If an artist can be called “legendary”, Bobbie Gentry is a member of that club. She grew up in the classic “country” song style of poverty, wanting to be a songwriter, but suddenly got world famous with her haunting popular hit “Ode To Billie Joe” that captured the imagination of artists from folk to country to jazz to funk. She then released a series of gritty albums and almost as soon as she burst on the scene, she tired of it and walked away, wanting, as did Garbo, “to be alone”. This two disc collection captures all of the highlights of her years, the best ones at Capitol, namely Ode to Billie Joe, The Delta Sweete, Local Gentry, Fancy, Sittin’ Pretty/Tobacco Road, Patchwork and even Bobbie Gentry & Glen Campbell. This is a set you don’t want to miss, and won’t forget.
Her ability to weave a story in song is exemplified by not only her big hit, but riveting pieces like “Mississippi Delta” and “I Saw AN Angel Die” from her first album. The follow-up from 1968 included “Okolona River Bottom Band” and “Mornin’ Glory” while she shows an ability to put some new ideas into covers, such as an earthy “Eleanor Rigby” and spartan “God Bless The Child”.
There are plenty of demos, alternative takes and acoustic versions of material as well, such as a duet with Campbell of “Let It Be Me” without string accompaniment. The albums all remain at a high level, so it wasn’t music itself that made her do like Artie Shaw and hang ‘em up. She doesn’t do any kind of interviews, so if she’s happy where she is in life, be content with what she’s left us, and there was a lot to leave.