In 1922 Charles Ives published "114 Songs" at his own expense.  Rather than defined   cycles, the collection includes the majority of songs composed throughout his career,   including the song that gives a title to this recording.  On this disc, the second Ives   compilation recorded by Finely and Drake, all tracks are from "114 Songs," and as might   be expected, they cover a wide range of ground from the sentimental and touchingly simple   "Two Little Flowers," to the dizzying "They are There."  In the hands of Gerald Finley   and Julius Drake, we are never in search of a reason to be listening.  Finley shows us   again that he is one of the most accomplished song-smiths performing today.  His diction   is flawless and his well-developed sense of humor, impeccable.   Couched within this fine   classical instrument, Finely can evoke timbres that give the listener a whiff of Tin Pan   Alley, or Music Hall, a technique he uses often, without it cloying. Standing back to   take the measure of this intimate recording, it achieves what many fail to do.  The   performers, engineer and producer, leave the listener with a lasting memory of their   work, but front and center, they leave you with essential Charles Ives, an American   original. --Hugo Munday