Customer Reviews

Barry Manilow Live

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I agree with the other reviewers; this is one of Barry's best, so there's nothing more I can add about the performances recorded on it. But having owned the 2 record set for years, I refuse to buy this on CD unless Arista releases the complete concert. In the original album, the song "Beautiful Music" was split into 3 sections; it opened record # 2 and was then reprised two more times throughout the 2nd half of the show. The third time you heard the song was the high-energy closing of the concert. The song doesn't appear at all, now. There were also several orchestral interludes of "Could it Be Magic" while bows were being taken. It's ridiculous that Arista tried to cut corners by editing this classic album so it would fit on one CD, (the only one of Barry's albums to go to number 1 on the Billboard charts, by the way), and I have docked my rating by one star, accordingly.

If you own the 2 LP Album, please be warned that the CD isn't complete. Much missing. I loved the album very much and wore out my copy, so I was psyched to see that this came out on CD. I immediately bought it not even thinking that it wouldn't contain everything the LPs did. That is why I titled this review "Incomplete - Disappointing". Don't get me wrong, though, if you have never heard the LPs, then you won't be disappointed. This is a great recording, just wish it was the same as the LPs.

I too, loved this 2 album set. They butchered this album when they put it on CD. LIVE means that, live. They took out all the bantering Barry did with the audience, his talk of his jingles, everything. That effects the whole character of the album, plus they took off 'Beautiful Music'. What where they thinking? It was a number one seller as a two album set, why wouldn't we love it on 2 cd's? Can we get this re released in its total form? I'd buy it in an instant.

I absolutely love this album! I read the Amazon reviews and was shocked that the original two record LP album was not transferred in it's entirety to a CD(s).

This is Manilow in the blush of fame. All the songs and bits are good. There is so much heart and enthusiasm in this performance. It's a 'must have' for us long time Manilow fans. New fans should have it for the lively and sincere performance.

Some...most of the songs move the spirit to another place. That place may be awash in memories -- or be making new ones.

This is not a "collection of songs" with some "pretty cheesy songs" as one reviewer simple mindedly put it. This is a recording of a Barry 'live' in concernt when he was in his prime back in the 70's. You not only get a full compliment of his greatest hits at the time this was recorded, but you also get several other songs that, although were not "hits", they are examples of the entertaining flare of Barry in concernt. You get a sense of the fun that that this master showman brings to his audience. This is simply a vintage recording of one of our countries greatest performers at the peak of his talents. Do your self a favor and buy this CD

Let me start off by saying this is a GREAT album, I was so excited to see they finally released it on CD. However, Arista in its infinite wisdom has decided that the entire album wasnt suitable or something and decided to "slightly" edit it for time concerns or money or something. Yes I am probablly very picky, but being a long time fan I was looking for the entire album as my record album has seen better days having played it so often. I sincerely hope that the many fans will tell Arista that they want the "whole" album as it was, not as some exec decided it should be, just another CD which it is NOT. Hopefully they will listen and rerelease it with the "other" material put back in.

My old worn out vynal copy is still with me. I couldn't bear to part with it. Of all his recordings, I believe this is his best. From start to finish the electricity and emotion evokes total pleasure and excitement to the listener. A MUST HAVE for any die-hard Manilow fan.

This is still my favorite album, unbelievably 22 years after it was recorded. With the newness of the fame he had just earned, Barry pulsed with energy - the joy of showing the entire world, one audience at a time, what music could be was still coursing in his blood. Yes, LIVE includes the early hits, but Barry's strongest suit has always been the "b sides", the album cuts. Lay Me Down and Studio Musician lay bare all that Barry has been and still works harder than anyone in the business to show - he believes music is the most beautiful form of expression and he knows better than anyone how to make you feel what he feels. Enjoy the innocence and energy of a young man giving everything he has to give to his music and his fans.

The pure energy and joy you can hear in the music and in the performance is amazing! I have the vinyl and can't seem to get a decent record player, so have been searching for this on CD for a VERY long time. Lady Flash is active and spirited, at their best on this recording, and Manilow himself is giving and self-deprecating and obviously having a ball, which makes the music that much more fun to hear! You'll find yourself laughing out loud, or feeling melancholy, depending on the music at the time you listen. It's totally the BEST Manilow recording you can get!

People at the record company or whatever you call yourselves today, I grew up in the 70s. I owned the original Barry Manilow Live TWO record set. The head execs who thought we wouldn't notice that half the concert is missing were very much mistaken.

I will never buy this CD because I know that some of the best music was cut. Why not turn this into a two disk set and let the fans enjoy the entire concert. The orchestrations are missing, that was some of the best parts.

When you release the FULL version of the concert, I will buy it. I want my children to know what good music is. This hip-hop rap garbage is ruining our society and I want my children to know what quality music is all about.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Kate, Chicago