In Dreams [Collection]

• Artist: Roy Orbison
• Rating:
• Release Date: 1987
• Type: Compilation (best of)
• Genre: Rock

Review

How does one recover enough to hear an album in its entirety when the first cut is "In Dreams"? Whoa! Roy Orbison's 1963 album of the same name, recorded for the Monument label, is devastating for a number of reasons, namely that his "Blue Bayou" and his readings of Johnny Mercer's "Dreams" and Stephen Foster's "Beautiful Dreamer" are here, as is his gorgeous reading of Cindy Walker's "Shahdaroba." Half of these cuts were recorded during the sessions for Sings Lonely and Blue, the other half in Nash Vegas in 1963 with Fred Foster producing both. The big difference on this set is the less intrusive presence of the Anita Kerr Singers. There are even more strings here, but they are relegated to a lesser place as well. Orbison's voice was never better than on this recording. The heights he reaches on the title cut, "Lonely Wine," the swaggering country and R&B of "Blue Avenue," and "My Prayer" are simply mind-blowing. The emotion and deep atmospherics of the tunes here reflect Foster's sophistication, but also Orbison's willingness to develop himself as a singer and as a persona. Orbison wrote or co-wrote four tracks this time out, but the song choices are impeccable. In addition to the original album being wonderfully remastered, the Legacy reissue contains four bonus cuts. These include a woolly read of "Mean Woman Blues," simpatico versions of Cindy Walker's "Distant Drum" and Willie Nelson's "Pretty Paper," and his own beautiful "Falling." ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide

Similar Albums

Definitive Collection, Ultimate Collection, Live at the BBC, Photograph, Ten Years Later/New Sounds of Gene Pitney, Best of the Monkees [Rhino], 50 Years-50 Hits, Scott 4, Greatest Hits, Vol. 2, Essential [Madacy 2 Disc], Rocker, Pet Sounds, Very Best of the Everly Brothers, Vol. 2, Interpretations: A 25th Anniversary Celebration, Hit Maker! Burt Bacharach Plays His Hits, Introducing the Beau Brummels, Guantanamera, Anthology (1956-1980), Cry Softly, Lonely One, Glen Campbell Collection, Classic Country: 1965-1974, Great Buddy Holly [RedX], The Greates Hits, Vol. 2, Sheila/Everybody Likes Tommy Roe, Songs of Leonard Cohen, Beatles for Sale

Credits

Roy Orbison (Guitar), Roy Orbison (Vocals)