5 comments about Bi-Coastal.

1. Peter Allen might be known today as the Australian singer who Hugh Jackman portrayed in THE BOY FROM OZ musical. As other said he was also a great songwriter as well as a singer. Perhaps one of the reaons people miss him is that only half of his ten albums made it to CD.
   This is a great album for people who don't know much about him. Produced by David Foster at a time when he was producing everyone from Paul Anka to Al Jarreau it is hailed as a west coast (or AOR- Adult Oriented Rock
   the Japanese way) masterpiece. The musicians include a few of the TOTO
   guys, Jay Graydon, Richard Page and Steve George (of Pages/Mr. Mister
   fame) The highlights include the title song (by Foster, Allen and Tom
   Keane which was also in the Broadway version of BOY FROM OZ)
   While Peter Allen often referred to himself as "bi-coastal" because he was homosexual the song despite the line about "all the girls on TV movies and all the boys on Broadway" is not aimed towards homosexuality.
   It also includes the song that made Allen a one hit wonder in the States "Fly Away" (co-written by Carole Bayer Sager and David Foster)



2. This is, in my opinion, the best work from Peter Allen. Of course, that's saying A LOT because this singer-songwriter-vocalist was one of the top male performers in the 60's thru the 90's. The only sour note is that Peter never received even one Grammy award. Not for writing "I Honestly Love You", "Don't Cry Out Loud", or "I'd Rather Leave While I'm In Love". He did receive an academy award (along with his co-writers) for Arthur's Theme, however.
   
   The opener "One Step Over The Borderline" is a cooker. "Fly Away" is probably my most favorite song of any singer/songwriter ever. "Bi Coastal" is a perfect sentiment of two of the greatest places to ever be. Brilliant in many dimensions, this song is a hot rocker! "I Don't Go Shopping" is a soulful love song. "When This Love Affair Is Over" is the ultimate tribute to a loved one.
   
   The production of this work is classic and the arrangements are brilliant. I have wonderful memories of seeing Peter perform these songs numerous times in Los Angeles with my best friend. Seeing Peter backstage and having him autograph the cover my LP of Bi Coastal was a thrilling experience. It's wonderful to finally have the cd in my collection.



3. Peter Allen was prepared when he went into the studio to record "Bi-Coastal" which shows all of the best sides of his remarkable talent plus the energy that was always wonderful to experienced in his amazing live concerts! Never have we had a talent quite like Peter who barred his soul in performance so completely with his own brilliant compositions that were all a bunch of classics~even greats such as Sinatra chose material to record from Peter Allen's extraordinary songbook which stands as one of the finest ever. From the soulful rhythmic opener "ONE STEP OVER THE BORDERLINE" to the hauntingly beautiful closer "WHEN THIS LOVE AFFAIR IS OVER", it is clear that this is a great talent at the peak of his wonderous talent and having a great time!!!! In concert Peter was alot of fun and the song "BI-COASTAL" is a prime rocking example of his great sense of humor as Peter had fun playing around with double meanings and this is a classic example!! "I COULD REALLY SHOW YOU AROUND" smolders with sensual intensity and is an intoxicating experience listening to this classic which brings back the great vision of Peter doing it laying down on the top of the piano and this has never been matched by anyone! "Bi-Coastal" is a wildly satisfying diverse collection of great songs and performances by one of the greatest ever at his absolute peak~this type of greatness will never happen again...Thank you Peter and we miss you alot...



4. It's terrific that Peter Allen's albums are (albeit slowly) being released on CD. This one has terrific songs and performances. A must have for any fan or for folks discovering this incredibly talented singer-songwriter.



5. The music is unbelievable. Peter Allen is a great talent. Every song on the album is really good; each song better than the last. Great highway music. This album is spectacular (I'd like to 'take him home'!) This is wonderful stuff. Trust me.

1 comments about Romance of Paris.

1. This CD reminds me of the scene in Sabrina when Audrey Hepburn opens her windows in Paris to let in "La Vie en Rose". Great style, great emotions, and I can't even understand what they're saying! I just love this great compilation. It's a must for francophiles and music lovers alike.

1 comments about The Fabulous Forties.

1. of your scratchy 78's and static on the RCA receiver. Thefidelity of many of the cuts is something to be desired. I amdisappointed, and feel that I've been misled by the packaging wording; that some "super-duper" software was used to eliminate all the snap, crackle and pops of the individual tunes; when in reality -- it seems that this software "enchances" the disturbing noises. (Or maybe they forgot to turn on their computer when they cleaned up the cuts). When you finally break open the shrink wrap and read the real story -- you find these tunes are NOT the POLISHED, well REHEARSED versions that you would expect in a compilation such as this. Many are live performances and/or radio air checks (versions recorded during a broadcast via a distant radio). Therefore, many of the cuts are not the best of the artists'. Some of the supposedly "upbeat swing tunes" are dull, ponderous, and uninspiring.

   Now, to be FAIR -- There are many tunes here that you normally would NOT expect on a 40's big band album. Where else can you hear the melodious King Cole Trio performing "Straighten Up and Fly Right", and Nat's velvity version of "It's Only a Paper Moon"? (The most pleasing version I've heard to date). Or, hearing Frank Sinatra and the Pied Pipers doing " Let's Get Away From It All"? It reminds you of the time when music was FUN to listen to; and any gentleman and lady could enjoy dancing as a SOCIAL ACTIVITY.

   Well, if you want an album with raw tunes as a historical perspective of our past pop culture -- then this compilation is a TREASURE. If you're looking for high fidelity and clean recordings -- then look somewhere else. I just wish the producers were more HONEST in their shrink-wrapped promotion. END

2 comments about I Think of You with Every Breath I Take.

1. She has a pretty pretty voice, this cd is a classic, it's perfect park & make out music(believe me I know, I'm a 16 year old girl with a reputation at my high school). I love to do my homewaork to this cd or to exercise with it too, it's lovely. The songs are great especially Every Breath I Take, I usually seduce guys alone with that 1st track(almsot the whole football team has heard this cd-haha). Buy it you will love this, if you like Peggy Lee, Sarah Vaughan, or ella, this is on the same lines, but different.



2. Simply the best Marlene's album ever. Her voice is so fresh, and she's singing so sweet, you won't believe your ears.

No comments about Gainsbourg...Forever: Edition 15eme Anniversaire.

No comments about 21 All Time Swing Greats.

1 comments about Auf Wiederseh'n.

1. The Comedy Harmonists were an a close harmony group who recorded in Germany from '28 to the late '30's. They were harassed and force to disband because of Nazi disapproval of their semitic origins as well as their avant-guarde, jazz-oriented material. They sing here in German and English doing everything from folk songs to Tea for Two with clarity, musical grace and lightness. Their comic songs are very deft and witty. If you enjoy close harmonics, you will find this recording a revelation.

5 comments about Sings the Cole Porter Songbook.

1. Almost anything Julie Wilson has recorded is worthy of high praise; this selection even more so. Enjoy!



2. Only Julie Wilson could pull together as diverse a collection of Porter songs with such style, sass, sex and subtlety. With a voice both ageless and indelibly stamped by time she breathes warmth, life and meaning into every song. The Tale of the Oyster is an absolute gem. Rarely performed, but I can't imagine anyone doing it better. Bravo Julie!



3. Too much drama with too little talent. I am very disappointed with this album. Too much reading out of the lyrics for my taste and sudden howling and whispering make listening very unpleasant. Her voice is quite unstable and "old".



4. I don't think Cole Porter ever wanted his wonderfully witty lyrics to be read in such an overly dramatic manner. I hadn't listened to a Julie Wilson recording for many years and I purchased this one believing that she would be as enjoyable as she was when first I heard her. Either my tastes have changed, or Julie has.

   She hams her way through this familiar stuff as if she doesn't know what the lyric is about. It isn't that her voice is bad, it's just to much voice for Cole Porter's music. Her reading of "Most Gentlemen Don't Like Love" is an example of the over-acting that is evident in every selection on this CD. Buy some of her old recordings, but...leave this one alone!




5. Julie Wilson's tribute to Cole Porter is a brilliant foray into the catalogue of this master songwriter. She and her pianist William Roy explore all sides of Porter, including some fine obscurities as well as many great Porter standards. To each, Julie Wilson imparts her very special brand of wit and feeling, whether on a moodily brilliant interpretation of 'Down In The Depths' or a swinging and sexy romp through 'Don't Look At Me That Way'. All in all, a superb album, displaying Ms Wilson's talents at their apex.

No comments about The Colors of My Life.

1 comments about Serge Gainsbourg, Vol. 1.

1. SERGE GAINSBOURG wanted to be a painter, but ended up like his father in music.His career spanned 30 years and his talent was on a multi level, he wrote many great songs for others( GALL,HARDY,DUTRONC,BIRKIN,BARDOT),two classic concept albums for himself(MELODIE NELSON AND L'HOMME A LA TETE DE CHOU)and his lifestyle was always the bohemian type.Resuming his career in a few records is not an easy task, but this collection is a perfect introduction, it has a little of everything except the songs he created for others.SERGE has encountered at least five transformations in his solo output, often capable of following fashions by adopting them his own way.His cult following is well deserved. He was FRENCH's music's enfant terrible. Enjoy the music!