CAROLYN HESTER

Except for one self-penned number, Carolyn Hester's second album consisted entirely of traditional folk covers, accompanied only by her own guitar. In some respects, the selection was forward-looking for its time; she was among the first performers of the 1960s folk revival, for instance, to record "House of the Rising Sun," "She Moves Through the Fair," and "If I Had a Ribbon Bow," all included here. Still, in comparison to Judy Collins and Joan Baez -- the two most convenient reference points for her high and clear vocals -- it sounds twee and precious. Hester was friendly with Dylan at the outset of his career, and one wonders if Dylan got the idea to open "It Ain't Me Babe" with the title lyric of "Go Way From My Window," one of the traditional songs on this LP. (www.allmusic.com)