Customer Reviews

Burt Bacharach & Friends - Gold

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Rock music aside, there was not likely a better pop tunesmith in the second half of the 20th century than Burt Bacharach, and this robust two-disc retrospective set shows ample evidence of his infectious, idiosyncratic style, most notably his sophisticated pop melodies accompanied by momentous orchestra swells and infused with a sweeping, unapologetic romanticism. Sometimes amusingly dated but eminently listenable, this set covers the full breadth of Bacharach's career highlighting his 1960's work with his most mutually copasetic partner, lyricist Hal David, and inevitably, the dregs of the 1980's pop treacle he composed with then-wife Carole Bayer Sager ("Arthur's Theme", "Heartlight"). Because the intention is to showcase a number of different artists who had already covered his tunes on their own recordings, there is more of a hodgepodge feel here than with the more satisfying single-disc compilation, 2001's The Very Best of Burt Bacharach.

Consequently, among 41 songs presented, Bacharach's most pervasive muse, Dionne Warwick, is featured only on three classic tracks - the deceptively perky "Do You Know the Way to San Jose?"; the ironically sung "I'll Never Fall in Love Again"; and the syncopated swelling of "Anyone Who Had a Heart". Her radiant voice is missed most on "Alfie" where we instead get a twenty-year old Cher's unnecessarily bombastic performance; "Walk on By" made over into a psychedelic soul epic by Isaac Hayes; the sauntering "Message to Michael" covered by early Motown girl-group, the Marvelettes; Sybil's 1990's dance-club revamp of "Don't Make Me Over"; and "Trains and Boats and Planes" performed by Merseybeat band Billy J. Kramer & the Dakotas. The upside of the multi-artist approach is that we do get Aretha Franklin's saucy, gospel-fueled take on "I Say a Little Prayer"; the Stylistics' Philly soul-styled version of "You'll Never Get to Heaven (If You Break My Heart)"; and Broadway veteran (and future "Law & Order" star) Jerry Orbach's fresh-faced performance of "Promises, Promises".

Other classics included are the Carpenters' "(They Long to Be) Close to You" highlighting Karen's sparkling alto voice; B.J. Thomas' unavoidably sunny "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head"; Herb Alpert's casually off-key "This Guy's in Love with You"; Jackie DeShannon's symphonic rendition of "What the World Needs Now is Love"; the samba-sized cover of "The Look of Love" by Sergio Mendes and Brasil `66; Tom Jones' Vegas-style, hip-shaking "What's New Pussycat?"; Dusty Springfield's yearning smokiness on "Wishin' and Hopin'" and "I Don't Know What to Do with Myself"; and the 5th Dimension's "One Less Bell to Answer" featuring Marilyn McCoo's studio-polished vocals. Luther Vandross' lengthy, melisma-filled take on "A House Is Not a Home" is also here, as is Bacharach's valedictory collaboration with Elvis Costello on the powerful "God Give Me Strength".

Obscurities are offered in the mix as well, for example, the hard-rocking Pretenders, of all bands, do a 1989 number called "The Windows of the World", and the 5th Dimension covers a long-lost song from the disastrous musical version of "Lost Horizon", a catchy sing-along therapy session called "Living Together, Growing Together". The height of 1960's sexism is represented by Jack Jones' lounge-act singing on "Wives and Lovers", and sad-voiced Gene Pitney is featured on three early sixties tracks uniquely his - "Twenty Four Hours from Tulsa", "Only Love Can Break a Heart" and most famously, "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance". Bacharach himself ends each disk with instrumental versions of "Knowing When to Leave" and "That's What Friends Are For". Even if the performances vary with the artists, this collection shows how impressive Bacharach's expansive songbook truly is.

Burt Bacharach was quite an artist in his heyday; and these numbers remain just as beautiful now as they were when they were first released. He collaborated primarily with lyricists Hal David and former wife Carole Bayer Sager; but his remarkable genius as a composer made his music so special that it still touches the hearts of countless people every day. This two CD set has plenty of Burt Bacharach hits performed by a broad spectrum of artists; and the quality of the sound is nothing short of excellent. I like the artwork, too.

Karen and Richard Carpenter open the first CD with their heavenly treatment of "Close To You;" Karen sings this with all her heart and soul and just one listen proves it! Burt's timeless music is showcased perfectly by Karen and Richard; and there's another gem in "Do You Know the Way to San José?" by Dionne Warwick. Dionne's voice, clear as a bell, never wavers and her excellent diction enhances her performance even more. Great! Jackie Deshannon also does a sublime rendition of "What the World Needs Now Is Love;" this ballad is incredibly beautiful and I could never tire of hearing this music. Dusty Springfield does "Wishin' and Hopin'" with panache; and I really like "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head" by B.J. Thomas. B.J. sings this passionately and the melody is memorable, to say the least. Burt's music shines brighter than silver and gold when B.J. performs this classic piece! "One Less Bell to Answer" also sounds mighty fine when The 5th Dimension handles it.

Dionne Warwick returns to do "I'll Never Fall in Love Again;" I'm really impressed by how well she sings this. What talent that woman has! Aretha Franklin's "I Say A Little Prayer" is wonderful; Aretha really delves deep to be able to convey the subtle nuances in all the lyrics and it all holds its own very well. "The Look of Love" gets a handsome treatment from the great Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66; and The Shirelles outdo even themselves on "Baby It's You." The Dakotas also do a terrific rendition of "Trains and Boats and Planes;" I love every minute of this ballad.

The second CD continues the hits. "Anyone Who Had a Heart" gets the royal treatment from Dionne Warwick; she sings this faultlessly and the music fits in perfectly with her vocals. Jack Jones sings "Wives and Lovers" which is a solid number even if the lyrics are a bit dated or chauvinistic; Jack's voice is smoother than silk and it's amazing to hear him sing this song without skipping a beat. Gene Pitney's "Only Love Can Break a Heart" again demonstrates the power and beauty of Burt Bacharach's music; this music is all THAT good. Bobby Vinton sings "Blue on Blue" with heart and soul; and listen for the theme to the James Bond spoof movie "Casino Royale" which is performed by Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass.

"Promises, Promises" is great when Jerry Orbach does it up right; he does great justice to this tune. Christopher Cross does a fantastic job on "Arthur's Theme;" "Arthur's Theme" is still yet another example of Burt Bacharach's remarkable talent as a composer. Neil Diamond does "Heartlight" with great feeling; and Naked Eyes does "Always Something There to Remind Me" with lots of energy--notice how Burt can even compose music for a younger generation? That's talent!

Sybil does a cover of "Don't Make Me Over" that absolutely floors me whenever I hear it; Sybil has talent and she channels it well into this Bacharach music. The album closes with Burt himself performing "That's What Friends Are For." Great!

Burt Bacharach remains a giant amongst giants; this tribute album does him justice and hopefully he will get new fans as CDs like this one continue to sell into the future. I highly recommend this for fans of Burt Bacharach; and it's a fine starting point for people just discovering the incredible artistry of Burt Bacharach.

Gold Burt Bacharach & Friends emmersed me immediately in many
long forgotten but not unfelt tunes.
There are so many artists that glorify the music of Burt Bacharach
that I appreciate in such loving gratefullness his gift to so many.

It is so entertaining to have such an eclectic group of musicians
who have given us his music.

I highly recommend this album!

This CD is very good, easy listening, reminding me of what I enjoyed hearing in the 1970s. Even people who weren't listening in the 1970s would enjoy it.

This is a good collection album, although there are a couple of songs which aren't the best versions (or originals) of the Bacharach compositions, such as "Windows of the World" by the Pretenders (?!) and "Don't Make Me Over" by Sybil (?!). There are a couple of other odd choices, but it's still a good album.

No disrespect to Mr. Gershwin, but Burt can compose music with the best of them. I bought my first Bacharach album in 1967 after hearing "Bond Street" on the radio. Only later did I discover that this was the same person who composed some of my favorite songs that I had enjoyed the previous five years or more. And most of them are included in this fine CD set: 24 Hours from Tulsa, Liberty Valance, Baby It's You, etc. Isaac Hayes' version of Walk On By is worth the price of the CD all by itself. For my money Bacharach is, along with Henry Mancini, the finest composer of sixties pop tunes. This set is an excellent overview of his work. One can quibble over some of the artist selections (need Dionne Warwick's version of Alfie!)but there is a generous 41 songs included. This set gets my highest recommendation.

BURT BACHARACH & FRIENDS GOLD, DRAWS ON A RICH TAPESTRY Of MEMORIES AND SENSATIONS, FROM RADIO, RECORD, AND THE POP, R&B, AC CHARTS, February 8, 2009

Burt Bacharach & Friends Gold, A Universal Music Company label. 2006.

2 disc set. 23 artist. 42 Tracks.

I appreciate the mainstream availability of this item.

It's been a pleasure to sift through retail racks and find Burt Bacharach & Friends Gold a main staple.

It's a good product to stock in retail stores.

The songs will have touched most people on one level or another if their family ever owned a radio.

Whether it be the car, a party, or the quiet confines of a lazy chair, radio permeates our lives.

Music is always changing, that's what a record producer is for, to always be in touch with the changing moods and style of our times.

I'm not one to stop listening to a song just because it isn't licensed for heavy rotation anymore, that would be fickle.

I appreciate how a song becomes a period piece over time.

Soundtrack of our lives.

I've managed to reconcile musings are very real.

Radio helps to capture some of the magic floating in the air.

Ignore or turn your back on the spirit of the times, and sweet musings disappear.

The details involved behind the licensing and manufacturing of a tune seem to fall away when the public takes a number to heart and make it their own.

Burt Bacharach & Friends Gold is a timeless compilation that supplies the month, year and chart placement of each song.

It isn't necessary to study, just nice to have the information easily available.

Little snapshots that stand the test of time.

Songs that have a way of celebrating a marriage, the birth of a baby, or other life cycle proceedings.

Helping people come aware.

I can remember shopping for records as a child and the front cover of the album Cher, always staring at me through the racks.

I was only 7, as a result of this compilation, I now own a copy of Cher's Alfie, 1966.

Cher Alfie reached #32 on the Pop Charts, I can faintly remember it was popular, now I know for sure, I love it!

There are a number of songs unique to this compilation.

I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself Dusty Springfield

Message To Michael The Marvelettes

You'll Never Get To Heaven If You Break My Heart The Stylistics Feat. Russell Thompkins Jr.

Burt Bacharach likes to state, working with Aretha Franklin is one of the main highlights of his career.

I Say A Little Prayer

A #1 for Dionne.

Composed to celebrate the birth of her newborn child, I get a charge out of it every time I hear it.

Look for Aretha's version.

Disc 1. Track 10.

A song that has a way of really lighting up the dials.

The Composer, always trying out his material on new artist.

The legacy continues.

Special credit goes to the makers for assembling a string of hits composed by Burt Bacharach that were produced by other artist outside his scope.

Huge hits that increased the Composer's reputation and song's magnificence.

It's nice to see Burt Bacharach has welcome other people's version into a official package.

Don't Make Me Over Sybil, brings back a lot of happy memories when it first came out.

Pop #20, R&B #2, Dance #4.

I bought Burt Bacharach & Friends for Reach Out Olivia Newton John.

Walk On By Isaac Hayes, has a uncanny way of making my chest swell whenever I hear or think about it.

The Look Of Love Sergio Mendez & Brasil '66, Party!

I must confess, when I'm in a busy shopping center and I'm eyeing a Copy of Burt Bacharach & Friends Gold, everything seems to melt away and slow down around me.

I'm caught in a little time warp.

I'm Remembering all the love and sensations I experienced.

It was only a matter of time I'd be picking up a copy.

Burt Bacharach & Friends Gold

I purchased mine at Amazon, the most comfortable place I know to shop online.

42 TRACKS (In Chronological Order)

DISC-TRK# TITLE/ARTIST

1962
4 Songs

1-15 BABY IT'S YOU The Shirelles
2-03 MEXICAN DIVORCE The Drifters
2-15 ONLY LOVE CAN BREAK A HEART Gene Pitney
2-08 THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALENCE Gene Pitney

1963
3 Songs

2-03 BLUE ON BLUE Bobby Vinton
1-18 TWENTY FOUR HOURS FROM TULSA Gene Pitney
2-04 WIVES & LOVERS Jack Jones

1964
2 Songs

2-02 I JUST DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH MYSELF Dusty Springfield
1-04 WISHIN' & HOPIN' Dusty Springfield

1965
4 Songs

1-19 MAKE IT EASY ON YOURSELF The Walker Brothers
1-17 TRAINS, BOATS AND PLANES Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas
1-03 WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW IS LOVE Jackie DeShannon

1966
1 Song

2-07 ALFIE Cher

1967
2 SONGS

2-09 CASINO ROYALE Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass
1-16 MESSAGE TO MICHAEL The Marvelettes

1968
4 Songs

1-02 DO YOU KNOW THE WAY TO SAN JOSE Dionne Warwick
1-10 I SAY A LITTLE PRAYER Aretha Franklin
1-14 THE LOOK OF LOVE Sergio Mendez & The Brazil '66
1-06 THIS GUY'S IN LOVE WITH YOU Herb Alpert

1969
5 SONGS

1-09 I'LL NEVER FALL IN LOVE AGAIN Dionne Warwick
1-20 KNOWING WHEN TO LEAVE Burt Bacharach
2-10 PROMISES, PROMISES Jerry Orbach
1-07 RAINDROPS KEEP FALLING ON MY HEAD B.J. Thomas
1-12 WALK ON BY Isaac Hayes

1970
1 Song

1-01 (THEY LONG TO BE) CLOSE TO YOU Carpenters

1972
1 Song

1-11 YOU'LL NEVER GET TO HEAVEN (IF YOU BREAK MY HEART)
The Stylistices

1973
1 Song

2-11 LIVING TOGETHER, GROWING TOGETHER The 5th Dimension

1981
2 Songs

1-13 A HOUSE IS NOT A HOME Luther Vandeross
2-12 ARTHUR'S THEME (THE BEST THAT YOU CAN DO) Christopher Cross

1982
3 Songs

2-14 HEARTLIGHT Neil Diamond
2-21 THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR Burt Bacharach
2-13 ANY DAY NOW Ronnie Milsap

1983
1 Song

2-17 ALWAYS SOMETHING THERE TO REMIND ME Naked Eyes

1986
1 Song

2-15 ON MY OWN Patti Labelle & Michael McDonald

1988
1 Song

2-18 THE WINDOWS OF THE WORLD The Pretenders

1989
2 Songs

2-19 DON'T MAKE ME OVER Sybil
2-16 REACH OUT FOR ME Olivia Newton John

1996
1 Song

2-20 GOD GIVE ME THE STRENGTH Burt Bacharach & Elvis Costello

23 ARTIST (In Alphabetical Order)

DISC-TRK# ARTIST/TITLE/YEAR

1-06 HERB ALPERT This Guy's In Love With You '68
1-17 BILLY J. KRAMER & THE DAKOTAS Trains, Boats AND Planes '65
1-20 BURT BACHARACH Knowing When To Leave '69
2-21 BURT BACHARACH That's What Friends Are For '82
2-20 BURT BACHARACH & ELVIS COSTELLO God Give Me Strength
1-01 CARPENTERS (They Long To Be) Close To You '70
2-07 CHER Alfie '66
2-12 CHRISTOPHER CROSS Arthur's Theme (The Best That You Can Do) '81
1-03 JACKIE DESHANNON What The World Needs Now Is Love '65
2-14 NEIL DIAMOND Heartlight '82
2-03 THE DRIFTERS Mexican Divorce
1-08 THE 5TH DIMENSION One Less Bell To Answer '70
2-11 THE 5TH DIMENSION Living Together, Growing Together '73
1-12 ISAAC HAYES Walk On By '69
2-09 HERB ALPERT & THE TIJUANA BRASS Casino Royale '67
2-04 JACK JONES Wives & Lovers '63
1-05 TOM JONES What's New Pussycat '65
1-16 THE MARVELETTES Message To Michael '67
2-13 RONNIE MILSAP Any Day Now '82
2-17 NAKED EYES Always Something There To Remind Me '83
2-10 JERRY ORBACH Promises, Promises '69
2-15 PATTI LABELLE & MICHAEL MCDONALD On My Own '86
2-15 GENE PITNEY Only Love Can Break A Heart '62
2-08 GENE PITNEY The Man Who Shot Liberty Valence '62
1-18 GENE PITNEY Twenty Four Hours From Tulsa '63
2-18 THE PRETENDERS The Windows Of The World '88
1-14 SERGIO MENDEZ & THE BRAZIL '66 The Look Of Love '68
1-15 THE SHIRELLES Baby It's You '62
2-02 DUSTY SPRINFIELD I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself '64
1-04 DUSTY SPRINGFIELD Wishin' & Hopin' '64
2-19 SYBIL Don't Make Me Over '89
1-07 B.J. THOMAS Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head '69
1-13 LUTHER VANDEROSS A house Is Not A Home '81
1-19 THE WALKER BROTHERS Make It Easy On Yourself '65
2-01 DIONNE WARWICK Anyone Who Had A Heart '63
1-02 DIONNE WARWICK Do You Know The Way To San Jose '68

AWESOME MUSIC! A VALUABLE KEEPER! I HAVE ALSO PURCHASED ADDITIONAL CD FOR FRIENDS WHO SHARE THE SAME THOUGHTS! VICKI

After seeing Burt on stage he was 77 at the time and still had what it takes to perform .I was reminded how much we enjoyed his music and how talented he is. This cd is really enjoyable with so many of his wonderful songs.It also brought back many wonderful memories of our younger times!!

I haven't heard many of these songs in 30+ years, and I was singing along with most of them the first time I listened. There were so many tracks and the price was very good. I highly recommend this CD.