This is one of three titles re-issued of Dolly Parton. This one, along with "Jolene" have been issued on CD several times already. So the draw here are the bonus tracks. In this case the album as a whole is better than the bonus tracks. The bonus tracks are good, but nothing that stands out and knocks you over. The acoustic "My Blue Tears" is the best of the bunch though. As for the original album, some classic tracks here. One Dolly's stronger early albums.

Parton's years under the tutelage (and to a large extent, control) of Porter Wagoner were rich in good material and performances, even if they didn't produce the sort of enormous popular acclaim she would later find. 1971's "Coat of Many Colors" is a perfect example of the brilliant work Parton was recording during these years, including the gospel inflections of the signature title tune, the bluegrass harmonies of "My Blue Tears," and the more outre subject matter of "If I Lose My Mind" and "She Never Met a Man (She Didn't Like)."

The title track attests to Parton's brilliance as a songwriter, capturing the emotional turmoil of childhood through the discovery of an adult's nostalgic memory. Parton's voice holds both a little girl's confusion and a woman's knowingness, underlined by acoustic guitar, a light shuffle beat, and touches of gospel organ and background harmonies. It's breathtaking to hear songwriting, singing and production mesh so fully. Throughout the rest of the album Parton's songs, augmented by a trio of tunes from Wagoner, tell human stories in a language that seems effortlessly plainspoken. The productions remain light and supportive, spanning weepy steel and fiddle ("The Mystery of the Mystery"), twangy electric guitar and a funky swamp beat ("Traveling Man"), and 70s soul ("Here I am").

Buddha's reissue presents a crisp remastering of the album's original ten tracks. Parton's original handwritten liner notes are reproduced in reduced form, necessitating a magnifying glass for most readers. Robyn Flans newly penned notes provide a few short paragraphs of career background, but haven't the room to make much of a dent in explaining the album and its songs. Ironically, the reissue credits for the Buddha staff fill an entire column, while a personnel listing for the original players is missing. And that's a shame, because the studio pickers give welcome, understated performances that support Parton's songwriting without drowning her finely crafted words in countrypolitan dross.

With most of Parton's albums from this era out of print, those wishing to dig deeper than greatest hits compilations will find this a welcome addition to their collections. For those just discovering Parton's early years, this is (despite its brevity - the entire disc clocks in at just over 27 minutes) as good an introduction as you'll find.

I love Dolly, and I am very pleased to see a trend at rereleasing her older albums on CD. I HAD to buy this version of Coat for the bonus tracks, which are wonderful. I have never really been a fan of demo tracks, nor a fan of "My Blue Tears", but this version is remarkable and has proved to me what a great song it is! I am hoping to see more reissues in the futurn; "Bubblin' Over" anyone?

Finally!!! After umpteen "best of" compilations doing nothing but recycling the same pop sellout songs we at long last get a reissue of some of Dolly Parton's more compelling early work - and not a moment too soon!

Kicking off with the title track, which is one of the best country songs ever, this reissued, remastered album is a superb showcase for the talent that originally put Parton on the map. Forget the image she has cultivated over the past twenty years or so. This is genuinely moving songwriting, beautifully sung and exquisitely produced. Let us hope that with the reissue BMG is FINALLY putting to rest the four gajillion compilations with "Here You Come Again," "Islands In The Stream," and the woefully over exposed "I Will Always Love You," and will give us more reissued of Parton's back country catalog.

This album harkens back to a time in the not too distant past when country music was NOT dominated by suburban guys in cowboy hats, and pop diva wannabes. Simple, elegant, and heartbreaking, these are the kind of songs that have stood the test of time and will continue to be remembered. The title track alone is worth the purchase of this CD, but the rest of it is no slouch either. Those who have owned previous editions of this album will want to get this one for the superior remastered sound, those who haven't will want it for the sheer beauty of its artistry.