5 comments about A Man and His Music.

1. Dan Epstein doesn't know what he's talking about.
   
   This is the album that turned me on to Sinatra as a five year old back in 1965. My mother, who liked Frank as a bobby soxer back in the Forties, bought this album that year and so it was always playing on the stereo. I knew nothing about music as a 5 year old other than my Walt Disney albums and some group called The Beatles that my older brother has just discovered. Hearing Frank Sinatra croon his way through this album, his wonderful speaking voice introducing some of the songs left a very strong impression on me.
   
   Songs like "Come Fly With Me, "Witchcraft," "I've Got You Under My Skin" and "Learnin' The Blues" blew me away as a small boy and Frank, to this day has remained my favorite male vocalist. Most people my age (48) today don't know much about Frank and so when I sit them down and make them listen to a Frank song, I will take "A MAN AND HIS MUSIC" out and play it for them. Sometimes I am lucky and a song will strike a chord with them and later they will tell me they have been turned onto Frank. Others I have lost completely.
   
   To read Epstein's editorial review here on Amazon about how this album isn't good or important is absolutely ridiculous! I like the song selections (forgot about "The House I Live In") and if it weren't for Frank's narration, I WOULD KNOW NOTHING about the man and his music!! This cat's cool!! Played this album today as background music for my 87 year old father who had a good chuckle over Frank's intro's.
   
   I got this album on vinyl, reel tape and, of course, CD. As I said before it it hadn't been for this album this forty-eight year old would never know about "ol Blue Eyes" like most of my peers today, who only know about Elton John and The Carpenters from the 70s.
   
   Enough said. This album is damn good and worth every penny. (and please do tell "your mama!")



2. Great Double disc set of the man. A Man and his Music is a great disc composing of some real Sinatra gems. Die hards will love this one



3. A Man And His Music is a fine history of one of the world's greatest ever singers, showman and entertainer - the Great Frank Sinatra, the best crooner of them all.
   It was originally released as a double album on vinyl,and I can recall saving up for months as a girl in her mid-teens to buy it
   I was thrilled to finally own such a comprehensive list from the career of Mr Sinatra,from his early days through to the mid 60's.
   Today, I still regard my updated CD version as a treasured reminder of a great artist at work.
   Between each track Sinatra talks about the songs and you hear about his rise from being a skinny Hoeboken kid trying to get a job fronting the big bands of the day,to his later years at Capitol records and the songs from that time which he describes as "rare diamonds"
   Just for the record, this album is now on my ipod, so it travels well though the sands of time from vinyl, to CD to ipod, just as did Sinatra.
   A Man And His Music will always be my favourite Sinatra album.



4. "A Man And His Music" was originally released as a 2 lp set in 1965 to commemorate Frank Sinatra's 50th birthday, and was transferred onto CD around 1990. It is a collection that is unique for several reasons. For starters, it featured (then) new recordings of Sinatra classics dating as far back as the Tommy Dorsey days, but more importantly, the cd was narrated by Frank himself, navigating us through the first 30 years.
   
   For that latter reason alone, "A Man And His Music" may well be the finest Sinatra compilation on the market. Frank clearly enjoys telling the tale of his long and happy career, paying tribute to the many great arrangers, composers and musicians who got him where is as well as many times over thanking his fans who were always there with him. The setting is so relaxed and intimate that are times when you feel Frank is actually in the room with you, talking to you personally.
   
   The song selection is far from concise, but offers a solid cross section of each period of Frank's career. As mentioned, the majority of the songs here are re-recordings of his Capitol and Columbia material (the excpetions being the Vegas bits and the songs originally done at Reprise). However, considering Frank's voice was still in fine shape at this point, most of the songs equal or better the originals. This can be said especially for the Dorsey / Columbia material and the pumped up versions of "Come Fly With Me", "(How Little It Matters) How Little We Know" and "Witchcraft".
   
   The Vegas bit "The Summit", with Frank, Dean and Sammy clowning around is hilarious, while the performance the "Guys And Doll" number with Dino and Bing Crosby is a treat.
   
   While it may not be the concise or complete Frank collection, "A Man And His Music" is an absolute must because of its historical value and the fact that you get to hear the Frank Sinatra story as told by the man who knows it best.



5. Sit back and enjoy the voice. From Tommy D. to L A is my lady to Trilogy, the true Star quality will always be with us. Perhaps many people feel as I do that we can relive the past while still enjoying the present with Sinatra in the background.

5 comments about A Day In Hollywood, A Night In The Ukraine (1980 Original Broadway Cast).

1. What can be said after saying the Marx Bros.
   There wacky, zany comedy will keep you in stitches for hours.



2. As a huge fan of the Marx Bros, I saw this show in previews and again a month or two later. (Our local theatre company performed the musical several years ago and the production, although not Broadway quality, couldn't hurt the music.) I bought the LP and will and found it very enjoyable. I did not realize that it was on CD. I will definately buy it.



3. This recording is, quite simply, one of the all-time underrated gems in musical theater history. The show was profitable in its original run, but it's pretty much forgotten these days. The plot-less first act takes place at the Graumann's Chinese Theater, and is basically a wonderful collection of songs performed by the ushers. There's not a bad number in the entire lot, but my favorites include "Just Go to the Movies," "Best in the World," "Nelson," and "Doin' the Production Code." All but the last are by Jerry Herman, who was brought in to perk up the score. The second act is a fictional Marx Brothers movie, and the parodies and homages are dead on. Simply put: you must own this disc.



4. I was lucky enough to catch a local college's performance of A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine, and I was so thrilled with the show that I HAD to get the original Broadway cast recording. Performed to the hilt by multi-talented cast members David Garrison, Frank Lazarus, Priscilla Lopez, Peggy Hewett, Stephen James and Kate Draper, the show is half tongue-in-cheek salute to movie musicals, and half Marx Brothers romp--and the music stands well on its own.
   
   You probably shouldn't be drinking anything while listening to this CD for the first time, as you seriously run the risk of having it come right out your nose when a lyrical barb comes out of nowhere. As Jeanette MacDonald, Peggy Hewett sings of her beloved mountie in "Nelson": "A picture of strength, and good breeding of course, and of passion and warmth (I'm discussing his horse)..." Later, in Act Two, David Garrison (as Groucho Marx as Samovar the Lawyer!) sings to his dear Natasha: "Your angelic face I regard as the face of a Saint...Bernard." And who couldn't love the scatty tap-dance number "Doin' the Production Code," or hearing "The Good Ship Lollipop" piped out of a baritone sax?
   
   But, as Frank Lazarus said in "I Love a Film Cliché": "Why am I telling YOU all this? And you, a perfect stranger!" So just buy the CD, and have a good time at the movies.



5. Im a student at the ontario school of ballet and this year for competition we're going to be singing the Hollywood Production code. It's an amazing dance and when I was looking for the lyrics I found this and I got to hear ALL of the songs, which gave me a backround of the musical so me and my friends can understand the song and sing it with knowledge.im so excited and my dance teacher Tracy Carins-Sharpe used to be in the show so we're ALL excited!

5 comments about In Concert.

1. Michael Crawford has the voice of an angel. I've listened to just about all of his recordings and love them. I enjoyed the comments made during this concert. I can't look at my coffee table without thinking of him and Gene Kelly dancing on one. The songs were a nice cross section showcasing his talent.



2. It is difficult to believe that the same man who was absolutely astounding as the Phantom of the Opera, and the same man who was absolutely the funniest man alive in the British sitcom, "Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em," and the same man who can absolutely melt you singing beautiful love songs, is ALL the same man! Michael Crawford is one of the greatest and most versatile entertainers ever. And that is not "whistling Dixie."



3. This CD is the second Michael Crawford CD I have in addition to the original soundtrack of Phantom of the Opera. I have listened to the CD from beginning to end. I was in tears.. I laughed. I felt I knew all the songs, but in effect only some of them. I was feeling that the music lifted me up and took me directly live to that concert. This man had the power to take you in his hands and hold you to drag you down on your knees. I cannot put it down.. it goes with me in my car... I hum the songs alot. The man is simply a treasure you want to know in your lifetime. He can inspire you beyond anything you ever want to do. I have to admit being a music lover.. that he is one of the best I have ever heard in my life. I have yet to see his concert. AND I am making sure I do go to experience this LIVE! I think once the Phantom has touched you.. there is no where to hide... there is not anywhere you want to be alone. You can't go back to anything you ever knew.. once this CD is playing. He is an angel.. he is a magician.. he is just a very special man.
   He is much more worth five stars in my book! Thank you Michael for this special blend you have.



4. Michael Crawford is one of the finest singers on stage today. And this album of his live concert is filled with beautiful music and electricity. I would highly recommend this.



5. A remarkable live recording, making me feel like I was right there in the audience. This album lives in my car. He is a truly remarkable performer and absolutely hilareous live- had the great opportunity to see him in EFX. His vocal ranges are incredible and his voice even more so. Truly an Angel of Music. Here he brings one to tears with the Irish medley and speaking of his Nan and to stomach-soreness laughter with "Let me show you my Raoul". Words cannot express how much I love this album, its a delicious treat.

5 comments about Class of 3000: Music Volume One.

1. This is not your typical "kiddie" cd. Andre' 3000 is truely a talented man! I love this cartoon that he has given to our children. The soundtrack is great! Even adults can appreciate this "kids" cd. My favorite song is Banana Zoo, it's track 6. My fiancee loves the Crayon Song which is I think maybe track 10. Oh yeah I almost forgot...My son's favorite song (the one we bought the cd for, lol) is Ninja Style. Great quality cd, tight beats, and cool tracks! Oh yeah, and I bought mine on Amazon!!!!



2. My young sons and I love watching Cartoon Network's Class of 3000. They like the catchy songs and animation. I like that it teaches different morals and music styles without coming off preachy. It reminds me alot of Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids and Schoolhouse Rock. When I found out they released some of the music from the show, I couldn't wait to order the disc! I think I'm going to have to order a second disc because everytime we get in our van, the boys ask me to play it. We anxiously await Volume 2 and for Cartoon Network to show more new episodes! Class of 3000: Music Volume One



3. As a 23 year old bass player I felt silly picking this up, but the truth is that this album is worth it. I think this album shows off alot of the things that are popular in more adult oriented funk well by having a very carefree and offbeat set of music and lyrics. Despite the kiddy voices this album doesnt feel that off compared to more standard funk in my playlist.



4. My kids love this CD.. The music is lively and fun. I love the real instruments throughout.



5. My 9 year old enjoys the Class of 3000 cartoon and asked for this CD. I've seen the cartoon a time or two, but I've not managed to tolerate it. However, when I previewed this CD, I really enjoyed it. I'm an Outkast/Andre 3000 fan and I was certainly curious about the content of a children's CD. While I believe you have to know your own children very well before allowing them to listen/watch anything, I consider this a "safe" cd for my 9 & 5 year old. My children have eclectic taste in music, as do I. Also, we engage our children about why they enjoy or don't enjoy particular music/tv/movies, etc. There isn't any foul language or controversial lyrics in this music. In fact, the lyrics are sometimes very simple and quirky...like songs your kids would make up on their own...like the Crayon Song (my sons favorite). I like this CD and don't mind my children listening to it over and over (and you know you can't do that with every Children's CD!!)

5 comments about An American in Paris (1951 Film Soundtrack).

1. Nothing but Gene and George: the hard work and the happiness in music, conducting by the magician Vince.
   Noone is better, noone could do better.
   American masterpiece with european feelings.



2. This comprehensive edition is a must have for fans of the movie and of the Gershwins. The outtakes, contrary to the first review above, are excellent. Gene Kelly offers a wonderful vocal of "I've Got a Crush on You" and his short riff on "'S Wonderful" is almost like an acoustic version, much different than the over-the-top duet in the movie. And the Oscar Levant piano pieces are as close to George sitting down at the keys as we're going to get.



3. I would not suggest buying this version of this sondtrack!!! The underscores and the extra tracks that are not featured in the film are not neccesary. Rhino records puts the extras out to jack up the price of the CD (making one LP into 2 CDs).
   I would buy the ORIGINAL CAST SOUNDTRACK released by MGM records. You will enjoy this version ever so much more without all the extras!!!



4. Many agree that the talented George Gershwin is a fabulous pianist, and alongside Ira, he helped to create some of the most beloved music ever. After viewing the movie that was filled with song and dance, I was pleased to discover that the soundtrack was readily available. The plot of An American in Paris mainly focuses on the lives of three friends and their dreams in addition to the romance that they encounter in the most popular European city. Gene Kelley is a struggling artist who soon falls in love, and the many songs in this cd express his emotions. Who wouldn't want to dance to Gershwin's spectacular tunes such as "Embraceable You?" These original songs included in this two cd set are well worth the price. Furthermore, "I'll Build a Stairway to Paradise" is a true favorite with unique lyrics. Don't miss out on this must have cd collection.



5. Nearly every popular Gershwin tune is represented here, either as an instrumental, a vocal, or a production number. I am not a big fan of the film, but the soundtrack is fabulous. There are some stereo tracks here, too. Yet another triumph in the Turner/Rhino soundtrack collection of MGM films.As a sidenote I would like to thank Rhino for their extremely co-operative staff. When I bought this CD I opened up the very extensive booklet and was disappointed to find that due to an error on the assembly line I had received an insert that had some pages repeated and others deleted. I contacted Rhino and they sent me a new booklet which arrived within a week! That's what I call excellent customer service. The really neat thing is the fact that I have both booklets. The flubbed copy is sort of a collector's item to me.

5 comments about Oklahoma! (Original 1943 Broadway Cast).

1. After reading the history of Oklahoma!, and learning of the immense struggles it took for the Theatre Guild, along with Rodgers and Hammerstein, to bring that show to the stage, I am thrilled to know that we are able to honor those extraordinary efforts some 65 years later! No, this is not a quality recording, but it is historic is so many ways and worthy of a listen.



2. I thought I was buying the film soundtrack and it turns out it's just a subset of the tracks.
   
   This is the one you're probably looking for:
   Oklahoma! (1955 Film Soundtrack)



3. There is no question but that "Oklahoma!" broke musical comedy ground in a number of ways. From the moment Curly was heard, offstage, singing "Oh, What a Beautiful Morning," the integrated musical took over the Broadway stage. Instead of the songs interrupting the plot, as the pattern had been, they moved it along. And, from the moment the original cast went into the recording studio, a new day in reaching a vast audience began.
   But, "Oklahoma!" and this recording are valuable for more than historical reasons. The new collaboration of Rodgers and Hammerstein ushered in a wealth of great, and semi-great, and not-so-great, musicals. The variety of music in "Oklahoma!" is astounding. The melodious "Many a New Day" and "Out of My Dreams." The wonderful duet, "People Will Say We're in Love." The for-fun "Kansas City," "I Cain't Say No," and "All Er Nothin'." And the rousing title song (Of course, I like it; I grew up in Oklahoma).
   This recording is not without its weaknesses. As "A Customer" mentioned in his/her review, the orchestra is lost behind the vocals in most of the numbers. Is this a problem with the limited engineering capabilities of 1943? Could it not have been corrected in the digital restoration? For a fine recording of an orchestral approach to the musical, check out Morton Gould's "Oklahoma Suite." It is only on lp, but used copies are available through Amazon. Then, there is Curly, instead of Jud, singing "Lonely Room." And, Alfred Drake is one of the finest singer-actors who ever graced the Broadway stage; but he sounds too refined for this role--"mornin'" and "daid" do not come naturally from him.
   This is the third recording of "Oklahoma!" I have owned. I wore out a copy of the original lp, which was short of the complete score. I replaced it with an Oklahoma state special edition, recognizing one of the state's anniversaries. This lp, incidentally, sold quickly on e-bay when I replaced it with the current cd.
   No collection of Broadway musical recordings is complete without "Oklahoma!" And this original cast is really THE ONE to own.



4. My parents got this album when I was a child--on 78s no less. I used to listen to it over and over until I could sing along, getting all the words right. I was thrilled when the CD arrived and listened to it immediately. I still know all the words.



5. The Amazon review would have you believe that the cast, outside of Celeste Holm, is largely forgotten. There are many who will forget Alfred Drake only when Ethel Merman, Julie Andrews, Gwen Verdon, John Raitt, and Richard Kiley are forgotten as well. It's like saying that one of the 5 first inductees in the Baseball Hall of Fame is not well known. Drake is a first round Broadway Hall of Famer.

No comments about Blue Rose.

3 comments about Showtime! Music of Broadway and Hollywood.

1. As far as I can tell, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir doesn't make any bad CD's. This one is a wonderful compilation of some of the greatest hits of Broadway and Hollywood. You'll be very happy to have this CD in yor collection.



2. At first blush, you'd think a vocal powerhouse like the Mormon Tabernacle Choir would be too much singing prowess to use on Broadway showtunes and movie songs. Guess what? This album proves that assertion correct.
   
   That's not a disparagement of the MTC or their orchestral accompaniment. Far from it; the choir is in good form, and the crystalline quality of the recording shows off the MTC's vocal power and arrangement in excellent fashion. The problem is that many of these songs don't work when given the megawatt treatment; although many are ensemble pieces that you'd think would lend themselves well to the choral approach, they don't. What's worse, a few of the songs have gained longevity and emotional impact from being individual pieces, and hearing a choir perform them dilutes them unforgivably.
   
   Of the songs in this latter category, the best example is "Over the Rainbow," a song that has been beaten to death over the years. There's a reason why Judy Garland's version is considered definitive, and it's not just her singing. Within the movie, the song captures everything Dorothy feels and hopes, and it's a phenomenal performance. Put that same song in a mighty choral setting, and it becomes just another pretty tune, heard and quickly forgotten.
   
   With the songs featured here, one gets the impression that a howitzer has been employed to try and kill a fly. There's too much voice for the songs' emotions, with the exception of "Circle of Life," which has the bombastic nature the MTC can do perfectly. I can think of a few songs from Oklahoma! that might have worked better, but that's neither here nor there. Through no fault of the artists, Showtime! comes across as a well-performed, professionally produced dud. Maybe next time, folks.



3. When I looked through the song list on the CD I knew that I had to have it. The songs on the album are classics and anything done by The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is great. The music is so peaceful. If you like The mormon Tabernacle Choir or just the songs on the CD I would highly recomend it.

5 comments about The Best of Liza Minnelli.

1. While I think this compilation does have a few shortcomings (perhaps a few too many live cuts - although arguably where she does come most alive - I'd prefer this type of compilation to be more studio cuts and leave the live performances to the live concert CDs and DVDs.)
   
   But even with that caveat - I heartily recommend the CD. It will teach the casual listener what a performer Liza was in her hey day (since her recent years have been more than a little tinged with drama) - but it will also allow the true fan to revel in the range of her talent, when one only has time for one CD.



2. Liza Minnelli is without doubt one of the dynamos in music history, daughter of legendary entertainer (Judy Garland) and film director (Vincent Minnelli) Liza Minnelli was destined to follow in her famous parents shoes. At first Minnelli had to release herself from her mother and find her own platform, and boy, she did indeed. The legend began in 1963 when she got casted in an off-Broadway show called "Best Food Forward" but achieved real fame as her performance as Flora in the Broadway show, Flora the Red Menace. The show was the beginning of a collaboration between Minnelli and Fred Ebb and John Kander (who would go on and write many of her signature tunes). For the first time Sony music has managed to compile many of Minnelli's signature cuts. From her glory "Cabaret" to her high-strung days of "New York, New York" Sony has compiled the original versions. Minnelli's legend is based on her powerful vocal chords, her amazing, bubbly character and her incredible driving force. In recent years she's been better than she has in years, a friend of mine caught Minnelli in concert in Cannes, France, in the summer of 2005 it was a show she would never forget. Regretfully Minnelli was never able to convert as well to the recording studio, "Losing My Mind" is a bold, but daring electro-dance version of Sondheim's classic and "The Singer" reveals Minnelli's powerful voice, but unfortunately falls flat to the ground as nothing more than a simple tune. In retrospect, if Liza had found the right producers she might have been able to create something along the lines of the stuff that's on her 1996 album "Gentle" she would indeed have been able to sell a lot more records than she has. Her power was always her live performances, when it comes to performing live, no one's her equal. She has an amazing driving force and she never gives in. She always gives 100% even if she's not feeling well. Minnelli knows that this is her platform and when it comes to rank, she's always a step or two above her rivals. When all is good, Sony manages to pull together some of the songs most associated with Liza Minnelli, from "All That Jazz" to "Liza With a Z" sit back and enjoy one of the world most beloved entertainers.



3. This is probally the best Liza compilation to date. The other one to look at is "The Ultimate Collection". The songs on this CD are some of Liza's best. I was glad to see "Stepping Out" and "A quiet thing" as they are almsot always overlooked. This will also appeal to long time fans for the unrealeased tracks, "Me an My Baby" and "There is a Time". There are some things missing though. How can you leave out "Mein Herr" from Cabaret in a Best of album? It is Liza's most iconic image with the chair and bowler hat. Also what about "City Lights" from THE ACT? Perhaps her best song, and one of the better known ones, "But the world goes 'round" is also missing. Another gripe is the song "Old Friends". They take it from The "Live From Radio City" album... not the complete song, and only about 30 seconds long. WHile there is a full version on Three Weeks at Carnegie Hall. There are just too many songs identified with Liza Minnelli to fit on one CD. I am still waiting for a double CD compilation, or a well deserved Liza box set. If you really want an ultimate album, try Liza, Live AT Carnegie Hall (Three weeks at Carnegie Hall). It is a double album that showcases all of Liza's best songs up until 1987. It also has songs she had never sung before as well. It is expensive though, being a double album. @0-27 dollars. But it is Live and Liza is always at her best Live. She has more Live albums than most any other artist. If you have a chance to actually see her live to not pass it up! If you are just looking for a $12 compilation, just to get a taste of the great Liza Minnelli, this album may be for you.
   
   Billy



4. Liner notes by the late and great Fred Ebb say it all when he states "when you see Liza live, you know as you leave that you've just experienced something incredible that can never be repeated. A moment in time. Herein lies the joy of recordings..." From the top opening with the Kander/Ebb classic "Cabaret" which won Liza the Oscar for Best Actress then flowing into a stunning "Some People" from Gypsy, it is clear that Liza Minnelli is at the peak of her incredible powers in this collection and there is nothing finer. A triumphant live performance of "There Is A Time" is stunning and a trilogy of definitive performances from the musical "Chicago" make it clear that it was a sad loss that Liza didn't star in the movie as it would have been a blazing masterpiece for sure!!!! Lost treasures abound and "Quite Thing" from the Tony Winning "Liza Live At The Winter Garden" is a haunting ballad from a great concert that should be released on Compact Disc as it is one of Liza's greatest ever recordings. Studio recordings like the Pet Shop Boys produced "Losing My Mind" which topped the British charts show how American Radio has foolishly overlooked this great singer and another lost opportunity for a mega-hit is the magnificent "The Singer" which would have been a huge hit if given any airplay at all!!! "The Singer" was produced and arranged by the same team who did Cher's 70's hit singles and has the same infectious "Hit" sound yet it is totally original and completely engrossing. Epic performances of "New York, New York" and "Stepping Out" close out this collection of legendary performances and Liza continues to this day to thrill audiences wherever she appears!!! In San Diego by the Sea in August 2004, Liza gave a magnificent performance and received numerous standing ovations from a sold out audience who were all mesmerized by this legendary talent who remains peerless...Thank You LiZa!!!!!



5. I agree with the reviewer who writes that this CD is worth having for the previously unreleased songs "Me And My Baby," and "There Is A Time." However, because this CD does have many other songs already released, this CD might appeal more to the more involved Liza fan. Alternatively, it would also be a great introduction to a special lady's work.
   
   The quality of the sound is excellent and the liner notes are well done although you don't get the lyrics. There are wonderful photos of Liza as well.
   
   I recommend this CD both for diehard fans because of the new material on CD format as well as people who want to try a Liza CD to see how wonderful she performs!

5 comments about Gypsy (1973 Original London Cast).

1. Is this the same musical as the Ethel Merman Original Broadway Cast Recording? Angela Lansbury and company take Gypsy to a whole 'nother level... Everything about this London Cast Recording is 1000 times better than the original. The orchestration, the singing, the acting and the sound quality. All of the performances are confident. Angela Lansbury has the ability to navigate through material that requires both subtlety and volume. Barrie Ingham can actually sing where Jack Klugman clearly cannot. The orchestra is bold and brassy and wonderfully loud and energetic. The tempo of every song, including the overture, is faster. The Orignal Broadway orchestra sounds timid and restrained in comparison, perhaps not wanting to over-shadow Ethel Merman and her ego. Perhaps if the London version of this musical were the original Broadway cast, Gypsy would have run much longer on Broadway than it did. The London Cast recording drives like a Lotus in 5th gear, where as the Original Broadway cast feels more like VW Bus climbing a very steep hill.
   Jule Styne and Stephen Sondeim's score deserved the London Cast Recording. This is the only version that does their work the full justice it deserves. Lansbury is great in every single thing she does. But she is especially great when performing Sondheim. This is the Gypsy that stands head and shoulders above every other.



2. Angela Lansbury does act this part with a great deal of subtlety compared to Ethel Merman's laser beam of a woman. She's a middle class desperate Rose instead of the single minded lower class shark Merman was. Tyne Daly was both at once - superior to either in the acting, but she did not know how (then) to translate that in a recording studio and the CD of that production suffers, though it has more of the complete score than any other. Bernadette Peters was just miscast later. Bette Midler was so harsh she made Merman seem like Jeannette MacDonald in the role. Patti Lupone is up next this summer.
   
   There are odd omissions on this recording - no opening kid's song for instance, which sets up Gypsy's strip song later. The London cast's kids apparently couldn't learn American accents so you have a Midwest chorus lineup that sounds like it was borrowed from "Oliver". The Herbie doesn't stack up against Klugman and Hadary (who was amazing with Daly). And the whole recording sounds rushed in many places, carelessly conducted. Lansbury lived in visible fear of Merman's shadow that was somewhat mitigated when she won the Tony. Lansbury on "Everything's Coming Up Roses" can't provide the vocal zap Merman did in part because it had to be in a lower key. But then you reach "Rose's Turn" and everything she's worked into the role pays off and she matches or tops Merman on sheer acting guts. That's the reason to have this recording. Period.



3. Angela Lansbury was the best Mamma Rose. Period. Her singing and acting are perfect. She brought every nuance and emotion there are to the part. Her Everythings Coming Up Roses is frightening in it's blind ambition. And Rose's Turn is amazing. With Merman, it was a bulldozer rendition, like it or not. Lansbury's is a woman who has gone over the edge and it is stupendous. She has become a broken woman and knows it. Her look across the stage as she makes her final exit spoke volumns about the character, with one look! It was an astonishing moment in the theater.
   Other actresses have done admirable jobs, Bernadette Peters was wonderful in her own right. And Bette Midler was terrific, but different, on television. How nice to have a competent version on film. The movie version is dismal thanks to Russels obnoxious portrayal. Only Natalie Wood saves the film as Louise, she is beautiful and totally winning.
   I won't even go into Tyne Daly's terrible portrayal.
   
   But this version with Lansbury can't be beat. She was the ultimate Rose!!



4. From it's bland reading of the utimate Broadway overture to Angela Landbury's croaking version of "Rose's Turn", this recording is a insult to Sondheim/Styne's masterpiece. If the disappointing overture isn't enough to send you back to the original, then "Let Me Entertain You" weakly sung with British accents should surely do the trick. And what about that insipid version of "All I Need Is The Girl? Yes, Lansbury is fine in Sweeny Todd and tolerable in Mame, but's she's just out of her league here. The less said about the execrable supporting cast the better.



5. WOW! Agela Lansbury is one of the greatest actresses of our time. Her vocals shine here, like they did with "Mame" and "Anyone Can Whistle". Arthur Laurents, who directed, suggested her, and we should be thankful he did. Now we have three great stars as Madam Rose, Bernadette Peters, Ethel Merman, and Angela Lansbury. This recording is great. The sound is terrific. The majority of the cast does excellent, with the exception of Herbie. He really is not portrayed well. The original Broadway cast is the best to buy, but for an easier listen, look no further.