Search - Rosemary Clooney :: The Rosemary Clooney Show: Songs from the Classic TV Series

Clooney at her youthful peak

Joel D. Arndt | University Heights, OH USA | 04/10/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The sales rank on this item at Amazon is fairly high at this point and I find it hard to believe no one has written a review for this CD yet, so let me be the first. If you're a fan of Rosemary Clooney, Nelson Riddle or just great songs from the American Songbook this is a great CD. The remastering of the selections sounds wonderful. Even though Michael Feinstein has written a disclaimer regarding the sound quality, it is by and large terrific considering these selections were recorded nearly fifty years ago for the infant medium of television which was considered throwaway at that time. While the prerecordings give a more stilted, less spontaneous and lip-synched look to Ms. Clooney's television series of the time, they are excellent in and of themselves. I agree with Mr. Feinstein that these recordings probably represent the best sounding television recordings of that time.The song selection is top-notch and represents Ms. Clooney's desire to sing classic material. Twenty-six cuts including Moonlight in Vermont, How About You? (with superb vocal support from The Hi-Lo's), I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm, There Will Never Be Another You (a personal favorite that was written originally for the 1942 Sonja Henie epic Iceland), I Can't Believe That You're in Love With Me, Dream, You Make Me Feel So Young, Hey There, Haven't Got a Worry and many, many more. The real surprise here is the superb arrangements of Mr. Riddle's for Clooney's huge silly hits of the early '50's including Botch-A-Me, Mambo Italiano, This Ole House and Come On-A My House. These songs have NEVER sounded so good. Drop the cheesy arrangements (especially the harpsichord), have a stylish arranger such as Riddle come in and these insignificant songs swing lightly and sound better than they ever did or should.I strongly recommend that you pick up this Concord release post haste and add it to your collection. Just sensational! You won't be disappointed."

A GREAT CLOONEY TREASURE CHEST

W. Budris | Rosedale, NY | 05/06/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've been hesitant to purchase this CD outright, but finally did. What was I waiting for? This will probably become my all time favorite Rosie album of her 50s sound, as I've been playing it for two solid days. Her 1956 series was out two years prior to my first appearance in this world. Growing very fond of Rosemary's voice through the years, due to my parents being fans, and annual visits to WHITE CHRISTMAS on TV, I am glad that these series tracks have made it to CD in such great sound. Despite Feinstein's disclaimer, the sound is superb. After hearing Rosie's version of MOONLIGHT IN VERMONT, we now have a definitive version. Nelson Riddle's arrangements are spectacular. These songs in this format are so long overdue for Rosie fans, and I hope it is so successful that a Volume 2 will follow, especially if there were 39 total shows. These 26 tracks may represent the best, but there's gotta be more. As an opening theme was used with TENDERLY, I wonder if there was a closing theme as well? I've only seen varied clips from this show a long time ago, but glad that the songs are now here on CD.
Marvelous!"

A very nice collection

Bruce R. Gilson | Wheaton, MD United States | 06/26/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Many of the songs in this collection are songs which Rosemary Clooney made famous. The versions here are not the ones that charted, but remakes which she did as part of her 1956 TV show --- and all I have to say is that they sound DIFFERENT, but still great! I would normally consider that "not the original version" means "watch out!" but I really liked this CD. If you like Clooney, don't be afraid to get this CD; if you are too young to remember, listen to this to hear what a great voice she had."