Shlomo Artzi. The First Years. 10 CD Set (2008)

Number of CD(s) in package: 10

This fantastic deluxe collection contains all of Shlomo Artzi's first nine albums, as well as a bonus album.  This is particularly good news for Artzi's many fans, since some of these albums are appearing on CD here for the first time, and some others have even been out of circulation entirely for years.

The bonus album includes selected hit songs from the other nine albums, as well as a few rarities from the same period almost impossible to find anywhere else.

The beautiful set also comes compplete with a wonderful Hebrew language booklet featuring the lyrics to all the songs, numerous photographs, and a written history of Shlomo Artzi's improbable carreer.

CD 1: Ha-Taklit Ha-Rishon

CD 2: Al Anashim

CD 3: Pit'om Ahar Yamim Rabim

CD 4: Omrim Yashana Ha-Aretz

CD 5: Le-Kol Ha-Haverim Me-Ha-Masa "Mayim El Yam"

CD 6: At Ve Ani

CD 7: Mishakei 26

CD 8: Esh Li Isha Yelda VeLeMavreta

CD 9: Romansa Ve-Piot

CD 10: Collection - The First Years

Shlomo Artzi's career in music was launched in the late 1960's as a soloist in the navy choral troupe. He then went on to appear in the Israel Folk Festivals, winning first place three times in five years: in 1970, for Pit’om Hayom, Pit’om Achshav (Suddenly Today, Suddenly Right Now); in 1973 for Shir Baboker Baboker (Early Morning Song) ; and in 1974 for Haballada al Baruch Jemili (The Ballad for Baruch Jemili).

Following these early achievements, Artzi's career declined, and his work was considered routine and unoriginal. Although adept at setting poems to music, notably those by Bialik, Tchernichovky, and Amichai, Artzi was unable to develop an authentic voice of his own. Only in 1978, with the release of his new album Gever Holech Le’ibud (A Man Losing His Way), did his career pick up with songs that reflected a new and more personal style. Many subsequent releases followed in quick succession, and Artzi became one of the most successful Israeli performers. He has sold more albums than any Israeli singer, and his lengthy performances, lasting easily three hours or more, are immensely popular. Artzi's music fuses rock with native Hebrew strains, and its most prominent recurring image is dance, as a symbol for life and vitality.