Ultimate Collection (2004)

About this title: There are numerous best-ofs from J.J. Cale, but this Ultimate Collection disc is the only one that matters. For starters, there are 43 cuts and three discs. The first two CDs are a true representation of Cale's best work from the 1970s and '80s, and disc one would have made a killer hits collection all by itself. Disc two collects fine moments that have been overlooked by the multitudes of artists who have covered the songwriter (although no one does his tunes quite like he does). The third disc here is a nine-selection live set that brings the slow lazy approach that Cale has trademarked ... read more

Tracks:

1. After Midnight [Cale]
2. Crazy Mama [Cale]
3. Call Me the Breeze [Cale]
4. Magnolia [Cale]
5. Lies [Cale]
6. I'll Kiss the World Goodbye [Cale]
7. If You're Ever in Oklahoma [Cale]
8. Crying [Cale]
9. Cajun Moon [Cale]
10. Okie [Cale]
11. Any Way the Wind Blows [Cale]
12. Cocaine [Cale]
13. Travelin' Light [Cale]
14. Hey Baby [Cale]
15. Cherry [Cale]
16. I'll Make Love to You Anytime [Cale]
17. Don't Cry Sister [Cale]
18. Sensitive Kind [Cale]
19. Carry On [Cale]
20. Mama Don't [Traditional/Cale]
21. City Girls [Cale]
22. Don't Wait [Cale/Lakeland]
23. Downtown L.A. [Cale]
24. Devil in Disguise [Cale]
25. Money Talks [Cale/Lakeland]
26. Hard Times [Cale]
27. Teardrops in My Tequila [Craft]
28. Change Your Mind [Cale]
29. Lady Luck [Cale]
30. Lonesome Train [Cale]
31. Jailer [Cale]
32. Borrowed Time [Cale]
33. Low Down [Cale]
34. Guitar Man [Cale]
35. Midnight in Memphis [Cale]
36. Woke Up This Morning [Cale]
37. Durango [Cale]
38. Things Ain't Simple [Cale]
39. Wish I Had Me a Dollar [Live] [Cale]
40. Santa Cruz [Cale]
41. After Midnight [Live] [Cale]
42. Cocaine [Live] [Cale]
43. Call Me the Breeze [Live] [Cale]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.