Search - Petula Clark :: Gift Album

Petula UK image problem explained

Peter Durward Harris | Leicester England | 03/10/2003

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Petula always had an image problem in the UK, having originally been a child actress, and having recorded several lightweight records while in her teens and early tewnties. She moved to France to be able to record the kind of music she wanted to. Downtown and the songs that followed gained her a pop following, but it didn't completely wipe out the past. And of all Petula's early recordings, none explain her image problem better than the four tracks in this package.Originally, two singles were released, at least one of which was for Dr Barnado's Homes charity, but in Australia they were released in a gatefold sleeve containing both singles. This package has been impeccably reproduced for the modern age, with a gatefold sleeve card case containing two CD's, each containing two tracks. The re-mastering is superb, showing a young Petula (about 20 years old) in fine voice.The problem is the songs themselves. I do occasionally listen to children's music, but I like to find music that is done with adults in mind. The music on these tracks is aimed squarely at children. I will listen to this occasionally only because the singer is Petula.If you are a truly committed Petula fan, you will buy this anyway, just as I did. Otherwise, there is no point. If you are looking for children's music, you only get four songs here, so you'd be better to look elsewhere. Leadbelly, Tom T Hall, Pete Seeger and Peter, Paul and Mary have all recorded excellent children's albums with many more songs.I'd give this one star, but the packaging and re-mastering earns it a second."