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FILM MUSIC REVIEW - The Web
Magazine
![[Image]](pict197.jpg)
CD Reviews - Songtracks,
1999-2002
Now Available!
![[Image]](pict252.jpg)
A Guide to Film Music - Songs and Scores (2nd revised edition, PineTree Press, 2002)
This expanded and updated guide was written by film music historian Roger Hall.
It has a wealth of useful information:
*A timeline of film music highlights from 1926 to 2001
*A chapter on suggestions for listening to film music
*A complete list of Academy Award film music from 1934 to 2000
*A complete list of the Sammy Movie Music Awards from 1988 to 2001
*Top100 Scores of the 20th Century
*Comments on Film Music: Interviews with two classical composers (Aaron Copland and Virgil Thomson); The Composer as Commentator (Bernard Herrmann, David Raksin, Dimitri Tiomkin); The Composer as Critic (Elmer Bernstein); The Film Lyricist and Songwriter (Sammy Cahn and Henry Mancini); The Movie Critic and Historian (David Thomson and Tony Thomas).
*An extensive bibliography and discography.
Throughout the guide are many illustrations of composer autographs, including:
Johnny Green, Bernard Herrmann, Alex North, Miklos Rozsa, Max Steiner , Dimitri Tiomkin, John Williams and others.
There are also songwriter autographs as well, such as:
Harold Arlen, Sammy Cahn, George & Ira Gershwin, Henry Mancini, Johnny Mercer, Jay Livingston, and Harry Warren.
The title page of the guide has a rare score page from the end credits of E.T., boldly signed by John Williams.
There is also an accompanying CD-R or Tape available titled: "Listener's Guide to Film Music."
This film music guide is a limited edition and will be numbered and signed by the author.
A Guide to Film Music was announced in the March/April 2002 issue of Film Score Monthly.
In a letter to the author, the distinguished film composer Elmer Bernstein has written the following:
"I do feel your book is done in a most interesting way. It affords a quick overview of what has not become a very, very broad field. Congratulations!"
To order your copy of A Guide to Film Music now, while supply lasts, go to:
Music Titles from PineTree Press
Note: Songtrack only CD reviews have been discontinued, except for songs used in Hollywood musicals or soundtracks.
Songtrack reviews are arranged by record labels as follows:
Atlantic Records -
ANYWHERE BUT HERE
THREE TO TANGO
Bongos of Domani -
THE VELOCITY OF GARY
Capitol Records -
BEST OF BOND - JAMES BOND
Capitol Goes To The Movies [Songtrack of Special Merit]
Chapter III Records -
BREWSTER McCLOUD
MICHAEL JORDAN TO THE MAX
Decca/MCA -
BING CROSBY: ACADEMY AWARD WINNERS & NOMINEES [Songtrack of Special Merit]
EMI Classics -
ANCIENT AND MODERN
WONDERFUL TOWN
Hip-O -
DROWNING MONA
Interscope/ Fox Music -
MOULIN ROUGE 2
Kid Rhino -
BATMAN BEYOND
DRAGON TALES - DRAGON TUNES
Lost Highway -
DOWN FROM THE MOUNTAIN [Songtrack of Special Merit]
Mercury Records -
O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU [Songtrack of Special Merit]
Pangea -
RED PLANET
Rhino -
ANNIE GET YOUR GUN [Songtrack of Special Merit]
FRANK SINATRA IN HOLLYWOOD (1940-1964) [Songtrack of Special Merit]
HIT THE DECK
SILK STOCKINGS
SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (Deluxe 50th Anniversary Edition)[Songtrack of Special Merit]
THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN
VICTOR/ VICTORIA
YANEE DOODLE DANDY [Songtrack of Special Merit]
Rykodisc -
HAMLET
PROMISES, PROMISES
SUGAR
Sony Classical -
WOMAN ON TOP
Telarc -
MAGICAL MUSICALS
Trauma Records -
THE PRINCESS + THE WARRIER
Vanguard Records -
SONGCATCHER
Ratings:
![[Image]](pict314.jpg){kind=small}
=
Songtrack of Special
Merit (Exceptional Quality)
Excellent = Highly Recommended
Very Good = Recommended
Good = Passable
Fair = Little to Recommend
Poor = Not Recommended
ATLANTIC RECORDS
ANYWHERE BUT HERE (Total Time = 59:55)
This songtrack is from the film starring Susan Sarandon and Natalie Portman. On the CD are 14 songs and a "score suite" by Danny Elfman. The title song is sung by k.d.lang. Other songs are: "Walking" (Pocketsize); "Strange Wind" (Poe); "Scream & Shout" (21st Century Girls); "Leaving's Not Leaving" (Leann Rimes); "I Wish" (Lisa Loeb); "Free" (Marie Wilson); "Amity" (Carly Simon & Sally Taylor); "Ice Cream" (Sarah McLachlan); "Furniture" (Kacy Crowley); "Twisted Road" (Patty Griffin); "Everything Around Me is Changing" (Sinead Lohan); "Come Here" (Lil Haydn); "Chatee" (Bif Naked). Worth getting for Elfman's score, but the songs are nothing special.
Rating: Good
THREE TO TANGO (Total Time = 46:28)
A romantic comedy starring Matthew Perry, Neve Campbell and Dylan McDermott. The Warner Sunset/ Atlantic soundtrack has 14 tracks featuring an all swing score with some of today's most popular bands, many with some rather strange names. The list includes: Brian Sezter Orchestra ("Jumpin' East of Java"); Atomic Fireballs ("Swing Sweet Pussycat" - Video filmed on the movie set); Big Bad Voodoo Daddy ("Maddest Kind of Love"); The Flying Nuetrinos ("Mr. Zoot Suit"); Cherry Poppin' Daddies ("Here Comes the Snake"); Squirrel Nut Zippers ("Trou Macaqe"); Royal Crown Review ("Datin' With No Dough"); Indigo Swing ("Violent Love"); Mighty Blue Kings ("Go Tell the Preacher"); The Outsiders ("Lint"); Dr. John ("Goin' Out of My head"); Shemeka Copeland ("Salt in My Wounds"); Duncan Sheik ("That Says It All"). The final track is from score composer, Graeme Revell ("Let's Get Outta Here"). Mostly for fans of this kinetic swing music.
Rating: Good
BONGOS OF DOMANI
THE VELOCITY OF GARY (Total Time = 53:14)
The soundtrack has 27 tracks, with a combination of several songs and score. All the arrangements and orchestrations are by Peitor Angell. The songs are also by Angell. They include: "Dance The Night Away"; "Jackie, Baby"; "Can You Feel It"; and "I'll Be There For You"(vocal arrangements on the last three songs by Stephanie Spruill). BNGS-2712. Well produced. Score is okay.
Rating: Good
CAPITOL RECORDS
THE BEST OF BOND...JAMES BOND (Total Time = 61:44)
With the resurgence of interest in the long-running film series, Capitol has put together a fine CD compilation featuring 19 songs. It goes from Monty Norman's famous "James Bond Theme" (recorded in 1963) from DR. NO, to the title song by Sheryl Crow from TMORROW NEVER DIES in 1997. The only singer who gets to sing more than one Bond song is Shirley Bassey, with three songs: "Goldfinger" (John Barry's favorite and mine too); "Moonraker"; and "Diamonds are Forever." The ordering of the songs is not in strict chronological sequence according to the Bond films released but that's not essential. Other favorite Bond songs include: "From Russia with Love" (1964) sung by Matt Monro; "You Only Live Twice" (1967) by Nancy Sinatra; "Live and Let Die" (1973) by Paul McCartney and Wings; and "Nobody Does It Better" by Carly Simon from THE SPY WHO LOVED ME (1977). One track, ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE, is played by The John Barry Orchestra. Also includes an informative 20 page color booklet with notes about each Bond film. An exceptional compilation for Bond song fans.
Rating: Very Good
Songtrack of Special Merit
CAPITOL GOES TO THE MOVIES (Total Time = 74:08)
This is an exceptional collection of movie songs from the 1940s and '50s. These are the 25 songs included on the CD:
1. "On the Atcheson Topeka & Santa Fe" (Johnny Mercer and The Pied Pipers); 2. "It Could Happen To You" (Jo Stafford); 3. "San Fernando Valley" (Johnny Mercer and The Berries); 4. "In Love In Vain" (Margaret Whiting); 5. "Old Buttermilk Sky" (Matt Dennis, Paul Weston & His Orchestra); 6. "Baby, It's Cold Outside" (Johnny Mercer and Margaret Whiting); 7. "Buttons and Bows" (The Dinning Sisters); 8. "Blues In The Night" (Johnny Mercer, Jo Stafford and The Pied Pipers); 9. "The Trolley Song" (The Pied Pipers); 10. "If I Had A Talking Picture Of You" (Johnny Mercer and Martha Tilton); 11. "It's Magic" (Gordon MacRae); 12. "I Taut I Taw A Puddy Tat" (Mel Blanc); 13. "Again" (Mel Torme); 14. "Home Cookin'" (Bob Hope & Margaret Whiting); 15. "Laura" (Sammy Davis Jr.); 16. "Where Are You?" (Peggy Lee with Jud Conlon Singers); 17. "Mona Lisa" (Nat King Cole); 18. "Ruby" (Les Baxter & His Orchestra); 19. "High Noon (Do Not Forsake Me)"(Tex Ritter); 20. "I'll Walk Alone" (Jane Froman); 21. "Wing-Ding Tonight" (Bob Hope & Jane Russell); 22. "When Love Goes Wrong" (Hoagy Carmichael); 23. "River Of No Return" (Tennessee Ernie Ford); 24. "Never In A Million Years" (June Hutton); 25. "The High And The Mighty" (Les Baxter & His Orchestra).
One of the unusual recordings on this songtrack is Mel Blanc's delightful rendition of "I Taut I Taw A Puddy Tat" (W. Foster-A. Livingston-B. May). The singer-songwriter Johnny Mercer (one of the founders of Capitol Records) is featured on 5 tracks, including several duets with Margaret Whiting, Jo Stafford and Martha Tilton. These duets include Frank Loesser's 1949 Oscar winning song, "Baby It's Cold Outside" from NEPTUNE'S DAUGHTER; and one of the great blues standards, "Blues In The Night" (1941). There are also a few comical movie songs sung by Bob Hope ("Home Cookin'" from FANCY PANTS and "Wing-Ding Tonight" from SON OF PALEFACE). One of the funniest renditions on the CD is "Laura" sung by Sammy Davis Jr. from 1950. His hilarious rendition mimics three popular singers of that time: Billy Eckstine, Vaughan Monroe and Frankie Laine.
Besides "Baby It's Cold Outside," there are three other memorable Oscar winning songs from the '40s and '50s: "On the Atcheson, Topeka and Santa Fe" (a #1 hit in 1945 by Johnny Mercer with The Pied Pipers and Paul Weston & His Orchestra); "High Noon" (the 1952 Oscar winner sung by Tex Ritter, who sang it in the movie); and "Mona Lisa" (a multi-million seller in 1950 sung by the silky smooth voice of Nat King Cole) - for more info about this great 1950 song, see AMERICAN SONGWITERS AND SONGS
With all the variety on this songtrack, it should appeal to anyone who wants to listen to songs where the words & music have something to say, whether they be silly or serious. These songs stay in the memory bank long after they're heard.
A terrific collection of memorable songs from the Capitol record label (which is handsomely reproduced on the CD booklet). This is nostalgia at its best and a disc offering many thrills of remembrance to vintage movie music fans.
Rating: Excellent
--Review by Roger Hall, 13 November 2001
CHAPTER III RECORDS
BREWSTER McCLOUD (Total Time = 31:52)
An assortment of songs (mostly written by John Phillips) and instrumental arrangements by Gene Page. The CD titles and performers are as follows:
(1) "Rock-A-Bye Baby" (Sally Kellerman); (2) "White Feather Wings" (Merry Clayton); (3) "Funeral" (Merry Clayton); (4) "Lift Every Voice And Sing" (Merry Clayton); (5) "Promise Not To Tell" (John Phillips); (6) "Last Of The Unnatural Acts" (John Phillips); (7) "First And Last Things You Do" (John Phillips); (8) "White Feather Wings" (Merry Clayton); (9) "Star Spangled Banner" (Margaret Hamilton - the Wicked Witch from THE WIZARD OF OZ); (10) "Caged" ; (11) "Over The Rainbow" (Gene Page Orchestra); (12) "Two In The Bush" (Gene Page Orchestra); (13) "Brewster, Don't Blow Your Mind" (Gene Page Orchestra); (14) "Lost City" (Gene Page Orchestra); (15) "Brewster, Don't Blow Your Mind (Reprise)"(Gene Page Orchestra). The songs are forgettable (especially by Kellerman and Hamilton) but the Gene Page Orchestra tracks provide pleasant listening. Mainly for Robert Altman fans.
Rating: Good
MICHAEL JORDAN TO THE MAX (Total Time = 41:51)
A collection of 10 songs, plus 2 score tracks to accompany the IMAX movie. These are the track titles:
(1) "Be Like Mike" (The Bigwigs); (2) "Right Here Right Now" (Fatboy Slim ); (3) "Welcome To My World" (Nicole Renee); (4)"That Feelin'" (Kim Simmonds); (5) "Redemption Song" (Speech); (6) "Sweet Home Chicago" (Freddie King); (7) "Shining Star" (Earth, Wind and Fire); (8) "Don't Give In" (Josie); (9) "Sirius" (The Alan Parsons Project); (10) "Home With A Vengeance" (score track by John Debney); (11) "Gotta Come Through Chicago" (score track by John Debney); (12) "Rock and Roll Part 2" (Gary Glitter).
An odd assortment of songs, from listenable ones ("Be Like Mike"; "Redemption Song"; "Sweet Home Chicago"; "Sirius") to the rotten repetitious rubbish ("Right Here Right Now"; "Rock and Roll Part 2 - thank goodness there's no Part 1 to endure!). The two score tracks are nothing special. Well produced CD, with colorful foldout filled with photos of Micahel Jordan in action.
Rating: Good
For more information, check out:
DECCA/ MCA RECORDS
Songtrack of Special Merit
BING CROSBY - Academy Award Winners & Nominees, 1934-1960
Total Time = 61:08. MCA/Decca Records 088 112 274-2
Track Titles: 1. Love in Bloom (with Irving Aronson & His Commanders); 2. Pennies From Heaven (with Georgie Stoll & His Orchestra; 3. The Way You Look Tonight (with Dixie Lee Crosby and Victor Young & His Orchestra); 4. Sweet Leilani (with Lani McIntyre & His Hawaiins); 5. Thanks For The Memory (with Jack Pleis & His Orchestra); 6. Only Forever (with John Scott Trotter & His Orchestra); 7. White Christmas (with the Ken Darby Singers and John Scott Trotter & His Orchestra); 8. Swinging On A Star (with the Williams Brothers Quartet and John Scott Trotter); 9. Ac-cent-tchu-ate The Positive (with the Andrews Sisters and Vic Schon & His Orchestra); 10. Aren't You Glad You're You (with John Scott Trotter & His Orchestra); 11. You Keep Coming Back Like A Song (with John Scott Trotter); 12. On The Atcheson, Topeka And The Sante Fe (with Sic Hits and A Miss and J.S. Trotter); 13. Mona Lisa (with Jud Conlon's Rhythmaires and Jack Pleis & His Orchestra); 14. In The Cool, Cool, Cool Of The Evening (with Jane Wyman and Four Hits and A Miss and Matty Matlock's All-Stars);15. Zing A Little Zong (with Jane Wyman and Jud Conlon's Rhythmaires and Nathan Van Cleave & His Orchestra); 16. Secret Love (with John Scott Trotter & His Orchestra); 17. Count Your Blessings Instead Of Sheep (with Joseph J, Lilley & His Orchestra);18. Gigi (with Pete King & His Orchestra and Chorus); 19. Never On Sunday (with Malcolm Lockyer & His Orchestra and Chorus); 20. The Second Time Around (with Pete King & His Orchestra)
Bing Crosby was not only one of the best pop singers of the 20th century, he also holds the record for singing the most Academy Award winning songs in the films. He sang four of them: "Sweet Leilani" (from WAIKIKI WEDDING in 1937); "White Christmas" (from HOLIDAY INN in 1942); "Swinging On A Star" (from GOING MY WAY in 1944); and "In The Cool, Cool, Cool Of The Evening" (from HERE COMES THE GROOM in 1951). The next singer in line would be Frank Sinatra with three Oscar winning songs in films.
In addition to the four Academy Award winners, Bing Crosby sang and recorded other songs in films that were Oscar nominated for Best Song. From the 1930s and '40s there were: "Love in Bloom" (from SHE LOVES ME NOT in 1934 - which later became Jack Benny's theme song); the sentimental "Pennies From Heaven" (from 1936); the lovely "Only Forever" (from RHYTHM ON THE RIVER in 1940); the snappy "Ac-cent-tchu-ate the Positive" (from HERE COME THE WAVES in 1945); "Aren't You Glad You're You?" (from THE BELLS OF ST. MARY'S in 1945)); and "You Keep Coming Back Like A Song" (from BLUE SKIES in 1946). Three other Oscar nominated songs followed: "Zing A Little Zong" (from JUST FOR YOU in 1952); "Count Your Blessings Instead Of Sheep" (from WHITE CHRISTMAS in 1954); and "The Second Time Around" (from HIGH TIME in 1960). That's quite a lineup of great movie songs!
Bing even made cover recordings of Oscar winning songs that were hits for other singers. These were: "The Way You Look Tonight" (sung by Fred Astaire in SWING TIME, 1936); "Thanks For The Memory" (sung by Bob Hope & Shirley Ross in BIG BROADCAST OF 1938); "On The Atcheson, Topeka And The Sante Fe" (sung by Judy Garland in THE HARVEY GIRLS in 1946); "Secret Love" (sung by Doris Day in CALAMITY JANE in 1953); and "Gigi" (sung by Louis Jordan in 1958).
There are a few recordings which I didn't care much for, such as "The Way You Look Tonight" (sung with his wife, Dixie Lee). Another one is "Zing A Little Zong" which is really pretty corny. And then there is Bing's first Oscar winning song, "Sweet Leilani" from 1937. It does have a certain dated charm, but that too is pretty sappy. There was another song Oscar nominated that year: "They Can't Take That Away From Me"by George and Ira Gershwin. It was the only song by the Gershwin brothers to be nominated. George died in 1937. Oscar Levant, the composer and pianist, who was a friend of the Gershwins, made this famous venomous remark:
"I'd like to say something about the composer of 'Sweet Leilani,' Harry Owens: His music is dead...but he lives on forever."
Well, Oscar was probably correct because few people remember Harry Owens today. But "Sweet Leilani" is remembered mostly because of the hit recording made by Bing and Lani McIntyre & His Hawaiins.
Of special note to film score fans are the various film composers and arrangers who worked on the Crosby recordings. They are: Victor Young (track 3); Ken Darby (track 7); and Nathan Van Cleave (track 15).
If you're not familiar with Bing Crosby's superbly expressive delivery, then you should consider getting this great compilation of Oscar songs. There is none of the over-the-top singing of today's screamers or mumblers. With Bing you can understand every single word and he often adds his little touches to the melody, such as the original recording of "White Christmas" in 1942. And he always seemed so at ease with the singing and made his recordings sound like he was having such a good time.
This is a great collection of Academy Award winners and nominees, sung with the rich baritone voice of Bing. The sound is extremely good, even on the '30s recordings. The notes by F.B.(Wig) Wiggans are very informative and the booklet design is clear and easy to read - thank goodness!
A compilation well worth having, especially if you're a vintage song fan.
Rating: Excellent
Review by Roger Hall, 8 September 2000
To read more about vintage pop songs, go to: American Songwriters & Songs
EMI CLASSICS
ANCIENT & MODERN (Total Time = 61:00)
Angel Records has released a new classical album of impressive music by Anne Dudley, who won an Oscar for THE FULL MONTY, and has scored THE CRYING GAME and AMERICAN HISTORY X. Titled, , the new album features 13 tracks drawing inspiration from 20th century minimalists, English pastoral composers, Tudor church music, and J.S. Bach. Anne Dudley writes that "the idea behind this album is that so-called ancient melodies never die but are taken up and reinterpreted endlessly." This new album demonstrates her great skill in connecting the "ancient" with the "modern." Angel CD 7243 5 568 2 4, 1999.
Rating: Very Good
WONDERFUL TOWN (Total Time = 66:46).
A major new studio recording has been released of Leonard Bernstein's "lost masterpiece" which premiered on Broadway in February of 1953. Brooks Atkinson, drama critic from The New York Times, wrote that "Wonderful Town...is the most uproarious and original musical carnival we have had since Guys and Dolls." Featured in the new studio recording are: 3-time Tony Award winner, Audra McDonald; popular performer, Kim Criswell, opera baritone, Thomas Hampson; and other singers. The London Voices are directed by Simon Halsey. The Birmingham Contemporary Music Group and cast are under the capable direction of Simon Rattle. EMI CD 7243 5 56752 2 3, 1999. An outstanding cast recording.
Rating: Very Good
For more information about Ancient & Modern and Wonderful Town, go to: www.emiclassics.com
HIP-O
DROWNING MONA (Total Time = 54:53)
This crime comedy stars Danny DeVito, Bette Midler, Jamie Lee Curtis, Neve Campbell, Will Ferrell and Casy Affleck. It was directed by Nick Gomez. The songtrack is one of those that has "Music From and Inspired by the Motion Picture." Will these oldies song compilations ever go out of fashion? Who knows, but I'd like to see less of them.
This songtrack has 16 tracks are made up of 1970s songs including 10 top ten hits. These hits are: "Shambala" (by Three Dog Night, #3 in 1973); "In the Summertime" (Mungo Jerry, #3 in 1970); "Jackie Blue" (by Ozark Mountain Daredevils, # 3, 1974); "Drift Away" (Dobie Gray, #5 in 1973); "Never Been to Spain" (Three Dog Night, #5 in 1972); "Neither One Of Us (Wants To Be The First To Say Goodbye)(Gladys Night & The Pips, #2/#1 R&B in 1973); "Gimme Dat Ding" (The Pipkins, #9 in 1970); "Indiana Wants Me" (Dean Taylor - first white artists to be #1 for Motown in 1970); "Joy To The World" (Three Dog Night, #1 in 1971); and "Don't Pull Your Love" (Joe Frank & Reynolds, #4 in 1971. There are also two new songs by Tree Adams: "Sucker" and "Blue Plate Special." Color foldout has color film photos and CD credits.
If you're a 1970s rock fan and don't already have these hits, then you'll probably enjoy this songtrack. But I don't think it's anything very memorable. The songs sound too much alike.
Rating: Fair
For more information about the songtrack, go to: www.hip-o.com
For information about the film, go to: www.drowningmona.com
INTERSCOPE/FOX MUSIC
MOULIN ROUGE 2 (Total Time = 42:54)
This so-called "musical" has been very successful with younger audiences. My guess is that you'll either love it or hate it. I'm in the hate it category. So I won't have much to say in its favor, except for a few tracks I thought were good.
This songtrack has music taken from the "original film version" - as the CD indicates.
First, here's a list of all the tracks:
(1) "Your Song" (instrumental, arranged by Craig Armstrong); (2) "Sparkling Diamonds" (arr. by Steve Sidwell); (3) "One Day I'll Fly Away" (Tony Phillips Remix, arr. Craig Armstrong); (4) "The Pitch (Spectacular Spectacular)"(arr. by Chris Elliott); (5) "Come What May" (arr. Craig Armstrong); (6) "Like A Virgin" (arr. Chris Elliott); (7) "Meet Me In The Red Room" (performed by Amiel); (8) "Your Song" (instrumental, arr. by Chris Elliott); (9) "The Show Must Go On" (arr. Craig Armstrong); (10) "Ascension/ Nature Boy" (arr. Chris Elliott); (11) "Closing Credits: Bolero" (written and arranged by Steve Sharples).
What disgusts me about this songtrack is the way that great old standards, like Eden Ahbez's sensitive song, "Nature Boy" (recorded so beautifully by Nat King Cole), and the Rodgers & Hammerstein classic,"The Sound of Music," are turned into cheap sounding techno pop stuff. The less said the singing voices of Nicole Kidman and Jim Broadbent the better. Both are accomplished actors, not really singers. On the other hand, Ewan McGregor and Anthony Weigh both have good voices. But they push their voices too much. The song which gets the most attention is "Come What May," which I gave the Golden Earmuff Award to for Worst Film Song of 2001. This song is so overarranged and overcooked that I can smell it burning! It's a terrible song too.
The best tracks are "One Day I'll Fly Away" and the instrumental versions of "Your Song" (arranged by Craig Armstrong on track 1; and by Christ Eliott on track 8). The last track has another of those overheated themes, known for some strange reason as "Bolero." It goes one for over 6 minutes and Sharples doesn't seem to know how to end it in a satisfactory fashion.
This songtrack is mainly for fans of anything goes ripoffs of great song standards and overproduced arrangements. I'd rather listen to the original song standards.
Rating: Fair
--Roger Hall, 8 March 2002
KID RHINO
BATMAN BEYOND (Total Time = 40:10)
From the Saturday morning animated television series. It features 20 tracks with music by Shirley Walker (6 tracks), Kristopher Carter (5 tracks), Lolita Ritmans (4 tracks), and Michael McCuistion (5 tracks). Notes by Bruce Timm. . Music is nothing special.
Kid Rhino CD R2 75925
Rating: Fair
For a review of another recent Kid Rhino release, THE IRON GIANT, go to: Previous Compilations
DRAGON TALES - DRAGON TUNES (Total Time = 37:34)
There are 20 tracks on this CD from the popular Emmy-nominated TV series, DRAGON TALES. These are the songs: "Dragon Tales Theme" (Mary Wood/ Jessie Harris/ Joey Levine/ Hunter Murtaugh); "Wake Up" (Joey Levine); "The Hello Son" (Billy Alessi/ Joey Levine/ Hunter Murtaugh); "Stretch" (Joey Levine); "Shake Your Dragon Tail" (Joey Levine/ Mary Wood/ Hunter Murtaugh); "Betcha Can" (Joey Levine); "Doodi-Do" (Joey Levine); "Touch" (Joey Levine); "Wiggle Song" (Joey Levine); "Zoo" (Joey Levine); "Oral Shuffle" (Joey Levine); "Be A Dragon" (Joey Levine); "Pretend" (Joey Levine); "The Silly Song" (Joey Levine); "Clap" (Joey Levine); "Dance" (Joey Levine); "Cassie" (Mary Wood/ Clifford Lane); "Hum" (Joey Levine); "Try" (Joey Levine); "And The World Goes Round And Round" (Joey Levine/ Hunter Murtaugh).
The songs are lots of fun and all performed in uptempo arrangements. The four main songwriters are: Joey Levine, Huinter Murtaugh, Mary Wood and Clifford Lane. Levine and Wood are among the performers. Murtaugh was the executive producer. Some of the songs are intended to get kids to exercise, such as "Stretch!" and "Wiggle Song." Others are for daily activities, such as: "Wake Up" and "The Hello Song." All the texts are given for each song. The illustrations are very colorful. Young kids should really enjoy this CD, produced by Sesame Workshop and Columbia Tristar Television Distribution.
Kid Rhino R2 76727
Rating: Very Good
Also Children's Albums available include:
Go! Exercise With The Teletubies (Activity Book & Tape)(76716)(Video also available)
Teletubies: The Album (75619/ 75620)
Teletubies: Playtime and Bedtime Stories (76672/ 76673)
Thomas' Songs & Roundhouse Rhythms (76756 - Tape/ 76757 - CD) - Playset includes Pop-up Play Village with 20 play pieces, Story, and Wind-Up Thomas Engine)
For more information about these and other releases, go to: www.kidrhino.com
LOST HIGHWAY
Songtrack of Special Merit
DOWN FROM THE MOUNTAIN
Total Time = 44:55
Lost Highway 088 170 221-2
Track Titles:
(1) Introduction by Holly Hunter & "Po' Lazarus" - Fairfield Four; (2) "Big Rock Candy Mountain" - John Hartford; (3) "Wild Bill Jones" - Alison Krauss & Union Station, featuring Dan Tyminski; (4) "Blue and Lonesome" - Alison Krauss & Union Station; (5) "I Am Weary (Let Me Rest)" - The Cox Family; (6) "Will There Be Any Stars In My Crown" - The Cox Family; (7) "Dear Someone" - Gillian Welch & David Rawlings; (8) "I Want To Sing That Rock and Roll"; (9) "Sandy Land" - The Whites; (10) "John Law Burned Down The Liquor Sto" - Chris Thomas King and Colin Linden; (11) "Green Pastures" - Emmylou Harris (12) "I'll Fly Away" - Gillian Welch & Allison Krauss.
This is the followup CD to the enormously popular songtrack for O BROTHER WHERE ART THOU? But these songs and some of the musicians aren't included in that movie. This songtrack was recorded at Nashville's historic Ryman Auditorium in May of 2000. A documentary film was made of the concert and this songtrack is from that film. Only a few of the concert performers (Alison Krauss, Chris Thomas King) were included in O BROTHER WHERE ART THOU? So this songtrack has different songs from the popular Coen Brothers film. But all of these songs are a joy to hear. There's no electric guitars or other amplifications in this concert. Just acoustic fiddles, banjos, guitars and other instruments. The musicians are genuine honest to goodness grass roots performers and what a pleasure to hear them in such a non-commercial venue.
These are a few of the songs I thought especially memorable: "Po' Lazarus" (in a terrific foot stomping a cappella performance by the Fairfield Four); "Blue and Lonesome" (beautiful blending by Alison Krauss and Dan Tyminski); "Dear Someone" (more beautiful blending by Gilliam Welch & David Rawlings - who wrote the song); and "John Law Burned Down The Liquor Sto'" (a gutsy blues song by Chris Thomas King, who sings it with Colin Linden).
It should be mentioned that the DVD of this concert has more music on it. The Peasall Sisters sing "In The Higfhway" and Ralph Stanley sings "O Death" and "Angel Band" (joined by the entire cast of performers). Even if you don't watch the DVD, this songtrack CD will give you most of the wonderful performers from that memorable concert in 2000.
I highly recommend listening to these musicians coming "down that from the mountain."
Rating: Excellent
--Roger Hall, 8 March 2002
Note: This songtrack was chosen for a Sammy Award as Best Song Compilation.
MERCURY RECORDS
Songtrack of Special Merit
O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU?
Total Time = 60:37
Mercury 088 170-069-2
Track Titles:
(1) "Po' Lazarus" - James Carter & the Prisoners (4:30); (2) "Big Rock Candy Mountain" - Harry McClintock (2:17); (3) "You Are My Sunshine" - Norman Blake (4:26); (4) "Down to the River and Pray" - Alison Kraus (2:53); (5) "I am a Man of Constant Sorrow" - The Soggy Bottom Boys; (6) "Hard Time Killing Floor Blues" - Chris Thomas King (2:01); (7) "I am a Man of Constant Sorrow" - Norman Blake (4:30); (8) "Keep on the Sunny Side" - The Whites (3:35); (9) "I'll Fly Away" - Alison Kraus and Gillian Welch (3:57); (10) "Didn't Leave Nobody But The Baby" - Emmylou Harris, Alison Kraus and Gillian Welch (1:50); (11) "In The Highways" - Sarah, Hannah and Leah Peasall (1:36); (12) "I am Weary (Let Me Rest)" - The Cox Family (3:16); (13) "I am a Man of Constant Sorrow" - John Hartford (2:34); (14) "O Death" - Ralph Stanley (3:21); (15) "In The Jailhouse Now" - The Soggy Bottom Boys (3:36); (16) "I am a Man of Constant Sorrow" - The Soggy Bottom Boys (4:18); (17) "Indian War Whoop" - John Hartford (1:30); (18) "Lonesome Valley" - The Fairfield Four (4:08); (19) "Angel Band" - The Stanley Brothers (2:18).
This is a wonderful collection of down home country, folk and gospel songs. They are featured in the comedic telling of Homer's ancient tale, The Odyssey. The movie was made by Ethan and Joel Coen Brothers and stars George Clooney (as Ulysses Everett McGill), John Turturro (Pete), Tim Blake Nelson (Delmar), and Holly Hunter (Penny McGill). The escaped convicts played by Clooney, Turturro and Nelson form a singing group called - The Soggy Bottom Boys, who are actually these three musicians: Dan Tyminski, Guitarist and Voice-Over for George George Clooney; Harley Allen and Pat Enright, Harmony Vocals. One of the most delightful songs on the CD is "In The Jailhouse Now" with a convincing lead vocal by Tim Blake Nelson and fine yodeling by Pat Enright.
Of the nineteen tracks, four of them are different versions of the classic country dirge, "I Am A Man Of Constant Sorrow." One of them, played on a fiddle by John Hartford, isn't particularly memorable. Oddly, this song was made famous by Ralph Stanley and yet his version isn't used. But Stanley is heard on another classic, "O Death." Many of the other songs on this soundtrack have a strong spiritual message. The best ones are: "Down to the River and Pray" (a beautiful recording performed by Alison Krauss, the First Baptist Church Choir, and others); "Ill Fly Away"; the elaborately expressive "Lonesome Valley"; and the sweetly harmonic, "Angel Band."
This is an Enhanced CD and includes a clever home page with access to weblinks and a screensaver. Unfortunately, the booklet is printed like an old brown newspaper and is so dark that it's heard to read the text. If you want to read the notes you might want to sit near a bright light and use a magnifying glass - like I had to do!
All the music was produced by T Bone Burnett. He has done his job very well. The music may not be for every listening taste. But it's still an outstanding collection which hopefully will make more people appreciative of the riches of southern roots music.
Highly recommended.
Rating: Excellent
PANGEA
RED PLANET (Total Time = 56:28)
PANGEA 186 810 063 2
These are the twelve tracks with songs by Peter Gabriel, Sting, others; and score by Graeme Revell:
(1) "The Tower That Ate People" (written and performed by Peter Gabriel); (2) "The Inferno" (written Graeme Revell - performed by Emma Shapplin); (3) "A Thousand Years" (Sting); (4) "Mars Red Planet" (Graeme Revell); (5) "The Fifth Heaven" (G. Revelle - E. Shapplin); (6) "Montok Point" (written by William Orbit/ Rico Conning/ Joe Frank - performed by Strange Cargo); (7) "Canto XXX" (G. Revell - E. Shapplin); (8) "Alone" (G. Revell); (9) "Dante's Eternal Flame" (written and performed by G. Revell and Melissa Kaplan); (10) "Crash Landing" (G. Revell); (11) "The Tower That Ate People" (Reprise)(P. Gabriel); (12) "When The World is Running Down (You Can't Go Wrong)" (written by Sting - performed by Different Gear vs. The Police).
The opening song by Gabriel is just plain horrible. And to make matters worse, it is reprised again near the end in an even more wrethced version. Revell's songs, especially "The Inferno" and "Dante's Eternal Flame" are uninspired, and his score tracks, like "Crash Landing," are as well. One of the worst songs on the CD is "Montok Point." It illustrates how bad the songwriting world has become - most of it is sound effects and three people were needed to write it! It's such a junky song. The best part of this largely worthless CD are the songs by Sting, especially "A Thousand Years." Recommended only to those after bizarre sound effects. And it doesn't evoke the RED PLANET either. It sounds more like a Lost Asteroid!
Rating: Poor
RHINO
For more information about any of their excellent vintage motion picture soundtracks, go to:
Songtrack of Special Merit
ANNIE GET YOUR GUN (1950)
Total Time = 71:31
Turner Classic Movies Music/Rhino Movie Music R2 76669
This very popular Irving Berlin movie musical has recently been released on VHS and DVD. So the songtrack arrives at just the right time. ANNIE GET YOUR GUN was released by M-G-M in 1950 and starred the bubbly Betty Hutton and booming baritone, Howard Keel (in his film musical debut). The vocal arrangements are by Robert Tucker and the M-G-M Orchestra was conducted by Adolph Deutsch. Both Deutsch and Roger Edens received Oscars for Best Scoring of a Musical Picture for 1950.
The CD has the complete soundtrack with 31 tracks, including 13 unused tracks recorded with Judy Garland, who was fired from the film after she recorded the Berlin songs. The other 18 tracks include 9 previously ununissued selections: "Main Title" (arranged and orchestrated by Conrad Salinger & Robert Franklyn); "Colonel Buffalo Bill"; "They Say It's Wonderful" (reprise); "I'm An Indian, Too"; "European Montage" (arranged by Adolph Deutsch, orchestrated by Alexander Courage); "Let's Go West Again" (outtake - sung by Betty Hutton & Male Chorus, & Judy Garland); "The Girl That I Marry" (outtake - Betty Hutton); "The Girl That I Marry" (unused - sung by Howard Keel); "They Say It's Wonderful" (reprise - arranged by Adolph Deutsch).
One song left out of the movie musical is "Let's Go West Again." Fortunately you can hear wonderful versions of the song sung by Judy Garland (recorded March 30, 1949) and Betty Hutton (recorded October 6, 1949).
All the songtrack recordings were made between March 25, 1949 and January 19, 1950. Five of the tracks are in stereo, including two separate versions of "There's No Business Like Show Business" (one with Betty Hutton, the other one a rare recording featuring Judy Garland). Even though the other tracks are in mono, the sound is very good.
The CD also comes with a 16 page booklet, with film stills and useful notes by CD Producer, George Feltenstein.
This is an exceptional release with terrific songs from Irving Berlin's best song score, sung by Betty Hutton, Judy Garland and Howard Keel, plus an outstanding supporting cast. One of Berlin's songs says it best about this musical - "they say it's wonderful." And so it is!
Highly recommended for any movie musical lover's collection. A pure delight from beginning to end.
Rating: Excellent
--Review by Roger Hall, 5 December 2000
Special Merit
FRANK SINATRA IN HOLLYWOOD (1940-1964)
6 CD Box Set (with hardbound book)
Producers: Didier C. Deutsch and Charles L. Granata. Co-Producers: George Feltenstein and Darcy M. Proper. Audio Restoration: Andreas K. Meyer, Sony Music Studios. Stereo Remixing & Remastering: Doug Schwartz, Mulholland Music; Andreas Meyer & Jen Wyler, Sony Music Studios. Bristol Productions Limited Partnership, under exclusive license to Reprise Records for the U.S. and WEA International Inc. for the rest of the world.
Rhino/Turner Classic Movies Music R2 78285
CD 1 (1940-1944) - 27 tracks (68:44)
CD 2 (1944-1948) - 33 tracks (74:36)
CD 3 (1948-1952) - 28 tracks (74:32)
CD 4 (1953-1955) - 27 tracks (71:29)
CD 5 (1955-1957) - 24 tracks (64:08)
CD 6 (1958-1964) - 21 tracks (66:16)
With so many recordings of Frank Sinatra already available, why release another large box set like this one? Well, you may remember some or all of the films that Sinatra sang in - and you'll find them all here in one collection, from his Big Band years with Tommy Dorsey in LAS VEGAS NIGHTS to the Rat Pack gang in ROBIN AND THE 7 HOODS. It took seven years to compile these 160 tracks, carefully selected by Sinatra experts and faithfully restored to CD, many for the first time anywhere.
In addition to the 6 CDs covering the years from 1940 to 1964, there is also a very attractive illustrated 120 hardbound book. The book contains the following sections::
- Preface by Leonard Maltin
- You're Sensation: A Personal Reflection by Michael Feinstein
- Restoring The Voice of Hollywood by Charles L. Granata
- Hollywood's Golden Age: The Era of the Fabulous Movie Musical by Didier C. Deutsch
- Sinatra! The Visual Voice by Will Friedwald
- Pal Joey: The Quintessential Sinatra Movie Musical by Scott Allen Nollen
- The Songs
- Alphabetical Track Index
- Credits
With so much worthwhile information, the book alone makes this set worth having.
All the popular Sinatra movie songs are included on the CDs. Here are just a few:
"Dolores" and "I'll Never Smile Again" from Sinatra's first film LAS VEGAS NIGHTS (Paramount, 1941); "I Fall In Love Too Easily" from ANCHORS AWEIGH (MGM, 1945); "From Here To Eternity" - the song wan't sung in the film of same title (Columbia, 1953); "You're Sensational" from HIGH SOCIETY (MGM, 1956); "All the Way" - the Oscar winning song from THE JOKER IS WILD (Paramount, 1957); "The Lady is a Tramp," "I Didn't Know What Time It Was" and others from PAL JOEY (Columbia, 1957); "All My Tomorrows" and "High Hopes" - another Oscar winning song, from A HOLE IN THE HEAD (United Artists, 1959); "It's All Right With Me" and others from CAN-CAN (20th Century Fox, 1960); and "My Kind of Town (Chicago Is)" from ROBIN AND THE 7 HOODS (Warner Bros, 1964).
Those are the familiar movie songs by Sinatra. There are also many alternate takes or outtakes, promotional tracks, and interviews. They include: the Academy Award acceptance speeches for the movie short on tolerance - "The House I Live In (That's America To Me") and for Best Supporting Actor role in FROM HERE TO ETERNITY; a somewhat self-serving interview with Louella Parsons; promotional spot for PAL JOEY; and bonus selection on the last track of CD6: "Don't Be A Do-Badder" - a rare Vocal Tracking Session with Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. You can hear how much fun they're having with the recording session, but the goal is a successful track. Sinatra mentions his notorious impatience with multiple tasks, saying at one point that he's going home to New Jersey. It's a shame the song itself is not very good - one of the few Van Heusen-Cahn klinkers. The ending is also quite abrupt.
Sound on the CD1 is not the greatest, but considering the age and fragility of these tracks, it's a wonder they could have been saved and restored. Not all the songs are classics either. It's well known that Sinatra wasn't thrilled with his role in THE KISSING BANDIT from 1949. The five songs from that film aren't much to brag about. But that's only a very small portion of this massive collection.
Most listeners will probably best remember the Sinatra movie songs from the 1950s and '60s. One of the songs I especially remember is "You My Love" (J. Van Heusen-M. Gordon) from YOUNG AT HEART (Warner Bros, 1954). This is a beautiful song and it's great to have it included in an alternate mix with Sinatra, who is joined by the sweet voiced Doris Day. Another welcome addition is the famous "Soliloquy" from CAROUSEL (an unreleased 1955 Capital Records session master). Some of the most popular songs of this era were written by Sinatra's songwriting team in residence: Jimmy Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn. They wrote two of the three Oscar winners sung by Sinatra. Strangely the third Oscar winning song, "Call Me Irresponsible" from PAPA'S DELICATE CONDITION is not in this collection. It was sung in the film by Jackie Gleason but Sinatra's recording was the most popular one and certainly contributed to it winning an Oscar. Sammy Cahn also received an Oscar (with Jule Stne) for "Three Coins in the Fountain" in 1954. Fortunately, that song is included in the Sinatra in Hollywood collection.
I have a few minor quibbles. The box set design is very bland with its basic black used throughout. Why make it look so dreary, when Sinatra was so colorful an artist? Instead of having everything in black, it would have been better to have the box set sleeve printed in another color so it could be read when place on a bookshelf. Some of the pages in the book are printed over photos and are hard to read. This is a common practice among CD album designers. They just don't consider the reader - especially the older ones with poorer eyesight! On the plus side, the six CDs are easy to read within their case. Each one has a different photo of Frank Sinatra at the age when the recordings were made. The hardbound book and CD case slide easily inside the outside cardboard box.
All in all this is a marvelous box set. It would make a great addition to your Sinatra collection.
I highly recommend it, especially if you're a Sinatra or movie song fan.
Rating: Excellent
--Roger Hall, July 2002
HIT THE DECK (1955)
Total Time = 58:36
Turner Classic Movies Music/ Rhino Movie Music R276668
Music by Vincent Youmans. Lyrics by Clifford Grey & Leo Robin. M-G-M Studio Orchestra conducted by Georgie Stoll. Produced for Release by George Feltenstein. Project Supervision: Julie D-Angelo & Patrick Milligan. Mastering by Doug Schwartz. Liner Notes by George Feltenstein.
Twenty two tracks with six of them previously unreleased: "Main Title" (M-G-M Orchestra); "An Armful of You" (M-G-M Studio Orchestra); "Dormi Dormi" (outtake- Kay Armen & Vic Damone); "Fun House Sequence (The Harbor Of My Heart/ A Kiss Or Two)"; "Overture" (M-G-M Orchestra); "End Cast (Join The Navy)(M-G-M Orchestra)."
Good songs. Fine singing by Kay Armen, Vic Damone, Tony Martin, Ann Miller, Jane Powell, and Debbie Reynolds. Exceptional stereo sound for its age.
Rating: Very Good
SILK STOCKINGS (1957)
30 Tracks (Total Time = 79:02)
Turner Classic Movies Music/Rhino Movie Music R2 74368
This is Cole Porter's last major Broadway musical from 1955 and was made into a M-G-M musical two years later. It is based partly on the 1939 M-G-M film, NINOTCHKA, starring Greto Garbo.
SILK STOCKINGS is presented for the first time from the original stereo studio tapes, with 18 of the 30 tracks previously unreleased. The original MGM LP was released monaurally. A stereo CD of the songs was issued in the 1980s but with poor quality sound. That's strange since one of Cole Porter's cleverest songs in this musical is "Stereophonic Sound" (track 6), arranged by Andre Previn, and sung by Janis Paige and Fred Astaire. The song pokes fun at all the various widescreen processes available in movies of the 1950s.
There are also a number of pleasant instrumental cues included performed by the M-G-M Studio Orchestra. One of these is a lovely version of Porter's classic song, "Easy to Love" (track 9). Fred Astaire gets to sing several Porter classics, such as the suave "All of You" (track 11) and the witty "Ritz Roll and Rock" (track 25). Janis Paige sings "Satin and Silk" (track 13) and "Josephine" (extended version, track 18). Besides Fred Astaire and Janis Paige, the other star is the beautiful and elegant dancer, Cyd Charisse. Her singing voice is mostly dubbed by Carole Richards. But she joins with Fred Astaire on "Fated To Be Mated" (track 17). There is also a rare unused demo (track 28) with Cyd Charisse singing "It's a Chemical Reaction, That's All," accompanied at the piano by Andre Previn. Besides Previn, the other arrangers and orchestrators for this musical are: Conrad Salinger, Albert Woodbury, Lloyd "Skip" Martin and Robert Franklyn.
The 24 page CD booklet has many film stills and informative notes by longtime Rhino CD Producer, George Feltenstein.
This is another high quality Rhino release of a classic M-G-M musical. With so much unreleased music available, this is an outstanding value.
Well worth adding to your collection, especially if you're a movie musical lover of Hollywood's Golden Age.
Rating: Very Good
--Roger Hall, 27 April 2002
Songtrack of Special Merit
SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (Deluxe 50th Amnniversary Edition) (2002)
2 CDs (Disc One = 25 Tracks, 73:29 / Disc Two = 21 Tracks, 78:10)
Turner Classic Movies Music/Rhino Movie Music R2 74497
Many film critics and movie fans have picked SINGIN' IN THE RAIN as the best musical of them all. I would agree it's the best of the Technicolor musicals, but I think the Fred Astaire-Ginger Rogers musicals at RKO are the best of the bunch [see Century Classics: Top 20 Hollywood Musicals]. Just about everyone has seen this film. The soundtrack was previously issued with some supplemental material in 1996 (TCM/Rhino Movie Music R2 71963). And some of that release had a few short cues that aren't on the new one. So why purchase the new one? For one thing, it has more to offer. The first disc has the songs from the 1952 soundtrack. The other disc has the original songs from rare recordings made in the 1920s, '30s and '40s. So you get a double treat with the 2-CD set. This set was released about the same time as the excellent 50th anniversary special edition of the movie musical [see DVD Reviews.]
The first disc is devoted to the soundtrack and has all the songs plus some outtakes and extended versions. The outtakes include: "All I Do Is Dream Of You" - nicely sung by Gene Kelly (track 5, 4:26); and a wonderful version of "You Are My Lucky Star" (Track 10, 3:41) sung by Debbie Reynolds. There are also extended versions such as the "Broadway Melody Ballet" (track 15. 13:15), alternate versions (Main Title, track 19, 2:11), and unused versions ("Would You?" - tracks 21-22). Besides the now classic rendition of "Singin' in the Rain" sung and danced by Gene Kelly (track 13. 4:54), there are several other versions of the title song (tracks 17 and 24). It must be mentioned that the joys found on this soundtrack are the work of several talented musicians. First of course are the songwriters: Nacio Herb Brown, who wrote the music, and Arthur Freed who did the lyrics. There is one other song not by Brown and Freed: "Moses" with music by Roger Edens and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green. Equally important is the team of orchestrators and arrangers: Bob Frankyn, Conrad Salinger, Wally Heglin, Maurice de Packh, and Roger Edens. Just to give one example of their expertise, the Gene Kelly version of "Singin' in the Rain" was arranged by Salinger and orchestrated by Franklyn. They are among the unsung champions of the MGM studio music department.
The second disc has more treasures to offer. It starts off with several songs from THE BROADWAY MELODY (1929), the first musical to win an Oscar. One of these songs is "You Were Meant For Me" sung by Charles King, and arranged, orchestrated and conducted by songwriter Nacio Herb Brown. There are also several versions of "Singin' in the Rain" - by Cliff "Ukelele Ike" Edwards from HOLLYWOOD REVUE OF 1929 and Judy Garland from LITTLE NELLIE KELLY in 1940. Plus there's a rare recording with Arthur Freed singing the title song with the MGM Studio Orchestra from a radio broadcast in 1941.
The illustrated booklet has a very witty tale: "The Story Behind SINGIN' IN THE RAIN: Now It Can Be Told" by Betty Comden and Adolph Green. This essay is taken from their preface of the publication of their screenplay in 1972. It is highly recommended reading if you want to get an idea of how musicals were written back in Hollywood's Golden Age. There is also a Producer's Note from George Feltenstein, the man responsible for so many great movie musical restorations from Turner/Rhino. Also, there are full track listings for both discs with performers and dates of recording, plus some small black & white film stills.
I highly recommend this wonderful, well produced and recorded 2 CD set. Just like the great film classic, this set is sure to also become a classic of film restorations.
THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN (1964)
Total Time = 78:46
Turner Classic Movies Music/ Rhino Movie Music R2 72465
Another enjoyable movie musical from the glory days of M-G-M. This musical with words & music by Meredith Willson stars the feisty singer-dancer, Debbie Reynolds, and smooth voiced Harve Presnell. The M-G-M Studio Orchestra was conducted by Robert Armbruster. Music Supervision by Roger Edens. Most of the score was arranged & orchestrated by Leo Arnaud. He shared an Oscar nomination with five others were worked on the musical adaptation of UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN: Robert Armbruster, Jack Elliott, Jack Hayes, Calvin Jackson and Leo Shuken. Oddly, Alexander Courage, who did some of the orchestrations, was no t one of those Oscar nominated.
Like ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, this CD has the complete soundtrack. There are 28 tracks and over half of them (17) are previously unreleased. Fifteen of the total tracks are instrumentals with the M-G-M Studio Orchestra and they are well performed. So less than half of the tracks are devoted to the Meredith Willson songs. Unlike his masterpiece, THE MUSIC MAN, this musical just doesn't have the same number of memorable songs. But there are a few gems like "Belly Up to the Bar Boys" (tracks 2 and 8) and "I'll Never Say No" (tracks 10 & 12 - Harve Presnell; track 18 - Debbie Reynolds).
This is a lightweight though fun movie musical. Worth getting if you a fan of M-G-M musicals. With well over an hour of music, it's a good value.
Rating: Very Good
--Review by Roger Hall, 5 December 2000
VICTOR/ VICTORIA (1982)
31 Tracks (Total Time = 79:10)
Turner Classic Movies Music/Rhino Movie Music R2 78248
This is a delightful film musical from the 1980s with the music by Henry Mancini and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse. On this Rhino original motion picture soundtrack there are not only all the songs but also the instrumental cues as well. The music was composed and conducted by Henry Mancini, who received his fourth Oscar for "Best Original Song Score." Leslie Bricusse also received an Oscar [for a complete list of Oscar music winners, see: A Guide to Film Music - Songs and Scores].
Evidently this score appealed a great deal to Mancini, who wrote in his wonderful autobiography, Did They Mention the Music? - "There are very few pictures I've done that I have the patience to sit down and watch...But VICTOR/VICTORIA is one that I can watch again. There is something about that picture that gives me pleasure to this day."
While I would agree that the film is fun to watch, some of the the songs in VICTOR/ VICTORIA just don't make it - at least for me. Songs like "Gay Paree" or "The Shady Lady from Seville"seem too forced in their presentation. But others, like "Crazy World" and "You and Me" (both featured on several tracks) are much more staisfying, especially with the funny patter between Julie Andrews and Robert Preston on track 30 from the original soundtrack.
For me it's Mancini's instrumental score that shines the brightest. Fortunately, it takes up most of this soundtrack. For example, the opening "Main Title" (2:09) very nicely sets the stage in Paris with its Gallic charm. It's another of those wonderful Mancini main themes.
In addition to the original soundtrack, there are over a dozen previously unissued tracks. A few of these are instrumental versions of songs like "You and Me." The music is suave and sophisticated as Mancini could write so well.
George Feltenstein's notes are authoritative and interesting to read. There are also some nice black & white and color film stills plus a few behind the scenes photos.
This is another quality production in the great Rhino series of restored musicals with unissued tracks. It's a great tribute to Henry Mancini and is recommended especially to his many fans.
Rhino, keep on releasing 'em!
Rating: Very Good
--Roger Hall, 16 June 2002
Songtrack of Special Merit
YANKEE DOODLE DANDY (1942)
20 Tracks (Total Time = 51:16)
Turner Classic Movies Music/Rhino Movie Music R2 78210
This year marks the 60th anniversary of one of the best film musicals of the Golden Age [see Top 20 Hollywood Musicals]. The Rhino release is the first authorized one with the entire soundtrack score.
Besides the wonderful songs by George F. Cohan, the Warner Bros. musical features an all star cast including: James Cagney as G.M. Cohan; Walter Huston as his father, Jerry Cohan; Rosemary DeCamp playing his mother; Jeanne Cagney (James's real life sister who plays Josie Cohan); and Joan Leslie as G.M. Cohan's made up sweetheart and wife, Mary. Cohan's real wife was named Ethel Levey.
This soundtrack includes all the musical numbers, either in medleys or as songs on separate tracks, like "Yankee Doodle Boy" (track 6) or "Over There" ( track 13). There is also a bit of dialogue by James Cagney from the film soundtrack, which only adds to the enjoyment if you love this musical as much as many do. George Feltenstein rightly points out that not all the songs in the musical are by George F. Cohan. Some were written as connecting pieces, like in the marvelous "Little Johnny Jones Sequence" (track 7, 10:23): "Good Luck Johnny"/ "Little Johnny Jones Special"/ "Finale Special"/ "All Aboard for Old Broadway" - all by Warner Bros. staff musicians: M.K. Jerome and Jack Schall. There's also "Off The Record" (track 15) by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart. All of these songs are seamlessly arranged and conducted by Ray Heindorf, with additional arrangements by Heinz Roemheld. Both received well deserved Oscars for their "Scoring of a Musical Picture" [for a complete list of Oscar music winners, see: A Guide to Film Music - Songs and Scores].
In addition to the complete original motion picture soundtrack, there are four bonus tracks. They consist of an outtake song ("You Remind Me Of My Mother"), a piano only song medley, and two rehearsals ("Give My Regards To Broadway" and "You're A Grand Old Flag"). None of these are essential pieces but are nice to have included.
The excellent notes by George Feltenstein in the 20 page booklet are very informative and put the film and its star in their proper perspective. The vintage Warner Bros. sound is a bit shrill and murky at times, but considering the condition of the old masters, Doug Schwartz has done an expert job of remastering and engineering. The songs still comes across very strongly in this flag waving tribute to George M. Cohan.
What a treat to finally have the complete soundtrack to this great 1942 musical! This is another outstanding Rhino production.
Highly recommended to vintage film musical fans.
Rating: Excellent
--Roger Hall, 15 June 2002
RYKO
HAMLET (Total Time = 58:28). RYKO RCD 10496
There really isn't much to recommend on this songtrack from the Miramax film starring Ethan Hawke. It's pretty much one wretched song after another. The nine dreary songs are performed by: Primal Scream ("Slip Inside This House"), Morcheeba ("Big Calm"), Josh Rouse ("100M Backstroke"), Acceleradeck ("Greentone"), Supreme Beings of Leisure ("Sublime"), Michael Hurley ("Wildegeeses"), Fourtet ("Calamine"), The Birthday Party ("Hamlet - Pow, Pow, Pow"), O'Neill ("Moontide"). After all the miserable songs, there's some welcome relief in the final track with "Echoes from Ossian in A minor" (13:33) by classical composer, Niels Wilhelm Gade. The track titles are very hard to read and the accompanying color booklet artwork is a mess. A really bad production overall. Not recommended.
Rating: Poor
Several popular Broadway Cast Recordings have been released for the First Time on CD.
Both are based on United Artists films:
PROMISES, PROMISES (1968) (Total Time = 44:44). RCD 10750.
Burt Bacharach/ Lyrics: Hal David. Starring Jill O'Hara and Jerry Orbach. Based on the film, THE APARTMENT (1960). Spirited singing but only mediocre songs. Rating: Good
SUGAR (1972)(Time = 48:01)(RCD 10760).
Music: Jule Styne/ Lyrics: Bob Merrill. Starring Robert Morse, Tony Roberts and Elaine Joyce. Based on the film, SOME LIKE IT HOT (1959). Lackluster songs and singing. Rating: Fair
For more information, visit: www.rykodisc.com or www.mgm.com
SONY CLASSICAL
WOMAN ON TOP (2000)(Total Time = 48:58)
From the film starring Penelope Cruz and directed by Fina Torres, and featuring a very appealing collection of Brazilian songs:
(1) FLORA E O ESPINHO (Paulinho Moska); (2) FALSA BAJANA (Paulinho Moska); (3) O ULTIMO POR DO SOL (Lenine); (4) OBSESSAO/NAO ME DIGA ADEUS/ POIS E/ A FLOR E O ESPINHO (Maria Creusa); (5) NOS BRACOS DE ISABEL (Paulinho Moska); (6) BEREKEKE (Geraldo Azevado); (7) E DOCE MORRER NO MAR (Dori Caymmi); (8) SONHO MEU (Paulinho Moska); (9) ACORDEI (Moraes Moreira); (10) CINZAS (Paulinho Moska); (11) CHAO DE ESTRELAS (Baden Powell); (12) VOCE (Cyl Farney and Norma Bengell; (13) FALSA BAIANA (BossaCucaNova re-mix)(Paulinho Moska); (14) BRAZIL (AQUARELA DO BRASIL)(Xaver Cugat and His Orchestra).
Tracks which were particularly mememorable: 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 11, 14.
Venezuelan director Fina Torres (ORIANA, CELESTIAL CLOCKWORK) spent two years researching Brazilian music to find the songs she wanted for the film about a sultry woman who leaves her husband and his resataurant in Brzail and goes off to San Francisco to find success in her culinary career. The music accompanies her pursuit of a career and the men she meets. In addition to the infectious bossa nova, there are other Brazilian types: samba, forro, choro, and baiao. Included are two selections by well known artists: guitarist, Baden Powell (track 11); and Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra (track 14, released in 1957).
A very relaxed, easy listening soundtrack of Brazilian songs. Perfect for romantic evenings.
Rating: Very Good
For information about this songtrack, go to: www.sonyclassical.com/music/89279
TELARC
MAGICAL MUSICALS (1999)(Total Time = 76:25)
Soloists: Melissa Parinello, Rick Logan, Renee Goldsbury, Carmen Carter, Oren Waters, Stevn F. Morgan. The Indiana University Singing Hoosiers, Michael Schwartzkopf, director. Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel, conductor. TELARC CD-80483.
Music from 11 Disney animated films: HERCULES, ALADDIN, POCOHONTAS, THE RETURN OF JAFAR, TOY STORY, 101 DALMATIANS, OLIVER AND COMPANY, THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH, MULAN, and THE HUNCKBACK OF NOTRE DAME. The first one (HERCULES) and last one (HUNCKBACK) have the most tracks with 7 apiece. Many of the film songs are sung in serviceable arrangements by either Steven R. Reineke or Joseph D. Price. Helpful notes are provided by Richard E. Rodda.
The soloists and "Singing Hoosiers" are all quite good, with admirably clear diction. Unfortunately, the rock-pop arrangements are occasionally overwrought, especially the tracks from HERCULES (the weakest score of the bunch). Much better examples are "Cruella de Vil" from 101 DALMATIONS and "What's This?" from NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS. For variety there are several orchestra only tracks, such as Randy Newman's marvelous "You Got A Friend In Me" (arr. by Reineke) from TOY STORY; the Oscar-winning song, "Colors of the Wind" (arr. by Reineke) from POCOHONTAS; and Jerry Goldsmith's impressive Orchestral Suite for MULAN.
If you're a fan of these Disney films, you'll surely enjoy this collection. For others, it depends on your taste. This is another outstanding recording from Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops. High quality sound from Telarc.
Rating: Very Good
TRAUMA
THE PRINCESS + THE WARRIOR (Total Time = 68:47)
This CD has both songs and score tracks composed by Pale 3 (Johnny Klimek, Reinhold Heil, and the film's director, Tom Tykwer). They invited some girl singers to join them in recording the seven songs for the soundtrack.
These are the song titles: "You Can't Find Peace" (performed by Skin of Skunk Anansie); "Escape (Afraid of No One)" (Louise Rhodes of Lamb) ; "Fly With Me" (Franka Potente, star of the film and speaker of these ridiculous lyrics by Tykwer); "The Tunnel" (Beth Hirsch); "Bodo" (Alison Goldfrapp of Goldfrapp); "Just Another Day" (12 Rounds - Atticus Ross and Claudia Sarne); "Four Days" (Anita Lane - the worst of the lot). My overall impression of these songs is they are all pretentious junk songs for the jaded. The songs have monotonous music and inane lyrics and are poorly warbled by these whispery voiced girlie singers.
The seven instrumental score tracks are only slightly better. They are mostly mood pieces by Pale 3, with the slowly changing electronic themes (if you could call them that) not going anywhere in particular. The longest of these score tracks is "The Roof" (8:30), which has an interesting repeated theme which seems at times to simulate hammering nails in a roof. That track leads into "The Escape" (2:44), a high stringed sound (like Bernard Herrmann's score in PSYCHO), which is nicely handled and leads to a peacful climax to the soundtrack. Following the score tracks, there is a bonus three minute CD-ROM video.
The CD booklet has the song lyrics and you'll need them because the singers can barely be understood. An okay score and terrible songs. All in all, a sloppy soundtrack album.
Rating: Poor
--Roger Hall, 18 June 2001
VANGUARD
SONGCATCHER (Total Time = 55:18)
There are fourteen traditional folk songs and country songs on this songtrack:
"Fair and Tender Ladies" (Roseanne Cash); "Pretty Saro" (Iris Dement); "When Love is New" (Dolly Parton & Emmy Rossum); "Barbara Allen" (Emmy Rossum); "Barbara Allen" (arr. by David Mansfield - sung by Emmylou Harris); "Moonshiner" (Alison Moorer); "Sounds of Loneliness" (Patty Loveless); "All My Tears" (Julie Miller); "Wayfarin' Stranger" (Maria McKee); "Mary of the Wild Moor" (Sara Evans); "Wind and Rain" (Gillian Welch, David Rawlings, David Steele); "The Cuckoo Bird" (Deana Carter); "Conversation with Death" (Hazel Dickens, David Patrick Kelly, Bobby McMillan); and "Single Girl" (Pat Carroll).
There are also several score tracks by David Mansfield totaling nearly ten minutes. This is effective music and appears to be shortchanged by quick edits on the two tracks of the CD.
As for the songs themselves, I especially enjoyed the Dolly Parton song, and the traditional songs sung by Emmylou Harris, Alison Moorer, Maria McKee and Deana Carter.
Many of the songs tell rather downbeat and depressing stories. But the performances are very expressive and of high quality. The CD booklet design is bland, but the insert does give information about the songs and the musicians.
If you like rural country and traditional songs, then you'll surely enjoy this songtrack. If you like only upbeat songs, then I'd skip this CD.
Rating: Fair
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