Customer Reviews

Henry Mancini Greatest Hits

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Henry Mancini gave us so much of our consciousness of the 1960s and 1970s, and yet was "out" almost as soon as he was "in."

His work became synonymous with much-despised "elevator music" in the later 1960s. This stereotype (or monotype, for his earliest works) can mislead.

For example, "Lujon" [not in this collection] was used in a movie just last year to exemplify mystery and an exotic atmosphere.

Mancini dies way too young. While some would argue that he'd become a self-parody, his innate gifts compromised by relentless commercialization, you cannot take away his lasting gift to our culture. He was an original, and he captured an essence of our collective experience.

He's here in this collection, waiting round the bend, my Huckleberry friend.

Henry Mancini may well have been the geatest composer -- popular or classical -- of the 20th century. Although this album is entitled Henry Mancini's Greatest Hits and does indeed contain an excellent sampling of his hit songs, no single CD can contain all of Mancini's greatest hits. If you want all of the best of Mancini you have to get several CDs. Nevertheless, this CD is a very good place to start. Highly recommended.

Mancini is a quirky genius. Growing up on John Williams Wagner-esque movie scores, Mancini's scores seem rather odd. They have a rumba night club feel-a mixture of "The Ventures" and "Pet Sounds"-unlike the energetic and overwhelming majesty of Star Wars or Indiana Jones. But that is the appeal of Mancini-his are subtle anti-themes.

It would have been helpful to have the tapes digitally re-mastered. They sound thick and stuffy, which blunts the music's edge. Mancini's daughter has rerecorded some of these hits, with some other additions, and the sound is clean (ASIN: B0001HAIFO). However, this disc has the original tunes as Mancini envisioned them.

This CD is all one needs to understand why this dude is the master when it comes to composing. Having been introduced to this great human being at an early age, my fascination for his work is still a vital part of my being. This CD is just what I have always wanted. It has all the classics, along with some older gems I never knew existed. I love it so much, that I am going to send my mama back home one. She was, is and always will be perhaps his GREATEST FAN ever. If you just can't live without Mancini's music, then this CD is for you. Enjoy, enjoy,
enjoy!!

Not a perfect sample of Mancicni's rich and award filled musical career, but probably as much as you could get on one CD. Here and there I would've included different cuts, but you can't please all the fans all the time.

A great trip down memory lane. The selections sound just like I remember them from the movies and the radio. Enjoy

First, I really like Mancini's music generally and I am really concerned that he may be one of the greats of American music who will soon be forgotten if he hasn't been already. (US music schools tend to be a little snobby and don't give a number of truly great American composers their due.) However, the mix of this particular CD is simply too average. Many good songs are not on it and some weak ones are. I would not recommend this CD except to ManciniPhiles like me.

This CD not only has some of the best of Mancini but the arrangements are easy to listen to while in traffic, at home or anywhere! Buy it!

Purchased this album used through Amazon. It arrived when expected and in good shape. Couldn't ask for better. Will order from this company again.

This is Mancini, so you know that it's good. Every song can bring back a memory or two and it's such a pleasure to listen to them, they've aged quite well. The CD arrived in good condition and within the specified time.