Buffy Sainte-Marie's name is forever connected to the protest branch of the great folk revival in the early-to-mid-'60s, and more specifically to songs like "Universal Soldier" and "Cod'ine." The Best of the Vanguard Years cuts a wider swath, however, featuring Sainte-Marie's work from 1964, when the above songs were released, to 1969, when her music had acquired a more experimental, rock edge. The collected tracks mix these different eras at random, moving from stark acoustic songs like "Cod'ine" to rock & roll numbers ...
Read More
Buffy Sainte-Marie's name is forever connected to the protest branch of the great folk revival in the early-to-mid-'60s, and more specifically to songs like "Universal Soldier" and "Cod'ine." The Best of the Vanguard Years cuts a wider swath, however, featuring Sainte-Marie's work from 1964, when the above songs were released, to 1969, when her music had acquired a more experimental, rock edge. The collected tracks mix these different eras at random, moving from stark acoustic songs like "Cod'ine" to rock & roll numbers like "He's the Keeper of the Fire" to country pieces like "Take My Hand for a While." While this is a bit jarring, perhaps it serves to give a listener new to Sainte-Marie a more even understanding of her work. Through all of these stylistic changes, though, the forceful, often trembling intensity of Sainte-Marie's voice creates a powerful unity. There are great jewels here, including "Groundhog" from her second album, Many a Mile, and "Rolling Log Blues" from Little Wheel Spin and Spin with guitar work from the great session player Bruce Langhorne. A couple things sound dated here, specifically Sainte-Marie's early version of Joni Mitchell's "Circle Game" with its overripe pop production. These odd cuts are exceptions, though. The Best of the Vanguard Years offers a fine intro to an artist who never allowed politics or musical style to limit her vision. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr., Rovi
Read Less
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
All our items include the original disc(s) in the original case. Your purchase funds free job training and education in the greater Seattle area. Thank you for supporting Goodwill's nonprofit mission!
