Customer Reviews

Cocktail Hour: Desi Arnaz

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

 

 

The CD collection is excellent! If you are an "I Love Lucy" fan, you will definitely be able to hear some of the more popular songs in their entirety. The songs are somewhat short, but very good. The songs with Amanda's accompaniment are truly sweet, as you will enjoy Amanda's beautiful voice.I am a huge fan of "I Love Lucy" and I own two other CD's featuring those songs that were a part of the hit show. I am ecstatic to own this CD collection because Desi's songs are true Cuban hits. Desi's voice truly captivates me and I can't stop listening to it!

I must confess that I have been a dyed-in-the-wool fan of I LOVE LUCY since childhood - and because of that - Desi's music is special to hear. I personally think that his Orchestra was quite underrated; it really had a lovely sound which holds up very well...Remember Lucy and Ricky dancing the Tango to LA CUMPARSITA in the episode where Lucy winds up in Ricky's arms - with 2 dozen eggs smashed in her blouse? I remember the moody and wonderful SIMILAU done superbly by Ricky at the TROPICANA. Other oft-heard standards which are sure to delight fans include GREEN EYES, SIBONEY & GUADALAJARA. Only one complaint: THE STRAW HAT SONG isn't included!

Well, I hate to be so harsh, but I've actually thrown the disc out after listening to it once. I was expecting to hear the songs the way they were done on the show (I am a die-hard fan) -- with Desi's strong vibrant voice and upbeat tempos. And yes, there are moody songs as well, done with beautiful passion by Arnaz on the show -- but instead, songs like Cuban Pete were slowed down almost beyond recognition. Arnaz's voice also doesn't sound as rich and robust as it does on the show (a recording issue?).

I love it when they have Desi sing on the show, whether it be a fast tempo song or a romantic ballad, and I was SO hoping that playing this disc would be like I had taped it directly from the show. Unfortunately, this is not the case. I certainly would give credence to the positive reviews, however, as both reviewers seem well-versed in I Love Lucy/Desi Arnaz. And I respect a performer for waning to do a different interpretation -- but after listening to one version for 30 years, you can imagine that I was a bit thrown! :)