Album Reviews

Linda Ronstadt

Simple Dreams

Artist:     Linda Ronstadt

Album:     Simple Dreams - 40th Anniversary Expanded Edition

Label:     Rhino

Release Date:     9.22.2017

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Linda Ronstadt moved from a ranch in Tucsan, Arizona to LA in the 1960s, bent on becoming a singer. Out in the unfashionable Valley, playing at the cowboy-truckers-and-country music Palomino Club at the very time when Jim Morrison was slithering his way down the Sunset Strip, who’d have imagined that cute young country gal would turn into one of the greatest vocal stars of the 20th century and sell more than 100 million records, (reportedly) the highest-paid female in rock and definitely one of the world’s all-time best-selling artists.

Ronstadt has put out many wonderful albums, and Simple Dreams is unquestionably among the best. With classics like “Blue Bayou,” “It’s So Easy,” “Simple Man, Simple Dream” and “Poor, Poor Pitiful Me,” it was the chanteuse’s fifth consecutive platinum album, at the top of her art in 1977. Originally produced by Peter Asher, this reissue has been meticulously remastered and and the sound is incredible.

Three live bonus tracks make this CD better than the original. “It’s So Easy,” “Poor, Poor Pitiful Me” and “Blue Bayou” have been taken from the audio of a 1980 HBO special; Ronstadt powerfully sings the last verse and chorus of “Blue Bayou” in Spanish, a foreshadowing of her 1987 Canciones di mi Padre all-Spanish album, and a real dollop of icing on this already lovely cake.

—Suzanne Cadgène

Linda Ronstadt was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2013, and is unable to sing. Today, we have no cure for Parkinson’s Disease, but fans can help. Learn about Parkinson’s, and please consider contributing to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

 

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3 Comments on Linda Ronstadt

  1. Indeed a gorgeous remastering of a vocal masterpiece. Your link however does not go to the remastered version – you may want to correct that.

  2. Thank you. Working with Linda remains one of the great joys of my career (and being friends with her remains a joy till this day. My favourite singer for sure. Peter Asher

    PETER ASHER CBE
    MALIBU

    • Nice! I remember seeing you, Mr. Asher, walking the aisles at the Greek Theatre way back in ’84 during one of Linda’s big band concerts. I really wanted to shake your hand and say thank you for all the genius support you gave Ms. Ronstadt. She is absolutely my #1 singer, too!