Disco de Anne Murray: “Straight, Clean & Simple/Talk It Over in the Morning”

This 2 CD set of Anne's early Canadian Capitol Records sessions is a treat for her fans who have waited patiently for the recordings to be resurrected. Her trademark clear and effortless contralto soars above the pop/folk/country arrangements that never sound slick or over produced. And it is interesting to hear how the great instrument that is Anne's voice has evolved from these early years to the present. The entire Signature Series is a remarkable achievement by a remarkable artist. This collection of musical Canadiana is a must for fans of arguably, one of the best pop voices of our time.

When Anne Murray burst out of nowhere with "Snowbird" U.S. Capitol didn't have a clue what to do with her. The first U.S. album combined disparate Canadian tracks with a truly odd cover. Then came the non-titled "Anne Murray," the U.S. version of "Straight, Clean and Simple" stripped of its multi-meaninged title which frightened the U.S. execs (who would buy straight music from a clean and simple singer?), its cover art recropped and ruined. Now finally here is the opportunity to hear the album in its original Canadian sound--straight, clean and simple--coupled with the wonderful "Talk It Over in the Morning." This is a star just beginning to shine and sparkle but she's already a bright, blazing star. The wealth of music here is astounding and has certainly weathered the years.

The albums that make up this twofer demonstrate that there is a lot more to Anne's music than just the hits, of which Destiny (written by Jose Feliciano) was Anne's biggest from the songs included here.

Anne does superb covers of Night owl (James Taylor), You've got a friend (written by Carole King but a big hit for James Taylor), I know (Barbara George), Cotton Jenny (Gordon Lightfoot), A stranger in my place (Kenny Rogers) and I'll never fall in love again (the Bacharach/David song that provided Bobbie Gentry with her only British number one hit.

Most of the other songs are likely to be unfamiliar to all but Anne's committed fans, but they are well worth hearing. Sing high sing low was a minor hit in America and Canada, but achieved its greatest popularity in New Zealand.

Brian Ahern, Anne's record producer in those days, would achieve greater fame with Emmylou Harris. It's not difficult to see why Emmylou wanted him to produce her records. The overall feel of the album is easy listening pop country - just what you expect from Anne.

'STRAIGHT, CLEAN AND SIMPLE' was Murray's 3rd L.P. release in 1971.

Two songs made the country chart ~ their here and three B-sides.

1. Sing high -sing low ~ B/W ~ Days of the looking glass.

2. A stranger in my place ~ B/W ~ Sycamore slick.

3. (of a previous hit) the B-side ~ 'It Takes time'.

'TALK IT OVER IN THE MORNING' ~ Murray's 4th L.P. released 1971.

Only one song made the chart from this album ~ it's here and it's B-side.

1. Cotton Jenny ~ B/W ~ Destiny.

This was a real surprise to find this true because here's where Murray really hit her stride!

Yes she has some great songs on previous albums ~ but this one is iconic!

Here Murray takes on a more contemporary country/pop sound ~ in choice of songs & style of performing.

For those who had this vinyl back in the day ~ you'll surely remember the WOW moment!

Every song on this album is a good one. And some are worth a constant repeat button.

Like ~ Night owl ~ Destiny ~ and Murray's cover of the Barbara George R&B hit ~ I Know.

These albums are digitally remastered and have excellent sound.

great album of songs, got this for the track- Talk it over in the morning which I previously had on a 7" vinyl single. and I always felt should have been included on her best of album.,as this must surely be one of her greatest songs, and well worth buying the album for this track alone.