Customer Reviews

2 Nights Live

5 star:		(47)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A few words of advice for the audiophile ... don't EVER buy a live recording and expect great audio quality, there are so many variables that it is a major production nightmare. You buy a live recording for the EMOTION, PASSION, ENERGY, and EXCHANGE WITH THE AUDIENCE ... FOR WHICH BARRY ALWAYS DELIVERS!!
This is why I gave it 5 stars.

As someone who has appreciated Barry's talent and gift since 1973, I was concerned with some comments made about his voice, especially in light of recent health concerns. I have listened to the CD both on speakers and with headphones and as someone who has done live vocal performances I can assure you BARRY'S VOICE IS GREAT! Check out "Time in New England"! Trust me it has got to be there to be able to hold notes like that. I think that the comments about his voice mellowing have more to do with Barry himself. IMHO, Barry is finally comfortable as a singer and it is a delight to listen to! So much so that he is playing with the phrasing and approach to his standards, which may account for some comments about the notes being off ... not. Also the recording issues affected this quite a bit too, mic placement, staging, acoustics of the venue, et al which show especially on the first disc. I am looking forward to see what comes out of the concert on June 5th.

Barry ... take care of yourself, as Britany and Jimmy demonstrate, there is a WHOLE NEW GENERATION that needs you to help them "Make It Through The Rain" just like you did their parents. Besides what audience out there would know the words to My Country Tis of Thee?????

Thank You Barry for everything!
Carla

2 Nights Live! is simply a great record. Over two hours of music and 41 songs, all performed LIVE. If you've ever been to one of his shows, you know the power, heart and soul that Barry puts into all his performances. Every song on this 2-CD set is masterfully done. This album is worth owning just for the 6 previously unreleased songs, such as "Forever and a Day", which are rarely ever performed and usually reserved for his concert tour catalog. If you are looking for mainstream Barry Manilow, though, you will not be disappointed-- the LIVE versions of classics like "Mandy" and "Weekend in New England" on these disks are some of the best recordings of the songs I've heard. If you thought he sounded good on tape, wait until you hear him LIVE! Enjoy!

I hated Barry (his music anyway) until I heard this set! I never understood what my wife saw in Mr. Manilow until yesterday when she brought home 2 Nights Live! What can I say? I never knew Barry was just such an ubelievable performer when he puts on a show. As a huge Sinatra fan, I always looked down upon Barry, but I see him in a completely different light now. His phrasing is as good these days as Sinatra's was. I think this is the type of thing that comes with age and years of performing the same material. There were also many new songs on this set and the songs from Harmony especially were highly impressive. I never thought Barry had it in him. Boy was I wrong! I may have to check out one of his concerts next time he comes around! Please, all you anti-Manilows, drop all your pre-conceived notions and give this a chance. I trust you'll be extremely impressed!

Yes I am a Barry fan, no, I don't write good reviews just for the sake of it.

I have waited a long time for this cd and now that I have finally listened to it all I can say is - WOW! Barry, you have excelled yourself, again.

If you have never heard Barry Manilow live then you have never heard Barry Manilow.

The emotion that he now puts into his songs makes them more than a good song to me - there are not many performers around who can convey a message in this way.

I think his voice has changed slightly over the years but not for the worse. As a performer he just gets better and better. The orchestration on this cd is fantastic and I think this is the best live album he has ever done.

But don't take my word for it, go and listen and listen to it for yourself, you won't be disappointed.

i do believe that this CD tops his legendary 1977 "Live" album and his 1990 "Broadway" CD. i was stunned that Barry included some long forgotten{?} songs in this concert. "Who's Been Sleeping In My Bed" and "Sweet Heaven I'm in Love Again" are the two in particular. i was also blown away by the kids who sung "Can't Smile Without You" with Barry...and so was Barry! he asked them their ages: one 9 and one 7 i think. their names were Britney and Jimmy...what prompted all the goings-on during this song was Barry's hoarse throat, commenting to the audience: "maybe all of you can sing this song better than me??" and he stopped singing and let the audience join in and then he called the two kids out of the audience and was blown away that they said they knew the words to a song from 1978...years before they were born! their mother came up later on and it turned into a cute give and take between Barry and the three fans. Songs from "Here at the Mayflower" and his huge play 'Harmony' were sprinkled in with his legendary pop and AC hits. He dedicated "The Best of Me" to his fans, which he's often said contained the words he couldn't find to say. the CD opens up with a unique backstage type feel as we hear Barry and his people talking among themselves as he makes his way to the stage. "I Made It Through the Rain", which was popularly known as an inspirational song {it was a huge AC hit in 1981} has a slightly different meaning all these years later. from my perspective, the song still sounds inspirational but during the final singing of the chorus, Barry replaces the "I" with "We Made it Through the Rain" and this way it sounds like a tribute to us fans for having the stamina to stand strong against all the harsh critics and cruel remarks over the years. and certainly, being a Manilow fan, i love it when he sings "We made it through the rain, we kept OUR world protected"; because we're certainly in another world when we listen or watch him perform. the melody of "Could It Be Magic" was often heard but the song, ironically, was never performed. "Even Now" was outstanding! "I Write the Songs" was still wonderful and yes, even though i listened to a CD i could FEEL the audience swaying to the chorus. "Tryin' To Get the Feeling Again" and "Weekend In New England" were amazing and he nailed every one of those trademark big finishes! this is how a live CD is suppose to sound...complete with Barry's down-home banter with the crowd...making a person feel like they're right there with everyone else. this CD became a Top-10 in the UK, his first Top-10 album there since 1982!

Fans of Barry Manilow will tell you that there's nothing like seeing the man live. And after listening to 2 Nights Live! it's no wonder they say that. There are not words to describe how unbelievable this album is. I think you'll be both shocked and amazed at how pumped up Barry's music is in concert. It's clear that Barry has spent years polishing his act and this is evidence of that. From the minute he takes to the stage, the audience is at his command. He really works the crowd and you can feel the connection between him and the fans both during the music and the dialogue. It's worth the money just for the 6 new songs. If you're used to the Barry on the Ultimate Manilow CD and from back in the 70s wait until you hear the title track from his forthcoming musical called "Harmony" and a song called "Every Single Day," also from that show. If you've ever gone through a loss in your life, you will just melt during You're There... and the very hopeful last track from night one, "We Live on Borrowed Time," is a very hopeful song to which anyone can resonate. On Night Two, Barry makes one of those spectacular show-biz entrances backed by powerful horn section playing a fanfare and shoots into a new song from Here at the Mayflower called "I'm Comin' Back." This starts the show of at high energy because of the infectious groove of the song. There's even a Sinatra song on this disc that wasn't on Manilow Sings Sinatra... That's Life. New York City Rhythm features a jazzy piano solo not found on the original. Night Two ends with one of the most moving and powerful songs from any performer... Forever and a Day. It's almost like Barry's "Thank you" song to the fans and it has a big exciting ending that will just blow you away.

If there's better music out there, let me know. Because I'm convinced I've found the cream of the crop with 2 Nights Live!

This 2 cd set is a must have for any Manilow fan. I was at these shows and hearing these cd's brought me right back to those incredible couple of hours. If you own Ultimate Manilow, this would be a great companion. Barry's live performances of his works are bar none, the best. You will not be disappointed with this purchase.

If you thought Barry's first live concert album in 1977 was a phenonmenal success, his 4th live double CD; "2 Nights Live" is sensational. For everyone of us that have seen Barry perform live know indeed he is a true showman, a one man tour de force. Going to a Manilow concert is one of the most exciting experiences for any true music lover. Listening to this new double CD will bring back many of those wonderful memories from his most recent tour for all of us to enjoy.
All of his classic hit songs plus live recordings of material only performed live on video tapes and DVDs or on television previously make this a true musical joy. It's as if you can turn your den or bedroom into your very own concert arena anytime you want, and that's the feeling you want to sense while listening to "2NL".
Two great songs from Barry's forthcoming musical; "Harmony", give us the thrill of seeing a Broadway musical being played out before our eyes. Superb standouts indeed!
"Let Freedom Ring"; a patriotic masterpiece. Even more so in the last few years. Though people have been talking about wanting a new national anthem, this song should be considered strongly. Makes you feel so blessed to be an American.
"That's Life"- very upbeat, positive & joyful. Barry's version of this Sinatra classic is a winner.
"You're There" & "Forever and a Day"- 2 sweet, warm tributes to all of us Fanilows or Maniloonies. Excellent new standards!
The classic favorites we've all known and loved, plus new songs from "Here At The Mayflower" make "2NL" a fantastic addition to your Manilow collection & is one of the best live concert CDs ever.
Cudos to Barry's 15 musicians conducted by vocalist/musician Steve Welch. Making 15 sound like 30 or 40 is delightful to the ears. Bravo! Bravo to you all! Combine that with some audio technical wizardy by Tom Davis, who co-produced the CD with Barry and you've got an "Ultimate" experience.
Yet, the greatest cudos goes to Barry Manilow himself. Another superb performance to add to the many he's had over the years. You can hear the joy and passion as he sings these songs live & the crowds as they cheer and join in with Barry singing some of these songs. Take a look through the 24-page booklet in the CD jacket. Barry's performance photos are fantastic & if you're a sucker for fashion, so are the suits. Proving again that Barry Manilow is a real gentleman to the core in every way.
Indeed, "2NL" is 1 fantastic CD!

I BOUGHT THIS CD SET AND I REALLY LIKE IT. HAVEN'T STOPPED LISTENING TO IT SINCE I RECEIVED IT. HAS TO BE ONE OF BARRY MANILOW'S BEST TO DATE.

I bought the CD and listened to it on my way home to Washington from NY. It is great. It is a combination of his greatest hits. A couple of songs from his Mayflower Album, and a couple of songs from his show "harmoney". Plus some dialogue. I love the kids who sing Can't Smile w/o you. If you are a Barry lover, run and get this album.