Search - Keely Smith, Louis Prima :: Twist with Keely Smith/Doin' the Twist

Separation

12/08/1998

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This danceable CD is a re-issue from Jasmine Records from 1962. Orignally released as two separate LP's on Dot Records, these two albums feature Keely backed by H.B. Barnum and his Combo and Louis with Sam and the Witnesses. These albums are from the period shortly after their divorce and Louis' return to Capitol Records. Keely does well on her own, and the band behind her serves better than Nelson Riddle or Billy May strictly for the type of music she's singing. Her voice sounds particularly young and delectable, as she sings some very familiar songs such as "Let's Twist Again," "The Twist," and "Shout!" These songs are all fun, but short, and not typical of Keely. Louis, Sam and the boys tear into some of the same songs, but Louis also does a vocal version of "The Glow-Worm" and "Route 66." It comes as no surprise that Irving Berlin's "Marie" is almost unrecognizable with the exception of the lyrics.. but as always, Louis works his charm, and does just fine without Keely. If you dig the band and are a collector, this CD is for you. The same goes for folks who are looking to twist. But if you're looking for quality music, check out some of the other Dot and Capitol Records."

For Completists Only

01/01/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Louis and Keely made beautiful music together and occasionally separately, but here the estranged couple gets entangled in alot of uninspired trendy stuff. Louis' set is far superior, with a New Orleans flavor added to the "twistin'" motifs. "Alright, Okay, You Win" could never be unsuccessful, nor "Marie", and "The Continental Walk" might even provoke a smile from ol' Henry Ballard himself. Unfortunately the sensual stylist Keely Smith doesn't stand a chance because of pedestrian arranging and producing. Although she is given a proper voice level, the band is too far back - typical of the period. The mistake was to bring Keely to the Twist, instead of bringing the Twist to Keely. If you heard the CD, you'd know what I mean."