These three separate releases (one single CD and two doubles) make the first six Melanie albums available again. In retrospect, the wide variety and quality of her work becomes clear. Her influences range from Edith Piaf (I’m Back In Town) through Kurt Weill (Please Love Me) and folk, with delightful covers of Phil Ochs’ Chords Of Fame and Dylan’s Mr Tambourine Man and Sign On The Window.
Melanie assimilates everything into her own endlessly surprising songs, which range from the tough Soul Sister Annie, via the intimate Close To It All, to the bubblegum of Animal Crackers. Her quirky personality rises up through her voice, taking us on a journey to the heartbreak of Lotte Lenya, the charms of a nutty nanny, and the beguiling powers of a seductress. All her early hits are present across the sets, including Ruby Tuesday, Lay Down and Brand New Key.
It’s difficult to recommend one over the others, so best look for all three and consider it a box set without the box. Rediscover some real quality and variety from one of the most underrated talents.
