Carol King releases her much anticipated two CD set, The Living Room Tour, with a flourish and artistic style rarely seen or accomplished. This set is an awesome opportunity to experience King not just sing, but also play the guitar and piano flawlessly. She wows her audience every step of the way; to write that she has an excellent rapport with her audience is to state the obvious. King is a titan of the 20th century musical form; and this two CD set is a must not only for her fans but also for lovers of all rock and pop music in general.

King displays remarkable ability to express all emotions here. Whether it's the thoughts of the death of a relationship in "It's Too Late," the celebration of womanhood as a relationship blossoms in "(You Make Me Feel Like a) Natural Woman," or the plaintive, poignant cries of "Will You Love Me Tomorrow," Carole King surpasses all expectations in her ability to emote, to befriend and enchant her audience. And how's about her storytelling abilities in "Smackwater Jack?" Her in person concerts give Carole the chance to share emotions intimately with her audience. The San Francisco Chronicle wrote that during her concerts "(King) did indeed act for all the world like that's where she was and that everybody there was her dear friend." I couldn't have said it better myself!

King gets ample help from talented peers on this two CD set. Look for both Gary Burr and Rudy Guess helping out with vocals, guitar and bass instruments. Louise Goffin and Sherry Goffin Kondor add some great background vocals that you won't want to miss. The sound quality and cover art are very well done.

Also, don't forget that this set offers two new songs: the opening "Welcome To My Living Room" as well as the devoted and caring song called "Loving You Forever," a duet King wrote with Gary Burr. The two new songs are a fantastic plus! And then there's the power of the live recordings bringing back fond memories, that element of nostalgia. People like nostalgia; and King delivers that well here with a whopping seven songs that were number one hits during her lengthy career.

Carole King was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 for her exemplary work as a songwriter. And, when it comes down to it, The Living Room Tour two CD set reminds us all again so clearly that very few artists perform songs as powerfully as Carole King. Carole, we are richer for your being here with us; because we've STILL got a friend! As usual, GREAT JOB, CAROLE-AND THANK YOU!

Wow, I stumbled upon this cd only by chance and it has not been out of my changer ever since. What a rare and gifted performer. This setting is cozy and intimate. The recording is wonderful, soundwise you don't miss a thing. She is in the best voice of her career and at 62 (so she states on the cd) she is in full charge and ready to go. Give it a listen to and you won't be let down. It will lift you higher and higher.

I saw her twice in this 2004-2005 tour, and this CD captures the essence of the experience brilliantly. You feel like she is singing to you instead of an audience of thousands. Many of her classic songs are included, and they blend seamlessly with her post-Tapestry works. Also included are some of the hits she penned in the 60s for other artists (it's only a fraction of her catalog and it leaves you wanting more!). "Live CDs" are often questionable, and don't always give you that same feeling as a studio album, but this one is different. You won't be disappointed.

...from the great lady, but while they may be tinged with sadness it is a very fond farewell that explores all we have grown to know as being what Carole King is all about.

That is, soul feeding, heart warming songs which speak of accurate social commetry on life, love and the state of world both now and way back at the start of her career.

Moreover this album feels like a persoanl tour and presentation of her work to her adoring public. Her voice is a beautiful as ever and her lyrical penmanship continues to be emotive, stirring and intelligent. You will love this album from the moment you put it in on and without question you will want to give it the justice it deserves by listening to the entire recording in one sitting. Has the hallmark of a classic album and as I have said, a fond farewell from a much loved artist.

Just beautiful!

...there's no end, to the music! Carole King music. It is presented here in it's purest of forms. Carole's welcoming, tangy and clear vocals, those unmistakable Carole King piano chords, and often some perfectly blended vocal and guitar harmonies from friends and talented musicians in their own right: Gary Burr and Rudy Guess.

So glad that she unearthed treasures like "Peace in the Valley," "Being at War with Each Other," "Pleasant Valley Sunday," "Now and Forever" (from the film, A League of Their Own), "Lay Down My Life," and "Wishful Thinking." In addition to many of her great hits like "It's Too Late," "Sweet Seasons," "Natural Woman," and "I Feel the Earth Move." And more!

I have been flicking the TV off nightly, popping this CD in, closing my eyes, and I am there, at the concert with everyone else, enjoying song for song, with Carole at the forefront, presenting these treasures as they were most likely, originally written in their barest purest forms. No special trappings.

And that medley of hits that she and Gerry Goffin wrote for others! Whew! And the new song written with singer/songwriter Gary Burr, and as aforementioned, co-performer on this CD, "Loving you Forever" is destined to be a new wedding song.

Disappointments? Yes. "Up on the Roof" and "Been to Canaan" are not included. But this is a five-star recorded-live CD if there ever was one!

Welcome to Carole's living room. It's Beautiful.