Judy's front and center--and that's more than just all right
Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 01/13/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Love Songs is an exquisite album by the world's greatest entertainer, Judy Garland. Judy could take a song, give blood and infuse into the song with so much passion, tenderness or energy that it instantly became memorable--and her own. The quality of the sound is quite good; and the artwork reflects good judgment. In addition, these songs were recorded when Judy was doing her weekly television show on CBS; therefore we get audience applause and more on these tracks.
"From This Moment On" begins the CD with audience applause and a fine musical introduction. When Judy comes in this number truly takes flight; and the drums enhance the beauty of this number even more--I love it! Judy sounds wonderful and she never sings a superfluous note, either. Then we get "That's All" which also opens with audience applause and a charming choir harmonizing beautifully. Judy sins this with panache and I think "That's All" is a major highlight of this album. Similarly, "The Nearness Of You" features Judy squarely front and center--right where she belongs! "The Nearness Of You" is an enduring love song that Judy makes all her own with her impeccable timing; Judy handles the subtle tempo changes like the pro she always was.
Listen also for a spirited medley of "Almost Like Being I Love / This Can't Be Love." The television audience clearly enjoys every moment of this performance and Judy sings this with all her heart and soul--she belts it out well, too! Similarly, "I Can't Give You Anything But Love (Baby)" has Judy starting with the opening lyrics and when she goes into the main portion of this ballad "I Can't Give You Anything But Love (Baby)" simply never sounded better. Judy truly delivers this better than anyone else I've ever heard sing it.
"Island In The West Indies" has great percussion; and the musical arrangement complements Judy's vocals perfectly. Judy again handles tempo changes seemingly effortlessly. We know it wasn't really all that effortless--but Judy could do it so gracefully she always made the tough stuff look easy. "Do It Again" is another gem on this CD; it's really a highlight of the track set and that's grand. "Do It Again" places Judy right in the spotlight; and that's more than just all right with me! "Do It Again" is a tender love song that Judy puts her own stamp on using her excellent diction and her ability to deliver a song with a unique sensitivity that I simply never hear in other singers.
"I Wish You Love" shines bright; and the CD ends strong with Judy Garland performing a fine rendition of "Come Rain or Come Shine." The percussion enhances the natural beauty of this number and it leaves you begging for more!
Judy's fans will be charmed by this "must-have" CD; and this is also a great starter CD for people who want to hear just how great the incomparable Judy Garland was in the 1960s when she was a very seasoned professional artist. This album is also great for people who enjoy classic pop vocals.
Thank you, Judy! We will never forget you!!!
"
Nice job
California Greg | USA | 02/25/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Once again, the folks at Savoy have taken audio tracks from Judy Garland's 1963/1964 television series and put them together in a nice package that plays like a mini-concert.
They do a fine job mixing the levels and the liner notes by Garland expert John Fricke are always top notch.
The TV series has provided us with a treasure trove of Garland interpretations of many different songs that she never recorded in the studio or sang live before (or after). She was in good voice for most of the run of the series and Savoy has done an excellent job at packaging this material."
The best
Joy Stuart | New York/LA | 05/03/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am privileged to have been in the studio audience for several of the tapings of "The Judy Garland Show." She proved then, and now on this glorious CD, to totally live up to her reputation as the best entertainer that ever lived, for all time. There's no one who even comes close in talent, beauty, emotion and most of all the giving of herself completely to her audience. The whole CD, but especially track 11, "I Wish You Love," gives me chills every time I listen to it. Buy it NOW."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1