Melanie: Live at the Meltdown Festival 2007

American singer-songwriter Melanie is no less an acquired taste in this 2007 concert than she was in the late 1960s, when she drew attention for her appearance at Woodstock (although she isn’t seen in the famous film), and for her subsequent flirty, near-novelty song "Brand New Key." Approximately age 60 when she recorded this London concert, backed only by her guitar-wizard son Beau Jarred, the older Melanie’s erratic yowl of a voice still packs unexpected power as she sprinkles past hits ("What Have They Done to My Song Ma") with crowd favorites ("Poet’s King"), then-new compositions ("The Ballad of Crazy Love"), covers ("Carolina in My Mind," her overstated version of "Ruby Tuesday"), and more in this 20-song set (plus instrumentals by Beau). Her engagement with the audience is personal and strong, and she’s generous with stories and recollections. Presented in Dolby Digital stereo, this is more likely to appeal to diehard devotees of Melanie than fans of ‘60s music in general. A strong optional purchase. (T. Keogh)