Search - John Denver :: Aerie

One of JD's Best

Timothy D. SHELFER | Arlington, Tx | 04/06/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Critics panned this album as too short, too sweet. But perhaps that's its charm - this 1972 album truly is short and sweet. Aerie cemented Denver's status as a pop-folk star, with such hits as "Starwood in Aspen" and "Friends". In those days, his music was essentially performed by a trio - Mike Taylor and Dick Kniss on acoustic guitar and upright bass, and Denver picking his big Guild guitars (he was highly under-rated as a player), but this LP was fortified by the sounds of bluegrass musician Eric Weissberg and harmonica virtuoso Toots Thielman, plus some other drop-in friends.Oddly, this beautifully melancholy album has never been released on CD in the US. It took me 3 years to find a Japanese copy; expensive but well worth it. To a true John Denver fan, Aerie is the holy grail."

First of several neo-western albums

Bob Dunkin | Colorado | 06/23/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"John Denver's love of the West is center-stage on this project, starting with a tribute to his new home in the Rockies, "Starwood In Aspen." This original version, with its mournfully sweet harmonica solo, is much more authentic than the somewhat over-produced rendition on the Greatest Hits album. There are several cuts with that same wide-open, solitary feel about them, so perfectly in keeping with the West itself. Standout tracks include "Friends With You", "The Eagle & The Hawk", and "All Of My Memories." I usually skip "Re-adjustment Blues", a Vietnam-era piece that has lost its relevance, and "She Won't Let Me Fly Away", another blues number that just doesn't appeal to me. Over all, a great album for camping or travelling."

Worth my search for sure!

Laura J Malek | Phoenix, AZ United States | 12/13/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"WOW! Definitely worth every cent I spent! I had been hunting down this CD for years, in every avenue I could think of, and was THRILLED to find it finally on amazon. This was my first exposure to John Denver many years ago, and I agree it's his best effort! Having treasured the album for decades, I am amazed that I'd forgotten how many beautiful songs are on this one. Can't name a favorite, but I'd say Eagle and Hawk, along with Readjustment Blues and All of My Memories are right up in the top three! Any true Denver fan has to own this!
Treat yourself for Christmas! That's what I did...:-)"