Court and Spark

[mudcub]

As a treat for myself, I thought I'd buy some CDs from the seventies folk-rock period. I am most impressed by female singer-songwriters who wrote, sang, and recorded their own music. In this age of vapid synthesized American Idols, I find it refreshing to go back thirty years and enjoy the originality of the women artists of previous decades.

Here are some CDs I don't own but think I should listen to:

Carole King "Tapestry"
Joni Mitchell "Court And Spark"
Carly Simon (I'll but a best-of CD)
Joan Armatrading "Walk Under Ladders"
Janis Ian (best-of, with "At Seventeen")

What about these artists? Can they be included in the genre?

Laura Nyro
Karla Bonoff
Patti Smith
The Carpenters
Kate Bush
Helen Reddy
Anne Murray

Can you recommend any others? Aren't there some famous lesbian singers I'm missing like Suede and Ferron and Holly Near and Cris Williamson?

Comments

[blachubear.livejournal.com]

Joni's "Court & Spark" is a masterpiece. "Blue" & "Hejira" are also amazing.

"Tapestry" is an amazing classic. You should also get "The Essential Carole King" which is not only Carole greatest hits but the second disc are the songs she written for other artists and original recordings(like The Sherelles' "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow").

Carly best of is good enough.

The Carpenters' "Gold" is great start.
If you get Kate Bush's "The Whole Story" you'll be a little disappointed that it's not remastered & it also includes a second version of "Weathering Heights". If you want the original version, get "The Kick Inside".