Due to Carly Simon having changed record companies several times during her recording career, it was until recently impossible to obtain a comprehensive collection of her work. However, this excellent 3CD compilation puts this right, with considerable effort having gone into obtaining recordings from all her record labels, as well as her contributions to film soundtracks and various other 'one-off' projects. The result is a very interesting collection of the familiar hits and numerous rare tracks which even the devoted fan may never have previously come across. Every track is of excellent quality - no dull live performances or out-takes - and the whole package has been remastered to a high standard. The packaging is interesting too, with essays and many 'family snapshot' photographs, although the book is unfortunately stapled into the album cover and has a tendency to tear loose from it.

Although here in Britain she is most remembered for 'You're so vain' and a few other smaller hits, this album demonstrates that when on form Carly has produced some excellent work, with memorable melodies. Although the quality of some of her albums has at times been variable (such that some have very little representation here) she has also written some memorable songs that will stand the test of time - just a couple of examples being the powerful 'Let the river run' and the collaboration with Michael McDonald 'You belong to me', which has been covered by several other artists. She is not afraid to attempt some of the old 'standards' she knew when growing up, and although her performances of such songs have been disliked by some critics I find them to be very appealing - her rendition of 'Danny boy' for example is probably the most moving version I have ever heard. Whilst there are undoubtedly other female singers with purer, sweeter voices, the commitment and feeling in Carly's singing more than makes up for any technical limitations - she has a lot of heart and this makes for enjoyable listening.

Carly has never been afraid to wear her heart on her sleeve, and most of the lyrical content of the tracks seems as though it has been lifted straight from her personal diaries. Because she has always written her own songs, they often have an uncompromising honesty and give a refreshingly female perspective on life and love; she is not afraid to address issues of middle age, family life etc, which makes a pleasant change from much pop music. This may well have helped Carly to keep her audience, who have grown up with her since the 1970s and can continue to relate to her work. Despite the lyrical introspection, the songs rarely become overly sentimental, and the basic atmosphere of the album is hopeful and positive - Carly seems to have the ability to bounce back despite disappointment.

The three CDs have distinct themes - the first being a continuous collection of hit singles, the second a varied selection of rare or obscure tracks, and the third a selection of ballads of varying emotional intensity. It would be difficult to pick a favourite track because there is probably something for everyone here, but the sardonic 'We're so close' is hard to beat. This is an excellent collection and indispensable for anyone who appreciates Carly Simon's music.

In Late 1995,I knew this box set was coming out,but its release date was being moved up to a later date every week.Finally it was out the second week of December.What a great Christmas gift from Carly. From the first CD,with all of Carly's greatest hits like,"You Belong to Me," my favorite,to the number 1 hit,"Your so Vain," To Carly's oscar and grammy winning song,"Let the River Run." And one hit that's never been on a Carly Simon Album,"Nobody does it Better," and that's Carly.The second CD is a treasure.Some songs I've never heard before like"Angel from Montgomery," "Raining," What a great Children's song."The Night Before Christmas," this song is played every year at Christmas,and Amy Grant recorded this record on her Christmas Album.If your reading this Carly,Why don't you put out a Christmas Record? It would be the greatest Christmas release from anyone.The last CD is the icing on the the cake."Julie through the Glass," from the "Anticipation"record.What a wonderfull song about a new born baby. My cousin named her daughter after this record,and her son's name is Jessie. "Were so Close." The greatest song every made. I could play this record untill the day I die and never get tired of it. "Someone waits for You." from the movie,"Swing Shift." I always wanted this song,and now I have it. "Davy" man,what a voice.And "Love of my Life," Delilia plays this song every night on her radio program.People are requesting this record to show how much they love there children. I could go on forever.Just buy this box set,even if your not a Carly Simon fan,play it,and she will be in your heart forever.

This is a wonderful compilation of Carly's best work, including many songs that never got popular. Carly is amazing. I wish this CD had "Hello Big Man," the story of how her parents met. Even my 18 year old daughter loves Carly, though others in her generation don't even know who she is. Wonderful to see a Gen-X-er posting Carly lyrics on her bedroom walls!

This collection is a "must have" for all Carly Simon fans! It will be a walk down memory lane for long time fans. You will also be exposed to some of her not so well known tunes.It is listening pleasure at its best! It's a great buy for those of you who owned a lot of her older albums on vinyl and are updating your CD collection with la creme de la creme!

Now don't get me wrong here, I really loved this box sett when I received it, and still do. But after the enthousiasm, realism came in and I had to admit that a lot of stuff was missing on this box sett. I mean, cd 2 only contains 3 previously un-released tracks. Okay, there are a lot of rare recordings on the second disc, like "Take me out to the ballgame (a song I really dislike, but that's just my opinion). But where is a track like "It's hard to be tender"? My god, it's one of Carly's finest recordings and the lyrics are just amazing. Why is this track always overlooked? I mean, when the Anthology cd cam out, I hoped that one would contain the track, but again it was overlooked. And I know Carly herself likes the song in fact, so... why is it never included on any compilation?

Yet there are so many other overlooked recordings that could have been included on this box set. One night surfing on kazaa and looking for rare Carly stuff I found her recording of Mama Cash's song "Dream a little dream". It's not even listed on Carly's official web-site, but it's definately HER voice! And her version is so great, so amazing! Why isn't that one included her? Normal songs like "We have no secrets" and "Have you seen me lately" are included instead, songs we allready have on her regular albums.

That really lowered my enthousiasm. But still this is a great set, the greatest hits disc features all her hits up to then, and the third disc is a ballad compilation, and really included her most romantic tunes, allthough I missed Hurt and her self penned "From the heart" or her version of "In the wee small hours of the morning". But I guess there's always something to wish for, right?

Allthough this review may seem like a negative one, it's not supposed to be negative. I really feel like this is a great box-sett, a must have for any Carly lover, I just hope one day there will be another box-sett which will concentrate more on her rare and un-released recordings!