A Natural Woman: The Ode Collection 1968-1976

In addition to being one of the best examples of old school “mom rock,” this essential Carole King compilation percolates with the warm familiarity of so many classic hits you may find yourself thinking, “This is a Carole King song too?” Culled from her eight year tenure on Ode Records, this double disc set runs 36 tracks deep into her solo songs as well as historical collaborations. The Ode Collection opens with the soulful stroll of “Hi-De-Ho” and ends with a flawlessly performed live take of “You’ve Got A Friend.” If you’re wondering why King’s ‘71 sophomore album Tapestry is included here in its entirety, it’s because every single song on Tapestry is unarguably great. Generation X-ers who grew up with macramé crafting moms are sure to remember “Really Rosie,” from King’s earthy toned ‘75 animated musical T.V. special by the same name. The jovial “Alligators All Around” is also from Really Rosie and along with various vintage episodes of Sesame Street, it still stands up today as an awesome way to teach small children that the alphabet can be a funky thing.