Ethel Merman Disco Album [Live]

Ethel Merman | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 28, 2003)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Live
• Label: Varese Sarabande
• ASIN: B000084TTG
• In-Print Editions: Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #64,283 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. There's No Business Like Show Business

2. Everything's Coming Up Roses

3. I Get a Kick Out of You

4. Something For The Boys

5. Some People

6. Alexander's Ragtime Band

7. I Got Rhythm

8. They Say It's Wonderful (Bonus Track)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The title says it all. This is the disco album "the Merm" recorded in 1979, a few years before her death. Rumor has it that Merman couldn't stand the disco craze that was sweeping the nation in the late '70s, recording her vocals before the instrumental tracks were laid down. Masterminded by Peter Matz, who produced, arranged, and conducted the whole thing, Merman's disco album is one of those jaw-dropping, "what were they thinking?" UFOs that periodically land on the pop landscape. Merman (at her most bombastic, vibrato-laden) barrels through eight of her signature tunes. All are taken at breakneck speed, and even dramatic show-stoppers, such as "Everything's Coming Up Roses" (from Gypsy), become dance-floor burners. Whether you find the album simply horrifying or an entrancing testimony to the power of people to lose their heads as they fall prey to a dance fad, this collision between two completely different American musical traditions is nothing short of, ahem, breathtaking. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Ethel Merman's last big hurrah February 23, 2004

By Byron Kolln HALL OF FAMETOP 500 REVIEWER

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

Ethel Merman's infamous disco album, simply called THE ETHEL MERMAN DISCO ALBUM, has now been reissued on the Fynsworth Alley/Varese Sarabande label, following years of being one of the most coveted and sought-after LP's for Broadway fans.

The unstoppable Miss Merman belts out a handful of her biggest songs including tunes from GYPSY as well as her legendary, star-making turn "I Got Rhythm" from GIRL CRAZY.

She's backed up by a chorus of singers as well as the droning, monotonous beats of the disco synthesiser. Merman apparently recorded her vocals separately with a piano accompaniment and her vocals were then mixed into the disco arrangements.

Surprisingly, this album is quite fun, though Broadway fans are likely to be the only ones who'll really enjoy hearing these classic showtunes in an entirely different light.

A great album...now how about a reissue of Mae West's infamous but oh-so-enjoyable GREAT BALLS OF FIRE album???!!!??...

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Horrifying AND Fantastic - A MUST for a Broadway Collection January 31, 2003

By like-it-is

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

Anybody intending to buy this album because they want to hear the great Ethel Merman sing some GOOD disco is out of their mind. If you want good disco, stick to Donna Summer -- this album is definetly not your speed.

If, however, you want an album you can enjoy after a few glasses of wine (or is that whine?) this is the album for you. Ethel Merman, best known for her turn on Broadway -- one of the all-time great Broadway divas -- attempted to rekindle her dwindling career with of all things . . . a disco album! In usual Merman style, she barrels through these songs at breakneck speed, not even pausing to breath. Breath, of course, is not necessary for the Merman. She sang on pure adrenalin, gusto and verve.

Marvel at how she kicks up the beat in "I Get a Kick Out of You"!

Unwind as she competely destroys the rythym in "I've Got Rythym." Who could ask for anything more?

This album is worth its weight in gold for its kitch value. If you know anything about Broadway and the Merman, buy it and enjoy! All others should probably stay away -- unless you have a strong stomach!

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A "Must" for Camp Collectors...And a Real Crowd Pleaser November 9, 2004

By Tom

Format:Audio CD

I've owned the vinyl for years, and it never ceases to make an impression on visitors, who can scarcely believe such a thing existed. Although it is one of those late-era disco pieces that sounds forumulaic and the programmed beat canned, it IS indeed listenable because of the strength of the underlying broadway classics (by Irving Berlin, others) and the novelty of Merman's unmistakable voice & delivery. Be popular! Everyone wants to hear it, often more than once! I keep mine in a glass case alongside my Michael Jackson -brand soda can, bigfoot tracks, Sea Monkeys other cultural curiousities, until it's time to "boogie."