An amazing CD to showcase an amazing artist.
Jason A. Sholar | Taylor, MI USA | 10/09/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As a serious collector of Dorothy Shay memorabilia it is no surprise I ordered this CD just two days after its release. The collection of songs is truly amazing. This compliments "The Park Avenue Hillbillie Sings Feudin' & Fightin'" so well, as there is only one song that appears on both. The clarity of these recording is phenomenal, as there is practically no trace background sounds. This is a great collection that everyone can enjoy. Dorothy's witty songs, such as Mr. Sears And Mr. Roebuck, Mr. Berlitz, and Television's Tough On Love, have a sense of humor that just keeps you smiling. This CD is one to be recommended to anyone and everyone."
Fine collection of Dorothy Shay hits
Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 08/10/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Dorothy Shay had a voice that was clear as a bell; and when she sang you knew she poured her heart and soul into her songs. Yes, she leaned toward country music; but it seems on this CD that many of her country songs also had a silly quality to them that gently poked fun at more traditional country tunes. We also get some songs from the 1950s when Dorothy performed songs from shows and movies.
The CD track set begins with "Two-Gun Harry From Tucumcari." Dorothy swings gently as she sings out this number with great style. Dorothy sings of the man she loves and wants to marry, Two-Gun Harry. Cool! The musical arrangement makes good use of the horns, too. "Feudin' And Fightin'" pokes fun at countryside families that can't wait to kill each other off; the upbeat melody goes well with the humorous side of this song. Great!
Dorothy Shay sings of a young girl from the country who just can't get by in school with the song "Finishing School Was The Finish Of Me." The lyrics tell the story of how the "snooty girls" hated this country gal because of her apparently not too sophisticated ways. The arrangement makes great use of the horns and the percussion adds to the number, too. "Mr. Sears and Mr. Roebuck" gives us more humor as Dorothy sings of how she wants the male model pictured in the Sears catalog instead of the stove! "Mr. Sears and Mr. Roebuck" is a number that you will enjoy very, very much.
"Mr. Berlitz" details the story of a country girl who goes to Paris after studying French at Berlitz; and the events during her trip will make you laugh! The relentlessly upbeat melody works well for "Mr. Berlitz," too. Dorothy also performs two songs from the movie entitled Gentlemen Prefer Blondes: we get "A Little Girl From Little Rock" and the memorable "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend." "Television's Tough On Love" tells the story of a woman who feels her husband is cheating on her--with their television! "Television's Tough On Love" has a great arrangement for piano, too.
"A Little Western Town Called Beverly Hills" pokes fun at the "simplicity" of the people who live in Beverly Hills; and the piano shines on "A Little Western Town Called Beverly Hills!"
Later on in her career, Dorothy sang some tunes from Broadway shows and movies. "You Can't Get A Man With A Gun" comes from Annie Get Your Gun; and Dorothy delivers this Irving Berlin number with panache and confidence. Great! "Doin' What Comes Naturally" also comes from Annie Get Your Gun and Dorothy aces this effortlessly. Excellent!
The liner notes have great photos of Dorothy; and Tony Middleton contributes an essay about Dorothy and her career. You get the song credits and recording dates, too. The lyrics aren't there but you'll never need them--Dorothy sings so well and her diction is so excellent that you'll never have any trouble figuring out what she's singing!
Overall, Dorothy Shay made fine contributions to the arts that do not receive the full recognition that they deserve. I hope that this changes soon! I recommend this CD for fans of Dorothy Shay; and people who enjoy country tunes from the 1940s and 1950s will cherish this album for ages to come.
Enjoy!
"
Track Listings (28) - Disc #1