Buddy Holly Collection
Buddy Holly appeared, burned like a flare for a year and a half, and disappeared, leaving behind nothing that wasn't heartfelt. Listening to "Peggy Sue," "Well...All Right," "Words of Love," and, especially, "Everyday" (voice, acoustic guitar, bass, celesta, knee-slaps...perfect!), one can't help but marvel at the lyrical openness, the taste, and the restraint of the music. Those are qualities generally learned over time, which, of course, was in short supply for Holly, who died five months into his 22nd year. Buddy Holly isn't generally thought of as a sage, but you can learn a lot from these songs.--Steven Stolder