Harry Chapin

Singer-songwriter Harry Chapin's compositions, with their vividly drawn
character portraits, often unfold as mini-cinematic experiences. His magic
in creating these indelible musical narratives built his reputation as one
of pop music's most gifted musical storytellers. Chapin's career was cut
short by a 1981 automobile accident, but his songs live on, including the
ten classic tracks featured here. Among the highlights are I Wanna Learn A Love Song, the Top 40 classic Taxi, and the #1 smash
Cat s In The Cradle.

Includes #1's 'Cat's In The Cradle', 'Taxi', I Wanna Learn A Love Song', 'Sequel' and 7 more musical vignettes of life and love, despair and hope in modern America. Digitally remastered. Elektra. 2002.

"Stories" is the operative word here. The late Harry Chapin penned tales that touched a chord in listeners regardless of their age, background, or truth be told, regardless even of the type of music they normally listened to. Chapin always came across as a tough guy with a heart of gold, a brainy type who wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty--much like the protagonist of "Taxi" (a terrific rendition of which is contained herein). In addition to radio staples like "Cat's in the Cradle," the 1976 recording also sheds light on slightly lesser-known pieces like "Circle" and "Mr. Tanner." Chapin's affable manner shines through the entire album, giving it a disarming quality that's not always present on the studio versions. --David Sprague