Disco de Indigo Girls: “Retrospective”

This is a great "retrospective" in the sense that it provides a journey for the listener through the Indigo Girls' recorded history. As a long-time fan (since "Closer to Fine"... yes, I'm old!), this CD was sort-of a let-down because it didn't contain MY favorites... however, that wasn't its intent. It's intent is to cull one or two representative songs from each recording. The two new songs are, in this reviewer's opinion, some of the best music the Indigo Girls have ever done... especially "Leaving," which I cannot listen to without thinking of all my friends and loved ones over the years who have moved on... it always brings tears to my eyes. I think this is a great addition to the Indigo Girls' body of work.

This CD is a great introduction for people who are "interested" in Indigo Girls but haven't made the leap and purchased their CDs. It's a good representation of each of their albums, and as always, there are songs any avid fan would wonder "How could they have left THAT out?!" It covers the "hits," and since 'Closer to Fine' was their only radio "hit," this means - these are the songs they play religiously live & the crowd sings along. The two new songs are nice additions - and are reason enough for anyone that appreciates their music to purchase the disc.

I'm not a life-long fan. I heard a few songs on the radio, was impressed by the quality of the song writing and the vocals. I got lucky when I bought this CD. It is enjoyable from beginning to end. Remember music before MTV made image more important than talent? This is it. Take it from a middle-aged father, do yourself a favor and listen to this music - it takes you away to peace and pure enjoyment. I know that this vocal group has been branded as outside the mainsteam, but it is so superior to the top-40 junk that it's amazing. I'm only sorry I didn't find it sooner.

...and I've been one for five beautiful years now. So, I officially want to say that it is hard for me to be objective, especially about my favorite artists of all time. But a few thoughts... First, between the two, Amy and Emily can play a hell of lot more instruments than I can. They play acoustic and electric guitar, banjo, mandolin, dobro, piano, dulcimer, bouzouki and melodica. Oh...and they sing as well. I don't know about the gent below, but I feel that Amy and Emily have grown in instrumentation as well as harmonies and song writing. I'll never forget the first time I saw them and Emily switched from acoustic to electric guitar, then to banjo, then to piano, and then sat down and played the dulcimer... Next...I would have chosen Mystery to be on this album. As a sampler and a retrospective though, it certainly does show their growth. But as somebody who regularly introduces other people to the work of the Indigo Girls, I would not start with this album. I'd still choose to start with 1200 Curfews because it displays a lot of their songs as well as how good they are in concert. The two new songs, Devotion and Leaving...are more great songs from my favorite songwriters. Both moved me to tears this afternoon when I bought it and went drivin in the country to listen... So...to anybody, like the person below, who is a casual Indigo Girls listener I strongly encourage you to search through every album. It is my belief that once you do you'll drop the "casual" title...

The Indigo Girls are one of those bands that inspire people to pick up a guitar and try to learn to play, and sing, like an Indigo Girl. This compilation is the best. I have always been a huge fan, but had never listened to the older stuff much. With this CD, I was introduced to some of the old that I had been missing and the new, the best - "Leaving." I love that song!! Some people may not like the political and social statements in the lyrics, but you cannot deny the pure emotion that these songs evoke.