Customer Reviews

The Boy From Down Under: The Very Best of Peter Allen

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

 

 

Perhaps it was only an illusion--a theatrical trick to delight us momentarily--but Peter Allen's life looked like a carnival, a traveling, ramshackle show of glitz and carefree hoofing. That said, he's surprisingly serious (in the singer/songwriter mold of Billy Joel and Elton John) on the early tracks such as "Honest Queen" and the shiveringly bracing "Tenterfield Saddler" (an ode to his grandfather). When disco came in circa 1976, Allen's style changed dramatically, though he never stopped writing quality music in this idiom--and he never lost his nakedly romantic soul. This Best Of CD is addictive and wonderful to hear! One wants it to go on & on--like Allen's non-stop energy--but all good things have to end. It's a shame because Peter Allen was an entertainer of the highest magnitude...he had so much of his spirit left to give us. A-

To the other reviewer ... yes he does deserve some respect ... because he WROTE all of the songs (apart from the couple of classic covers) ... including Still Call Australia Home

This is a very eclectic album. The selections range from early ballads, like "Tenterfield Saddler" to favorites, like "I Go to Rio", and "Bicoastal", to easy listening tracks from later years, such as "I Don't Go Shopping". The songs are mostly studio tracks but there is one live number, "Arthur's Theme(Best That You Can Do)", which is filled with energy and panache. Several of the songs, such as "I Honestly Love You", and "Don't Cry Out Loud" are better known by other artists, but Allen's interpretations are beautiful and very special, especially when you listen with the knowledge that he co-wrote the songs. The collection also includes some largely overlooked gems like "I'd Rather Leave While I'm in Love", and "One Step Over the Borderline". Compared to other Peter Allen compilation albums this one definitely has the greatest variety and the best selections. I highly recommend it.

Jennifer K. Lafferty
Author of Offbeat Love Stories and More

The music is all there, but the recordings are terrible. If this is remastered it need to re-remastered or just left as it was.

It was OK, middle of the road kind of stuff. Not the best version of "I Still Call Australia Home" I've heard but he's another Aussie legend so he's due some respect. For an all round collection of Aussie folk songs try the Bush Songs from the Australian Outback by the Aussie Bush Band