Aging is an enemy, pure and simple.  But it is also a point in our lives when we more closely look at ourselves, our surroundings, and our lives lived thus far.  It is a time when we evaluate ourselves most true.

Carly Simon has always been insightful in her lyrics, delving into the inner core of her being, which just happened to intersect with a lot of our own feelings of things- the mark of a great singer/songwriter.  Over time, she has penned many wonderful tunes like "That's The  Way I've Always Heard It Should Be," "Anticipation," "The Right Thing to Do," and "Coming Around Again," all just a few tunes from her large catalogue.

On her latest effort, Carly revisits the classics of her past with a set of re-recorded tunes.  What ensues are deeply personal, highly effectual new approaches to songs we grown to respect and to love.  If you have spent some quality time with the songs of Carly Simon, not only have you spent some time with one of Rock's greatest treasures, but you have also spent some time with yourself as her lyrics speak for many of us.

Never Been Gone is an album that speaks to us through Carly Simon's wonderful songs, and her lyrics, but in a new and different voice.  They're approached once again as a reminder that we do change, and the lyrics we once glossed over all those years ago speak louder today.  The songs are stripped down but with Carly singing them they take on new, more expansive meanings.

You should not hesitate at acquiring this brilliant album that provides a wistful but vibrantly fresh take on original classics. And while we revere the original takes of these songs, these potent new arrangements are not to be dismissed.

Never Been Gone provides a generous 24-page booklet with a welcome set of timeless lyrics.

Thank-you, Carly, for enriching my life yet again.  I now want a Volume 2!

"I know nothing stays the same, but if you're willing to play the game, it will be coming around again."