Amazon.com

Legendary Broadway impresario David Merrick had his last (and longest-running) hit in 1980 with 42nd Street, an adaptation of the 1933 RKO film best known as one of the classic backstage musicals, as well as a vehicle for Busby Berkeley's jaw-dropping choreography. The stage version preserves the film's terrific Harry Warren-Al Dubin songs, including "You're Getting to Be a Habit with Me," "Shuffle Off to Buffalo," and the title tune, plus ringers "We're in the Money" and "Lullaby of Broadway." Jerry Orbach plays down-and-out director Julian Marsh hoping for a comeback, and Tammy Grimes is the star Dorothy Brock who gives way to ingenue Peggy Sawyer (Wanda Richert). 42nd Street is fun listening (including a herd of tap dancers in the opening auditions), and even if it seems quaint compared to the grittier backstage look taken in A Chorus Line, which debuted five years earlier, the two shows coexisted on Broadway for many years. 42nd Street is also well known for one of Merrick's most infamous stunts: when director Gower Champion died the morning the show opened, Merrick kept the information to himself so he could announce it to a shocked audience and cast after the final curtain call.--David Horiuchi ... Read more

Reviews (7)

A tap-dancing, toe-tapping delight!
This recording session was tense! Producer of the show, David Merrick locked horns with album producer Thomas Z. Shepard and the session ground to a halt. Eventually order was restored, Shepard left and Jay David Saks took over. Happily, the resulting album plays very well.

From the thunderous taps of the opening "Audition" number right through the glorious "Lullaby of Broadway" number the score is just one gem after another. Jerry Orbach is the hard-boiled director, desperate to have one more hit. Tammy Grimes is his over-the-hill "star" and Wanda Richert as the young innocent who goes on for the leading lady at the last minute, saving the show and becoming a star herself. The leads, the suporting performers, the orchestra are all first rate here.

A few curiosities: The songs "Shadow Waltz" and "Young and Healthy" are reversed from their stage order as are "Dames" and "We're in the Money." Also, the song "I Know Now" was left off the recording. On the other had a lengthy dance interlude for the title number is included but since the story is acted out in dance, it's not clear to to those who have never seen the show exactly what is going on in this segment.

Fortunately, the synopsis helps the listener follow the plot of the show itself. The Harry Warren songs are pretty much self-explanatory: "Gettin' Out of Town"; "Go Into Your Dance", "Sunny Side to Every Situation" etc. Also, there are some short bits of dialogue here and there.

All in all, a fine document of an entertaining, old-fashioned muscal comedy.

Tammy Grimes AND Wanda Richert; it doesn't get better!
The original Broadway production of 42ND STREET marked a renaissance following the 'wilderness years' of the 70's. The classic movie musical translated effortlessly to the stage, with a few extra songs thrown in, not to mention superb direction and choreography from Gower Champion, who fatefully died on the morning before opening night.

The original cast includes Tammy Grimes (THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN) as the flamboyant diva Dorothy Brock, Wanda Richert as the young and naive Peggy Sawyer, Jerry Orbach (CARNIVAL!, CHICAGO, THE FANTASTICKS) as the washed-up director Julian Marsh and Lee Roy Reams (APPLAUSE) as the handsome hoofer Billy Lawlor.

Carole Cook impresses in the comical role of Maggie Jones, whilst Karen Prunzik (GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES) is delightful as Anytime Annie.

Tammy Grimes' husky, velvet voice is perfectly-suited to the role of Dorothy Brock, Wanda Richert brings a glowing innocence and sincerity to the role of young Peggy.

The luscious score includes "Young and Healthy", "Shadow Waltz", "Go Into Your Dance", the elegant eleven o'clock number "About a Quarter to Nine", as well as the showstopping Title Number.

In addition, I also recommend the FABULOUS Broadway revival cast album featuring Christine Ebersole and Kate Levering, which in many ways tops this recording. Highly recommended.

You'll Love This One!
If you treasure the great Broadway and Hollywood musicals of the Golden Age, you'll love this recording. It is a nearly perfect cast album, recreating and preserving for all time what it was like in the theatre on opening night. If you've seen the show in any venue, the opening overture and audition will put you right back in your theatre seat as those fantastic tap dancers stop the show in the first two minutes! Tammy Grimes has a voice completely suited to the fading star she plays, and Jerry Orbach is truly one of the best at singing a musical comedy role and selling his likeable persona. The chorus puts every ounce of energy into singing-and dancing-these vintage and timeless songs. Guaranteed to lift your spirits and get you humming or singing along every time you listen!

Allentown!? Did you say Allentown!?
When I was a kid, anytime our local theatre company would put on musicals, my Mom would always buy me the soundtrack prior to the show so I could know the songs. This is easily one of my favorites. There are a few songs on it that everybody knows like, "We're in the Money," and "Lullaby of Broadway." Others are hardly known at all like "I'm Young and Healthy," which I sang in my first grade talent show. But I really get a kick out of the dialog about Allentown, spoken by Wanda Riechert and Jerry Orbach prior to "Lullaby of Broadway."

Classic Broadway
This is probably the classic backstage musical with great Harry Warren music and Al Dubin lyrics. The dialog has become a little cliche over time, but it still works well, and the songs certainly hold up, particularly, the title song, Lullaby of Broadway, and Shuffle Off to Buffalo. Also, as you listen to the tap numbers, you can almost see the dancers. This is an enjoyable musical that's fun to experience. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This is an excellent collection of many of the high points of the Manhattan Transfer's first decade, demonstrating both their reach and their grasp as they draw material from swing, modern jazz, and doo-wop into their own distinctive style. There's a tongue-in-cheek cool that connects the swing of Erskine Hawkins's "Tuxedo Junction" to the elemental girl-group harmonies of "Boy from New York City" and the TV themes like "Route 66" and the variations on the "Twilight Zone." More traditional jazz skills, though, are apparent in their renditions of some Jon Hendricks vocal classics. Composer Jimmy Giuffre plays saxophone on their version of his "Four Brothers," a key theme for bandleader Woody Herman, while there are also stellar renditions of Weather Report's "Birdland" and the standard "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square."It's an entertaining collection by a group that's never let itself be confined by the expected. --Adam Rains ... Read more

Reviews (11)

It's their best yet!!!
Well, all I can say is it's a great CD. I like everything that the Manhattan Transfer has made, since I started liking them when I was younger. (I'm 14 now.) Like the last person, I wouldn't ever give them a bad review, but, belive me. This one has go to be the best. The songs I recomend on this are: Baby Come Back to Me, Tuxedo Junction, Ray's Rockhouse, and Twilght Zone/Twilight Tone. These are just some of my favorites, but I like all the songs on here. If your a Manhattan Transfer fan, like me, you GOT to have this. If you're new to their music, this CD is perfect for you too.

Best Songs From One CD
The Best Of The Manhattan Transfer is the one collection that lives up to it name! The mainstream songs/hits like "Boy From New York City", "Spice Of Life", and "Twilight Zone/Twilight Tone" are included along with other notable gems "Birdland" (a well-constructed and enjoyable song) and "Tuxedo Junction" (a swing-era favorite).

The liner notes provide a brief history of how the group began and how the lovely voice of Cheryl Bentyne was able to replace Laurel Masse and changed the sound of the band. The are also pictures and discography along with song credits.

Overall, this collection is ideal for both the casual fan (who only wants the hits) and for the Transfer fan (who would approve this collection as a truly single CD anthology of the group). Recommended.

Smooth
Good samples of this groups work. The songs are classic jazz and R&B music styles that is still popular and enjoyable to listen to. A very good CD that is enjoyable to listen to.

Oh How It Makes me Shiver,Total Perfection
Vocal perfection period.Iam in absolute awe that this group existed so long without my knowledge.GREAT STUFF!!

Great Start
This is a great collection for someone looking to have a great collection of their music on one CD.
Clarity of recording is great, as well.
For anyone looking to 'replace' an LP, this is the one to order.
The only draw back is the order in which the tracks are laid out on the CD. They don't compliment well back to back, sometimes. Otherwise, it would have been 5-star. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

What's left to be said about Andrew Lloyd Webber's adaptation of The Phantom of the Opera a decade after its premiere? That it's maddeningly ubiquitous? A stitch-up of various themes shoplifted from the Italian operatic repertoire? A critic-proof crowd pleaser that's probably being staged somewhere in the world as you read this? A megahit that will likely outlive Titanic in the pop-culture pantheon, Phantom has largely redefined--for better or worse--the manner in which modern musicals are conceived, staged, and marketed. Its influence has reached far beyond the traditional confines of London and Broadway. A favorite example: an abridged version that was the centerpiece of Los Angeles's longest-running transvestite revue, replete with 14-inch chandeliers and a man-playing-a-woman-playing-a-man in the title role. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (261)

"Let the specacle astound you!"
I can get a pretty good sense of what a theatrical experience this show must be from listening to its London cast recording. All that thundering, overpowering, eerie but beautiful music, which is actually pretty good and may very well be Andrew Lloyd Webber's best. The above-average, occasionally beautiful and touching lyrics to such songs as "Music of the Night," "All I Ask of You," "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again," and "Point of No Return." The fine performance of Michael Crawford as the Phantom, which does a great job of conveying the character's passion and pain and thankfully doesn't really conjure up memories of his best-forgotten days as a juvenile lead in such fimusicals as "A Funny Thing..." and "Hello, Dolly!" The beautiful voice of Sarah Brightman as Christine. The supporting cast, from Steve Barton's Raoul to Rosemary Ashe's stunning Carlotta to the two theatrical agents, Andre and Farmin (or something like that). All contribute to the enjoyment and, yes, spectacle of this recording, and no doubt did and, in the case of the music and lyrics, still do contribute to the success of the stage show. All are reasons for buying it, so why not?

Not the best recording ever. . .the ONLY recording ever
Alright, let's get this straight. It's a simple math problem; even a first grader could get this. Michael Crawford=Phantom. Phantom=Michael Crawford. That's just how it is. In the title song, when he sings "The Phantom of the Opera is there"...oh its brilliant. Especially that funny thing his voice does on the "Phaaa" part of Phantom. Normally it might be a little awkward, but in this role its absolutley perfect. He really makes us sympathize with him and almost makes you bawl in the Finale.

Sarah Brightman does a great job with Christine. Most peolpe absolutely screw up the vocals at the end of the title song (ah-hem, 1992 Japanese Version and Sandra Joseph on Broadway. Hate to say it, but it doesn't work with their voices. Yeah, they can sing, but just not that. They do very well otherwise though) I like the way she screams out "I'll go MAD!" in Notes II.

The only bad part about this (but it's quite minor) are Madame Giry and Joseph Buquet. Buquet's voice is kind of breathy and the vibrato takes over and Madame Giry's voice is a little breathy also, but nothing major.

The orchestra in this is beautiful. In most recordings, the orchestra cuts short in the intrumentals before Hannibal and after the Auction (which is one of the best parts) but in this one is it really powerful. It gives you goosebumps because it blends so well together. Especially when the horns come in!

A Beautiful Recording
I simply love this recording. I have never seen Phantom performed on the stage and this is the only recording I have ever heard of the Phantom of the Opera, but I was delighted to hear its music. I have had this CD for only a week and cannot stop playing it for some reason! It has quite a musical score, and the story is very sad. I have never read the book (although I am waiting for its arrival from Amazon after ordering it), so I cannot tell you whether it is true to the original story. The story is that of a man who has been abandoned by all mankind and must live in a labyrinth under the opera house. He falls in love with Christine Daae and becomes her tutor. She believes that the Phantom is the Angel of Music sent by her deceased father. The Phantom loves her so and wants her career in the opera house to advance. He sends notes to the managers, telling them to give her main roles instead of the prima Donna Carlotta. It is a heart wrenching story because you really feel sorry for the Phantom.

The cast is strong. MICHAEL CRAWFORD plays the Phantom on this recording and is argued by many phans to be the best phantom. I have heard no other recording, so I can't argue that point. The role of Christine was written for SARAH BRIGHTMAN, so naturally she does well. There are many high notes and her role can be compared to that of COSETTE in LES MISERABLES because it seems that the majority of her parts are high. RAOUL is played by STEVE BARTON, and his voice is marvelous. ROSEMARY ASHE plays CARLOTTA. I don't like the part of Carlotta, but that isn't Ashe's fault!

Some of the music in this sounds familiar, like from CATS (I'm talking about a couple bars of music, not like a whole song or anything), so that is very interesting. If you like Andrew Lloyd Webber, you will love this rock opera! I like "Angel of Music," "Phantom of the Opera," and "Music of the Night."

Buy this CD because it is worth every penny!

Just as good the 100th time!
This is truly a great recording. Overall, I am totally in love with it, but I am here to give a review, not to push my personal biases on others. So, from the standpoint of a musician, actress, and singer, here goes. First of all the actors...
MICHAEL CRAWFORD: Overall, Awesome. Truly the best cast member. His voice is easy to listen to, and very expressive. He IS the Phantom. No questions asked. Technically, not perfect, but this is theatre, not technical type singing. Sometimes, he sounds like he has a bad cold, and tends to slide into the correct note on the higher notes, but overall, this detracts very little from his outrageous awsomeness.
SARAH BRIGHTMAN: Not a huge fan of Sarah's, I'm afraid. Vibrato is one thing, but when you sound like a chipmunk singing while sitting in one of those massage chair things, you're using a little too much. She hits all of the notes beautifully, but you would too if your husband wrote the part for you. Her acting skills and expression are below par, and her inunciation is like she's singing with dental equipment in her mouth. She should definately practice singing more forward, as she gets caught in the back of her throat frequently. Her solos can wear on the nerves, but overall, you could do worse, she's not completely devoid of vocal talent, and she sounds fine when she's singing with someone else.
STEVE BARTON: Not much to say about him. No surprises here, but easy to listen too, expression is on par, and he is technically the best out of the three leads. No complaints, but I've heard this voice a million times before.
OTHERS WHO STOOD OUT: Carlotta is excellant, and beautifully annoying, all though she does have one moment in NOTES where she slips out of character for a phrase. Meg sounds like she's singing while trying to breath through an oxygen tube, in other words, barely audible. I would have liked to hear her more in the harmony on Angel of Music. Everyone else: Fine. Cooly. No complaints.
AS FOR THE MUSIC: There is a lot of it, and it rocks. The orchestrations are fabulous for Broadway, and the melodies are beautiful, if frequently repetitive. Don't buy this if you don't like the tune of Angel of Music, it shows up in practically every song. The chorus numbers are ass-kicking and funky harmony-full.
THE FINAL VERDICT: You can't go wrong here. Even if you despise Sarah Brightman, everyone else more than compensates for her, erm , lack of pronunciation. Crawford is at his best, and the melodies are some of the most memorable in musical history. Even newbies to the Phantom world will rejoice. Go ahead, throw away your money here. You won't be dissapointed.

Overblown, but still worth a listen.
I am not one of Andrew Lloyd Webber's greatest fans. But still, this is a good show. People that give this negative reviews claim that it is overated. And they are correct. But there are very good melodies in this show, although the lyrics are not top quality. There are also so many layers of the phantom that Gaston Leorux wrote in this character that are not explored in the lyrics. In this show we have little reason to sympathize with the main character. But in Sondheim's"Sweeney Todd" we are told in sometimes Gruesome detail why Sweeney has those killing sprees. But these shows are completly different animals of the theater. Phantom is a show that takes you to another world, while "Sweeney" makes you think. In my opinon, this is Andrew Lloyd Webbers last good show. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Sanitize Tom Waits's vocal cords, take some of the rasp out of Dr. John's, put some muscle into Bobby Caldwell's, combine them and you'll have an approximation of the quality of Steve Tyrell's voice. Like his popular 1999 debut, A New Standard, this is a meticulously recorded album featuring the great American songbook and some of the best jazz soloists alive, including trumpeter Clark Terry, harmonica player Toots Thielemans, and singer Jane Monheit, who plays Lucille Ball and Betty Carter against Tyrell's Red Skelton and Ray Charles on the classic duet "Baby It's Cold Outside." Tyrell complements each of his partners with the kind of empathy that makes them shine as bright as his irresistible voice. Plas Johnson's saxophone take on "That Old Feeling," for instance, is highly reminiscent of the symbiotic musical partnership that Lester Young created with Billie Holiday more than half a century ago. Also like his first record, it is the creative arrangements of guitarist Bob Mann and pianist Joe Sample that make this 16-song disc work so well. --Mark Ruffin ... Read more

Reviews (35)

STANDARD TIME: Above Standard Fare
Fans of Steve Tyrell know this: Steve Tyrell has earned his place in history. His first album, A NEW STANDARD was a perfect piece of work. This second release, STANDARD TIME, seals it.

How much excellence can one absorb? On first hearing, one is blown away by the spirit of the thing; the rhythm, the sound. What a Voice! What a Band! It's obvious that he's having a lot of fun. You know the songs. Even the youngsters are recording them, some of them very well. Steve Tryell is giving them back to us the way they ought to sound.

With the same swinging band from A NEW STANDARD--world-class players from the era of big bands and jazz joints--and more excellent songs, more brilliant arrangements, and a voice too marvelous for words, Steve Tyrell has given us more reason to dance, to smile, to listen.

He's a man of many moods, this Steve Tyrell. Listening to him sing is like watching an accomplished actor read his lines. His heart aches with "That Old Feeling," and the haunting "Stardust." He isn't maudlin about it. It's just a fact. His take on "I Wonder" is fun, and it seems to make the song more important than it ever was before. "What a Little Moonlight Can Do" will sweep you away to New Orleans, with the band having as much fun as Tyrell. The Gershwins would be proud of his sincerity on "Our Love Is Here To Stay" and his longing on "Someone To Watch Over Me.". But listen closely to "Ain't Misbehavin'." Isn't that a wink? And when Jane Monheit joins him for "Baby, It's Cold Outside" the wolf comes alive in him. Their rendition beats the old, and even the new, takes on this delightful piece.

Add this album to your shopping cart. Once it starts playing and you start grinning you may find you want to keep it playing all the time. It's a straight shot of joy.

A New Understanding of Music
I am only 18 years old and not really a jazz fan, but after hearing Standard Time, jazz music seems much more of an alternative to listen to. I heard the CD through my friend whose dad is in the music business and surprisingly to myself I enjoyed it. The songs "Baby it's cold outside" and "What a little moonlight can do" are two songs that I enjoyed the most. With the singing of that girl, whoever playing the trumpet,and most important the voice of Steve Tyrell the two songs gave me a sense of comfortness and romanticness that i have never heard before. As you can see with my use of "that girl" and "whoever playing the trumpet" I know nothing about jazz and if i enjoyed it everyone can and will enjoy it. I suggest everyone buy a copy for anyone they know and spread the enjoyment of the voice of Steve Tyrell.

S'wonderful!
Thank you Today Show for doing a feature on Steve Tyrell. (Incidentally, he's a great man as well. He tragically lost his beloved wife to cancer a few years ago -- the focus of the piece -- and is raising three great kids.)

But I digress. After the Today Show piece, I immediately ordered his CDs and have not stopped listening to them. What a deft touch he has to the standards...and what a marvelous voice. He sings with such passion and feeling. He is a master of these standards.

Great CD
My favorite drive time CD since I purchased. Great songs sung by a real person. Not a pretty voice....gravelly....the guy is REAL. I love it.

No Sophomore Slump For Steve Tyrell, He's On A Roll!
It is a rare occasion indeed when an artist can recreate the magic that was captured on a hit debut album and establish themselves as a leader of a musical trend, but with his second release "Standard Time" Steve Tyrell has done just that. With an ensemble of world-class players he covers some of the real jewels out of the Great American Songbook and together these wonderfully talented musicians give us renditions that will last a lifetime.

If you LOVE listening to GREAT CROONERS and BIG BAND SWING, I would also recommend, Monte Procopio "Swingin' With Style" CD. He is another great crooner that can really SWING and deserves a listen. Buy both these CDs, you can't go wrong! ... Read more

Album Description

1997 compilation on MCA featuring the best that Capt. Kirk &Mr. Spock recorded for the label between 1967-1970. Includesmaterial from all four of Nimoy's albums & Shatner's 'The Transformed Man'. Wacky fun ranging from Broadway numbers toprotest songs to Shakespeare narrations to covers of Dylan &Beatles tunes! 24 tracks in all, including Shatner's covers of 'It Was A Very Good Year', 'Mr. Tambourine Man' & 'Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds' and Nimoy's covers of 'Abraham, Martin And John', 'Put A Little Love In Your Heart' and 'Sunny'. ... Read more

Reviews (45)

Mister tambourine man... MISTER TAMBOURINE MAN!!!
I love so-bad-it's-good music, so obviously I had to have this CD. There's so much superlatively, deliciously, appallingly bad stuff on this CD it's hard to know where to begin. Most of the CD is taken up by Nimoy, but the few Shatner tracks scale heights of awfulness that few other artists have even approached (not even Bobby Goldsboro). "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" and "Mr. Tambourine Man" prove beyond the shadow of a doubt that method acting and popular songs are not a marriage made in heaven. In fact, together they are possibly the worst songs ever recorded by anyone anywhere. I challenge you to listen to these two songs back-to-back and decide which is worse -- perhaps that's something man was never meant to know. The Nimoy tracks are not quite as spectacular, but there are many highlights there too: "Highly Illogical" is delightfully awful, and "The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins" is completely demented (it's a favorite on the Dr. Demento show). The rest of the songs are mostly just evidence of Mr. Nimoy's incredibly mediocre singing voice; some of them, like "Both Sides Now" should be included on a future compilation entitled "Good Songs Sung by Bad Singers". This CD is a treasure that you'll enjoy for years, although not for the reasons the artists intended.

A great cure for a bad mood
Being a fan of the Golden Throats Great Celebrity Sing-Off, I thought "Spaced Out" would be a worthy addition to my collection of weird music. And this disc definitely does not disappoint in the weird department.

Nimoy has more disc time than Shatner does, but since Shatner tends to recite Shakespeare at loud decibels more than anything else, this really isn't a problem for me (though I must confess his "Hamlet" is strangely catchy). And if you're in a bad mood or have had a rotten day, "Spaced Out" will definitely bring a smile to your face.

Certainly, we're not talking great musicians or great music here, which anyone even casually acquainted with Nimoy's and Shatner's musical efforts should already know. Nimoy doesn't screech like Shatner, which is in his favor. However, though Nimoy tries really hard, he can't seem to stop himself from going off key from time to time, as is the case in his rendition of the legendary Bobby Darin's "If I Were A Carpenter."

But - it's his very off-keyness and his earnest enunciation (he pronounces EVERY syllable of EVERY word, unlike most rock "artists" who think mumbling is cool) that makes this disc...well...hysterically funny. (And his spoken-word Spock-isms like "Highly Illogical" are a scream too). And of course, Shatner's "Mr. Tambourine Man" and "Lucy In the Sky With Diamonds" are always good for a laugh. It's so bad, it's good, as the saying goes.

But for the record, I also want to note that some of Nimoy's tracks actually aren't that bad. For example, he does a very passable rendition of "If I Had a Hammer" wherein he actually does sing on key, and his "I Walk the Line" is certainly no worse than Johnny Cash's. In fact, Nimoy's "I Walk the Line" may even be better than Johnny Cash's, since Nimoy actually sings, whereas Johnny Cash talks his songs.

So - to sum up - buy this disc. It's a great cure for a bad mood or a rotten day - and you may be surprised at how some of Nimoy's tunes aren't half bad!

Star Wars Rules
Now, while I appreciate the fact that two trekkers have made utter fools of themselves on this record, I have to wonder why Han Solo and Chewbacca never got their own album!?!?! Han is clearly tougher than Spock, and Chewbacca could kick Kirk's butt across the klingon territories. I just don't understand this logic. Here would be my ultimate album:

1. I Raped Kirk - Darth Vader and the Vaderettes
2. Shove Those Pointed Ears (Up Your Bum) - The Cantina Band
3. Scotty's Got Alzheimers - Princess Leah (feat. Snoop Dogg)
4. Chekov Is A Wigger - The R2D2 Posse
5. Grand Moff Tarkin Should've Been Named Grand MUFF Tarkin (Because He's A Pussy) - The Lightsabres

so please do us all a favor, and all Star Trek fans please kill yourself now. do it. Live Short And Prosper.

After reading these reviews...
I've already been laughing for the past 45 minutes, and I
just ordered the album - it hasn't arrived yet. I think Amazon
is missing a marketing opportunity by not charging people to
read these reviews, because they're hysterical!

Nearly flawless oddity
Has any recorded moment surpassed the intense dementia of Shatner's final scream in "Mr. Tambourine Man"? Do we really want to know?

This absurd CD opens the window to two cult favorites who found second careers as outlandishly kitsch performers. Much has been said of Nimoy's earnest, flat baritone; the reams of Shatner critiques could fill a large, easily combustible windmill -- but that would be too convenient, and a loss to people like me who occasionally need to be reminded why they (and others) actually listen to this stuff -- closely.

These recordings are either dizzying, hardcore, lovable dreck, or, to some, aural manure. History won't decide: you will, if you dare.

I have a complaint about this disk. Yes, just one, about two selections. One of the "Nimoy" tracks doesn't belong here for any reason, as it's nothing more than forgettable lounge muzak with zero artistic input from the Green One. "Music to Watch Space Girls By" sounds like a Herb Alpert outtake where he forgot his trumpet. Also, "Spock Thoughts" is just "Desiderata" recited blandly over third-rate background noise. I can do better, and so can you.

Instead, the compilers should have included "You Are Not Alone," a hideously warbled message of solidarity in this vast, impersonal universe (certainly a theme dear to Spock), and "Alien," a superior spoken dissertation on, well, alienation. They're featured on some other CD that costs nearly $60 used. I'll stick with my cut-out bin cassette for now.

The highlights of "Spaced Out" for me are the most famous offerings: the delirious Shatner takes on Dylan and the Beatles, plus the Nimoy novelty "Bilbo Baggins." The "Golden Throats" CD includes a quizzically-voiced, faded-in lead-in to Shatner's "Lucy in the Sky" edited off for this CD, but it seems we completists will always suffer a little. Also not to be missed are the bathyspherical depths of Nimoy's faulty tone and phrasing found on "Where is Love" and "Sunny"; the pure, howling turgidity of his deconstruction of "Proud Mary"; and a horror actually released as a single (according to the entertaining sleeve notes), and possibly written just for the Vulcan maestro -- "I'd Love Making Love to You," which exudes as much sultry seduction as a frozen duck on an antenna.

I try to imagine how the backing musicians made it through these sessions without screaming themselves, and wetting the floor with laughter.

P.S. I don't know how to create the "voting buttons." ... Read more

Reviews (14)

"It's Impossible" to pass up Very Best of Como....
RCA's The Very Best of Perry Como is a wonderful 21-song set which covers nearly 30 years of this barber-turned-crooner's career. I purchased this album one year after its release in July of 2000, and although I do love Como's voice and smooth delivery of such songs as "Papa Loves Mambo" (a Billboard Top 10 hit in 1954), I am fond of this record for sentimental reasons. When I was a girl growing up in Florida, my stepfather and I would either watch one of Como's TV specials or listen to his recordings on a record player. When I listen to "Some Enchanted Evening" from Rodgers and Hammerstein's "South Pacific," I remember watching Como perform this classic ballad on our black-and-white TV, my stepdad (a Navy veteran who served in the Pacific in World War II) at my side.
As I said earlier, this CD is a retrospective of Como's long and successful career, starting with the 1940s Swing Era hit "(A Hubba-Hubba-Hubba) Dig You Later" to his sweet, romantic "And I Love You So" from the 1970s. Some of my favorite tracks include Slim Willet's "Don't Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes," "Because," and an English language cover of Armando Manzaneros "Somos Novios," better known as "It's Impossible."
If you like Perry Como or want an album of easy listening music with one of the great talents of the genre, The Very Best of Perry Como belongs in your music library. I heartily recommend it.
Betty June Moore

Love it and I am 35!
I am 35 and my husband and I love Perry Como. Our 7 year old daughter who LOVES Pappa Loves Mambo and the ABC song too! We push the repeat button and she could listen to this one for hours. I love Perry Como's songs. Thanks to my grandma who I loved to hang out with she and I shared it, especially during the holidays. He was a great guy and singer. We like listening to this on our weekend drives we always take. It really sets the mood. A total family outing! Just wish I had the car from that era! I have to say every song on this is great! I highly recommend this to anyone my age!

Hey, I'm 16 years old and I LOVE it!!
Perry Como is awesome. For those who like retro and are tired of the ratpack and Brian Setzer, try Como. This cd is so totally cool. I love Catch A Falling Star, and Papa Loves Mambo(the one from the commercial). I've turned half of my high school onto this cd, kids at my school are now making out to Perry Como. I'd recomend this to any teeneger, it sure beats Britney Spears and The Back Street Boys.

Yo, this is like my Great Grandparents music, but it's jiggy
I'm jiggy with' dis. It all cool baby. Perry Como is so out, he's in. I especially like the novelty songs, he badder than Snoop Dog. Even if you think ya Grampa's music sucks, this music is cool, maybe Gramps had good taste in music afterall, yo yo it all cool babydoll... Dis' music rocks, it da bomb, it's phat, it's da sh*t!!!

and i love her so
it describes how much i love my wife and 2 little girls more then i ever could!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

It's probably best known for raising the stakes for 1980s blockbuster shows by landing a helicopter on stage, but Miss Saigon is also a good show with good music. As a follow-up to their international smash Les Misérables, Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg (with an assist from Richard Maltby Jr.) adapted the tale of Madame Butterfly to the Vietnam War, realized here by the original 1989 London cast. While it may seem overheated at times, the despair and passion fit the tragic story, and Schönberg's pop-flavored style receives its most appropriate setting. Leading the cast are Jonathan Pryce as the Engineer (a Eurasian character whose casting generated some controversy when the producers wanted to have Pryce, a Caucasian, reprise the role on Broadway), Lea Salonga (in her first major role) as the young Vietnamese bride, Simon Bowman as her lover, and Claire Moore as his American wife (and a young Ruthie Henshall as one of the sweaty bargirls). The songs include the bawdy opener "The Heat Is on in Saigon," "The Movie in My Mind," "Why God Why," the romantic duet "The Last Night of the World," the female duet "I Still Believe," the male chorus number "Bui-Doi," and the Engineer's mocking "The American Dream."The booklet includes photographs and full lyrics. It's also available in a 58-minute highlights version. --David Horiuchi ... Read more

Reviews (97)

Wonderful, heart-wrenching, and haunting!
Miss Saigon is a beautiful musical. There is a variety of characters that make it well worth listening to. Firstly, there's Kim, the main character, portrayed beautifully by Lea Salonga. Her voice expresses Kim's joy in her love with Chris, an American GI, hatred and contempt for Thuy, who she's engaged to by her parents, her anger towards Ellen (Chris' wife three years after Vietnam) and her hope that Chris will someday return for her and the son she has borne him. Simon Bowman is perfect as Chris, who you love, pity, and at times, despise. Claire Moore has a lovely voice, and the duet, "I Still Believe," with Lea is marvelous. Although, in my opinion, the most gorgeous song on the cd (and there are many of them to choose from) is "The Fall of Saigon," and when Kim and Chris are trying to reach each other, I can almost guarantee tears. Jonathan Pryce is fabulous as the Engineer, a pimp who runs a bar with showgirls. He's not at all likeable, but you find yourself feeling sorry for him in spite of yourself. Overall, Miss Saigon is probably my favorite cd, with the possible exception of Les Miserables.

Don't Pass This Up
Easily the most touching and beautiful recording of Miss Saigon ever. Lea Salonga is infallible as Kim - the emotional strength and innocent hope she portrays leaves her voice etched in one's mind. Simon Bowman is amazing as Chris..."Why, God, Why?" is one of the most beautiful tracks. Peter Polycarpou's rendition of "Bui-Doi" is probably my favorite track...it never fails to bring tears to my eyes. Jonathan Pryce is the epitome of sleazy business...sorta reminds me of Joel Grey's 'Emcee' from Cabaret...hah. Except sometimes, after hearing about his life, you can pity him.
Claire Moore's duet with Salonga ("I Still Believe") is heartbreaking, especially since we know that Chris has since married, but Kim still believes he'll return...
Keith Burns is a convincing Thuy. His voice brings character with it, and fits absolutely perfectely in "What's This I Find?" Also, his counterpoint with Salonga in "This Is The Hour" can easily send chills up your spine, same as Salonga and Polycarpou's duet in "Please".
Other Notable Tracks - "The Morning of the Dragon" is a very strong track, I personally think its one of the best. "The American Dream" makes a wonderful mockery of our system...its absolutely ingeneous. "Sun and Moon" is gorgeous, as is "Last Night Of The World"...and "The Sacred Bird" never fails to bring me to tears. I also love "The Telephone Song", Polycarpou also shines in this one.
I could go on and on...
In fact, this isn't a single track on this CD that isn't good.

One Warning, though...some of these tracks have some pretty foul language, especially "The Heat Is On In Saigon", however, that doesn't change the fact that its a great song :P

So to sum it up:

DON'T PASS UP THIS RECORDING!!!

Outstanding, very moving musical!
Just saw the show at the Pantages Theater in Hollywood. Wow! What a great musical! Heart-wrenching story, emotionally-laden songs, powerful performances.

The cast was superb! Now, I wish I had seen it when the amazing Lea Salonga was doing Kim.

See the show on tour and definitely grab a copy of the original recording!

Absolutely brilliant!
The musical is powerful and touching while the cast is superb! Lea Salonga performs to perfection one of the most difficult roles ever created in pop musical history.

The show is a must-see (U.S. and U.K tours plus productions around the world still ongoing) and the original album a must-buy!

Outstanding!
A very powerful and touching musical INSPIRED by M. Butterfly and performed by a first-rate cast. If pop opera were to give Puccini a tribute, this would be the most respectful and the most inspiring production that any topnotch theater can mount. Bravo! ... Read more

Reviews (17)

The Past and Future Hits of Natalie Cole
I got hooked on Natalie Cole's voice when I heard her first record,"This will Be." Her style reminds me of the old time singers of the 40's,mixed with the modern sound of today.The first song,the live version of "Mr Melody," is unreal.What a voice.I'm so happy,"Miss you like Crazy," that took six months to record,is in here,but the hit that jump started Natalie's career,"Jump Start," isn't.That's the only negative thing I have to say about this record."Unforgetable," the duet with the greatest male singer ever,Nat King Cole,is worth the price of the tape.What a brilliant idea.Now all the singers are doing this,from Lorna Luft touring with old footage from her Mom's Shows, to Paul Anka and his duet with Frank Sinatra singing "My Way.""Livin for love,"the new single from the CD ,should be a big Club hit for the singer.Natalie lets it all out,and tells us to kiss her a-- if you stand in her way.This year should be a great one for the singer.She has this fantastic greatest hits collection,a new Book on her life,and a TV Movie about herself that she's Staring in.Natalie Cole is back for good.

Very Limited
Since Natalie Cole has a television film in which she stars as herself airing any day now, an autobiography on the way, and this Best Of collection, I have no reservation in believing that things may have been rushed--as this hits package suggests. Also suggested are record label politics as a few of her signature tunes are represented here via live versions (from Natalie Live, which is still in print on One Way Records, as is much of her earlier catalog) or not at all. Included are Natalie's masterpiece "This Will Be" (in its original studio version) and her postumous duet with her father "Unforgettable". Excluded, however, are key songs that placed Natalie consistantly back on the pop charts: the 7" hit version of "Pink Cadillac" (included in its less vibrant LP version), "Wild Women Do" (which demonstrated Natalie as a good a rock vocalist as any other), and "Jump Start" (one of her absolute best, and really the song that first had everyone talking of a genuine creative and commercial comeback). In the places of these are tracks from her last studio album--a highly underrated effort that should be investigated on its own terms. One ballad written and produced with Richard Marx ("Angel On My Should") and one dance number provided by the so-far undefeated Metro team ("Livin' For Love") make up the rest of this disc and are fine selections to be included among some of her best. On both Natalie exudes conviction and experience from having been around long enough to put together a hits package. With just a little more attention to detail (label legalities aside) this collection could have been a very comprehensive collection, perhaps two discs worth. Instead, it is a competent but limited gathering of hits that merely suggests that Natalie Cole had a few great records.

Nice Collection!
This is a good collection if you are new to Natalie's music, like me. I'm so glad I found this collection, from a friend who told me about her and gave me a basic introduction to her music. I've read a lot of reviews which suggest that some people are not satisfied with this collection, but do note that it is Volume 1, and there could always be a Volume 2 in the future. I read her autobiography and her life story is very interesting and endearing. She has an amazing voice and there's so many great songs here. Some of my favorites include the Diane Warren ballad "A Smile Like Yours", the new songs "Angel On My Shoulder" (great ballad) and the club hit "Livin For Love", ballads like "I Live For Your Love", "Say You Love Me", "Miss You Like Crazy", "Song For You", etc. The strangest segue between songs has to be between her wonderful cover of the Beatles "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" (Live) which is a great soul song (her version at least) which goes into the 80's synth driven cover of Bruce Springsteen's "Pink Cadillac". Good songs but it sounds strange together. Overall this is a really good overview of her career I found, and worth having in your collection.

Great set of songs from a talented lady
Being a new fan to Natalie Cole a friend of mine suggested this album, and her autobiography. What can I say? I'm hooked! She has an incredibly beautiful, powerful voice. There is a good variety of music here, from different genres like pop, R&B, soul and jazz. I don't claim to be an expert on her music but through reading her autobiography I got a good education on her music. Immediately I fell for the ballads, including the Diane Warren penned "A Smile Like Yours", the excellent "Miss You Like Crazy" and "I Live For Your Love", and "Say You Love Me" and "Angel On My Shoulder" (a new cut) are favorites. Her duet with her father on "Unforgettable" is beautiful. Other favorites include "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" (A Beatles song, man this is SOUL), "A Song For You", "This Will Be", and more. Worth every penny. Hopefully Volume 2 comes soon!

What an incredible repetoire of music!
Natalie Cole turned out some great hits! Her vocals have brought her success from the 70's till now. Find out why her 70s era was so successful. Find out why her 80s hits sustained her success. Find out why her 90s hits keep her at the pinnacle of success.

You'll hear her rock and wail through the most upbeat tunes to the saddest of ballads. The emotional tidal wave in these songs will sweep you away into her world love and love lost.

Highlights on this album include: "Mr. Melody," "This Will Be," "Miss You Like Crazy," "I Live For Your Love," and "Unforgettable." ... Read more

Album Description

In his all too short life, Bobby Darin accomplished more than most artistscould ever dream. He was a teen idol, a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, anAcademy Award-nominated actor, a Grammy Award-winner, a folk rock stylist and aVegas showman -- and that only scratches the surface. The consummate Americanperformer, his artistry is far beyond what mere words could describe. AcesBack To Back, the long awaited Bobby Darin collection on HYENA Records, paintsthe entire picture. Produced by Joel Dorn, in conjunction with Darin's managerSteve Blauner and Darin's official archivist Jimmy Scalia, the CD/DVD set isthe most comprehensive collection of Bobby Darin rarities ever released, drawingfrom long lost concert performances, previously unreleased radio broadcasts,out of print studio sessions and vintage film and television footage. Highpoints include performances from his 1970s television variety show on which Darindelivers definitive renditions of his biggest hits including "Mack TheKnife," "Beyond The Sea" and "Dream." Also included, for first time ever commercialrelease, are the fabled "Milk Recordings" that are among the only known Darinjazz vocal performances. The folk rock gems from his retreat to Big Sur areyet another invaluable addition highlighted by "Jive" and "Long Time Movin'." The DVD component includes performances from the aforementioned '70s televisionshow, but the feature is the never before seen black and white documentaryfilm that Bobby Darin was directing about his own life. Narrated by GeorgeBurns, the poignant footage captures Darin in the studio, with his family,performing around the world and finally from his comeback performance at the CoconutGrove.Aces Back To Back encompasses the brilliance of one of the 20thcentury's greatest artists like no retrospective that's come before! ... Read more

Amazon.com

This MGM musical helps to epitomize the genre. The 1952 film starred Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, and Debbie Reynolds. Reynolds's tracks, particularly "All I Do Is Dream of You" tend to make her sound like one of the munchkins from The Wizard of Oz, which is unfortunate. It's Gene Kelly's songs that are the most enjoyable. The title track is still wonderful, and so engaging you'll want to swing on lightpoles all over town. An outtake of Kelly's version of "All I Do Is Dream of You" is another gem, and the M-G-M Studio Orchestra is at its flawless best throughout--even if some of the incidental music sounds like a Tex Avery cartoon score. --Scott Wilson ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Smashing,what?
The soundtrack from the movie that helped define an entire genre is JUST AS good as the movie itself.Songs like the title number,"Good Morning" and "Moses" are delightful and melodious, more so if you've watched the movie! An added bonus - several outtakes and a Debbie Reynolds version of "Would You?" , plus a very informative booklet to boot. One drawback however is the tinny quality of recordings, but if you've seen "Singing In The Rain" and loved it, this one is a must buy !

A Treat To Those Who Love Movie Musicals
Those who love the movie will definitely love the soundtrack. As a child, I loved watching the movie play on The Family Film Festival and the soundtrack wonderfully recaptures the charm and comedy of the movie itself. The music is so catchy that you soon forget that the sound does not have the stereo sound that people are so used to hearing today. Everyone knows "Singin' in the Rain" but there are other songs on this album that make it a worthy buy such as "Fit as a Fiddle" and "You Are My Lucky Star." The bonus tracks also include Debbie Reynold's version of "You Are My Lucky Star" which you don't get to hear in the movie. If you love movie musicals, especially those from MGM, this is one you can't miss having.

Not Perfect, But Fairly Close I Think!
Well, I wish they had "left in" the tapping feet, but otherwise, this album is the original soundtrack all right! I especially liked it that different versions of some songs were used ("Would You", "All I Do Is Dream of You", "Beautiful Girl", etc.), some only slightly different and others fairly radically. Too bad lyrics weren't included in the booklet! If I may be picky, I would have also liked it more were the photos in color. Otherwise, I can't think of anything else to say other than that if the movie's touched your heart, then this CD ought to do the same!

Disappointed
One of the other reviewers mentioned that the dialogue, tapping, applause, etc. included in previous releases of this soundtrack were annoying. I must disagree. I believe that THIS release, especially without the tap, is both annoying and boring. The dialogue and tapping are parts of the songs for me...part of the rhythm. Without them, the songs lose their spark. Even my 4-year old son noticed the absence of the dialogue and tapping. I was highly disappointed with this CD and now I'm frustrated because I cannot find a CD version to replace the old, worn out (though still wonderful) cassette we have been listening to.

What a Glorious Feeling...
Perhaps one of my favorite movies, Singin' in the Rain is both a crowd-pleaser and a cinematographic achievement (it was named one of the top ten movies of all time by the American Film Institue). This soundtrack does justice to the movie, and more. It contains the score of the original movie as well as the vocal pieces (favorites include "You Were Meant For Me," "Good Morning," and, of course "Singin in the Rain"); however, it also includes extended versions and outtakes as well as supplemental material.

If you have seen the movie, you will not be displeased with the way the soundtrack recreates the movie. You can almost see handsome Don Lockwood and Cosmo Brown tapping and joking at the diction coach's office, or Kathy and Don dancing across the empty soundstage. After all, the movie almost IS the music. If you have not seen the movie, never fear- the CD insert is a booklet that includes a synopsis of the film. Overall, an excellent (and digitally remastered!) buy. Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, and Debbie Reynolds are a trio that's sure to please. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

An excellent album!
One of those rare instances where the soundtrack was bigger than the movie. The album went to #22 and produced two semi-hit songs-Every Road Leads Back To You and In My Life. Both of these songs are worth the album purchase. They are absolutely amazing Bette Midler ballads. Her signature emotional sound shines through on these two outstanding songs. A high point of the album is Stuff Life That There. The song is a joy to listen too. It's upbeat and just plain fun. P.S. I Love You, Dreamland, and For All We Know have the ballad "period-piece" sound. Come Rain or Shine shows the excellence in which Midler can sing like no other. I Remember You/Dixie's Dream is a hilarious look at a "loving" couple! BUY IT!!!! If you love this Bette album, you'll love these other Bette albums: The Divine Miss M, Songs for the New Depression, Broken Blossom, Some People's Lives, Beaches soundtrack, Bette of Roses, Bette. Support Bette Midler! Buy the album here! Don't buy from an auction or download the songs for free

Bette Midler singing songs from the 1940s and 1950s
Given her affinity for 1940's boogie woogie in the style of the Andrews Sisters, the idea of putting Bette Midler in a film that at least starts off during World War II seems like a natural. Indeed, you will find some nice period pieces by Midler, usually with Johnny Mercer's name on the composition, such as "Come Rain or Come Shine." But I have to admit to a slight sense of disappointment that the producers of this film seemed to go out of their way not to do anything too close to the songs that made the Divine Miss M famous in the first place. Ironically, the best track on the album is her wonderful cover of the Beatle's "In My Life," which deservedly made its way onto Midler's greatest hits collection. This is a solid Midler album, the sort that comes in at 4.5 and then you round up or down according to your tastes.

Oscar 4U
The movie failed her because of the writers, but Midler prevailed and gave us some great moments. She should have won the Oscar that year. What other woman could have pulled off a showy musical that spanned decades? Only Midler.
This CD illustrates her talents beyond the film. I believe Miss Midler has a gift for acting, singing, AND finding great songs that move people.

Bette is sooo Divine as usual
I received this soundtrack while working in a video store. Was one of those promotional things that they do to build the hype around a new release. I've always adored Bette Midler so I had no doubt that I would listen to the soundtrack but concerned that it wouldn't be that good because of the fact they were giving out the copies, how good could it be. All I can say is WOW. The music will have you singing and dancing in no time. It will have you feeling good and you will find yourself wanting to dance with the upbeat swing of "Stuff like that there" to a teary eyed "In my life". If you've seen the movie, you gotta have the sound track. I've had to buy another copy of it because I wore the origional out.

This Soundtrack Is One Of The Best!
I wasn't always a Bette Midler fan. But with ballads like "The Rose", "Wind Beneath My Wings" and the like, she really is a great singer. But when I saw this movie and heard the absolutely wonderful tracks on the soundtrack. I was blown away! Bette Midler is now one of my favorite singers. "In My Life" literally brings a tear to my eye whenever I hear it. This is my favorite movie and soundtrack combination. Bette Midler is timeless.

Buy the CD or DVD, I promise you will not regret it. They are both very very good. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Took me back in time
I love the 1920s and this was my first CD from that era. Geat music. Favorite track Anabelle Lee, so cute!!!!!

CHARLESTON ERA
THIS HAS DEFINETLY THE BEST REMASTERED VERSIONS OF THESE SONGS FROM THIS ERA. THE FRED AND ADELE ASTAIR SONG IS A RARE PRIZE.
IT MAKES YOU FEEL LIKE LIGHTING UP A CHEASTERFIELD CIGARETTE AND POURING A LARGE COLD MARTINI. AND DANCING WITH A REAL HOT DAME AND SAYING "OH! YOU KID."
THIS IS A VERY COOL COLLECTION.

The 1920s kid
Ever since I saw the movie Chicago I have been dancing the Charleston. My friends call me the 1920s kid because all the kids in my class think I am crazy for dancing the Charleston. Of coarse you don't see many 13 year olds dancing to it. I have been searching along time for a cd like this. It is sad to think that this great music has fadded out of American society. I would do anything to live in the 1920s it was such a great decade. I listened to one of the samples from the cd that they give. It was so cool, I must have listened to it ten times. This is definetly a cd to buy. And I thank Amazon.com for helping me locate this CD. Thanks amazon

Fantastic!
It's not often that you find a CD with such a good selection of songs. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it highly.

let's charleston!
really spunky original mono recordings from the 1920's. every song is a gem that'll make you want to get up and charleston! listen to the samples and fall in love yourself. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This 1992 revival cast rewrote the standard for Guys and Dolls, with costumes and sets decked out in splashy colors, a crack pit band conducted by Edward Strauss, and a perfect cast. In the classic setting of Damon Runyon's tales of the New York underworld, Peter Gallagher and Josie de Guzman excel in their respective roles as the suave Sky Masterson and the innocent but hopeful Sarah Brown, but Nathan Lane and Faith Prince are even better as the hopeless couple Nathan Detroit and Miss Adelaide. Walter Bobbie brings the house down with the grand showstopper, "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat," and the other ensemble numbers, including "The Oldest Established," are also thrilling. Frank Loesser's score, of course, is one of Broadway's greatest ever, with "Luck Be a Lady," "Fugue for Tinhorns," "I've Never Been in Love Before," "A Bushel and a Peck," "More I Cannot Wish You," and "Marry the Man Today." The list goes on, as does Guys and Dolls, in this definitive recording.--David Horiuchi ... Read more

Reviews (36)

Guys and Dolls Revival not quite up to the classic
I borrowed this CD from the library after having seen the play performed in my homewtown and having seen the movie. I've heard people say that the movie was horrible, but I loved it. Therefore, this CD was a disappointment as Peter Gallagher just didn't seem Sky Masterson-ish. Especially during his "Luck Be a Lady" (although the background is wonderful). He seems to rush through the song as if he's nervous that he's going to be boring. The song is never boring. Josie de Guzman (I'm sorry if I got the name wrong) also disappointed me. Her voice is very nice, and she has the anger at Sky in "Marry the Man Today" down very well, and hits all the notes nicely, but to me, she just doesn't have the thrilling voice of a Broadway singer. Faith Prince has a wonderful voice but squeaks a little too often for my taste. Although, I must say, her "Marry the Man Today" was just stupendous. I loved it.
Nathan Lane of course, is wonderful. He's got the act down pat. But his voice, while being very entertaining to listen to, did not sound like Nathan Detroit should sound to me.
The music in this play is superlative, the lyrics witty, the plot amazing, and I love it to death, but this is not the recording of it that I would recommend.

A real help, and a great album to boot!
I bought this CD to help me memorize the songs I needed to know for my high school's production of "Guys and Dolls", as I was thrown into the show just 3 weeks before we took the stage. Well, the CD helped me do just that. After the production, I began to listen to the songs for pleasure. It was amazing. The only con I found was Nathan Lane. Don't get my wrong, he fits in perfectly with the cast, but at times, it is almost painfull hearing him hit some notes. But, since Nathan Detroit is supposed to be a comical character, he works.

Not having seen the 1992 revival, I could not see how the actors worked on stage. But, I have seen the movie. If you could combine the two casts, it would make the ultimate production, from a musical standpoint. Imagine: Peter Gallagher as Skye, Frank Sinatra as Nathan, Jean Simmons as Sarah, Faith Prince as Adelaide. Perfection!

Aside from my dream production, this is a great album, a must-have for Broadway fans. I highly suggest this title, especially if you need to memorize the songs quick! Pick this up immediately!

Best Ever!!!
To the "Music Fan" from Washington D.C. If Frank Sanatra was the greatest Nathan Detroit, you could at least give him the honor of spelling his name right.
This is THE Best recording of Guys and Dolls available.
The movie sucks!!!! They took out some of the original songs, and Stubby Kaye in the movie is the BORING and FLAT one, not Nathan Lane.
Know what you're talking about before you write a review. This is the best recording of Guys and Dolls, its colorful and livley. A perfect 10!!!

Luck be a great CD
First off, "Guys and Dolls" is an awesome musical. Secondly, this recording is incredible. All the voices are excellent, and the orchestra complemnts eveything very well. Actually, this is one of the best balances of voices and instruments I have ever heard. My Personal Favorites are "Fugue for Tinhorns", "Guys and Dolls" and "Luck Be a Lady". The People playing the characters of Nicely-Nicely pretty much steal the show with "Fugue" and "Guys" but the Nicelyl comes out and does "Sit Down You're Rockin' the Boat" which just blows everything away. He has an awesome accent and he performs the song so well that you can almost see him performing it on stage. It is also a handy reference tool. I was trying out for the show and before hand I listned to it. I think my familiarity with the music definitely helped land me a part (I got Benny). Over all this is just an awesome soundtrack and a must buy for any lover of Broadway shows.

a fine revival
Although nothing will come close to the greatness of the original Broadway cast, this 1992 Broadway revival of GUYS AND DOLLS is a worthy addition to any collection.

For a start, the recording is quite complete; it includes the entire "Havana" scene (complete with the 'Bacardi milkshake' dialogue), the Entr'acte, and the dialogue that links the "Havana" scene with "My Time of Day", "If I Were a Bell" and "I've Never Been in Love Before".

The performers are uniformably strong; Nathan Lane is the perfect smarmy Nathan Detroit; Peter Gallagher has the right amount of urbane coolness for Skye Masterson; Josie de Guzman's glowing voice and attitude is perfect for the holier-than-thou Sarah Brown; and Faith Prince puts her own stamp on Miss Adelaide.

This production was the hottest ticket in town when it opened on Broadway in 1992; the first full-scale revival of the show since a somewhat souped-up revival production in the 70's. The cast album captures a superb cast that is more than capable of portraying Damon Runyon's characters for a new generation.

Highly-recommended. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Standards Done Intensely On This Third Ronstadt Set
If contemporary singers are to successfully tackle the Great American Songbook, it helps to understand and interpret the simple emotions behind the clever wordplay. Linda Ronstadt had a head start in that respect, covering the second great songbook of Hank Williams, Chuck Berry, the Bryants, and Motown. "I Can't Help It If I'm Still In Love With You," is an eloquent enough statement as Williams (then Ronstadt) sang it, but without that innate understanding of what a song means, you basically deal in stylistic exercises.

"For Sentimental Reasons" avoids that trap for the most part. Linda manages a touch of C&W/big band swing on "Am I Blue," while catching the innocence of "Little Girl Blue" and "When You Wish Upon A Star." The set missteps a bit with Nat Cole's "Straighten Up and Fly Right," and with "I Get Along Without You Very Well," which misses the inner turmoil Sinatra and Billie Holiday brought to their versions. But Linda manages the late-night desparation of "Round Midnight," ideally, making it a fitting finale to not only her short career singing these songs, but to arranger Nelson Riddle's long, legendary career arranging them. Recommended.

One of Linda's Very FINEST
The girl's come a LONG WAY since the days of "When Will I Be Loved" and "Different Drummer". Here we have a mature artist giving her own interpretations of these familiar old chestnuts, yet still retaining their original structure and melody. Compared with her 2 earlier CD's, "What's New" & "Lush Life", "Sentimental..." is a quantum leap in Ronstadt's skills and interpretive abilities. It would've been unthinkable for her in the 70s to sing a song like "When You Wish Upon A Star" with the tenderness and clarity that she does here. What adds poignancy to this particular CD is that it contains Nelson Riddle's very last arrangements (in fact he passed away before the final completion).

Linda has been attacked by some in the media for taking on this kind of material, yet I agree with all those who have listened to this set. You will be amazed by her power, phrasing and diction. She is simply BRILLIANT! My fav's are "Am I Blue", "Straighten Up.." and of course the title track, "I Love You for Sentimental Reasons". She really glides on the faster-paced swingers. It's hard to keep the feet still when Riddle's orchestra starts kicking. Stop comparing her to Fitzgerald or Sinatra---it's unfair. It you must compare, pick her own generation of artists who tackled similar material (remember Carly Simon & Pia Zadora??) Need I say more? Linda adds enough zest, polish and individuality to lift these songs to a new level. Enough said---GET THIS CD!! You will be surprised how it will hardly leave your player.

An "A" for effort.
Beautiful packaging, Nelson Riddle, and classic pop standards! How could anyone pass this up? The only thing that left something to be desired was Linda's attempt at singing these songs. The voice sounds unsure and out of place. Other reviewers are displeased with those who compare Linda to other artist that have made these songs so famous, (Frank, Ella, ect.). But how can you not compare her? If someone were to record "Over the Rainbow" they would for sure be compared to Miss Judy Garland. The fact that Linda falls short is no surprise. Artists of her generation, Carly Simon, Pia Zadora, and most recently Rod Stewart have attempted similar material and have all missed the magic mark. And to show I am not biased of the "original" crooners, just listen to Olivia Newton-John's version of "The way you look tonight" from her "Warm and Tender" cd and you will see what a great singer can do with a great song.

Sound familiar?
There is a huge resurgance of Big Band sounds these days and lots of juicy horns and arrangements, but what is this? We had it here all along!

Who can resist Linda Ronstadt's unmanipulated vocals based on impeccable pitch and perfect stylized phrasing?

"Am I Blue" comes back to life with a hoot of an arrangement and circulation of her versatility.

"I Love You for Sentimental Reasons" is so romantic and lovely with instrumentals to die for by some of the most expertly trained band members ever to live. Nelson Riddle's Orchestra is so renowned and celebrated for a very good reason - the sound they created is the pinnacle of auditory treats.

I'm so glad I resurrected this cd of resurrected and reenlivened standards.

End of an Era
FOR SENTIMENTAL REASONS was the final album in a chapter of Linda Ronstadt's career where she was doing old standards. Third time is a charm as usual, Linda turned in another great performance on this album. She sounds at ease singing songs like "When You Wish Upon A Star", or "Straighten Up and Fly Right". She does a great version of "My Funny Valentine". You have to commend Linda for trying new things and pushing boundaries, and testing her abilities. She handles her voice well on these standards, and sadly its often overlooked and disregarded. But don't miss this one. She does an excellent version of "(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons", doing the romantic ballads on one hand and then the quirky uptempo songs, she has dimension as an artist which is clearly evidence here. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

One of my favorite movie musicals
Kern and Hammerstein's Show Boat opened on Broadway for the first time in 1927. Over the years it has received three screen adaptations (1929, 1936, 1951). Well, actually the first film isn't really a movie of this musical; it was actually intended as a silent screen adaptation of the original Show Boat novel. With the popularity of the Kern/Hammerstein musical and the up and coming of talking pictures, a few musical numbers are added.

...Anyway, this soundtrack is from the fabulous 1951 M-G-M film. Show Boat was a big budget movie musical that year and was the second highest grossing film of all films released in 1951. It epitomized MGM at their best; spectacular sets and costumes, gorgeous sound, lush technicolor - the best of everything. Same to be said of the cast as well. Howard Keel and Kathryn Grayson are in top vocal form (as usual). Ava Gardner's Julie Laverne is a winner as well (Judy Garland was originally con