2008 marks Joan Baex 50th anniversary as a recording artist. The album was produced by the legendary Steve Earle. Joan gives her distinct interpretations to songs from Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, Steve Earle, Patty Griffin and more. Razor and Tie.
Fifty years after the start of her career, Joan Baez remains as committed to her twin muses of art and politics as ever. On Day After Tomorrow, her stunning collaboration with Steve Earle, she continues to find and interpret some of the finest contemporary songs of social injustice and spiritual salvation, often showcasing the work of others, much as she did Bob Dylan in his salad days. Earle, who sits in the producer's chair, plays guitar, sings occasional harmony, and contributes three songs (including the stirring "I Am a Wanderer"), has assembled a perfect clutch of players, yet all here, including Earle, stay out of the way and bow to Baez. 67 years old at the time of recording, Baez is always compelling, bringing the weight of her lifetime of activism to each song. She shines brightest on Tom Waits' heartbreaking title tune and on Jones's wrenching "Henry Russell's Last Words," the real-life tragedy of a miner. One of the beauties of this effort is that in keeping Baez utterly modern in the choice of material and the employment of acoustic instruments and simple production values, Earle has also made a record that returns her in spirit and message to her great albums of the '60s. Inspired, and inspiring. -- Alanna Nash
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 3.5 / 5.0
50 years and still true to herself:
This her best album in a long time. Congratulations to Steve Earle for the quality but understated instrumentation. Her voice shines through.
Some reviewers give it low rating because it is "Christian". Get a life. It is certainly religious (not consistently Christian) but that is not new to her music. And it is thoroughly anti-war, as you would expect from Joan and Steve. Ignore the nutter anti-Christians. If you can get over the fact that after 50 years her voice is no longer that pure soprano that... more info
33 rpm Vinyl???:
I would have loved to be able to write a review, except I received this item as a 33 rpm vinyl record!! Didn't think they made those anymore. So, I ended up returning it (a slight hassle) and then was able to get this item as a CD from Barnes & Noble. Once I was able to listen to the CD it was definitely worth the wait. Simply beautiful!!
Star of the Sea:
When I first heard "The Day After Tomorrow", I have to admit that I was disappointed with the loss of range and power in Ms Baez' voice. After a few listens,however, I warmed to her warm tones and stripped-down intimacy. At 67 years, the 60s Madonna evokes the Catholic Madonna and one longs to be wrapped in the arms of her wisdom and life-experience. It could be the spirit of Mary or it could be the spirit of Isis; whatever it is, in this CD, Baez welcomes the loving return of a lost generation, staggered... more info
Very sad:
I am a long time fan of Joan Baez. I have followed her music since her first album when I was in college. Sadly, this is the worst cd that I think I have ever listened to and I'm very sad that it is her's. The song selection is dreary and boring and the voice not quite as good as her last album. A little too much religion for my personal taste. But the reviews on this cd when it came out were excellent and so I bought one for myself and sent another one to a friend for Christmas. I feel like calling him and... more info
Tracks:
God Is God (Steve Earle)
Rose of Sharon (Eliza Gilkyson)
Scarlet Tide (Elvis Costello & Joseph Henry Burnett)
