Wednesday, March 23, 2005
The Best Albums You Never Heard
A lot has been said and written about the late John Denver, some of it unflattering as to his inoffensive or "saccharin" style. But I can tell you that no artist before or since affected me as deeply. Yep, that includes "you-know-who." As a young man, Uncle Sam sent me halfway around the world to a spot in the middle east populated by folks just about as inhospitable as the land itself. Some things never change, I suppose. All I thought about for the entire year was my beautiful wife and daughter, waiting patiently back home for me. It was John Denver's music that took me there, with songs like "Rocky Mountain High," "Annie's Song," and "Back Home Again."
Autograph is one of John's later albums. By that, I mean after his star had faded for the most part. Gone were the "saccharin" love songs and ballads, replaced with his unforgettable vision of wild places and things. Most folks don't consider it one of his his better works - it certainly did little by way of commercial success - but is is easily my favorite. John's love for Alaska is at the forefront here, with "American Child," perhaps the best cut on the album, and "Whalebones and Crosses," perhaps the most artistic. He also included a new release of "Wrangell Mountain Song," which originally appeared on Spirit. His beloved Rockies are in there as well, with "Dancing With the Mountains," and "The Mountain Song," which will make you want to grab your gear and head for the high country. "The Ballad of St. Anne's Reel" is an absolute joy, with an infectious fiddle tune that will not soon leave you. It was written by David Mallett, who also penned "You Say That The Battle Is Over," with it's strong pro-wildlife message. The original LP ends with the title cut, but the CD has added two songs cut from that original 1979 release, and both are a perfect fit.
If wildlife and the environment hold a special place in your heart, you must hear this album. John Denver walked the walk, raising untold sums for the causes of wild places and things, and he talked the talk, with Autograph.
