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Joan Baez - Do I just not get it?

Hi,

I'm a relatively young music/audio guy (24). I recently bought a remaster LP of Joan Baez "In Concert" which I've heard is a great album, both musically and soundwise.

This is my first exposure to Joan Baez - and not meant to offend fans... But I could not make it past song two. Now I love singer/songwriter music, and certainly enjoy female vocals and acoustic guitar... but her voice! It is unlistenable! She uses so much vibrato and sounds like a sheep... baaaaaaa... Stevie nicks can at least get away with being a sheep because she has the rock music to keep the attention away... but joan Baez - How do you guys enjoy listening to this stuff? The vibrato is terrible!
goatwuss
phd
1,008 posts
 
The only song from Joan Baez I love is Diamonds & Rust. Purchased the Cd for just that song, don't care for the rest. Keep in mind these songs were recorded during a time period when the average gear was more bass heavy then it is today so it could sound a little flat without equalization. Notoriously music that is recorded live never sounds as good & or dynamic as a studio recording in my opinion.
nsgarch's avatar
nsgarch
2,517 posts
 
If you want to hear great Baez, try and find some of hear early albums on Vanguard -- even in mono. A voice like a clear bell, no vibrato. You'll understand what all the fuss was about.
rushton's avatar
rushton
2,430 posts
 
The "In Concert" record is relatively early in her career (1962). What you describe is simply her voice and singing style. For some, the absolutely crystal clarity of her voice is totally enchanting; for others, her voice is sharp and thin and not very pleasant. And, as you describe, her use of vibrato can be off-setting. But so many of us who grew up in the 60s grew up with folk music, protest songs, and Joan Baez. She's an icon of her generation.
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xiekitchen
819 posts
 
Diamonds and Rust is a really great album and recording. I have the Nautilus pressing and it is worth it. She does have that vibrato but it doesn't bother me that much on this offering. I have'nt heard the piece you're talking about so I can't say, but these modern "diva" singers around today have that EXTREME african-american R&B modulation style that I find affected and overused. Joan Baez is refreshing to me in light of these current MTV "singers"
raytheprinter's avatar
raytheprinter
1,232 posts
 
I suggest you listen to;Don Juans Reckless Daughter,Which has Jaco P. on bass,very good stuff!Im not a fan of most live albums ,,,,maybe you could sell that LP in the classifieds here,think the ad is free!
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