This is the most controversial of all Billie Holiday records. Lady Day herself said that this session (which finds her accompanied by Ray Ellis' string orchestra) was her personal favorite, and many listeners have found her emotional versions of such songs as "I'm a Fool to Want You," "You Don't Know What Love Is," "Glad to Be Unhappy," and particularly "You've Changed" to be quite touching. But Holiday's voice was essentially gone by 1958, and although not yet 43, she could have passed for 73. Ellis' arrangements do not help, veering close to Muzak; most of this record is very difficult to listen to. Late in life, Holiday expressed the pain of life so effectively that her croaking voice had become almost unbearable to hear. There is certainly a wide range of opinion as to the value of this set. [The 1997 CD reissue adds two alternate takes of "I'm a Fool to Want You," part of which were used for the original released rendition, plus the stereo version of "The End of a Love Affair" (only previously released in mono) and examples of Lady Day rehearsing the latter song, including a long unaccompanied stretch.] Scott Yanow.
I'm a Fool to Want You (Album Version) For Heaven's Sake (Album Version) You Don't Know What Love Is (Album Version) I Get Along Without You Very Well (Album Version) For All We Know (Album Version) Violets for Your Furs (Album Version) You've Changed (Album Version) It's Easy to Remember (Album Version) But Beautiful (Album Version) Glad to Be Unhappy (Album Version) I'll Be Around (Album Version) The End of a Love Affair (Mono) I'm a Fool to Want You ((Take 3 Alternate)) I'm a Fool to Want You (Take 2 Alternate) The End of a Love Affair ((The Audio Story)) The End of a Love Affair (Stereo Version) Pause Track (Album Version)