Customer Reviews

Louise

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

 

 

Maurice Chevalier was one of the great 20th century singers. His career spanned 4 decades, first and foremost as a singer, later as a film star. His songs ran the gamut from upbeat and fun to sweet and sensitive to bawdy. His biggest hit in the U.S. was "Louise" although many will be familiar with "Oh, that Mitzi!".
This CD, I felt did not do him justice. First, most of the songs are his re-recorded English versions rather than the original French. Although very good, he is much stronger in his native tongue and the English versions lack a certain 'oomph'.
Second, the sound quality is poor. The arrangements on his songs were so beautiful and you really have to strain to hear. It's just too scratchy and noisy.
It's a shame that such a beautiful and legendary singing voice can't somehow be enjoyed today not through any weakness of his own work but lack of technological effort. If you are looking for one CD of his finest to enjoy again and again, I do not recommend this.

I searched for a long time to find out who sang the famous "Louise." A friend had told me that she had sung this song to her son when he was growing up. She and I sang it all the time at work. Finally I found it. Maurice Chevalier! What charisma! What charm! This recording has many, many recognizable and lovely little ditties. Most of them are sung in French. Unfortunately it is an absolutely terrible recording! Oh well.

Enjoyed CD,especially song " Louise" - would really like to find the sheet music with words with Maurice Chevalier's picture on the front. Can anyone help me??