Indigo Girls Album: “Rarities [Digipak] [Limited]”

I consider myself a die-hard (seasoned) fan, and I was greatly disappointed in this collection. More than two-thirds of the songs are previously released, so I was glad I could only purchase the 6 songs I needed. Most of the 6 actual "new" tracks are available in a poorer quality elsewhere. I am not criticizing the Indigo Girls for this redundant release, they asked their fans to vote on the songs we most wanted on this collection. This collection will seem weak and unrepresentative to the novice listener; as the duo has said many times "Rarities" demonstrates their growth as songwriters and performers.

The overall message is: this collection is for the middle, those of you that fall somewhere between a novice and die-hard fan. If your rarities collection already includes most of the songs on "Rarities," then buy the few songs you need individually. If you only own 1 or 2 Indigo Girl CDs (or tapes), then skip this one for now and go with something else like "Retrospective," "All That We Let In," or "Come On Now Social." You will be much happier in the long run, as those CDs are more representative of the duo's songwritting and abilities. However, if you own most of their CDs and you are interested in understanding their development and influences (that you don't already know), then I highly recommend this collection.

I adore the Indigo Girls and have everything they've put out, so this was a must-buy for me. However, it's the least likely CD I'd play out of theirs. They're still in good form on this one, but it lacks the consistency of a regular Indigo Girls album.

My favorite new song in this new Indigo Girls collection is "Let Me Go Easy," a wonderfully engaging and meaningful song

that I keep going back to again and again. I have been an avid

listener to their music for ten years now, and I own all of their studio albums, as well as several other collections.

Even with this background, this song has risen to near the top

of my favorites list. Not to be missed!

I've heard a bootleg version of "Finlandia," but that version is

not nearly as beautifully realized as the rendition included in this collection. Another wonderful track!

"Uncle John's Band," which, although available perhaps from other sources, was not a part of my collection before getting this, is another really enjoyable song. I especially like

the pacing of the vocal on the line, "I live in a silver mine /

And collect berrys too."

I haven't had the chance to thoroughly digest the CD yet, but

other tracks that stand out to me so far "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters," "I Don't Wanna Talk About it" and "Clampdown" (chillingly relevant with Bush and his ilk having so much power).

There are at least three songs I would have loved to have seen included here, though: "Blood Quantum," "Letter to Eve" and

"Wisteria." Had they been included, my rating probably would have been five stars.

If you are a longtime Indigo listener, don't miss this one.

You will really want to "Let Me Go Easy" and the wonderfully

rendered "Finlandia" especially.

Although some of the songs on this Rarities CD have been released before, or at least heard by me before. I always love a new girls CD. I love track 3! It's been in my CD player for weeks now and I am not tired of it yet. I highly recommend this CD if you are a TRUE Indigo Girls Fan!

These are wonderfully written songs by some of the best. The air of soulful harmony the Girls bring to each song is just perfect. Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters is better than any version Elton John ever did. This is one of my most-played collections.