Mission Chapel Memories 1971-1975 (CD - 2001)

Dolly Parton is such an American icon that it is easy to forget how she achieved her fame and success. Years of magazine covers, movies, crossover hits, and Dollywood have tended to obscure the small-town girl who first came to light as a duet partner with Porter Wagoner and then quickly established herself as a major talent in her own right with a series of quiet adventurous records for RCA that blended country, folk, bluegrass, and pop. Raven's brilliant collection Mission Chapel Memories 1971-1975 concentrates on that period, taking a bold decision to sidestep a predictable recycling of hits in favor of drawing a full portrait of Dolly's considerable musical achievements during the early '70s. There are hits here, of course, including "Coat of Many Colors," "Jolene," and "The Bargain Store," but they're here because they support the collection's musical thesis that during this short span of time Parton grew considerably. And the disc proves that thesis to be absolutely true. With the exception of Bill Owens' "Love Is Only as Strong (As Your Weakest Moment)," everything here was written either by Parton or Wagoner, and they are as low-key as her later hits were splashy. While they are straightforward and often low-key, they're not simple; the words are evocative, as is the music, which grows from unadorned singer/songwriter-styled tunes to complex, multi-layered music, filled with little details yet retaining that pure, unadorned sound and feel. Parton was making this music while she was having hits, but this is every bit as adventurous and unpredictable as the folk-influenced progressive country at the time, and it still retains a highly individual, compelling sound years later. Yes, this an idiosyncratic compilation without many hits, but it's arguably more essential than the stacks of hits collections she's had over the years because it cuts to the heart of her music and explains exactly why she's important. Consider this as a compliment to one of those hits collections or, better yet, go here first and gain a new appreciation for the depth of her music and work backward toward the familiar items. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

As if to compensate for the resolutely pop-oriented focus of RCA's best-of overview THE ESSENTIAL DOLLY PARTON and its follow-up, this 2001 collection is a sterling compilation of Parton's best work from her first flush of success--the period before she became an international superstar known more for her physical endowments than her music. A 24-track compilation focusing almost entirely on Parton's own songwriting gifts (a few songs written by her duet partner Porter Wagoner are added for balance), MISSION CHAPEL MEMORIES 1971-1975 has all the hits, including of course "Jolene" and "Coat of Many Colors," but it focuses at least as much on standout album tracks like "She Never Met A Man (She Didn't Like)" and "Pleasant As May." The well-designed package also features remastered sound and perceptive liner notes. Those who only know Parton from her Dollywood era will find this collection most illuminating. minimize