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If so, that foretaste may not lead to listeners dipping deeper into the Perry Como collection. At times the quality is so poor that the recordings more closely resemble early 20's-30's 78's.
If the original masters were that bad, it's tragic for Mr. The album was produced by Paul Williams for House of Hits Productions, according to the jewelcase cover, with audio restoration by Bill Lacey.
Other reviewers have touched on my misgivings with the selections put into this collection. The arrangements border on trite or downright silly, and the audio quality, with a few exceptions ("Catch a Falling Star," "Round and Round" aren't bad) is distressingly inferior.
Como, his family & descendants. Perhaps the RCA/BMG managers of this asset imagine that listeners new to Perry Como will start here based solely on this collection's title.
Como's voice deserves/deserved better.
She's been playing it all the time and loves it. My wife wanted the song "More" and we found it on this 2-disk set.
"For The Good Times" is yet another fine number that Perry infuses with so much grace and style it actually stuns me with its beauty; and this makes a great ending for the two CD set.Perry Como was one of the best crooners ever; and this two CD set shows us why. "Catch A Falling Star" shines like silver and gold when Perry sings this; and "Papa Loves Mambo" is another tune Perry did to please his adoring audiences. Perry never misses a note and the arrangement is very beautiful. "Temptation" is another ballad that shines equally bright when Perry delivers this so flawlessly--how impressive.
"Patricia" is also a remarkably beautiful ballad. Perry Como: Greatest Hits is a fabulous two CD set that is worth every penny you'll spend on it. This is a must-have for Perry Como fans; and people who like classic pop vocals and even the "oldies" will want this, too. Just one listen proves it. In addition, "I'm Gonna Love That Gal (Like She's Never Been Loved Before)" is one of my very favorite Perry Como songs; the big band arrangement enhances the natural beauty of this tune and Perry makes this a masterpiece in his capable hands. "Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes" picks up the tempo quite a bit for this upbeat ballad that belies the anxiety Perry's character feels as he leaves and hopes his sweetheart will be faithful to him until he returns to her.The second CD continues the hits.
"I'm Always Chasing Rainbows" is yet another highlight of this set; Perry croons this with all his heart and soul. Perry never sounded better--and the sound quality is excellent. Great. The melody is very pretty. "Wanted" is a stunning ballad that I always enjoy; Perry never misses a note. "If" is another huge Perry Como hit; and the strings that accompany him make this a most charming ballad. Wow."(There's No Place Like) Home For The Holidays" is one of the best Christmastime numbers ever recorded by any artist; and listen for "It's Impossible." "It's Impossible" was recorded in Perry's later years but he sounds so great you'd never know it.
The artwork is very nicely done, too. "When You Were Sweet Sixteen" has Perry singing an old fashioned ballad--but when he sings this, it truly sounds fresh and new. "Hoop-Dee-Doo" is polka music that is really very beautiful. "Prisoner Of Love" is a charming ballad from Perry's earlier years in show business; and his voice is strong and full of masculine warmth. "Maybe" has Perry doing a fine duet with the great Eddie Fisher; together these tow men harmonize wonderfully and it all works very well. Similarly, "Some Enchanted Evening," from South Pacific, never sounded so beautiful as when Perry Como delivers this to perfection--and beyond. It amazes me whenever I hear this ballad. I love it.
The sound does seem to grow on a person. Other songs like "Tina-Marie" are quite "rockin" and other tunes like "Papa Loves Mambo" are alot of fun. Even if you are not a Perry Como enthusiast, I think this CD may change your opinion. During the years when I was growing up, Perry Como records were confined to the easy listening section. What gets me is the feeling of effortlessness. But this collection proves that Perry or "Mr.C" could swing and also sing with a feeling of color, warmth and even jazziness. It was music that your grandmother might listen to. Songs like "Wanted" are smooth and pure.
Growing up with Perry Como's music, this was a great find to bring back those wonderful days of innocence.
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