Search - Bobbie Gentry :: Capitol Years: Ode to Bobbie

Ode to Bobbie Gentry Misses the Boat

Mark D. Prouse | Cold Spring, NY USA | 09/03/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Most of the major hits on this collection have been available before on compact disc. The other songs are more pop oriented selections from her later albums. Unfortunately, the cream of her catalog, chiefly those brilliant original Gentry songs and Beatles covers from the underrated second and third releases, "The Delta Sweete" and "Local Gentry" are passed up in favor of fluff like "Apartment 21" and a boring cover of the Dusty Springfield hit "Son of A Preacher Man." "Ace Insurance Man" is finally available again, and is the only track that makes this new collection worth buying if you already have the other two available CD compilations. "He Made A Woman Out of Me" and "Touch 'Em With Love" do have some appeal, but what's missing here is the unique, rural, common folk feel that Ms. Gentry offered in songs like "Recollection," "Casket Vignette," "Parchman Farm," "Papa's Medicine Show," "Tobacco Road," and many others. And where are the stunningly creative and beautiful originals like "Refractions" and "Courtyard?" So many missed opportunities! It's hard to fault any of this artist's work, but we will still have to wait for a definitive collection."

Unappreciated Artist.... How Sad.... She's Wonderful

Gene R. Cobb | scoobydoo | 05/31/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is a very sad shame that Bobbie Gentry did not get more publicity/press for her WONDERFUL works of art. She was a very gifted singer/songwriter. Her voice is so distinct, like Cher or Tina Turner, that it is immediately recognizable. It was terrible that Ms Gentry has not earned the wealth of praise recv'd by her peers (i.e.: Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Barbara Mandrell, etc.) We tend to forget that it is none other than Ms Gentry that opened the doors wide for artists such as: Rosanne Cash, Juice Newton, and Crystal Gayle; all of whom successfully conquered pop to country cross over. Remember, at that time only one other major female country/western singer had done that... Patsy Cline. However, Ms Gentry (although a 3 Grammy winner) would struggle valiantly to get to the top of her game, crossing all borders and lines of conformity. While, her other musical works never soared as high as her 2 claims to fame (Ode To Billy Joe and Fancy), to put it simply - THEY DARN SURE SHOULD HAVE.... Fancy, as an example should have been in the top 10 rather than top 30. Her talent as a writer was off the map, voice extremely unique & beautiful, and had excellent production skills.

While this album features her many covers, which I personally like best, it is very enjoyable for even those who like her personally penned songs.

Gene C.

"

THIS IS A MUST FOR EVERY BOBBIE GENTRY FAN!

James J. Patterson | Austin, Texas USA | 05/31/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I came to love Bobbie Gentry's music when her big hit "Ode to Billie Joe" came out. I loved her first album, and each album thereafter: Delta Suite, Local Gentry, Touch 'Em With Love, Fancy, and Patchwork (probably one of my favorite albums of all time). With this release, I once again understand why I love her so much. It's that smoky, deep voice that is so musical, it makes you want to just melt in a heap. I was more than pleasantly surprised by "The Girl from Cincinnati" and "Stormy" which I'd never had the pleasure of hearing before. I'm not sure I ever heard her do "Son of a Preacher Man" before. She does a creditable version, even compared to the illustrious and incomparable Dusty Springfield. One small mistake on this collection: "Chickasaw County Child" is actually "Papa, Won't You Let Me Go To Town". Both songs are from her first album, but this cut is definitely not "Chickasaw County Child". No big deal. Now, how about releasing all her albums on CD, as a voice of this stature so richly deserves? Until then, we'll have to be grateful for the small amount that is out there on CD and keep praying for more."