Eric Andersen - Best Songs

All Music Guide

With similar artists such as Jackson Browne and James Taylor at the height of their popularity, Arista Records was looking for the same from Eric Andersen. Following two limply produced records (Be True to You and Sweet Surprise) sprinkled with Andersen's first-rate songwriting, the label released The Best Songs, a ten-song career retrospective. The album, which was Arista's final effort at capturing an audience for Andersen, included five re-recorded songs from his 1966 record 'Bout Changes and Things, two tracks from his best LP, Blue River, and three from their 1975 release Be True to You. Of the newly recorded material, "Thirsty Boots," "Violets of Dawn," and "I Shall Go Unbounded" (recorded live at the Other End in N.Y.C.) eclipse the original versions, while his country-tinged folk tunes "Close the Door Lightly" and "Hey Babe Have You Been Cheatin'" are treated to somewhat slicker updated arrangements. With the mix of old and new and the inclusion of the terrific live cuts, The B...est Songs, though a bit incomplete, is probably the best single-record introduction to Eric Andersen's overall career. The live recordings, as well as the songs from Be True to You, were reissued in 1997 on Collection, which highlighted his stretch with Arista. - Brett Hartenbach, All Music Guide Read more Less