Customer Reviews

Matt at the Movies

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

 

 

This excellent triple-disc anthology delves into the wide world of movie songs with the British-born singer, Matt adding his much missed vocal magic to no less than seventy-four numbers. Whatever the quality of the material, Matt never gave a less than an excellent performance with lyrics always gaining depth and believability. So it is here, with some songs obviously lacking distinction and having fallen by the wayside, ideally included in this themed package. PRECIOUS MOMENTS, HAPPY, NOTHING TO LOSE, THE SOUTHERN STAR, WHAT TO DO? ALONE AM I, and A PLACE IN PARIS may mean little as titles but add their rarer worth when tracked in beside Matt's highly personalised hits BORN FREE, WEDNESDAY'S CHILD, ON DAYS LIKE THESE and FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE.

Such an assortment of songs, allows unusual arrangements and HELLO DOLLY loses its razzmatazz "in yer face" bravado and emerges as a smoothly romantic ballad; there's an early contemporaneous beat revision of OVER THE RAINBOW, while that big-band favourite CHATTANOOGA CHOO CHOO nicely takes to the tracks in shuffle-mode. Movie themes, CHARADE, EXODUS, DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES, MORE and SPEAK SOFTLY LOVE when expanded with lyrics, helped swell box-office takings with Matt's definitive renderings adding vocal kudos to ensure their longevity and worth. I HAVE DREAMED, SUNRISE, SUNSET, HELLO YOUNG LOVERS, SOMEWHERE, MARIA, I'VE GROWN ACCUSTOMED TO HER FACE and THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM are strong Broadway show favourites which rightfully transferred to Hollywood soundstages for recreation in their faithful movie versions and it has to be pointed out THE WRONG TIME (IT'S ALRIGHT BY ME) is in fact Cole Porter's CAN CAN classic IT'S ALL RIGHT WITH ME.

It's not unusual nowadays for EMI to raid its archives to uncover previously unreleased recordings and this time around English-language versions of LOVE STORY and that gorgeous Bricusse/Newley DOCTOR DOLITTLE ballad WHEN I LOOK IN YOUR EYES have been unleashed for listening pleasure as an undoubted hook for Matt's fans to fork out their pennies and enjoy the privilege. Thankfully, there's more to come and like the many Monro compilations already in the music store racks, this collection fulfils its intention and will tempt many takers. As usual, Matt's daughter, Michelle, is prime mover and shaker with her notes describing the onward progress of Hollywood, its films and songs.

Matt Monro never disappointed his fans; he sang beautifully and every song on this three CD set proves it! Matt is in excellent form all throughout these songs from the movies; and that's grand. The quality of the sound is excellent and I like the artwork, too.

Every song's a winner but of course I have my favorites as you will, too. It's amazing just how well Matt is in command of this music; he makes everything he sings so very special--it all sounds fresh and new every time I hear him on this three CD set.

On the first CD, I especially like Matt's renditions of songs including "Wednesday's Child" with that great arrangement; "Come Back to Me" with that brass as Matt sings this to perfection--and beyond; "Exodus;" "Around the World" with a jazzy treatment; "Alfie;" "Days of Wine and Roses" which gets a most sensitive treatment from Matt Monro; "I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face;" "The Impossible Dream" with yet another stunning musical arrangement; the theme from "Love Story;" "Maria" from "West Side Story;" the outstanding "My Kind of Girl;" "The Shadow of Your Smile" which gets the royal treatment from Matt; Matt's dynamic treatment of "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever;" and "All My Loving" by The Beatles which was featured in their movie "A Hard Day's Night."

The second CD continues the wonderful music. "Hello Dolly!" is very well done; and listen for other splendid movie tunes including ""Alone Am I" with its beautiful arrangement; "Hello Young Lovers;" "More" which I always thought was one of the most beautiful love ballads ever written; the poignant "Sunrise, Sunset;" "Charade;" "Let's Face the Music and Dance" which always makes me think of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers; "Love Is a Many Splendored Thing;" "As Long as She Needs Me" from the great show and movie "Oliver;" "Born Free;" "Strangers in the Night" which is very romantic and "Singin' in the Rain" which was performed in more than one movie over time.

The third CD impresses me yet again. We get such jewels as "A Time for Love;" "Put on a Happy Face" with some terrific brass; "Stranger in Paradise" from the classic "Kismet;" "Memory" from "Cats;" the theme from "The Godfather" entitled "Speak Softly Love;" a very smart rendition of "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head;" "Love Walked In;" "What a Wonderful World" with a treatment that I think the great Louis Armstrong would have loved; "Georgia on My Mind;" "Cheek to Cheek;" "Stardust" and "From Russia with Love."

This three CD set is an absolute must-have for Matt Monro fans; and people who like themes from the great movies as well as classic pop vocals will not be disappointed.

Matt at his very best, how on earth did he manager to project this perfect voice without bleamish and still smoke two packs of cigs per day.
The best thing out of the U.K. singer wise, voice was perfection and some, we miss you Matt.The highlight for me is "In Days Like These" from the first "Italian Job" movie, never was Matt so perfect in song.

I thoroughly enjoyed the music selections and was greatly satisfied. I was particulraly impressed with Matt's version of the song "I've Grown Accustomed to Your Face. I thought it was exceptional.

Matt Munro, I understand, was often referred to as "England's Frank Sinatra." He certainly had a way with a song...with many songs...and this very large collection included on three discs provides the listener with example after example as to why the English referred to Matt as they did. He treats the songs included here with respect, making for an enormously pleasant listening experience. There are so many songs here that have become standards since they were introduced, say, in the featured film. You won't be disapppointed in this collection of over sixty wonderful songs receiving the Matt Munro treatment. He left us way too early; but, almost like a Nat King Cole, it seems he recorded almost every song ever written before doing so.

My Dad loves this! We looked for a few years for CDs from Matt Monro and finally they are available.

I can not add much to reviewer #1. This is an excellent three CD album. If you like Matt Monro, you will like this CD album. Great voice and great style, sorry we lost him at an early age.