Suzanne Vega - Close-Up Series [2014] (5 x CDs) + Lover, Beloved Songs from an Evening with Carson Mccullers [2016]

SUZANNE VEGA

Suzanne Vega - Close-Up Series [2014] (5 x CDs) + Lover, Beloved Songs from an Evening with Carson Mccullers [2016]

Meet Suzanne Nadine Vega (née Peck; born July 11, 1959), in sunny Santa Monica, California. Suzanne is a celebrated American singer-songwriter whose music is beautifully infused with folk influences. Growing up in the vibrant city of New York, her early years were shaped by her parents’ divorce and a move to the culturally rich neighborhoods of Spanish Harlem and the Upper West Side. It was here that Suzanne’s love for music and poetry blossomed, leading her to write her first song at the tender age of fourteen.

Suzanne’s artistic journey took her to the High School of Performing Arts, where she studied modern dance, and later to Barnard College, where she majored in English literature. During her college days, she enchanted audiences in the cozy venues of Greenwich Village and became a regular at Jack Hardy’s Monday night songwriters’ group.

Her debut album, simply titled “Suzanne Vega,” was released in 1985 and quickly garnered critical acclaim, achieving platinum status in the UK. The mid-1980s and 1990s saw Suzanne’s career soar with unforgettable hits like “Marlene on the Wall,” “Left of Center,” “Luka,” and “No Cheap Thrill.” One of her most iconic songs, “Tom’s Diner,” originally an a cappella track, was famously remixed by DNA and became a Top 10 hit worldwide. But Suzanne’s influence doesn’t stop at her music. Her song “Tom’s Diner” played a crucial role in the development of the MP3 format, earning her the nickname “The Mother of the MP3.” Over her nearly 40-year career, she has released nine studio albums, with her latest being “Lover, Beloved: Songs from an Evening with Carson McCullers” in 2016.

Suzanne Vega’s legacy is a testament to her talent for weaving poetic lyrics with captivating melodies, making her a cherished figure in the music world.

The “Close-Up Series” box set is a true gem, offering an intimate and refreshing take on a beloved artist’s extensive catalog. This collection is a masterclass in storytelling, with each track meticulously reimagined to highlight the raw emotion and lyrical depth that have defined the artist’s career.

One of the standout features of this box set is its ability to strip down the original arrangements, allowing the listener to experience the songs in their purest form. The acoustic renditions bring a new level of vulnerability and authenticity, making it feel as though the artist is performing right in your living room. The simplicity of the instrumentation puts the spotlight on the poignant lyrics and the artist’s distinctive voice, creating a deeply personal and immersive listening experience.

The “Close-Up Series” is divided into thematic volumes, each focusing on different aspects of the artist’s work. This thoughtful organization not only showcases the versatility and breadth of the artist’s songwriting but also provides a cohesive narrative that guides the listener through various emotional landscapes. Whether it’s exploring themes of love, loss, or introspection, each volume offers a unique and compelling journey.

What truly sets this box set apart is the sense of intimacy it fosters. The stripped-back arrangements and heartfelt performances create a connection between the artist and the listener that is both profound and enduring. It’s a rare opportunity to hear familiar songs in a new light, gaining a deeper appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship behind them.

In addition to the stunning musical content, the box set is beautifully packaged, making it a perfect addition to any music collection.

Overall, the “Close-Up Series” is a must-have for fans and newcomers alike. It’s a celebration of timeless music, offering a fresh perspective on classic songs while preserving the essence that made them unforgettable. This box set is sure to captivate and inspire, leaving listeners with a renewed appreciation for the artist’s remarkable body of work. 

Suzanne Vega stands out as one of the most influential singer-songwriters of the past three decades. Her work is marked by intelligence and sophistication, and she is not only a compelling guitarist but also a vocalist who delivers her poetic and literate lyrics with clarity and grace. Vega’s performances are refreshingly free of unnecessary theatrics, allowing her insightful and often profound messages to shine through. Her presence in the music world is truly a delight. (B)

Included as a bonus is Suzanne Vega - Lover, Beloved Songs from an Evening with Carson Mccullers [2016]

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Track lists

Vol. 1

01 Suzanne Vega - Small Blue Thing 4:02

02 Suzanne Vega - Caramel 3:07

03 Suzanne Vega - (If You Were) In My Movie 2:53

04 Suzanne Vega - Gypsy 4:11

05 Suzanne Vega - Marlene On The Wall 4:15

06 Suzanne Vega - (I'll Never Be) Your Maggie May 3:37

07 Suzanne Vega - Harbor Song 4:16

08 Suzanne Vega - Headshots 2:53

09 Suzanne Vega - Songs In Red And Gray 4:15

10 Suzanne Vega - Stockings 3:39

11 Suzanne Vega - Some Journey 4:24

12 Suzanne Vega - Bound 4:15

Vol. 2

01 Suzanne Vega - Luka 3:13

02 Suzanne Vega - Zephyr & I 3:09

03 Suzanne Vega - New York Is A Woman 2:58

04 Suzanne Vega - In Liverpool 4:48

05 Suzanne Vega - Calypso 3:46

06 Suzanne Vega - Fat Man & Dancing Girl 2:17

07 Suzanne Vega - The Queen And The Soldier 5:02

08 Suzanne Vega - Rock In This Pocket (Song Of David) 3:39

09 Suzanne Vega - Angel's Doorway 2:53

10 Suzanne Vega - Ironbound/Fancy Poultry 5:01

11 Suzanne Vega - Neighborhood Girls 3:31

12 Suzanne Vega - Tom's Diner 4:34

13 Suzanne Vega - The Man Who Played God 3:07

Vol. 3

01 Suzanne Vega - Undertow 3:30

02 Suzanne Vega - When Heroes Go Down 2:05

03 Suzanne Vega - My Favorite Plum 2:37

04 Suzanne Vega - Solitude Standing 3:59

05 Suzanne Vega - Cracking 2:59

06 Suzanne Vega - Last Years Trouble 3:08

07 Suzanne Vega - Solitaire 2:14

08 Suzanne Vega - Tombstone 2:46

09 Suzanne Vega - Blood Makes Noise 3:06

10 Suzanne Vega - 50-50 Chance 2:48

11 Suzanne Vega - Penitent 4:07

12 Suzanne Vega - Straight Lines 4:04

13 Suzanne Vega - Pornographer's Dream 3:29

14 Suzanne Vega - Instant Of The Hour After 3:12

Vol. 4

01 Suzanne Vega - Rosemary 2:52

02 Suzanne Vega - Honeymoon Suite 3:13

03 Suzanne Vega - World Before Columbus 3:00

04 Suzanne Vega - As You Are Now 2:28

05 Suzanne Vega - Soap And Water 2:53

06 Suzanne Vega - Widows Walk 3:40

07 Suzanne Vega - Blood Sings 3:20

08 Suzanne Vega - Bad Wisdom 3:13

09 Suzanne Vega - Ludlow Street 3:09

10 Suzanne Vega - Tired Of Sleeping 3:47

11 Suzanne Vega - Pilgrimage 4:25

12 Suzanne Vega - Brother Mine 3:16

13 Suzanne Vega - The Silver Lady 5:34

14 Suzanne Vega - Daddy Is White 2:45

Vol. 5

01 Suzanne Vega - 99.9 F° 3:04

02 Suzanne Vega - It Makes Me Wonder 4:03

03 Suzanne Vega - Freeze Tag 2:52

04 Suzanne Vega - Knight Moves 3:51

05 Suzanne Vega - Luka (Spanish Version) 3:23

06 Suzanne Vega - Frank And Ava 2:38

07 Suzanne Vega - Wooden Horse 4:24

08 Suzanne Vega - Song Of Sand 3:07

09 Suzanne Vega - Room Off The Street 2:58

10 Suzanne Vega - Priscilla 3:40

11 Suzanne Vega - Anniversary 3:05

12 Suzanne Vega - Language 4:04

Lover, Beloved Songs from an Evening with Carson Mccullers [2016]

01 Suzanne Vega - Carson's Blues 2:55

02 Suzanne Vega - New York Is My Destination 3:09

03 Suzanne Vega - Instant Of The Hour After 3:07

04 Suzanne Vega - We Of Me 2:52

05 Suzanne Vega - Annemarie 3:18

06 Suzanne Vega - 12 Mortal Men 2:47

07 Suzanne Vega - Harper Lee 3:43

08 Suzanne Vega - Lover, Beloved 3:24

09 Suzanne Vega - The Ballad Of Miss Amelia 4:18

10 Suzanne Vega - Carson's Last Supper 3:30

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