Film Noir [Enhanced]

Carly Simon | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 16, 1997)
• Original Release Date: September 16, 1997
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced
• Label: Arista
• ASIN: B000002VTP
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #160,893 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Given its title and tone, this record is apparently an attempt to reflect the mood and feel of classic film noir through a musical medium, which it succeeds at admirably. It helps that Simon's coproducer for the project was renowned songwriter and arranger Jimmy Webb, whose own music is often awash in the kind of cinematic drama that defines this disc. Webb and Simon duet on "Spring Will Be a Little Late This Year," and they cowrote the title track, the album's only original tune. Of the many standards covered, the best is Cole Porter's "Every Time We Say Goodbye;" less successful on the duet front is "Two Sleepy People," which regrettably teams Simon with John Travolta. --Peter Blackstock

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Carly makes classic standards her very own, August 19, 1998

By 

John Jones "Musician" (Chicago IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Film Noir (Audio CD)

Her third project of standards is also her strongest and most appealing. Focusing on songs from the classic "film noir" era of movies, Carly knows just when to make a song her own statement and when to play it straight. The dramatic "You Won't Forget Me" is given a traditional arrangement, but she takes Cole Porter's chestnut "Every Time We Say Goodbye," almost always performed as a ballad, and turns it into a 50's reminiscent, horn-laden gem with an insistent midtempo beat. "Spring Will Be a Little Late This Year," a duet with Jimmy Webb, is given a jolt to its piano and vocal arrangement with a surprising electric guitar solo. "Last Night When We Were Young" offers a perfect dose of sweet nostalgia, and Carly ingeniously weaves elements of her moody ballad "Haunting" (from her 1978 album "Boys in the Trees") into the intro for the ultimate mood piece, Johnny Mercer's "Laura." The project even inspired Carly to write her own classic song, the brilliant title track that gives new meaning to the escapism of the movies. In the wake of so many pop trends and gimmicks, it's refreshing to not only hear someone remember these classic songs, but to breath new and inventive artistic life into them as well.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Play this CD,and your World changes to Black/White, June 24, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Film Noir (Audio CD)

Play this CD,and your World changes to Black and White.It takes you back to the post war days. When I get a CD,I love to read the linner notes,and see who wrote the Music and Words,also the musicians.I couldn't beleive Frank Sinatra co-wrote "I'm a fool to want you." This song is fantastic. I have alot more respect for old blue eyes for writing such a wonderfull song.But my favorite,"Lili Marlene." You will see Marlena Dietrich in your room singing this song to the troops.The American's and the German's both cherished this record while the War was going on. "Don't smoke in Bed" I wouldn't want to mess with this Women. They way Carly sings this,you'll never be able to fall asleep again."Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye" I hear this song everytime I step into a Mall. What a great tune. This should have been a top ten hit. John Travolta sounds nice in the "Two Sleepy People" duet,.but Jimmy Webb is wonderfull in the "Spring will be a little Late This year" You won't be dissapointed buying this CD. Thank you again Carly.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Carly Simon the original pop star doing the standards, November 23, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Film Noir (Audio CD)

I am a big Carly Simon fan and I cannot Believe "film noir" was
released and I just gor around to buying it. Okay in 1981
Carly released "Torch" one of her best CD's it was a collection
of torch songs due to her breakup with James Taylor. This was
before Linda Ronstadt did 3 CD's of standards, and long before
Rod Stewart, Michael Bolton, Bette Midler, and now Cyndi Lauper
put out their standards CD. In all fairness Carly's voice is great as a pop artists-but her voice is amazing singing standards.
"Film Noir" is an excellent collection of standards and I must
admit one reason is the production by Jimmy Webb. Her voice is
beautiful and the orchestrations and arrangements are the best.
If you like "Torch" believe me you will love "Film Noir" Like
"Torch" is a perfect work of art. Carly Simon you are the
most sophiscated singer of all artists when it comes to
singing the standards. I am so glad I added "Film Noir" to
my Carly Simon collection it makes it truly complete