MELANIEStoneground Words

Just recently bought myself a CD version of this, after owning a vinyl copy since it was first released, circa 1972. I was not even that familiar with any of Melanie's work back then ( early 1970's), but happened to catch her live on the Johnny Carson Show in 1972 (I was 18 then), when she sang two of the songs included on this album: "Together Alone", and "Do You Believe". When she sang these on the Carson Show, it was just her and her guitar, no background band, backup singers , or orchestration (as is the case on this album). I was so blown away by her amazing voice, and the unique emotion that she put into those two songs, that I bought my vinyl copy a few days later, and have worn it out over the ensuing 43 years- I was really pleased to see it finally come out in a CD format. I have more recently also added a few of her other older CDs , including some compilation ones, to my home music library, but felt like I needed to write a brief review of this particular one, "Stoneground Words", as I personally think it may be her best.I haven't followed her career at all over the years, but still come back to "Stoneground Words" fairly often. I'd say it's a somewhat uneven effort, at least for my musical tastes, but there are several songs on this CD that are truly remarkable, and worth the purchase for either any Melanie fan, or newcomers to her past career recordings, if you are someone who appreciates both an amazing voice, and a very intensely emotional sort of music.Melanie's voice (for those who are not familiar with her) is truly unique in the history of folk-rock music. While most singer's who have a vibrato voice talent usually only showcase that at various points in any song, Melanie was/is unique in that just about every note that comes out of her throat is more than a little tinged with vibrato- it IS her normal singing voice. I don't know of any other singer that is like that.But in addition to that unique, everpresent vibrato, she has an amazing range: within any single song she will display a somewhat thin, airy, almost ethereal voice, but then when required, she shifts into a higher gear, and the sheer power of that other gear will amaze you. And she feels the music like no other, too- the powerful voice just explodes, at times when the lyric and the musical score demand an extra dose of emotion.The best example of the above (and needless to say, my favorite song on this CD), is "My Rainbow Race"- an old Pete Seeger song, and one that I think Melanie does better than anyone else (many have recorded it, over the years). When she hits the recurring refrain "It's too soon to die" in this song, her voice becomes both a powerful musical instrument, and an incredible expression of human feeling. You have to hear it, to know what I mean.Some of the songs on "Stoneground Words" are upbeat, some with a very retro-sound (with a 1940's feel to them), but the several that I like the most probably have the common denominator of affecting lyrics, a somewhat sad and sedated musical score, and the seamless variations in the quality and power of her singular voice.I'd recommend this CD to any music fan familiar with the folk-rock genre, particularly those who grew up (as I did) in the 1960's-70's, and for anyone unfamiliar with Melanie's music, if you want to experience one of the truly unique voices in the history of popular modern music.

The songs that I was very familiar with that she sung Live were very different from hearing them recorded.I enjoyed the Live versionthe best....just her voice and the guitar playing.Yet some of the recorded songs that are actually new to me,I also enjoyed.Really whenyou take a voice like Melanie's and her quitar,you don't need more "stuffing" ie.additional instruments and voices to drown out her song.Her voice is slowed and emotional and alone will bring out all the beauty in the song.

It was nice to have this CD after all these years!

My all-time favorite Melanie album,this one is very whimsical & beautiful at the same time.

mint LP

I always loved this album. I thought it was one of her best works. Great songs and lush orchestration. Beautiful!

The release of this Melanie album has been long overdue. I am 100% happy with my purchase. The CD sounds great.

A masterpiece.

I rediscovered Melanie belatedly when she did her fortieth anniversary of "Candles" tour. I'm slowly collecting CDs from her massive back catalogue. This one is a real gem, one I had not heard anything from before until I asked Alexa to play Melanie songs. A few that were new to me jumped out and I found that they were mainly from this album. You know what you get with Melanie. Classy, thoughtful songs jumping through the emotions - melancholy, joy of life, reflective, quirky, amusing songs. If you want the hits, buy a compilation, if you're looking for something more obscure then I can recommend this. They aren't all this good.

Excellent to have this available at last - wonderful Melanie album

My personal favourite album of Melanie's. Some beautiful poetic gems. I love every track on this but my recommended choice is Melanie's rendition of Pete Seegers classic 'Rainbow Race', a prayer from the heart and soul of the singer for the madness of this world to cease and begin healing.

Classis album, one of my all time favs, great to have it on CD

Fantastic Cherry Red Records (Morrello) re-mastering of this classic Melanie album, so the sound quality is superb. The sincerity of this truly magical singer songwriter comes across with her voice never better. Simply beautiful songs, beautifully sung.