Carly Simons No. 1 smash Youre So Vain lingers as one of the most clever and famous songs ever recorded. The subject of mass speculation ever since its release, soon after which it occupied the top spot on multipleBillboardcharts for weeks, the anthem kept a captive public guessing at the identity of its smug subject for decades. The question surrounding the protagonists identity remained perhaps the only mystery on the otherwise sexually open and autobiographically daringNo Secrets, Simons commercial breakthrough and 70s singer-songwriter staple.
Sourced from the original master tapes, pressed at Fidelity Record Pressing in California, strictly limited to 3,000 numbered copies, and housed in a Stoughton gatefold jacket, Mobile Fidelitys 180g 45RPM 2LP set affords the platinum-certified 1972 effort the finest sonic treatment its received on vinyl. Helmed by Richard Perry and recorded at Londons Trident Studios where Beatles, David Bowie, and Elton John captured landmark LPs No Secretstouts exceptional production qualities highlighted by this restorative reissue.
Audiophiles and record collectors, take note: This is the first timeNo Secretshas been available on 45RPM. The wider grooves and dead-quiet surfaces pay instant dividends.Simple, elegant, and disarming, songs seemingly float amid wide, deep soundstages. Simons voice takes on a confident, assertive tenor that emerges with accurate imaging, balanced tonality, and palpable presence. String arrangements and backing vocals come through with similar realism.
Enhanced by an all-star cast Simons then-husband James Taylor, Paul and Linda McCartney, Mick Jagger, Lowell George, Klaus Voorman, Bobby Keys, Jim Keltner, Nicky Hopkins, and Bonnie Bramlett are among the renowned musicians who lend a hand No Secretsadvances Simons themes of personal introspectiveness, no-holds-barred reflectiveness, and feminist-inspired boldness. She makes every moment ofNo Secretsworth savoring. Simon invests her all in the songs, handling beautiful ballads, sassy folk-rock numbers, and bluesy fare with calm, composure, and candor.
While acknowledging her own regrets (Youre So Vain) and loss (The Carter Family), Simon champions the highs (The Right Thing to Do) and pains (His Friends Are More Than Fond of Robin) of love in a sincere manner indicative of her maturity as both an artist and singer. The New York native distinguishes When You Close Your Eyes with deep-rooted spirituality, recalls childhood joys via charming sentimentality on It Was So Easy, and and takes ownership of her persona on a cover of Taylors Night Owl.
We have no secrets/We tell each other everything, Simon sings at the records midpoint, encapsulating both the themes and bravura of an effort that was nominated for four Grammy Awards and saw her write or co-write every song but one. Combined with Perrys savvy instrumental arrangements, her self-assured performances and forthright lyrics grantNo Secretsan edginess and relevance immune to the ravages of time.
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