****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
A much needed collection that focuses predominantly on Jody's years at Capitol Records in the 60's, this collection highlights Jody's first three albums on that label, with a few other tunes (including "Baby I'm Yours" from 1971, which she recorded for Billy Sherrill while she was on Epic Records) thrown in for good measure. Capitol-EMI or Universal Music Group (whoever owns the masters now) has been woefully inattentive to Jody Miller's catalog regarding CD or Digital Downloads, so it's a good thing Marginal stepped up to the plate a few years ago with this compilation, which includes Jody's Grammy winning "Queen of the House" and her big teen hit "Home of the Brave," a protest song with a message more timely than ever. This CD also includes Jody's first Billboard Hot 100 charting single, the magnificent "He Walks Like a Man," as well as her energetic and dance-friendly version of "Silver Threads and Golden Needles." One thing that is noteworthy about Jody is that she consistently delivers a high quality performance, no matter the song or the genre. She just knows how to deliver the goods every single time she opens her mouth to sing. The album does not focus on her swan song masterpiece for Capitol, The Nashville Sound of Jody Miller., which deserves to be heard in its entirety. Her talent really does deserve some kind of comprehensive boxed set, with liner notes and photos, but for now, this CD is a start towards orienting the listener to Jody's tremendous vocal interpretations. She has to be one of the most gifted and versatile artists I've ever had the pleasure of hearing, and I highly recommend this CD to anyone who loves great vocal artists. Jody Miller plus The Wrecking Crew session aces on this collection equals pure musical magic.
