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H O M E P A G E
JANE'S MOVIE WORLD:
JANE'S MUSIC WORLD:
MUSIC TRIBUTES: JANE'S ART WORLD: |
Established 1999
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| I have several dozen songs that I hold dear for different reasons, but there are only a few albums that I consider as works of art. It is a difficult thing to maintain a high standard through an entire album. The following is the short list of my absolute favorites of all time. I have not included hits albums, because although I enjoy them, there is something more satisfying about discovering an album that has songs that each say something to me and that have a wonderful flow one into another that tells a complete story. I have not included albums by those artists who have given their own tribute pages.. |
 Court
and Spark, Joni Mitchell, 1974"I DEAL IN DREAMERS AND TELEPHONE SCREAMERS" Without question this is my favorite album of all time. It is a perfect blend of music and words that has stayed in my head for 25 years and I have never grown tired of hearing it. Joni Mitchell wrote clever, witty, thoughtful songs that blend seamlessly one into another. The album has grown into my psyche, so that I find myself thinking of the lyrics in different situations. Joni Mitchell's singing is an acquired taste, but perfectly fits her own songs. The album may not be for everyone, but it is certainly worth a try. "EVERYTHING COMES AND GOES PLEASURE MOVES ON TOO EARLY AND TROUBLE LEAVES TOO SLOW" |
 Cycles, Frank Sinatra, 1968"LIFE GOES IN CYCLES, FIRST THERE'S SUNSHINE, THEN THERE'S RAIN" Frank Sinatra recorded hundreds of songs and I have enjoyed several of his albums. "Cycles" is the one I always go back to and recommend. The songs are of life and love and the ups and downs of both. Some songs are familiar like "From Both Sides, Now" and "By the Time I Get to Phoenix", but I am particularly fond of "Rain in my Heart" and "Pretty Colors". |
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 African Sanctus, David Fanshawe, 1972"ET IN SPIRITUM SANCTUM" David Fanshawe traveled through Africa recording the music of the people. He then set them to liturgical music. This recording is astounding - it goes from the highly charged "African Sanctus" to the gentle reverent "Lord's Prayer". The use of African tribal music with rhythmic drums combined with church music sung in Latin is a pretty brave, but effective combination. (I must caution that some later re-recordings are a little disappointing as the beat was slowed down and is less effective than the original recording.) Amazon link - sound samples available (Unfortunately, this is a re-recording and not as powerful as the original recording that I have on vinyl.) |
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 Bette Midler, Bette Midler, 1973"SURABAYA JOHNNY, OH I BURN AT YOUR TOUCH" Bette became an original doing classic songs. This album got my nod over the one mentioned below partly due to her recording of "Surabaya Johnny" - it is the most heart-wrenching version I have ever heard. But, it is her ability to go from tortured to joyful in songs like "Higher & Higher" that made her a star. Her performance of the songs of the 1930's and 1940's lead me to my own appreciation of them. |
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 Bookends,
Simon & Garfunkel, 1967"TIME IT WAS AND WHAT A TIME IT WAS, A TIME OF INNOCENCE" This album has a bittersweet flavor to it, that goes from the wistful "Bookends Theme" to the cynical "Fakin' It". Paul Simon is an incredible songwriter and this album has some of his best work. The combination of Paul and Art's voices has never been duplicated. The addition of the recordings of senior citizen's conversations adds a unique element. |
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 Blood, Sweat & Tears 3, Blood Sweat & Tears, 1969"SOMETHING'S COMING ON, DON'T KNOW WHAT IT IS ,BUT IT'S GETTING STRONGER" Blood, Sweat & Tears cover such songs as "Symphony for the Devil" and "Fire and Rain" on this album with the strength of David Clayton Thomas' vocals and the band's musical craftsmanship. I have always found this to be the most powerful and unusual of all their albums. |
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 Nick of Time, Bonnie Raitt, 1989"LIFE GETS PRETTY PRECIOUS WHEN THERE'S LESS OF IT TO WASTE" Bonnie finally crossed over with this thoughtful strong album. It is a look at a life lived with it's pain and joy. Her husky voice and guitar licks make this an album that has been widely appreciated. |
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 One Fine Morning, Lighthouse, 1971"SING FOR THE FREEDOM IN EVERYONE'S LIVES" There was period when bands like Chicago and Blood, Sweat & Tears introduced a big band sound in their rock recordings. Lighthouse was one of these bands. They only had the one hit of the title song, but this album has a nice blend of thoughtful and lighter songs, with a definite flavor of religious faith in the lyrics. (I have not been able to find this recording currently on CD.) Amazon link - sound samples available (Only "Best of" album available - has some of the songs on this album) |
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 Black
Orpheus, soundtrack, 1959"MANHA DE CARNIVAL" Bossa Nova was discovered around the world when this movie was released with the recordings of Antonio Carlos Jobim, Luiz Bonfa, and Joao Gilberto. The music flows from carnival excitement to the quiet joy of a peaceful sunrise. It is a joy to listen to. (I would recommend seeing the movie as it explains some of the clips of dialogue heard on the album.) |
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| Travelling without Moving by Jamiroquai | I'm Breathless by Madonna |
| Great breakout album with songs that go from dance to digital. | Madonna's "grown-up" album that has a couple classic Sondheim songs from the movie "Dick Tracy". It was the first time I admired her as an artist. |
| The Divine Miss M by Bette Midler | The Broadway Album by Barbra Streisand |
| It was hard to choice between this one and the above album as my favorite Bette. | Barbra got back to the basics of the music she really excels at. |
| Ten Summoner's Tales by Sting | What's New by Linda Rondstandt |
| His voice doesn't excite me, but these songs have a nice balance of different styles that work well together. | Linda lead the way for contemporary artists to go back to the standards and re-interpret them. Nelson Riddle ably conducts the orchestra. |
| Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (soundtrack-various) |
Mask (soundtrack-various) |
| Johnny Mercer songs are given a great presentation in this soundtrack. It is one of my favorites to share as gifts with others. | Just a really fun album - one of those soundtracks that is better than the movie. Jim Carrey is a pleasant surprise during "Cuban Pete". |
| "The
Contender" and "Mugzy's Review" by Royal Crown Revue |
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These are terrific albums with a hot swing sound and songs that follow a storyline. Real toe-tappers. |
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HONORABLE
MENTIONS (Albums I have also loved):