Customer Reviews

Happy Trails

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

 

 

This sequel to Kunzel's "Round-up" is worth a listen but not completely satisfying. The CD's best feature is the music itself. The big and bold Western themes from "Johnny Guitar" and "The Sons of Katie Elder" are perfectly suited to the trademark Telarc orchestral treatment. The sound is spacious, with lots of the kettle drums and other percussion that fans expect from Kunzel and Telarc. The contributions by Gene Autry and Roy Rogers are are a nice touch.

The vocals of baritone Sherill Milnes on songs like "Liberty Valance" and "Ghost Riders in the Sky" are less welcome. These songs don't benefit from the operatic vibrato. Milnes may have real affection for this music, but he has little feel for how it should be sung. The Singing Sergeants of the Air Force male chorus render glee club versions of songs that would sound better with a somewhat more raw and less disciplined approach. I could also have done without the sound effects, such as "Saloon Brawl." I guess they are supposed to enhance the sense of fun, but I found them to be annoying filler.

I recommend the CD, albeit with reservations, because much of the music is infectiously melodic. However, be prepared for disappointing vocal performances of some of your favorites.

Maybe a little old-fashioned to some, many of these tunes are used as the background music loop in Disneyland's Frontierland area (that's the music that plays in the open areas to give you the "feel" of the place).
There's other music as well (movie themes like the Magnificent 7 etc) but much is from this CD (which was why I bought it in the first place).
Lovers of Disneyland BGMs, this is one for you!

I used to listen to this CD over twenty years ago. I was so excited to find it here on Amazon.com.

The CD has a full sound...close your eyes and you can hear the bramble blowing. Kunzel does a great job with carrying a theme.