Little Sisters Of The Sun...

Original Released on LP Buddah Records BDS 5060

(US, April 1970)

- The original vinyl version of "Candles In The Rain" exists in at least three different formats. In the US as a 10 track album and also as a nine track, which excluded "Alexander Beetle". US versions also used the edited version of "Lay Down (Candles In The Rain)" running for just under four minutes.

- For the UK release in September 1970 (Buddah 2318 009), "Alexander Beetle" was excluded to be replaced by "Close To It All" (from Melanie's first album) but the full version of "Lay Down (Candles In The Rain)" running nearly eight minutes was included.

- The first single extracted from the album was "Lay Down" b/w "Animal Crackers" (Buddah 2011 013), issued April 1970.

- "Ruby Tuesday" b/w "What Have They Done To My Song Ma" (Buddah 2011 038) was released as a single in the UK in August 1970 and reached No. 39 in the charts.

- The album reached No. 5 in the UK album charts.

This is the third album from Melanie and it's tremendous. She has an incredible voice and she writes beautiful, tender, simple songs. This album is a compelling collection of tracks from a lady with such a lot to offer to the world…… (from a 1970 review)

Melanie Safka seems to be one of those artists that time has forgotten despite recording this absolute classic record (and a few others too). Other strong Female singer songwriters of the time seem to have been given a lot more attention over the years, but Melanie is certainly as good, and in some ways, a more complete and well rounded artist than others with legendary status.

"Candles in the Rain" is her third release and probably her most well known as it was such an accessible bunch of songs from the late sixties ‘Hippie’ movement for the rest of the world to enjoy. Capturing the time perfectly well while remaining timeless as the years rolled past.

Her covers of James Taylor's, "Carolina on my Mind" and the Stones' "Ruby Tuesday" are both exceptional versions but her own writing is quite amazing as well, with songs like "Citiest People",  "Lovin’ Baby Girl", "Leftover Wine" and, of course, her memorable "What Have They Done To My Song, Ma", which are sung with such genuine passion and emotion that we are forced to respect and admire her.

Melanie’s voice is the real draw card here. A unique voice that is stirring and heart melting in her softly sung ballads, and that is also powerful and ferocious when she belts out her big chorus. Latter day Female vocalists from the late seventies owe a lot to this courageous and under rated artist.