Linda Ronstadt- Silk Purse

Silk Purse

SILK PURSE displays a heavy country sound in the arrangements and vocals, but the character is definitely unique, reflecting neither the Nashville Sound of late-1960s country nor the rock influence in much of the country-rock movement. Two of the album's best defining features are Linda Ronstadt's confident, powerful, and beautiful vocals, and the incredible arrangments that surround each of the songs. "Lovesick Blues" leaps out of the speaker with a stunning vocals start. The song has been recast as an uptempo rocker, though the fiddles are especially prominent. Her vocals also start "Are My Thoughts With You," which continually builds both musically and emotionally during the song. "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" is one of the best songs on the album, and one of my favorites. The arrangement is superb, opening with a ringing guitar sound, and featuring a brilliant vocal performance. The track melds both girl group, country, and great pop, and the result is a remarkable success that is above describtion. I've never understood why this song hasn't been featured on a Linda Ronstadt CD compilation (last was RETROSPECTIVE (I really miss that collection) in 1977, unless you count the small Capitol compilations from the 1980s (which aren't listed in her discography). Linda Ronstadt's vocal performance is the best feature of many of these songs, especially "Nobody's" written by Gary White. Gary White duets on "Louise," which features only an acoustic guitar, but delivers a powerful performance. One of Linda Ronstadt's greatest recordings is "Long Long Time," which resulted in her first solo hit ("Different Drum" was credited to the Stone Poneys) and her first Grammy nomination. The song is perfect, the arrangement of pedal steel, fiddle, harpsicord, and bass create a sound the is unbelievably emotional. Linda Ronstadt's vocal is powerful beyond the use of words, and the devastating lyrics bring new meaning to the term "sad song". The song has been recorded a few times since, but no version comes close to this gorgeous classic. "Mental Revenge" is considerably lighter, and the song is very entertaining, with her vocal delivery, arrangement, and lyrics that aim ill-wishes at the unfaithful partner from a former relationship. "I'm Leaving It All Up To You" was a pop hit in the early 1960s, but Linda Ronstadt ups the emotional quotient significantly, turning in a spectacular country recording. "He Dark The Sun" ranks with "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" and "Long Long Time" as my favorite recordings from this album. It was originally "She Darked The Sun" in bluegrass form on the first Dillard & Clark album (written by Gene Clark and Bernie Leadon). This recording rests largely on the soulful power of Linda Ronstadt's voice, Bernie Leadon contributes the harmony vocal, and the arrangement frames the vocal performance. Its worth a second listen everytime I play the disc. "Life Is Like A Mountain Railway" is reminiscent of an Appalachian spiritual, sung in harmony with the Beechwood Rangers. Its a unique way to conclude this immensely satisfying album. SILK PURSE is filled with spectacular performances, great arrangments, and unique songs. The critiques on the quality of all the songs really isn't that big a problem; I like those songs on the early albums which made up in emotional power whatever was missing on paper. SILK PURSE is an amazing album, probably the one I play most often, which is a very different experience from HEART LIKE A WHEEL, LIVING IN THE U.S.A. or, SIMPLE DREAMS. Highly recommended.