Released in 1975,
Sunset and Other Beginnings features a weird mix of oldies and
Melanie's own folk compositions. The former include "Ol Man River," an inappropriately glum "Almost Like Being in Love" (spoiled further by an arrangement that seems to draw inspiration from elevator music), and a thudding "You Can't Hurry Love." The inadvertent effect of all this is to make
Melanie's songs appear stronger -- "Perceive It" and "Loving My Children" are cheery, singalong, stripped-down numbers reminiscent of her better work from earlier
Melanie albums. The rest are dragged down by aimless production: the string arrangements (normally such a strong point) are singularly unimpressive, and all involved -- the players, the backing vocalists, and
Melanie herself -- perform as if bored witless (a state quickly shared by the listener).
Melanie's Neighborhood label folded shortly afterward.