Review and Thought about "Windsong" (Long)
jcl...@hurricane.net2.nlu.edu
into the availability of "Spirit" and "JD". They told me that they
had no idea what was in that day's shipment and to check back on Friday.
Yesterday, I returned and found out that none had been ordered.
Somewhat disappointed, I was assured that they would have both albums
for me sometime next week. While walking through the mall, I stopped at
a very small music store, just to see if they had any John Denver. Much to
my surprise, they had "Windsong". At $7.99 plus Louisiana's outrageous
8.5% sales tax, I snapped it up.
"Windsong" was the very first album I ever bought for myself. I was
eleven years old in 1975 and not too many eleven-year old boys were
listening to John Denver versus Kiss at that time... I had not listened
to "Windsong" since I last had a turntable, circa 1988. This album has
always been one my favorites and I was interested if that appellation was
still warranted in 1998.
The album cover and liner are very poorly done on this CD. I still have the
record and the fold-over cover, with John riding a horse along the shore of
what I assume is California. The sound quality is OK. It did not jump out
to me as really good like the Japanese imports I bought earlier last month
The first song is the title track, Windsong. This is a wonderful song, one of
those magical moments, when the high and lonesome guitar and pure sweet voice
of John Denver meet the penetrating lyrics of Joe Henry and a nearly perfect
arrangement by Lee Holdrigde. The interplay of the cello’s deep “Mother
Earth” alto, guitar, with all the hammer-ons and pull-offs, and the oboe
singing the part a young lady wind, all under the voice of John is proof
enough of the truth that said by Milt Okun that people will remember that
last half of the 20th century for the music of Elvis Presley, The Beatles and
John Denver. Quite simply, Windsong may be the best song John ever did.
(There are a couple of others on Spirit I need to hear again before I commit
to that…) Another example of this kind of synergy is “Whalebones and
Crosses”, but Lee is bit too overpowering in that piece.
“Cowboy’s Delight” is a wonderful modern rendition of a classic Oklahoma
singing cowboy song. Subtract the strings and the song could be 1915, not
1975. "Spirit” again heavily relies on strings and the 16-beat drum certainly
unusual for John. The voice was never better than on the end of the refrains.
With all the negative criticism that John took for being a part of EST,
“Looking for Space” is a wonderful purely John Denver song. John’s lyrics
never reached the heights of Joe Henry or other contemporaries (James Taylor,
Bruce Springsteen, Harry Chapin), but the very “hockiness” of them make them
so honest. “It’s a sweet, sweet dream. Sometimes I’m almost there,
sometimes I fly like an eagle and sometimes I’m deep in despair” He’s closer
to an eagle on this one. It isn’t until the last five or so years of his
life that his lyrics really develop to match the consistent beauty of his
voice.
“Shipmates and Cheyenne” is another song where Joe Henry’s lyrics are the
most outstanding feature. Like many songs on this album, the synergy of the
three main players (Denver, Henry and Holdridge) makes an otherwise ordinary
song sparkle. "Late Night Radio" is fun, if a just a shade too cute for
words. If “Shipmates and Cheyenne” is a cerebral Voltaire, “Late Night
Radio” is Granny Smith. But any song that mentions UFOs in them is OK in my
book. (At that time I was interested in both UFOs and AM-radio DXing…the
song kinda fit for the time.)
“Love is Everywhere” is a classic example of a “First song – Second Side”
song. : ) I think that CDs have actually changed the way music is listened
to. What I like so much about this song is that is, in the most real sense,
classical. The formal development of the final instrumental section before
the last refrain is straight out Beethoven. Seriously, the development
reminds me of the first five minutes of the final section of the “Ode to
Joy”. I am sure that this was not lost on Lee Holdridge. (The oboe part in
Windsong also bears strong semblance to the French horn in that same section
of Beethoven’s 9th…) Given that Beethoven 9th final choral movement centers
on the brotherhood of mankind, perhaps the similarity is not unintentional.
I’m don’t have the actual credits in front of me, but I think that it is
usually easy to tell Denver songs from Denver/Henry songs. “Two Shots”, I’m
not sure about. I’d bet it’s John’s. A sad song, but nicely done. If it is
his, his lyrics are better than “normal” for that time. “I’m Sorry” is a
classic John Denver strong suit: The Love Song. A bit “sappy” for me, but
still a nice song, though not the same level as “Annie’s Song”. Reminds me of
“Shanghai Breezes”, but that probably just because he mentions China in this
song… :)
I know a lot of you are going to hate this… I don’t really like “Fly Away”.
Olivia’s vocal in the end drags on way too long. It’s just kind of … well
fake. It’s Colorado meets California, which anyone from Colorado will tell
is just plain awful. (Maybe I should say Colorado meets Australia???)
Besides she blew him off like a hot potato for John Travolta. If it weren’t
soooo popular on lite radio stations, I might be able to stand a listening
about once or twice a year…. otherwise file it with “Mary, Queen of Arkansas”
and other classic clunkers by great artists.
“Calypso” is the antithesis of “Fly Away”. Stong, clear, exuberant, this song
is the one of the best concert-enders ever written (“Amazon” is pretty good
too, BTW). John’s lyrics are at his best and the yodeling is a signature for
him after this. It is a breathtaking song in scope and performance. Only
“Eagle and the Hawk” is in better in that sense.
“Song of Wyoming” is a cover that is wonderful song for John. Like many of
his records, the juxtaposition of a penultimate song of high energy or
seriousness matched with to a quiet or silly song to end the album. Other
example of John’s are “Take me to Tomorrow” with Jimmy Neuman followed by
Molly, or “Who’s Garden Was This” with Sail Away Home suite followed by a
reprise of Tremble and Jingle Bells. Back Home Again follows the same
pattern.
I like to look at albums not only for each song, but for arrangement of songs
and the development of thematic elements among songs. Windsong offers a lot
to hear. The music is special, the lyrics are poignant and the arrangements
good, if a bit (and just a bit) overdone. On a scale of one to ten, I think
that this gets a 9.5. This is one of John Denver’s best albums, possibly his
best. It is certainly one of my favorites.
Thanks for letting me ramble on. Most folks just aren’t interested in talking
about this music; I glad that some of you are. Thanks.
Chris
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ASLTsmile
You will get no flames from me regarding your opinion of "Fly Away." I don't
hate the song by any means, but it is certainly not one of my favorites either.
I love "Spirit" although I do think Lee's arrangement on that is a bit
overdone. John sounds like he really has to struggle to be heard over the
orchestra.
"Calypso" is most definately a classic!!! I also absolutely love "Love Is
Everywhere." It is such a joyous song, you can't help but smile, and sing
along. At least I can't.
Peace,
Tricia
C Moon
<6sajsr$a4d$1...@nnrp1.dejanews.com>...
>my surprise, they had "Windsong". At $7.99 plus Louisiana's outrageous
>8.5% sales tax, I snapped it up.
>
You think 8.5% is outrageous? Ours in the UK is 17.5%! It's kinda hidden
though, as stores always show the tax-inclusive price.
Great review - and I agree about Fly Away. It always made me cringe when he
called out "Olivia!" in concerts.
Peace, in John's memory,
Christine
moon...@netcomuk.co.uk
*************************************
http://www.netcomuk.co.uk/~moonstar/index.html
ThisOldGtr
Dave :-)
RCo123456
Thanks for your review of Windsong. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Please
"ramble on" again when you get the urge.
- Ruth
jim Mcc
michigan among the pine trees,deep blue sky and a hawk flying
overhead.(True but strange)The tape was not mine though but it soon was.
Another story
Peace and Grace
Jim
jim Mcc
jim Mcc
heard that kind of detailed reprt on an album.It was nice and I learned
a little.When I play JD I just listen and let the song take me away to
where he is singing about.(Post Seeing places with your heart)Thanks I
learned a little today.
Peace and Grace
Jim
fiona anna rogers
>
> Ya gotta like that fiddle in "Love Is Everywhere!!!
>
> Dave :-)
love Fiona in Oz
fiona anna rogers
>
> jcl...@hurricane.net2.nlu.edu wrote in message
> <6sajsr$a4d$1...@nnrp1.dejanews.com>...
>
> >8.5% sales tax, I snapped it up.
> >
> though, as stores always show the tax-inclusive price.
>
> Great review - and I agree about Fly Away. It always made me cringe when he
> called out "Olivia!" in concerts.
>
> Peace, in John's memory,
> Christine
> moon...@netcomuk.co.uk
> *************************************
> http://www.netcomuk.co.uk/~moonstar/index.html
version recorded? He always admitted to being"still in love, just a
little"with her.
love Fiona In oz
jcl...@hurricane.net2.nlu.edu
fio...@ozemail.com.au wrote:
> Olivia was one of the women he dated after Annie. When was the Olivia
> version recorded? He always admitted to being"still in love, just a
> little"with her.
> love Fiona In oz
>
Windsong came out in 1975. I don't think he broke up with Annie
until much later. Of course, if he did date her in 1975... :)
C Moon
unfaithful to Annie, so it may be true.
Peace, in John's memory,
Christine
moon...@netcomuk.co.uk
*************************************
http://www.netcomuk.co.uk/~moonstar/index.html
jcl...@hurricane.net2.nlu.edu wrote in message
<6sep9m$spc$1...@nnrp1.dejanews.com>...
>In article <35EB9A...@ozemail.com.au>,
> fio...@ozemail.com.au wrote:
>
>> Olivia was one of the women he dated after Annie. When was the Olivia
>> version recorded? He always admitted to being"still in love, just a
>> little"with her.
>> love Fiona In oz
>>
>
>Windsong came out in 1975. I don't think he broke up with Annie
>until much later. Of course, if he did date her in 1975... :)
>
LOU
with Olivia Newton John.....he answered.....I heard that rumor
once.....then never heard it again !!!!!! I think the answer is in the
way he "didn't" answer the question !!!!!!
LuLu
I Love to Sing My Songs For You.......Yes I do...You know......I
Do......John Denver
George Schumer
knowledge to JD's music. i agree that windsong is almost a perfect song
but I'm a sucker for oboes so i'm biased.
love to hear more from you on JD's music...
george schumer
richmond, ca