Regal Release
Set Free | Olympia, WA | 05/19/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I disagree with reviewers that say this album was a failure. It is a very warm and engaging album to me. I played the lp continually upon initial release. I'm less drawn to the political themes; much more to warmth of the love songs, yet the political does not get in the way. "Spanish Is The Loving Tongue" sounds to me like two lovers awestruck with each other. The longing is real. "Come Down In Time" is one of Elton John's finest early songs; Judy Collins' version is just as wonderful. "King David" sounds just like I imagine King David from the Old Testament to have been, regal, strong, human (mistake ridden) but resolute in his love for God and his fellow man. Very rich in ways other than monetarily - I like how that "sounds". The remorse for his improper actions portrayed in song are readily felt. With "Special Delivery", again, warmth is the word - very bright and cheerful. And I've not heard a bad version of "Everything Must Change"; Judy's is no exception. The whole album sounds warm, not like sunshine but like a cozy blanket, very comforting. She's said that this album was made during a difficult time in her life. Maybe I'm supposed to have heard that. I don't. It may have to do with production that can only come from Arif Mardin, one of my all-time favorite producers. His approach is always organic, not raw, just smooth like honey. The singers he produces always shine, from Aretha Franklin to Carly Simon to Judy Collins to the present day with Norah Jones. I love this album. I really wish Elektra or Judy herself would reconsider this as a fine work and re-release it on CD. I really wish it was, I'd buy it immediately."
Underated
baer | Nashville | 05/08/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Bread and Roses is an eclectic and moody masterpiece that has been, regrettably, unavailable for many years."
If only
J. Haase | Tacoma, WA United States | 08/07/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I can't afford all of Miss Collins releases but this lp, picked up in a thrift store has been on my cd wish list for a long time. If only the powers that be would make it available, I'd buy it in a flash. Jo of Tacoma"
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1
