Toni Childs Ultimate Collection CD

Digitally remastered by Erick Labson (Universal Mastering Studios West, North Hollywood, California).

Toni Childs spits out lyrics on up-tempo tunes like rounds blasting from an AK-47. Unfortunately, she doesn't do many ups. She's easier on ballads and mid-tempo songs, but still register red-zone readings. The singer/songwriter has been labeled everything from alternative rock to pop/rock -- everything but the soul singer she is. Aretha Franklin singing an album of folksy tunes doesn't make her a folk singer. Childs' recordings reflect the material she writes, which is not necessarily the direction that's best for her; with the right producer, she could be Tina Turner. This collection features not only her compositions (the ferocious "Don't Walk Away," the heady "I Just Want Affection," and the Janis Ian-ish "I Met a Man"), but a couple she didn't scribe, such as Jimmy Cliff's "Many Rivers to Cross." ~ Andrew Hamilton

Compilation producer: Mike Ragogna.

Engineers include: Saul Raye, Tony Phillips, Mark McKenna.

Personnel: Toni Childs (vocals, guitar, synthesizer); Dinesh (vocals, tabla); Jill Mele, Ayub Ogada (vocals); Jimmy Smyth (guitar, piano, synthesizer); David Ricketts (guitar, keyboards, drum programming); Dann Huff, David Rhodes, Alex Weir, Andy Summers, Tim Pierce (guitar); Caroline Dale, Hans Christian (cello); Paul Hanson (bassoon); John Thirkell, Gary Barnacle (horns); John Philip Shenale (keyboards, programming); Steve Hogarth (keyboards); Gary Barlough (synthesizer, Synclavier); Karl Wallinger (synthesizer); Rick Marotta, Scott Crago (drums); Alex Acuña, Vinnie Colaiuta (percussion); Crystal Wilson, Teresa DeLucio, Penni Wilson, Renee Geyer (background vocals).

Audio Mixers: David Leonard; Johnny Potoker; Bob Clearmountain.

Recording information: A&M Studios, Hollywood, CA; Avatar; Capitol Studios, Hollywood, CA; Ebusia Records Pty; Ground Control; Larrabee Sound; Marcadet; ocean way; Real World Station; Right Track Recording; Secret Sound LA; Sunset sound; Sunset sound Factory; The Chapel; The Nut Ranch; Topanga Skyline.

Photographers: Victoria Pearson; Andre Lansel.

Personnel includes: Tony Childs (vocals, guitar, bass); David Ricketts (guitar, keyboards, bass, programming); David Hidalgo (guitar, accordion); Andy Summers, Tim Pierce, Alex Weir, Dan Huff, David Rhodes, Chas Sanford (guitar); Hans Christian (cello); Paul Hanson (bassoon); George Lee (saxophone, percussion); Gary Barnacle, Pete Thoms, John Thirkell, Unity Horns (horns); John Philip Shenale (keyboards, programming); Jeff Martin, Steve Hogarth (keyboards); Gary Burlough (synthesizers, programming); Rick Marotta, David Fangheiser (drums); Alex Acuna, Luis Conte, Vinnie Colaiuta (percussion); Crystal Wilson, Penni Wilson, Renee Geyer, Sibane Semaswati Singers, Teresa DeLucio, Jill Mele, Frank Chitembwe (background vocals).

Producers include: Toni Childs, David Ricketts, Gavin MacKillop, Mark McKenna, David Tickle.