ULTIMATE NATURAL HIGH MUSIC
RALPH PETERS | CLOVIS, CA USA | 06/18/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As a fairly recent Peggy convert, I am constantly amazed at the range and quality of her recordings. There simply isn't a genre she didn't successfully conquer, while never losing her individuality and the outstanding musicianship of her albums. This combination of "Things Are Swingin'" and "Jump for Joy" has become a personal favorite simply because it is so infectiously upbeat and charming. When the opening chords of "It's A Wonderful World" kick off the CD, you can literally feel your spirits lifting. Other classic cuts include "Alright, Okay...", "It's Been A Long, Long Time", and "Back in Your Own Backyard". While many of these sides are available on the "Miss Peggy Lee" box set and the "Singles Collection", her individual albums are still worth springing for as they usually follow a theme and work as cohesive units rather than jump cuts. This 2 for 1 set is a great value; the sound remastering is excellent and fully recalls that wonderful 50's studio sound that Capitol/EMI is famous for. These albums are truly a great gift from a great musician."
Peggy Lee ~ Things Are Swingin' / Jump For Joy [IMPORT]
ron22845 | Portland, Oregon United States | 05/10/2004
(1 out of 5 stars)
"I am a huge fan of Miss Lee...but, save your money on this CD twofer as they are remastered in MONO. I have enjoyed the vinyl record of "Things Are Swingin'" for years in beautiful, full, rich STEREO. Believe me it was more then disappointing to hear it flattened out in MONO (boring!). EMI/Capitol...what a waste of time & energy, when you could have done it right...in STEREO."
Things ARE swingin' with this grand CD !!!
Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 03/03/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Peggy Lee doesn't miss a beat on this marvelous CD. The CD contains all the tracks from two of Peggy's 1958 record albums entitled Things Are Swingin' and Jump For Joy. Peggy Lee turns out flawless numbers one by one with the help of Jack Marshall, Nelson Riddle and their Orchestras. Peggy's voice is in great form, too!
The track set contains the happiest 24 songs ever packed together on one album. The first twelve tracks are from the LP Things Are Swingin'; and they start off strong and happy with "It's A Wonderful World." The piano intro and the musical arrangement complement Peggy's singing to perfection. "Things Are Swingin'" follows with a great 1950s swing beat; and Peggy sings this with all her heart. Love those horns! Indeed, all of the songs on this CD allow Peggy to express the joys of life and love; and this chanteuse does it all as easily as if it were breathing.
One of Peggy's bigger hits follows: "Alright, Okay, You Win" sparkles with Peggy and the orchestra in total synchronicity. "Alright, Okay, You Win" is an excellent number with a certain sassy accent to the beat that makes you remember it from the very first time you hear it. Great!
Other great songs in the first twelve tracks include the romantic "It's Been A Long Long Time;" "I'm Beginning To See The Light" and "You're Getting To Be A Habit With Me." Sure, many people have heard these songs before; but when Peggy sings them she makes them fresh and new again using her natural talent and charm.
The second twelve tracks on this CD are from the record album "Jump For Joy." The title track kicks off the set. "Jump For Joy" is not only euphoric; it also has an arrangement that somewhat resembles a spiritual song you might hear in a church. "When My Sugar Walks Down The Street" gets the slow tempo treatment and Peggy makes it sweet, romantic and potent.
"I Hear Music" has a great xylophone intro; and "Just In Time" glows as Peggy performs this with great sensitivity to make it as sensual as possible. "Music! Music! Music!" also receives a slower than usual rendition that enhances the romantic lyrics; and the horns add a magnificent brilliance to the arrangement. "Cheek To Cheek" is like watching Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dance their very best on the big screen; Peggy sings this smoothly with an elegant arrangement by Nelson Riddle.
The CD ends with "The Glory Of Love" and "Ain't We Got Fun." "The Glory Of Love" has a big band style arrangement that combined with Peggy's singing makes for an instantly memorable number; and "Ain't We Got Fun" again accentuates the relentless, unrestrained happiness that Peggy explores in all the songs on this CD. Wow!
The liner notes have the original front and back cover art for the record album jackets; and you get the song credits, too.
Peggy Lee possessed the ability to lead her adoring audiences wherever she wanted them to go using her natural charm, warmth and sensitive renditions of great songs and ballads. This CD shows Peggy singing at her best with all the joy in the world coming straight from her heart. I highly recommend this CD for Peggy Lee fans; and people who love classic pop vocals will also want to get this CD.
"
Track Listings (24) - Disc #1
