Gordon Lightfoot - Old Dan's Records

The original 10-song 1972 album available for the first time on CD, featuring 'The Same Old Obsession', 'Hi' Way Songs', 'Farewell To Annabel', 'My Pony Won't Go', and title song 'Old Dan's Records.' Rhino Records. 2002. Album Description

the real "Gordon's Gold"

This is Gordon Lightfoot and folk music at its best.

If I could only have one of Lighfoot's albums, this would be it. April 24, 2008

Old Dan's Records by Gordon Lightfoot

How great it is to be able to find CDs that are no longer available elsewhere? It's super. February 16, 2008

lightfoot

It's a keeper once you have all the others. Here you will find song themes of poverty, love, remorseful self reflection, as well as betrayal. "That same old obsession" is another work of impeccable genius with a chilling reference to evil during a lovers agony in the garden: unheard of profundity among trite contemporary love songs. "Someone is crying I'm calling her name deep in the garden, deep in my brain. I long to recall every kiss, every kind word, I miss her so much I could die, but the creatures of evil have captured her heart and that same old obsession still keeps us apart." July 22, 2007

Heartfelt and non-commercial

One of my favorite of Gord's albums because he's singing his heart even more than usual.

Nothing commercial going on here; no pop tunes, no overt attempts at a single. Instead, the best collection of lyrics Gord ever put on a single album. Each song evokes a particular mood; just the right memories matched lyrically to just the right music.

More than any other GL album, this one makes me feel like I know him. August 29, 2006

Lightfoot at his best

In the early 70's Gordon Lightfoot cranked out a lot of good folk based music and there are differing views on where he shines best. For me, he's at his best here, Old Dan's Records. While I agree it's not easy to pick one album over another and I wouldn't have problems with someone who wanted to argue for another of his albums, for me this album stands out for two reasons.

The first is the arrangements. Back when Lightfoot was doing his best work there was a thing for adding orchestration to his music, I suspect to make them more popular and "commercial." But I've always felt he sounds best when the strings are gone and the music focuses on his voice and the guitars, dobros, bass, and drums - his basic sound, Lightfoot with Rick Haynes, Terry Clements and Red Shea. And of all his albums, this one more than any other I know emphasizes that sound. The strings are here, but they take a back seat. You barely notice them when they appear.

The other reason is that it was around this time Lightfoot's voice was at its best. He sounds great on this disc.

His songwriting is also at its peak. So ...

This album more than any other captures the Gordon Lightfoot I love. It also has three of my favourite Lightfoot songs: Farewell to Annabel, Old Dan's Records and Lazy Mornin'.

Yes, I love this album. July 18, 2006

More reviews at Amazon.com ...