What's your favorite Patricia Barber album?

As everyone says, it is very difficult to suggest which one is best, I too have most of her recordings and plan on buy as and when they come out. I particularly like the album "Cafe Blue" very much since this was the first album I got after listening to it on a friends high end system on vinyl. My jaw dropped and I could not believe what I was hearing through those mini monitors (Alon Adrianas).

I would say if you like VErse you will probably end up liking all her albums, but, get the "Cafe Blue" as soon as possible. You will not be disappointed.

Happy Listening,

I agree with Cafe Blue, I think it is the easiest to listen to as well. I find her other albums (except for Verse which I have not heard) have a quality which is almost tense in their presentation, almost too studio perfect, maybe it is her singing which dominates the music. My friend likes Verse the best as it is not like her other albums and more accessable according to him. I do not mean to sound negative as I think the music is terrific, I am not the biggest fan of vocals to begin with and Patricia Barber is not replacing Joni Mitchell any time soon IMHO.

Companion (I can't wait for the SACD version!) I've had the opportunity to see Patricia live four times in different venues. By far the most amazing and moving experience I've ever had at any concert was at the Green Mill in Chicago. It was simple magical! I sat no less than 3ft from the small stage. Maybe that's why Companion is my favourite becasue every time I listen it brings be back to that experience -and isn't that what hifi is supposed to do!

Thanks,
Alex

Alex,

You must be one of the 300 people in the concert, this is what Michael Arnopol had to say when asked this question on this very forum. He goes by the handle "Mikejazz" here. Havent seen him around lately though.

I also have the album Verse and in my opinion it is different from the rest, mainly because it contains songs penned by Barber herself so that makes the songs original, on the other hand the previous albums were songs penned by others with few of her own on each disk (from the music side). Verse is an album which may take time for some to appreciate, it is one of those albums. It was the last of Barber's album purchase for me, but, for Tommy it was the first. So it would be very interesting to see what Tommy's opinion would be when he gets any of her albums prior to Verse.

I think it would be very appropriate if you (Tommy) came back to this thread and share your opinion after you have listened to her albums. Get them soon we are waiting for your feedback! If possible get them all :-)

Hi,
I also like Companion and Cafe blue cds. The Black magic woman track is one of my favour.
Enjoy!