GREATEST HITS LIVE (by Carly Simon)

SUMMARY:                        RUNNING TIME: 45:04 Min.

This 1988 Arista Records album is a partial soundtrack for Carly Simon’s live 1987 HBO special: Carly in Concert – Coming Around Again.  Recorded at Martha’s Vineyard / Gay Head, Massachusetts, Greatest Hits Live would be Simon’s sole live album until 2023 when she recorded Live at Grand Central. 

Though possibly not in the same order as the concert, the eleven tracks are:

1. “Nobody Does It Better”                      (3:43)
2. “You’re So Vain”                                (4:44)
3. “It Happens Everyday”                        (2:38)
4. “Anticipation”                                     (3:17)
5. “The Right Thing To Do”                    (2:48)
6. “Do The Walls Come Down”               (4:05)
7. “You Belong To Me”                           (3:35)
8. “Two Hot Girls (On A Hot Summer Night)  (5:12)
9. “All I Want Is You”                             (3:55)
10. “Coming Around Again/Itsy Bitsy Spider”   (7:01)*
11. “Never Been Gone”                             (3:38)

Note: The concert’s DVD release is retitled as Carly Simon – Live From Martha’s Vineyard. 

REVIEW:

An effervescent Simon is very much on her game.  This breezy concert ends in an appropriate balance with two poignantly endearing tracks (along with Simon’s low-key exit).   Though one wishes the complete concert was provided, Simon’s Greatest Hits Live is still close enough.  It’s a classy highlight reel worthy of rediscovery, particularly as a serene option for road tunes.          

PACKAGING:

Along with a concert photo still, the CD’s outer cases lists all tracks.  The insert foldout provides each song’s lyrics, composer(s), and copyright.  Additional musician and technical credits are also included.     

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     7½ Stars