Gordon Lightfoot - If You Could Read My Mind (11 tracks) +Album Reviews

Lightfoot's Breakthrough

Thomas Magnum | NJ, USA | 04/05/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If You Could Read My Mind was originally released in 1970 under the title of Sit Down Young Stranger. The album generated little action as Canadian Gordon Lightfoot's previous albums had. Then in 1971, the hauntingly beautiful ballad "If You Could Read My Mind" became a top ten hit, the album was re-released with the new title to capitalize on the popularity of the song. This started a good run of chart success for Mr. Lightfoot. The rest of the album is equally as strong as the title track. "Minstrel Of The Dawn" is a great track as is "Cobwebs & Dust"."

Timeless

Barron Laycock | 06/04/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Released in 1970, Gordon Lightfoot's first album after signing with Reprise remains one of his most enduring. Retitled from Sit Down Young Stranger after "If You Could Read My Mind" became a hit, the album reveals a songwriter of increasing depth and maturity. The title track, which to me remains the most powerful "breakup song" I've ever heard, is a showpiece, of course--but this is an album filled with showpieces. Featuring the beautiful ensemble playing of Red Shea on lead guitar and Rick Haynes on bass, the album also features guest appearances by Ry Cooder and John Sebastian, and some very tasteful, unobtrusive string arrangements (on "Minstrel of the Dawn," for example, the strings are scored by Randy Newman). The album is beautifully produced by Lenny Waronker and Joe Wissert--guitars are crisp and rich, the vocals have presence and depth. You'll find a terrific cover of Kris Kristofferson's "Me and Bobby McGee" on this CD: Lightfoot doesn't do many covers, but, when he does, he sings them like he wrote them. Other highlights include "Minstrel of the Dawn," "Sit Down Young Stranger," "The Pony Man," and...oh heck--the whole album is just one long highlight! Buy it!"

The Canadian Balladeer Extends His Audience

Brian E. Erland | Brea, CA - USA | 03/09/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"'If You Could Read My Mind' marked a time of change in Gordon Lightfoot's musical career. After five albums with United Artists Lightfoot made a switch to another label. This album, his sixth overall, was his first recording with Reprise and it contained the hit 'If You Could Read My Mind' which was one of his first songs to receive serious radio play in the U.S.A. His big breakthrough was still four years away when 'Sundown' would be released, but this was never-the-less the beginning of his efforts to gain the attention of the larger American audience south of the Canadian border.

Comprised of -11 tracks- of now classic Lightfoot tunes, this is essential Lightfoot. Heck, what am I talking about? They're all essential Lightfoot!"

No Need to Read His Mind, Just Sit Down and Listen

Christopher Davis | Cleveland, MS | 05/01/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"How to conjure up the words that are needed to praise this album. There are characters here. Perhaps even literary moments. Gordon paints pictures of wanderers who ride the country, through Kristoffersons "Bobby McGee." He sings of Lavender shedding her clothing to run "as naked as the sea." The lonely but neurotic persona of "Cobwebs and Dust" is right at home with someone who still can't press his "Saturday Clothes" after his frinds have all gone home. At points this album sounds like an ode to forced bachaelordom, or perhaps a dirge to a once busy domestic life. Then, of course, there is the ghost from the wishing well. Tears to the eyes on this one. The passion and soul of the album are summated here. This and "Sit Down.." are two of the finest songs Lightfoot has ever written. In turn, he pays tribute later to one of his influences on "Your Love's Return." Not mentioned before is the astoundingly sensitive guitar work of Red Shea, The fitting bass lines from Rick Haynes, the lovely orchestration by Randy Newman and Nick de Caro and the subdued but sassy bottleneck guitar from Ry Coody. John Sebastion also appears, as does Kris Kristofferson (uncredited), but the big named guest stars aren't the selling point. The music here is just some of the finest of Lightfoot's catalogue. Enjoy."

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	Gordon Lightfoot If You Could Read My Mind Genres: Country, Folk, International Music, Pop, Rock Track Listings (11) - Disc #1 Minstrel Of The Dawn Me And Bobby McGee Approaching Lavender Saturday Clothes Cobwebs & Dust Poor Little Allison Sit Down Young Stranger If You Could Read My Mind Baby It's Allright Your Love's Return The Pony Man
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