John Denver BGO Boxset Review

BGO Records has issued a collection of four albums originally released by American singer-songwriter John Denver on the RCA Records label between 1971 and 1974.

I have long admired Denver for his unique musical style, reflective lyrics and universal approach that spanned many genres. His artistry has helped me through many a personal crisis, and continues to do so. Although he achieved great commercial success, his credibility in the intervening years has sometimes been questioned or maligned by some rebellious audiences who connected him to “uncool” connotations due to his wholesome image.

In the main, John Denver has remained a popular figure. He is an echo from a different time, but one which still resonates through universal themes in his music.

The BGO Release

BGO Records has a long list of releases in this configuration, many of which are Folk and Country. Unusual, given his success, this is the first time they have issued any of John Denver’s albums. Despite it being the beginning of their releases, this set doesn’t start chronologically from the start of Denver’s career.

Denver recorded his first commercial album, Rhymes & Reasons, in 1969 for RCA Victor. It was a mix of covers with a couple of originals sprinkled in. Denver would release other albums, including Take Me To Tomorrow (1970), Whose Garden Was This (1970) and Poems, Prayers & Promises (1971). These albums barely charted, but the latter did produce some of his most well-known songs, including “Take Me Home Country Roads” and “Sunshine on My Shoulders”. It was also a time when Denver’s star began rising.

It might seem bizarre to start beyond Denver’s signature song, but I understand their choice. The four albums included in this set contain the vast majority of Denver’s most well-known recordings. It charts a rise to superstardom and concludes on arguably his most commercially successful album, a period that led to being awarded a CMA for Best Entertainer in 1975. Picking this configuration ensures iconic songs such as Starwood in Aspen, “Rocky Mountain High”, “Annie’s Song”, “Back Home Again” and “Thank God I’m A Country Boy” are here.

This is also an opportunity to hear tracks that have been hiding on albums for decades, from a time when the full album experience was essential. Denver put his heart and soul into every note of his music, which is even more apparent when listening beyond the hits. A chance to hear his calming but powerful voice, placed alongside luscious 6 and 12-string guitar sounds.

The mix of covers is varied, too. You’d think it would be odd to hear the artist cover Buddy Holly’s “Everyday”, but Denver reinvents it enough to make it work. The same could be said for The Beatles‘ Mother Nature’s Son.

Disc One

The set begins with Aerie, a pleasant set of songs that showcase the many facets of Denver’s music, acoustic music with flavours of Folk and Country sprinkled in. It deviates towards the end, with more intense and political themes, before finishing on a brief but memorable song about a baby rabbit.

The next album, Rocky Mountain High, is a more cohesive collection that begins with the iconic title track. The songs are world-conscious, the production a little more polished, and the voice as pure as ever. Perhaps overshadowed by the hit, underrated material on this album includes Prisoners, “Darcy Farrow” and “For Baby”

The album ends on a series of compositions under the catch-all title of “Season Suite”, a ten-minute medley that originally populated most of the second side of the album; Similar to the B-side of Abbey Road. Unusually conceptual for Denver, but the shifting moods work well. The instrumental piece towards the end is an unexpected but moving highlight.

Disc Two

The second disc begins with Farewell Andromeda, an album that charts even more progression in Denver’s music. “I’d Rather Be A Cowboy” sounds like it’d be a fiddling Country song, but instead is a sprawling soundscape of his atmospheric guitar mixed with orchestral sweeps and more besides. Some moments feel more traditionally Denver, calm and personal, but even then, it feels consciously more full sonically. Despite the more commercial elements present, John’s knack for storytelling and highlighting social issues is not diminished.

The last album is Back Home Again, his highest charting studio album. It features the UK no.1 single Annie’s Song. To those of us who knew him more for his Country material, this one has the most flavours of that genre. “Back Home Again”, “Grandma’s Feather Bed”, and “Thank God I’m A Country Boy” are Country playlist must-haves. It is clear to see why this album struck a chord; It has less intensity, and the production sounds commercial, but it isn’t as elaborate as the previous album.

The popular lively songs on Back Home Again may give the impression that Denver lost some of his edge, but there are still lovely moments of soul bearing on here. “Matthew”, “The Music is You”, “Eclipse” and “Annie’s Song” (of course) still have a melancholically sentimental vibe about them.

There are two bonus tracks on this CD, which are normally put at the end of CD pressings of Back Home Again. Alternative versions of “This Old Guitar” and “Matthew” are split and put onto CD 1 and 2 individually instead of grouped.

A Little Something Extra…

The set comes packaged in a standard plastic CD case, with a cardboard sleeve wrapped around it. This presentation is something that BGO does extremely well; it makes the whole thing feel like a premium product.

Inside the packaging is a booklet, the first part featuring personnel notes for all of the albums where available. It gives credit to people who worked on these albums and demonstrates that it was more than just Denver. I was surprised to learn that Hal Blaine played drums on the last album, one of his many credits! The booklet also contains liner notes written by John O’Regan, a thorough examination of Denver’s life and career. it helps to provide context to the music heard here, further enhancing the experience.

Conclusion

Overall, it’s a solid collection of songs that showcase his journey to stardom. A majority of the hits, live favourites and everything in between. John’s earthy and socially conscious music is part of a 1970s soundscape, but also extremely timeless. Even when something isn’t 100%, there is a positivity surrounding this music that still appeals. 45 tracks for around £10, and sounding as good as ever! I highly recommend this set! The BGO set of John Denver albums (Aerie / Rocky Mountain High / Farewell Andromeda / Back Home Again) is available to order from their website

Tracklisting

Disc One:
AERIE

1. Starwood In Aspen
2. Everyday
3. Casey’s Last Ride
4. City Of New Orleans
5. Friends With You
6. 60 Second Song For A Bank, With The Phrase “May We Help You Today?”
7. Blow Up Your TV (Spanish Pipe Dream)
8. All Of My Memories
9. She Won’t Let Me Fly Away
10. Readjustment Blues
11. The Eagle And The Hawk
12. Tools

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH

1. Rocky Mountain High
2. Mother Nature’s Son
3. Paradise
4. For Baby (For Bobbie)
5. Darcy Farrow
6. Prisoners
7. Goodbye Again
8. Season Suite: Summer / Fall / Winter / Late Winter, Early Spring (When Everybody Goes To
   Mexico) / Spring

Disc Two:
FAREWELL ANDROMEDA

1. I’d Rather Be A Cowboy (Lady’s Chains)
2. Berkeley Woman
3. Please, Daddy
4. Angels From Montgomery
5. River Of Love
6. Rocky Mountain Suite (Cold Nights In Canada)
7. Whiskey Basin Blues
8. Sweet Misery
9. Zachary And Jennifer
10. We Don’t Live Here No More
11. Farewell Andromeda (Welcome To My Morning)

BACK HOME AGAIN

1. Back Home Again
2. On The Road
3. Grandma’s Feather Bed
4. Matthew
5. Thank God I’m A Country Boy
6. The Music Is You
7. Annie’s Song
8. It’s Up To You
9. Cool An’ Green An’ Shady
10. Eclipse
11. Sweet Surrender
12. This Old Guitar
13. Matthew (alternate version)
14. This Old Guitar
    (alternate version) (on disc one)