Customer Reviews

Mad About Music: Rarities & Gems

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In 1971, after countless reissues of Deanna Durbin's commercial recordings, Decca Records released selections of her soundtrack recordings on one LP. The problem was that they were taken directly from the films themselves, complete with extraneuos noise and dialogue; and the tracks were mastered in the then popular "simulated stereo" which resulted in too much reverb. However, this new release from Sepia Records, "Mad About Music", finally approaches the soundtrack recordings of Deanna Durbin in a manner more deserving of the beautiful soprano motion picture star. The recordings themselves are from Hisato Masuyama's extensive collection of original Universal Studio lacquers and publicity release 78 rpm records, and folks, they sound magnificent. Yes, there are slight noises and cues by studio workers that give away their age and sources, but having a few of these original records myself, it's easy to hear how their new CEDAR 24 bit mastering has worked wonders with the material. Several of the songs on the CD that are also on the origial LP include "Lover", "Danny Boy", "The Old Refrain", "Russian Medley" and "Night And Day"; each sounding so much better than their earlier incarnations. Then there are the tracks, most never before available to the record buying public: "I Love To Whistle", "Say a Pray'r for the Boys Over There", "Gimme A Little Kiss, Will Ya Huh?" three selections from Durbin's film, "Something in the Wind", and "Always" from "Christmas Holiday", complete for the first time with the refrain. (When is Universal going to finally release this Gene Kelly/Deanna Durbin thriller on DVD?) There are twenty three generous tracks accompanied by a booklet that is lavishly stuffed with interesting liner notes and sixteen beautiful color and black and white photos of Durbin and her film posters. Hopefully, there are enough pre-recordings by Deanna Durbin to warrant another CD. (I wonder if the soundtrack to "Spring Will be a Little Late This Year" (also from "Christmas Holiday") exists.) Meanwhile, it's so nice to have a new collection of Deanna Durbin records.

It's wondeful to see that Deanna Durbin recordings are still in demand today so many decades after her retirement. This new CD collection is packed with many of her fan's most requested songs. Deanna's amazing voice gives goosebumps and brings tears to the eyes of the listener. The quality of the CD is great considering the age of the original recordings. Mad About Music is a must buy for all Deanna Durbin fans and will make an excellent gift for family and friends.

There's very little I can add that hasn't already been covered in the previous reviews for this disc, so my review will be brief and to the point. Sepia's disc of rare studio lacquer recordings from some of Deanna Durbin's most beloved films is quite simply the best compilation of Durbin songs that has been assembled.

Utilising the Cedar 24-bit mastering technology, these recordings exude a warmth and timbre which brings up all the tiny details that have been missing from the crackly Public Domain recordings of the past. In particular I love the selections from LADY ON A TRAIN and SOMETHING IN THE WIND, two of my all-time favourite Durbin films.

Most of these alternate studio lacquer recordings and acetate discs were intended to be destroyed, so hearing them all here is a rare treat indeed. Deanna glows and the entire package will be a must-own for her growing legion of fans. Bravo! [SEPIA-1117]

Although I would have preferred some songs from Deanna's only Technicolor film, CAN'T HELP SINGING, this is a breezy enough collection of songs from some of her Universal films.

For me, the best of the lot are two songs from CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY, "Night and Day" and "Give Me A Little Kiss, Will You, Huh?"

But the others show her at her charming earlier self. She does an excellent job on "Begin the Beguine" and three numbers from SOMETHING IN THE WIND.

There's a nice clarity to most of the numbers which makes this a good addition to any song collection from Deanna's films.

This was a clear recording and reminds us of Deanna Durbin's movies that we enjoy so much! Thanks for offering this for sale! We love it!Mad About Music: Rarities & Gems