Emmylou Harris

Last Date

This Is Music At It's Best

Review Score:

(10/10)
After eighteen years of vinyl only, LAST DATE has finally been issued on CD. Thank goodness and thanks to the brilliant staff at Eminent Records. This is ultimate Emmylou Harris, and an extraordinary Hot Band lineup. The record was set to illustrated Harris' vision of country music, in the honky-tonk fashion. What makes LAST DATE is extraordinary is her incredible set of songs. "I'm Moving On" a #5 hit, is terrific. Harris' fifth #1 hit was "On Our Last Date", a gorgeous ballad. Her wonderful interpretation of Don Everly "So Sad" was a top thirty hit. She pays a tribute to her mentor Gram Parsons by recording extraordinary interpretations of "Return Of The Grievous Angel", "Juanita", and "Devil In Disguise". There's also a brilliant version of "We'll Sweep Out The Ashes In The Morning" they had sung together on GP. "Long May You Run" shines brilliantly, it's one of the album's highlights. That song is my favorite. There's a passionate performance of Bruce Springsteen's "Racing In The Street". There's infinite energy on Carl Perkins "Restless". Harris pays tribute to Merle Haggard on "It's Not Love" bringing her usual magic on the track. Harris plays lead guitar on "Buckaroo" part of the "Buckaroo/Love's Gonna Live Here" Medley, sensationally. The two bonus tracks "Another Pot O' Tea", and "Maybe Tonight", were the B-Sides of the album's two biggest singles. This reissue format is perfect, let's hope it is soon applied to EVANGELINE and THIRTEEN. LAST DATE is not to be missed. This is a marvelous album, one of the best by this incredible musician. Emmylou Harris once again proves that she is the most talented and important performer in the music world.

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