doesn't have "Mockingbird" with his ex Carly Simon. I hate that ****!

[danz1906]

Yep! one of my favorite Music DVDs is James Taylor Live at the Beacon theatre.:D

[janmike]

I have the Greatest Hits (1976) on CD and was expecting more. Perhaps I'll hunt down the Best of... CD. Thanks Steve.

[hoosier21]

nope, can't say I do

[bobman1235]

I really enjoy the live album "One Man Band" too. Check it out if you're a fan.

[Midnite Mick]

I have one man band and it is excellent.

Regards,
Mike

[Barefoot]

Yep. Good stuff. I have the October Road SACD and it's pretty good as well.

[shack]

I'm glad this CD doesn't have "Mockingbird" with his ex Carly Simon. I hate that ****!

Me Too...way too sappy.

nope, can't say I do

Doesn't suprise me.

Say...are you still groovin' to that Deee-Lite album Bruce turned you on to? ;)

[reeltrouble1]

Now why would like an artist with musicality, well recorded, and a guy that sings on key?????

The track Gaia has bass hits that will move your bollocks so far over your taint those well endowed can please themselves.

RT1

[hoosier21]

Say...are you still groovin' to that Deee-Lite album Bruce turned you on to? ;)

he promised to make a copy, but never did

[reeltrouble1]

as reported the tropical island Bruce was spotted on has no electricity to copy cd's, however, it is filled with young slightly clad native girls whose breasts tilt slightly upward, he has trained them to whisper dee-lite in their native tongue softly to him each night as he sips his colada and eats the pineapples they have peeled for him...........

I am not sure if the word about MJ has reached him.

RT1

[shack]

as reported the tropical island Bruce was spotted on has no electricity to copy cd's, however, it is filled with young slightly clad native girls whose breasts tilt slightly upward, he has trained them to whisper dee-lite in their native tongue softly to him each night as he sips his colada and eats the pineapples they have peeled for him...........

I am not sure if the word about MJ has reached him.

RT1

How odd. He sent me an email a couple of weeks ago and said he was in Houston. Did not say a word about any pineapples...peeled or otherwise.

[reeltrouble1]

you were phished.........hope you did not give up anything......Tour smells like fish so an easy mistake to make.

RT1

[audiobliss]

Yes, definitely a good CD!

[Polkitup2]

I picked this one up this afternoon so we will see. :D

[shack]

you were phished.........hope you did not give up anything......Tour smells like fish so an easy mistake to make.

RT1

All he wanted was your email address, street address and telephone #. I didn't see any harm so I gave the info to him.

Funny though...since then I don't seem to be getting as many viagra spams as I used to...Maybe just a coincidence.

[cfrizz]

Thanks for the tip Shack. I have his greatest hits. I'll have to look for this one as well.

BTW Ted, I have Mockingbird. Carly included it as well as Devoted To You, on her Anthology album. 2 outstanding duets!

[schwarcw]

BTW Ted, I have Mockingbird. Carly included it as well as Devoted To You, on her Anthology album. 2 outstanding duets!

Eeeeeewwwwwwwww!

[cfrizz]

Get over it. I love good harmonization & those 2 had it in spades!

[Poee7R]

Hah nice coincidence, literally just through this cd in and started reading CP.

Great album, sounds sweet on the new speakers.


Dave

[POIDOG]

I have this one & must say it's excellent. I went to see JT many years ago with Carole King ( yes I'm old so what) It was an excellent night, I think It was the early 70's with the ususal herb in the air.

Anyhow, Best of JT, for years I would not buy this album. Literally would pick it up & put back. Too "uncool". However, as fate has it, I was able to get it thru Amazon, & retained my level of "chic". Best damn "Best of " in my collection. Country Road & Walking Man, 2 of my faves. Say what you will about "Mudslide Jim", the man is a stylist & makes good music. :)

[Ron-P]

Do you like James Taylor?

Nope.