Search - Marlene Dietrich :: Cosmopolitan Marlene Deitrich

For all you rock 'n' roll and gangsta rap fans

TUCO H. | Los Angeles, CA | 08/09/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I hate most old time Hollywood singers and jazz standards of any kind but Dietrich is a special case. She totally transcends all categories. She is the ultimate 'romantic' singer, in the sense that there isn't a trace of mawkishness to be found in her personality. You can play a classic Dietrich song like 'Time on my Hands' after anything anybody else plays and thinks is hip and it will always be hipper. That groovy, surreal German voice; that allure of the total woman; that mystery and glamour; that andorgyny and instant 'noir.' Dietrich can pull more emotion and pain out of a song just by talking through most it than others can singing in 4 octaves."

A surprisingly very good vocal CD.

TUCO H. | 06/08/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From Dietrich's 30's movies, you wouldn't expect her to sing as well as she does on this CD, compiled from her 50's studio sessions for Columbia. Informitive liner notes by author of "Jazz Singing" Will Friedwald, are a definite plus, and lot's of glamorous photos inside. Dietrich sounds best singing in german, highlights are German versions of American jazz standards "Time On My Hands," "Surrey With The Fringe On Top," and "Lili Marlene." Another gem is the duet with young Rosemary Clooney "Good For Nothing." And in English Dietrich sings the difinitive version of "No Love, No Nothin'" If you want sultry vocals, and want to hear the under-rated Dietrich really sing, try this CD, she might shock you with her vocal abilities, on this CD she really can sing, and very well. Don't judge her as a vocalist till you've heard this. Recommended"

German songs : English songs 5:0

Sasha | at sea...sailing somewhere | 01/05/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a third Marlene Dietrich CD in my collection and its the best one.Never before I imagined how good she sounds singing in german - knowing her singing only from USA records mid 40-ies, mostly bland ballads of the day, I thought that she was interesting cabaret performer but this collection proves that lady had a special magic!No less than famous author Will Friewald ("Jazz singers") has written text which noticed how relaxed she sounded when singing german lyrics.On these songs, mostly german "covers" of jazz ballads and some obscure songs she showed all the shades and understanding of painting the song with words, transforming otherwise boring "Mean To Me" into seductive siren song.After too-short set of german songs had finished,CD continues with a set from 1952. where she sings on english.With exception of "Falling In Love again" and "La Vie En Rose" (beautiful songs sung with understanding and feelings)these are weaker point of compilation - I never heard a worst version of "Come Rain Or Come Shine" and her duets with Rosemary Clooney are all embarrasing now.The collected work of great Marlene Dietrich should be presented in a chronological set box, not in a hurried and irrational way as its on a market now.Many of her CD's dont have any chronological sence.In my opinion the magic of her music work can be fully enjoyed only through her performances on german language.This CD also led me naturally to discovere Lotte Lenya nd Ute Lemper, what a pity that Marlene never recorded songs by Kurt Weil, she could been perfect for that demonic cabaret songs!"