Beth Orton - Best Bit EP

Best Bit isn't the revelation its predecessor, Trailer Park, was. With that eye-opening debut, Beth Orton was marked as an uncommonly promising newcomer. Best Bit represents a rest stop between records. That said, the five-song EP is of value, if for no other reason than it unites the Londoner with American folk-soul stylist Terry Callier, who duets with Orton on his own "Lean on Me," as well as a cover of Fred Neil's "Dolphins." The title track provides another highlight; just as with the strongest tracks on Trailer Park, Orton here reinforces the notion that she's the long-sought offspring of such rich-voiced '60s thrushes as Bobbie Gentry, Jackie DeShannon, and Dusty Springfield. --Steven Stolder Amazon.com

Got to have it

I've never written a review on Amazon before, although I am a frequent shopper, but this cd is incredible. If you never heard of beth orton or terry callier, who cares? Give it a try. The music is so moving, you won't be able to stop listening to it. Trust me on this one. November 12, 2002

Churning out the hits!

I have been a Beth Head for about four months now and have bought up almost everything I can find by Ms. Orton. The song Best Bit is an obvious reference to her mother, whose passing apparantly has affected her music in every way. The second song, Skimming Stones is probably the only cut on this EP which could be considered as filler. It, however, is quite infectuous in its own right. The two collaborations with American folk singer Terry Callier are outright fantastic! Callier's voice on Dolphins is strong and controlled and Beth just follows along nicely with him. Lean on me is a powerful tune that some day will become a folksinging legend. All this leads us to the final cut on this short but great album; Touch Me With Your Love is a re-recording of a song from Beth's first album, Trailer Park. The song is no nonsense music. Beth Orton at her best with just vocals and guitar. If I had to play one song by Beth to someone who had never heard of her, that would be the one. I would recommend this EP to anyone who is fond of folk music with a lot of soul. Beth's music just keeps getting better and better. November 2, 2002

Just hanging out & jamming

This collaborative work with the great Terry Callier was an interlude following "Trailer Park", while "Central Reservation" was still gestating. Callier is an icon in folk circles, and Orton celebrates his influence in the "Trailer Park" liner notes. Small wonder, then, that she seems to be having so much fun jamming with him on this release.

Though Orton includes some original tunes on this EP, the middle cuts are the centerpiece. Here, Orton shares vocals and guitar duties with Callier. The result is a burlap collaboration of sweet guitars and plain-jane harmonies. They sound for all the world like they're hanging out in the living room, having a blast. We are lucky enough to watch and listen. The "best bit" is their rendition of Fred Neill's "Dolphins", which I've only ever heard another cover of, that by Linda Ronstadt on the Stone Poneys' "Hand Sown, Home Grown" album. Orton and Callier let the lyrics carry them and they follow along with wonderfully open results.

A common criticism of Orton is that her vocals tend to reediness or wander off-key. Whilst I don't hear the off-key bit much at all, I think the reedy quality to some of her vocals adds to her essential appeal as a "folk" singer. We have become so exposed to slick, highly produced music we seem to forget that most music is organic, hand-made and tends to be messy. The squeak of fingers changing chords, the trail of a note on a last gasp of breath, the sharp inhalation between phrases or notes -- this is the stuff of music. The "rough edges" on these tunes are their beauty. Enjoy! March 8, 2002

Beautiful Beth

This brief bit of Beth Orton's magic really cannot be missed. Each of the five offerings is, in my opinion, "amazing" (in the words of another reviewer). But possibly the best track is "Lean On Me," written by Beth, of course, and sung with her jazz buddy Terry Callier.

This short but infinitely sweet EP is a must for any Orton fan, and a good introduction to her voice and talents. I never tire of it. Ever. Which is about the highest compliment I can give. Order it yourself and find out! March 1, 2002

GREAT!

This is a must for all Beth Orton fans. All the songs are absolutely great (excluding the slow dragging 'Dolphins') and Terry Callier's duet with Beth on 'Lean on Me' is amazing. Buy this or be sad. May 12, 2000

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