SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: MARIANNE FAITHFULL – SONGS OF INNOCENCE AND EXPERIENCE: 1965-1995

Marianne Faithfull
Songs Of Innocence And Experience: 1965-1995
Universal Music

Marianne Faithfull made her debut in 1965 with “As Tears Go By”, a year before The Rolling Stones released their version. The single was an instant worldwide hit. This was followed by three more top ten singles in 1965 and 1966. Marianne Faithfull was officially a pop star. But by 1967 her personal life and relationship with members of The Rolling Stones overshadowed her music and by 1969 she basically called it quits. That was also the year the first Marianne Faithfull compilation album hit the stores. Clearly, it was not the last. Since that time there have been over a dozen compilations, documenting her career and different eras. Of course she returned to recording in 1976, and since then released several critically acclaimed and quite successful albums. This compilation, Songs Of Innocence And Experience: 1965 – 1995, focuses on her first 30 years of recording.

However, Songs Of Innocence And Experience: 1965 – 1995 is a lot more than just a collection of hits, popular album cuts and critically acclaimed songs. This collection includes songs never before released, alternative and live versions, and obscure songs collected and available on CD for the first time. Well known hits, such as “Come And Stay With Me” are included along with a re-recorded version of “As Tears Go By”. A live recording of “Yesterday” (from the BBC) is included rather than the regular studio version. Even more interesting is the 12-in version of “Why’d You Do It”, rather than the much shorter album version. So, although this serves as a collection of hits and well-loved songs, there is enough here to keep the most avid fan/collector interested.

Marianne Faithfull was able to reinvent herself after the 1960s. She went from a folk/pop star to an artist who could give Lou Reed a run for his money. By the time she got to the point of recording her now classic Broken English (which includes the aforementioned “Why’d You Do It”), Faithfull had experienced a great deal in her life and not all of it was pleasant. This led to her music being much darker and much more interesting. In some ways, this compilation outlines how she got there through her music. Her 1971 version of Phil Ochs “Chords Of Fame” turns a country/pop song into a dirge, and the darker side of fame that Ochs was writing about comes through loud and clear. The same can be said of her cover of Dylan’s “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue”. She takes Dylan’s anger and turns in on itself and she highlights the sadness of the song. These two songs, along with many others, explore Faithfull’s seemingly discomfort with the spotlight and that is what makes this album so great. In a very real sense, the selections and running order tells her story.

It is no coincidence to end the album with “The Stars Line Up” from 1995’s A Secret Life. “The stars line up for me tonight,” she sings. “To see who we are tonight” she concludes. It brings the double set to a close and sets up a sequel for a collection of her music from 1996 to present. But there is a lot to explore and enjoy with Songs Of Innocence And Experience: 1965 – 1995. Her version of Shel Silverstein’s “The Ballad of Lucy Jordan” is the definitive version, and the original mix featured here brings out the melancholy and sheer joy of the song. And the B-side, “Over Here (No Time For Justice)”, is a lost gem and a wonderful addition to the collection. Also, a chance to hear Faithfull sing 1965’s “Summer Nights” in French is an unexpected pleasure. Cap all these off with her cover of “The First Time (Ever I Saw Your Face) (Faithfull Forever Version)”, which is a beautiful, sparse arrangement. It is breathtaking.

Overall, a very well-put-together collection of some of the highlights of Marianne Faithfull’s career. There are a number of songs from Broken English, but I would recommend buying that album as it is perfect from beginning to end and hearing them here out of their home is a little bit jarring, like running into your teacher when grocery shopping with your mom when you were a kid. It just doesn’t seem right. But again, fans and non-fans will get a great deal out of this package. It is a beautiful tribute to a unique artist who has refused to be defined or confined to one genre or role. Just listen to her version of “Strange Weather”.

Faithfull broke ground throughout her career. Singing about sexual assault (“Why’d You Do It”), or drug addiction (“Sister Morphene), or her own life were almost taboo subjects, especially for female artists at the time. A lot of people who owe a lot of their career to her and Songs Of Innocence And Experience: 1965 – 1995 go a great distance to explain why that debt is owed. A brilliant and well-put-together compilation and a great example of how effective and strong ‘best ofs’ can be.

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