Customer Reviews

Film Noir

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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

When you play this CD,your World changes to Black/White.It takes you back to the post war days.When I get a new CD,I love to read the linner notes,and see who wrote the music and the words,also the musicians.I couldn't believe 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. When you play"Lili Marlene, you will see Marlena Dietrich in your living room.The American's and the German's both cherished this song while the war was going on,and its my favorite cut from the CD."Don't smoke in bed," I wouldn't want to mess with this Women.The way Carly sings this,you'll never be able to fall asleep again. This song is so funny."Every time we say goodbye," was the single released from the record.I hear this song everytime I step into a Mall. What a great tune,and Carly's son Ben sings backup. He sounds alot like his Father JT. What a voice. John Travolta sounds nice on "Two Sleepy Peope," but the duet with Jimmy Webb,the co-producer of the record,"Spring will be alittle late this year," is a classic.You won't be dissapointed buying this CD.The third album of Standards from Carly.

We saw the Carly "Film Noir" special, and thought what a wonderful concept and collection of songs. The more we played "Film Noir" the more we couldn't stop playing it. Every time I'd call home there was Carly singing "You Won't Forget Me", "Every Time We Say Goodbye" and "Last When We Were Young" in the background. "Lili Marlene" and her duet with Jimmy Webb "Spring Will Be A Little Late This Year" are my two clear favorites. Two poignanct songs that hit the mark squarely. Carly was great to listen to in the 70's, and is equally delightful and fresh in the 90"s. The only other collection of "classics" that compares to "Film Noir" is Melissa Manchester's "Tribute". Two wonderful collections worth owning and giving to others.

I agree with the other reviewer, this CD is getting worn out by the laser on my CD player due to over-play, too. It's funny, but as time goes by, you find that certain CD's remain in your "always play" CD file, and this album is one of them. My favorite tracks on this album are "Every Time We Say Goodbye", and Frank Loesser's "Spring Will Be A Little Late This Year",which was recorded as a duet with Jimmy Webb and vocally delivered in a simple, honest way. Another one of my favorite songs, and arrangements on Carly's album is her rendition of "Laura" (nominated for a Grammy a couple of years ago, but lost). By the way, if you get into 'film noir', and love the "Laura" theme, then get the new CD release called "Silver Screen Serenades" by 'cabaret' artist, Michael Poss. It contains a full-string arrangement to the lost love theme to Hitchcock's "Marnie". Both, Carly's and Michael Poss' arrangements emote the same mysterious, 'film noir' feel for the true movie love theme buffs. Carly's got class, always had it, and always will. I hope she climbs on top of all the music charts again, with her newest CD release. By the way, I loved "Two Sleepy People" which was intended to be delivered in a cute "sleepy" way by John Travolta and Carly Simon. Great CD!

In this disc, Carly sings "Two Sleepy People" (a duet with John Travolta). I heard this same song with James Taylor and I must say that Carly's interpretation is "THE SHOW". Another song I love in this disc is "Laura" - what a beautiful melody. I was curious about "Lili Marlene"; after Marlene Dietrich made it famous, it's a dangerous selection for another singer. But Carly is CARLY and she gives a gorgeous interpretation to this old song. "Last Night When We Were Young" and "Evr'ry Time We Say Goodbye" are to die for. Great Carly, as always!

I had not made a point of keeping up with Carly Simon releases since graduating from high school in the early 70s. Perhaps it was one of those "things" that stayed associated with pep rallies and bell bottoms. I was all grown up now, and I surely believed my taste in music had changed.

Then I heard about this new CD a couple of years ago, and my curiosity got the best of me. How glad I am!

For Carly's music honors the standards she sings, much as an adept remake of a classic silent movie honors the genius of the original creators. You don't remake old films in B&W, nor do you rely on old technology and style when singing songs as great as these. She has preserved the sexiness and genuine allure of songs in bringing them forward by many decades.

Like most reviewers, I agree that her "Spring will be a little late this year" duet excelled. I too keep Carly's CD either in or near the CD player of my computer. It brightens most every mood with its musical -- and star-quality -- fun.

As a long time Jimmy Webb fan (I saw him recently in concert in Kansas City with Michael Feinstein) and an admirer of Carly Simon I must have listened to the CD over a hundred times. The duet "Spring will be a little late this year" makes me remember those close to me that I have lost all of whom looked forward to their next spring. Such a treat to listen to good music by those who both write and sing! Donna Brown

We enjoyed all of the songs but the best one was "Spring will be a little late this year." We received Moonlight Seranade a couple of day ago and are enjoying tha very much also.