[.ca] Tribute to John D

perceptive, respectful, moody:
I liked John Denver's music when it was first out, through the years of mockery, and now after his death. Not in a kitsch way either, I just like most of what can be called his sappy and positive songs. After he did the est training (for you youngsters, est was a late 1970s-era enlightenment weekend seminar), he was the butt of jokes, personal and media, but I continued to listen to his music. And my husband Eric is even worse; we're old folkies (in our mid-40s) and he would sing John Denver tunes at our music circles. "Who wrote that?" people would ask admiringly, then feel they had to sneer when they heard it was John Denver tune. We hosted a John Denver song night when he died, all John Denver tunes, all evening. We mourned his death. Positive people are often looked down on as being Pollyanna-ish, but I tell you, having upbeat, loving people in one's life -- people who aren't afraid to swoon over the pleasure and mystery of life despite our overwhelmingly negative and superficial culture -- is a blessing. That said, I also like a lot of contemporary music too, and I love this collection. It's moody and emotional and personal. I admire what the artists have done with Denver's songs. I hear the songs anew and appreciate them all over again. Rachel Haden's playful rewrite of "Poems, Prayers, and Promises" is brilliantly executed, and Hannah Marcus does a dark "Looking for Space" that I found quite effective. "The Eagle and the Hawk" is a spare rendition, austere even, that highlights Denver's songwriting ability. I mark this CD down a star because of the interminable version of "Fly Away" by Red House Painters, 6+ minutes of jangly guitar noise, out of place on an otherwise atmospheric and delicious disc. However, their finale tune, "I'm Sorry," shows that they do understand both the sentiment and the songwriting of John Denver. I'm glad this isn't a mocking "tribute" to a dead Pollyanna, but rather a tender and insightful homage.

Good intent... a nice hearing.:
I am a lifelong Denver fan, and have been sad for so many years that this man doesn't walk with us anymore. I appreciate that the majority of these seem sincere and some even interesting. All seem respectful--- if oddly chosen. The opening "EAGLE AND HAWK" is haunting... "MATTHEW" and "WHISPERING JESSIE" are too dark. "POEMS PRAYERS & PROMISES" has been bubblegummed. However, that's not the point--- the point is that John Denver's music is being looked at again. His great lyrics stand up to almost everything this CD throws at it. I believe John would enjoy hearing these--- he seemed to have not only a beautiful heart--- but a sense of humor. At a concert of his I attended he said "I dare those of you who bought a t-shirt to wear it!" I still wear mine.

Excellent:
This is a beautiful album . I purcahsed this CD exclusively for "Poems,Prayers, and Promises"sung by the TALENTED Rachel Haden (That Dog,The Rentals, & Jimmy Eat World). But to my delight the rest of the album turned out well. Fans of Death Cab for Cutie, Belle & Sebastin, Matthew Sweet, and indie rock will be able to enjoy the lyrics of John Denver set to the sweet voices of Rachel Haden, Rachel Goswell, and James Hindle.This album is one that is perfect for rainy days and days where you need comfort. This album is a good introduction to John Denver.

A MUST FOR ALL MUSIC LOVERS!:
I have loved john d. for years. This is unusual for a Guy who's main musical preference is hard core punk, but knowone can honestly say that john d. isnt one of the best song writers ever. This cd not only captures his spirit, it takes his masterpieces and ads a modern touch to them, which should appeal to youth, spreading what all john denver fans already know!

A Crying Shame... I'm Sorry John!:
John Denver has left us. It is a great, great loss. He was arguably one of the greatest American songwriters. And to date, I believe this is the third tribute CD to be released in his name (Minneapolis Does Denver, Rocky Mountain High, and now Take Me Home). Sadly, John's spirit has left us... But that doesn't mean we need to remove his spirit from the music. Unfortunately this tribute has about as much flavor and texture as a meal at a retirement center. It's amazing how one can take such brilliantly hooky songs and completely pillage them into boring, indigestible spittle. The majority of the vocalists on this compilation are rather poor. And the recreation of the material is largely unimaginative and sad. Ironically the last song on the compilation is "I'm Sorry"... And they should be! If you want a decent tribute album check out "Minneapolis Does Denver". They have retained the spirit of the music and even added their own flavor without molesting the songs. But as for "Take Me Home"... Yikes! Stay the heck away!

• Eagle and the Hawk - Bonnie "Prince" Billy
• Follow Me - The Innocence Mission
• Poems, Prayers and Promises - Rachel Haden
• Fly Away - Red House Painters
• Around and Around - Rachel Goswell, Mark Kozelek
• Looking for Space - Hannah Marcus
• Matthew - Granfaloon Bus
• Annie's Song - Sunshine Club
• Whispering Jesse - James Hindle
• Leaving on a Jet Plane - Joe Gore,
• Back Home Again - Low
• I'm Sorry - Red House Painters