Search - Patsy Cline :: Sentimentally Yours

CD almost hits the mark

Bliggick | Vancouver | 08/08/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"First of all let me say this album is a country classic, the last of only 4 albums released in Patsy's lifetime, in 1962. The album leads off with her then-current hit single "She's Got You", a definate Cline classic. What would have been the lead-off single on the side 2 of the original record album is "Strange" a song that should have been a bigger hit, with it's timely Orbison-like quality. The album ends with the haunting "Lonely Street" a last nod to the Four Star Records writing crew. What's left is 3 Hank Williams covers that are done with sophistication yet respect to the original compositions, and 6 other covers of pop classics from different eras all of which you could argue are better than the original with Patsy Cline, legendary Nashville producer Owen Bradley plus the famous Nashville A-Team studio band featuring the likes of Grady Martin, Floyd Cramer, Bob Moore, Buddy Harmon, Harold Bradley and vocal quartet The Jordanaires all at the peak of their powers. Patsy Cline's transition to pop seems assured with this release. I would give this original re-release 5 stars but why, oh why did MCA release this CD only in mono? This record was definately available in stereo in 1962 and this early 60's stereo is almost half the fun. When you listen to Patsy Cline's Decca stereo recordings on headphones for a while you can hear conventions in placement of instruments in the stereo field -Bob Moore's acoustic bass is always on the right, Harold Bradley clicky, trebly picked electric bass is always on the left, etc. All vocals and instruments were recorded live in the studio and that is part of the magic of these recordings. With the consistent placing of instruments in the stereo field what happens after a while is you get the illusion you're listening to a concert in the studio and this adds to the appeal of these recordings. If you get the excellent MCA Box Set "The Patsy Cline Collection" you can experience these recordings as they were meant to be heard -in (((((((((stereo))))))))))"

Sentimentally Yours

Bliggick | 10/24/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A true country classic, Patsy Cline's most memorable work has been artfully preserved on compact disc for a new generation of listeners. As the title suggests, Patsy's one-of-a-kind, sultry vocals will transfer you to a tender dimension of emotion that will gently massage your romantic heart of hearts. Treat yourself to an era gone by, but one worth repeating. Hear Patsy's rendition of the hit song, "Crazy", recently recorded by one of today's most popular "country" stars. Once you've experienced this treasure, you'll likely agree that "She's Got You", too."

A Classic

popmusicfan | northeastern Ohio | 01/08/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sentimentally Yours is by all accounts a classic -- not only of American country music of the early 1960s, but also of the middle-of-the-road pop music of the same era. In fact, Patsy Cline, straddled the lines between country and pop better than perhaps any other singer (although some Jim Reeves fans might disagree). It is a shame that this album is becoming increasingly difficult literally to "get your hands on"; however, the digital download from Amazon is great! I applaud Amazon for the download utility that they provide and for making classic albums such as Sentimentally Yours available even as vinyl and CD copies disappear. Numerous later female country singers have singled out Patsy Cline as a major influence, and this particular album shows just why she had the impact she did, even in a short career. She sounds convincing and honest, but never overworks the selling of a song. Add to that the fact that the top shelf backing vocalists and instrumentalists are in fine form, and you have one early 1960s country album that is a "must have." The album is not without flaws. In particular, producer Owen Bradley did not include consistent arrangements throughout. Particularly unfortunate are the abrupt shifts to a studio string section that appears from time to time out of nowhere (the problem is that there is not enough integration in the orchestrations), and the campfire-style harmonica that seems out of place in what is otherwise a very sophisticated setting. These, however, are fairly minor flaws, and generally don't detract from Cline's fine performance."