4.0 out of 5 stars
Tie Me Down, June 26, 2009
This review is from: Bashful Blond/Let Me Belong to You (Audio CD)
The first two Brian Hyland albums from 1961 & 1962 are by now collectors' items, extremely hard to find in any shape worth listening to. BGO Records has released this excellent 2003 remaster. Hyland's #1 "Itsy Bitsy Yellow Polka Dot Bikini" opens the set, sounding glorious with its cowbell percussion, "She was afraid to come out in the open & so a blanket around her she wore; She was afraid to come in the open so she sat bundled up on the shore." Without apology, one understands that this music is dated from its era. However, the remastering makes the recording sound fresh, like a time warp into your living. The songs may be less than remarkable like "Don't Dilly Sally" which was another novelty remake by the 16-year old singer. Hyland sounds remarkably like Ricky Nelson on "Poor Little Fool," but does a great job with the track. By the second album, Hyland had switched from Kaap Records to ABC. Brenda Lee's "I'm Sorry" sounds fresh with the male vocals. Hyland sounds at home with the Everly Brothers' "Bye Bye Love." Hyland worked with songwriters Gary Geld & Pete Udell on six of the tracks including the slow weeper "It Ain't That Way at All." "Make me your slave, tie me down, make me behave," probably sounded innocent enough in the early 60s on the title track. "The Night I Cried" has a nice tension and clever string arrangement. Hyland tips his hat to Elvis Presley with two strong covers of "Love Me Tender" & "All Shook Up." The Udell/Geld rocker "Let It Die" is a sweet rockabilly tidy for 60s radio programming. Most of this music I had not heard before. This CD is a great way to turn the clock back almost 50 years. The music still has appeal. Enjoy!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
