Barry Manilow - 2 Nights Live (41 tracks) +Album Reviews +Used CD available for Swap

WHY BUY A LIVE RECORDING?

C. Marr | Elizabeth, Co USA | 04/26/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A few words of advice for the audiophile ... don't EVER buy a live recording and expect great audio quality, there are so many variables that it is a major production nightmare. You buy a live recording for the EMOTION, PASSION, ENERGY, and EXCHANGE WITH THE AUDIENCE ... FOR WHICH BARRY ALWAYS DELIVERS!!
This is why I gave it 5 stars.As someone who has appreciated Barry's talent and gift since 1973, I was concerned with some comments made about his voice, especially in light of recent health concerns. I have listened to the CD both on speakers and with headphones and as someone who has done live vocal performances I can assure you BARRY'S VOICE IS GREAT! Check out "Time in New England"! Trust me it has got to be there to be able to hold notes like that. I think that the comments about his voice mellowing have more to do with Barry himself. IMHO, Barry is finally comfortable as a singer and it is a delight to listen to! So much so that he is playing with the phrasing and approach to his standards, which may account for some comments about the notes being off ... not. Also the recording issues affected this quite a bit too, mic placement, staging, acoustics of the venue, et al which show especially on the first disc. I am looking forward to see what comes out of the concert on June 5th.Barry ... take care of yourself, as Britany and Jimmy demonstrate, there is a WHOLE NEW GENERATION that needs you to help them "Make It Through The Rain" just like you did their parents. Besides what audience out there would know the words to My Country Tis of Thee?????Thank You Barry for everything!
Carla"

Maybe his best album yet!

derek getz | new york | 04/07/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"2 Nights Live! is simply a great record. Over two hours of music and 41 songs, all performed LIVE. If you've ever been to one of his shows, you know the power, heart and soul that Barry puts into all his performances. Every song on this 2-CD set is masterfully done. This album is worth owning just for the 6 previously unreleased songs, such as "Forever and a Day", which are rarely ever performed and usually reserved for his concert tour catalog. If you are looking for mainstream Barry Manilow, though, you will not be disappointed-- the LIVE versions of classics like "Mandy" and "Weekend in New England" on these disks are some of the best recordings of the songs I've heard. If you thought he sounded good on tape, wait until you hear him LIVE! Enjoy!"

This CD(s) Will WOW You!

derek getz | 04/09/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I hated Barry (his music anyway) until I heard this set! I never understood what my wife saw in Mr. Manilow until yesterday when she brought home 2 Nights Live! What can I say? I never knew Barry was just such an ubelievable performer when he puts on a show. As a huge Sinatra fan, I always looked down upon Barry, but I see him in a completely different light now. His phrasing is as good these days as Sinatra's was. I think this is the type of thing that comes with age and years of performing the same material. There were also many new songs on this set and the songs from Harmony especially were highly impressive. I never thought Barry had it in him. Boy was I wrong! I may have to check out one of his concerts next time he comes around! Please, all you anti-Manilows, drop all your pre-conceived notions and give this a chance. I trust you'll be extremely impressed!"

The Ultimate Showman excels himself - again!!

Lisa Wilkinson | United Kingdom | 04/21/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Yes I am a Barry fan, no, I don't write good reviews just for the sake of it.I have waited a long time for this cd and now that I have finally listened to it all I can say is - WOW! Barry, you have excelled yourself, again. If you have never heard Barry Manilow live then you have never heard Barry Manilow.The emotion that he now puts into his songs makes them more than a good song to me - there are not many performers around who can convey a message in this way.I think his voice has changed slightly over the years but not for the worse. As a performer he just gets better and better. The orchestration on this cd is fantastic and I think this is the best live album he has ever done. But don't take my word for it, go and listen and listen to it for yourself, you won't be disappointed."

An amazing performance

Jerry McDaniel | 04/11/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"i do believe that this CD tops his legendary 1977 "Live" album and his 1990 "Broadway" CD. i was stunned that Barry included some long forgotten{?} songs in this concert. "Who's Been Sleeping In My Bed" and "Sweet Heaven I'm in Love Again" are the two in particular. i was also blown away by the kids who sung "Can't Smile Without You" with Barry...and so was Barry! he asked them their ages: one 9 and one 7 i think. their names were Britney and Jimmy...what prompted all the goings-on during this song was Barry's hoarse throat, commenting to the audience: "maybe all of you can sing this song better than me??" and he stopped singing and let the audience join in and then he called the two kids out of the audience and was blown away that they said they knew the words to a song from 1978...years before they were born! their mother came up later on and it turned into a cute give and take between Barry and the three fans. Songs from "Here at the Mayflower" and his huge play 'Harmony' were sprinkled in with his legendary pop and AC hits. He dedicated "The Best of Me" to his fans, which he's often said contained the words he couldn't find to say. the CD opens up with a unique backstage type feel as we hear Barry and his people talking among themselves as he makes his way to the stage. "I Made It Through the Rain", which was popularly known as an inspirational song {it was a huge AC hit in 1981} has a slightly different meaning all these years later. from my perspective, the song still sounds inspirational but during the final singing of the chorus, Barry replaces the "I" with "We Made it Through the Rain" and this way it sounds like a tribute to us fans for having the stamina to stand strong against all the harsh critics and cruel remarks over the years. and certainly, being a Manilow fan, i love it when he sings "We made it through the rain, we kept OUR world protected"; because we're certainly in another world when we listen or watch him perform. the melody of "Could It Be Magic" was often heard but the song, ironically, was never performed. "Even Now" was outstanding! "I Write the Songs" was still wonderful and yes, even though i listened to a CD i could FEEL the audience swaying to the chorus. "Tryin' To Get the Feeling Again" and "Weekend In New England" were amazing and he nailed every one of those trademark big finishes! this is how a live CD is suppose to sound...complete with Barry's down-home banter with the crowd...making a person feel like they're right there with everyone else. this CD became a Top-10 in the UK, his first Top-10 album there since 1982!"

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