+ 1/2 stars...SUMMER OF LOVE Is Hit-And-Miss Collection The Beatles ushered in the Summer of Love in 1967 with the release of SGT PEPPER and their single "All You Need Is Love." Hip-O's 31-track collection attempts to recreate that magical time and--overall--does a decent job. Of course, there are no Beatles tracks (licensing restrictions, you know), but there are plenty of big hits: "Happy Together," "Incense and Peppermints," "Windy," "Respect," "I'm a Believer" and "Good Vibrations" are all No. 1's. [However, "I'm a Believer" and "Good Vibrations" were both hits in 1966; Hip-O should have used "Pleasant Valley Sunday" and "Heroes and Villains" to be historically correct.]
San Francisco--the epicenter of the Summer of Love--is represented by the Jefferson Airplane and Country Joe & the Fish, but where are the Grateful Dead, Moby Grape or Quicksilver Messenger Service? Instead, we get lightweight pop like the Sunshine Company's "Happy" (which didn't even crack Billboard's Hot 100). And how can you have a Summer of Love album without Donovan, who personified the era?
While SUMMER OF LOVE GOLD doesn't get it completely right, this is an enjoyable look back at the music of 1967. RECOMMENDED
Don't overlook this! William Lloyd Webber (1914-1982) was the father of Andrew and Julian Lloyd Weber. It's clear that musical ability ran/runs in that lineage!
As usual, Hyperion has released a well-performed and well-recorded CD. And the various works provide a very reasonable cross-section of this unsung composer's range and talent. According to the liner notes, William Lloyd Webber's "most prolific period as a composer was roughly the decade following the Second World War." The booklet likens his style to that of Delius and the French school. It is truly superb music meriting greater critical and public attention!
Album DetailsThe UK'S Most Famous Soprano Presents her Greatest Hits Collection from Over Five Successful Years in the Public Eye. Featuring Classic Songs from the Musicals, Opera and TV, It's an Inspiring Introduction to her Style While Retaining a Complete Familiarity with the Music.
Amazon.comThe line between evangelist and entertainer has always been somewhat indistinct. But as showcased on this 43-track, double-disc collection culled from his '87-'96 recordings for Elektra/Nonesuch/Atlantic, Michael Feinstein's dedication to spreading the gospel of the American song often blurs it beyond recognition. While the singer's pedigree for the task is impeccable (a long-term stint as Ira Gershwin's assistant and early career sponsorship by Liza Minnelli), his interpretations often succeed by playing off a tense axis of fervent emotionalism and a joyous sense of irreverence.
If his readings of romantic standards can sometimes tend toward the precious, they're often balanced here by sheer dramatic power and telling insights ("Isn't It Romantic" fairly bristles with ironic chauvinism) and a few loopy curves ("The Mole People," the Sherman Brothers' "The Ugly Bug Ball," and the previously unreleased "Rhode Island Is Famous for You"). Feinstein's dedicated song archaeology is also showcased on several gems: "Violin," a duet with Liza Minnelli; "My Favorite Year," a rejected ballad for the film of that name; the sublime "lost" Gershwin classic "Ask Me Again."
Sprinkled with live performances (the forum where Feinstein's talents seem most energized) and studio outtakes and featuring a lengthy print interview with the singer, the set chronicles both the pioneering efforts of one of pop music's most successful revivalists and, crucially, the cream of his beloved American songwriters, from stalwarts Gershwin, Berlin, and Porter to later legends like Herman, Styne, Lane, Martin, and Mercer. --Jerry McCulley
REVIEW
Absolutely 'S WONDERFUL! There are very few contemporary performers who can hold their own with the truly great interpreters of American popular song. Michael Feinstein is truly the ONLY performer of the "younger" generation who really understands what these songs are all about. His incredible knowledge of this music, and his enthusiasm and passion for it have fueled his career. Rhino Records has done a truly outstanding job of putting together an anthology that exemplifies why Mr. Feinstein has become so beloved by audiences around the world. The packaging is excellent, and filled with interesting photos and background information about many of the selections.
This collection not only contains all the favorites one would expect, but a neat group of surprises too. I especially love the duets with people like Liza Minnelli and Rosemary Clooney, and the various collaborative efforts with songwriters like Jule Styne and Burton Lane accompanying Michael at the piano.
This collection is a classic to be treasured. Bravo Michael! Bravo Rhino!
STEREO VINYL LP! Peter Nero: Young and Warm and Wonderful! Orchestra Conducted by Marty Gold! TRACKS:A1. When I Fall in Love; A2. Secret Love; A3. Don't Blame Me; A4. Warm; A5. Wonderful You; A6. Thou Swell; B1. Young and Warm and Wonderful; B2. Just Squeeze Me; B3. Wasn't the Summer Short; B4. All the Things You Are; B5. You Are Too Beautiful; & B6. The Way You Look Tonight.
Outstanding Film Music This is an outstanding collection of film music. The sound is qulity is very good. The selections cover a good range from various film genres and time periods. I like this CD.
