Customer Reviews

Brighton Beach Memories - Neil Sedaka Sings Yiddish

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Brighton Beach Memories is a trip down memory lane, Neil's voice is still as wonderful as always. This Yiddish album can be enjoyed by listeners who know or do not know Yiddish. The arrangements intersperse the sung Yiddish lyrics with English lyrics which translate the Yiddish. Sedaka piano playing with accordion and clarinet. The background music compliments his voice rather than over powers it. The selection of songs consists of traditional as well as more recent Yiddish songs. The only one it missed in the collection was "Papirosen." Those listeners who enjoyed the "Mamaloshin" CD recorded by Mandy Patinkin will want to add this to their CD collection.

Although I've always liked Neil Sedaka in the past, he really surprised me with this CD. It is just wonderful. I cried a bit, tapped my feet a bit and sang along to lots of the songs. But most of all, the way he delivers, brought back many childhood memories for me. I only hope he comes out with another one in Yiddish, I'll be first in line. I loved this CD so much I got one for both my sisters.

we have really enjoyed this cd. it does bring back great memories of childhood music. it is great to listen to as backround music as well.

It was so nostalgic listening to songs I grew up hearing. Sedaka did a great job conveying the feeling of yesteryear, warmth, family, and feelings.

My mother loves this collection (She IS a true "yiddushe mama"); my brother, born in Brooklyn in 1948, now living abroad, had to have this CD in order to feel whole (it soothes his home-sickness; it's great to hear Sedaka the Rocker of the 50's, 60's, 70's put over all of these Yiddush classics so well and so emotionally.

It was great to hear Neil Sedaka live with a Klezmer band -- so I immediately bought this collection. Unfortunately, while Neil's voice is still amazingly young-sounding, the orchestrations and production values are so cheap! Mostly it's just Neil on piano, with a drummer, bassist and an occasional clarinetist. These songs are rich in cultural feeling, and that "feeling" requires a much larger wind section.

I realize Neil no longer has a record label behind him, but this album sounds so thin! Plus, he throws in two decidedly non-Yiddish songs with "Theme from Exodus" and "Sunrise, Sunset" -- both written in the 1960s, years after the rest of the traditional songs on this album. Still, it's a pleasure (a machiah!) to hear the traditional stuff song brilliantly, with the lyrics enunciated and pronounced perfectly.

Skip the 1960s English-language stuff and you'll enjoy this trip down memory lane.

My dad is 94 with the beginnings of Alzheimers. When I brought him this CD he just came back to life singing and enjoying each and every song. He is forever saying how beautiful this music is and each time we play it he just can't get enough of it. How wonderful to see something bring him so much joy. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for bringing such happiness to his final years.

This was a gift for my parents 65th wedding anniversary. They just loved this CD. The whole process from ordering to receiving went very smoothly.

This is a fabulous recording which I thoroughly enjoyed. It brings back many childhood memories and a tear to the eye on occasion.

Neil Sedaka doesn't disappoint with this album. Each and every song is done so beautifully and with such heart. I bought it for my mother who is 87 years old. These were the songs of her childhood.