OH, JOHNNY.....(sigh)
Mary T. Avakian | San Diego, CA USA | 09/17/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Johnny Crawford was my one and only true love when I was a young girl. Johnny was 'The Star' of the weekly TV show "The Rifleman". I planned my week around this and counted the minutes until it was on. Johnny was adorable and I loved him so. The (official)Johnny Crawford Fan Club was advertised in my "16 Magazine" and I saved every penny of my babysitting money and "sent away". I was officially, and I suppose still am, a "Member in Good Standing" of Johnny's Fan Club. When Johnny recorded a record album, "A Young Man's Fancy," I thought it was too good to be true. I borrowed the $3.98 (plus tax) from my mother and ran to the local record store that very day! Oh, the endless hours I spent listening to Johnny sing (to me.) Since then, Johnny has relocated into a box in the garage and keeps company with my other priceless, favorite items from days gone by. Worn, warped and scratched, I wouldn't part with it for anything. Johnny's record is now a CD in my collection. A nostalgic smile has replaced the swoon, and, OK, it's a little corny, but it was no surprise; I am STILL in love with you, Johnny."
Awesome CD
Mary T. Avakian | 11/20/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I bought this CD the other day, and I must admit it sounds really good. It doesn't sound dumb or like "old-person" music. And believe me, I'm a tough critic, even for a kid. I've even memorized some of the songs. Take my word, you need to get this CD."
This is anything but elevator music !!!
Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 01/02/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Johnny Crawford enjoyed great success with this album when it was released on vinyl LP; and it's back again--fortunately--on CD for us to enjoy in our times.
"Cindy's Birthday" has a great arrangement and Johnny croons this beautifully. Johnny never misses a note and the lush musical interlude enhances the number. "Sittin' And A Watchin'" has a great early rock and roll feeling to it as Johnny sings this sweetly; I predict that you will enjoy "Sittin' And A Watchin'" very much.
Moreover, listen for "Debbie;" Johnny sings this with heart and soul; and I really like this song. The guitars and strings play wonderfully on "Debbie," too.
"Something Special" is a song that seems tailor made for Johnny Crawford; he performs this with panache and soul. "I'm Walkin'" gets a fine treatment, too. Love that horn solo!
Johnny performs "Mr. Blue" very beautifully; and he never sings a superfluous note. "In The Wee Small Hours" showcases Johnny's ability to sing a classic torch song along with the best of them; and "Moon River" charms me because it's so perfectly beautiful. The strings and percussion on "Moon River" bolster Johnny's fine performance.
The album ends on an excellent note (no pun intended) with Johnny singing "Young At Heart." "Young At Heart" gets a very slightly slower tempo than when Frank Sinatra sang it; but Johnny proves he can take this ballad and place his own stamp on his with a fine interpretation.
Johnny Crawford may not get the recognition that he still deserves; but don't let that fool you into passing over this fine album. I recommend this album for people who enjoy classic pop vocals and it's a great starter CD for people who are new to Johnny Crawford's grand style of entertaining.
"
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1