Search - Fred Astaire :: Let's Face the Music & Dance

A True Song-and-Dance Man

hoegerbooks | Santa Clara, CA USA | 10/12/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Fred Astaire is simply the greatest song-and-dance man the world has ever known. Why? Because he could do both very, very well. Fred is, of course, known primarily as a dancer, and it's unfortunate that not enough is said about his singing. Let's Face the Music & Dance is a wonderful way to introduce the vocal talents of Fred Astaire to those who've never heard his performances. It contains many of the songs that we immediately associate with Fred Astaire, such as "Cheek to Cheek," "A Foggy Day," and "Change Partners" -- songs he introduced in his musical films.Now, Astaire is not Crosby, nor is he Sinatra, but one thing he has mastered that the other singers haven't is the way he "sold a song." There is such tender persuasiveness as he handles the lyrics some songwriters, such as Gershwin, Berlin, and Kern, wrote especially for him. Astaire sings directly to the listener's heart, another talent which made him the legend he know him as today. In a word, he is simply untouchable."

An excellent way to spend seven bucks

hoegerbooks | 04/26/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I almost didn't buy this CD because the price was so low--I thought there might be something dreadfully wrong with the quality but--surprise!--it has a nice, clear sound.Early Astaire is well represented here. While he didn't possess the most golden pipes of his time, there is something really enjoyable about his approach to a song that makes his music enduring (and endearing). Astaire's delivery is bright, relaxed and friendly--he sounds like he's having more fun than a body's got a right to. Maybe because of his dance skills, he has such nice phrasing and rhythm. On many of the cuts his wonderful taps are included adding an exuberant instrumental effect."

Great Nostalgia

Gerald Goldner | seal beach, ca USA | 02/22/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Undoubtedly the best collection of Fred Astaire favorites. Let's face it, Mr Astaire would not beat out Frank Sinatra or Tony Bennet in a favorite singer poll, BUT - what exuberance and sparkle in these terrific oldies. Some of tin pan alleys best songwriters chose Fred Astaire to introduce their songs. Reason - attention to the lyric and tempo. No hysterics or ego driven "styling". Close your eyes and listen up. You'll be dancing on air."