Customer Reviews

Tim McCarver Sings Selections from The Great American Songbook

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1 star:		(3)

 

 

Tim Lincecum might have a bionic arm, but surely Tim McCarver has a bionic throat, delivering just a stunningly gutty performance that's not afraid to celebrate music the traditional way with hard vocal work that just sings the songs *right*. As Tim McCarver is fond of saying, "A picture is worth a thousand words," and in the process of listening to an entire great American songbook, your brain will take you away to anywhere between three and seven pictures, idylls and reveries that tap into the collective unconscious memory of what it meant to walk amidst eden. Each song is delivered with what I can only describe as a kind of calm-eyed beauty that seems to recursively calm the process of singing the song itself. Indeed, Tim McCarver is so supremely convinced of the sublimity of his own delivery and interpretation that perhaps even Tim McCarver would say that Tim McCarver has gotten to Tim McCarver. Slight disappointment that this album does not include the rumored covers of Brandon Arroyo's songs, nor does McCarver follow his broadcast partner and Natalie Cole's lead and do a duet with his own dead father, but easily the quality of what remains overshadows that shame. This offering presents a real change-up from the rest of Tim McCarver's career. Well, they call change-ups like that "cement mixers," so don't let it throw you a curve. Bear down and take it in stride, and soon it'll have you trying to "sing" for the fences. This is a musical feast fit for a Jeter.

In this world, during the time of man there have been great feats of technology and science, works of art, and feats of the human spirit in the face insurmountable odds; the wheel, the polio vaccine, the Sisteen Chapel, Ghandi . . . now, in our time, there is the indomitable beauty of the musical stylings of one, Mr. James Timothy McCarver.

McCarver's interpretation of Americana makes one want to stand up on their office desk and scream for all to hear, "I'M PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!"

To fully appreciate McCarver as an artist, one must fully understand from whence he came. See, McCarver was born and raised in America (Memphis, Tenessee on October 16, 1941 to be exact). His roots are embedded into a Post World War II American Patriotism like no other. For McCarver the world is bright and hopeful. For McCarver things are simple. Simplicity is what sets McCarver apart. He has no other sides. The beauty of McCarver's art is that it is literal and without depth of any kind. What you see is what you get.

On "Gee Baby Ain't I Good to You" McCarver contrasts his view of relations with the fairer sex and the role of women in the world, with his poor syntax. This type of soul-baring can't be encompassed in McCarver's other works. Only through the medium of song can McCarver deliver this unique blend of "simple."

Most people know McCarver as a baseball man, but now the whole world will see that McCarver is more than just a jock, he's God's gift to mankind, the greatest artist of all time.

Thanks McCarver... I've been looking for the perfect gag gift to give my brother for Christmas. Too bad you didn't record a duet with Joe Morgan and add it to the album. That's the only thing that could make the CD more annoying.

There used to be two things I brought to every Fourth of July fireworks celebration - the American flag and a slice of my grandma's apple pie. Next year I'll add a third item that begins with "Tim McCarver" and ends with "American Songbook."

To pre-order a copy of this disk is to give yourself an incomparable sensory gift. Can't get enough FOX game of the week? Your iPod lacking in folksy narratives? Order yourself a copy.

You see, America used to be a simple place, didn't it? The pilgrims set the tone by using religion as a unifier, not a bludgeon. Our neighbors, such as the Native Americans, were respected as natural inhabitants and were treated as such. Our country could do no wrong and you can hear that perfection in McCarver's voice.

From the first note it is clear that even a legend like Plácido Domingo has nothing on McCarver. So dewey, so tender, so ... American.

During the 2004 World Series Mr. McCarver said of Curt Schilling's noticeable ankle injury: "The blood on his sock looks exactly like Oklahoma." I say to you, Tim, the totality of the songs on your album is shaped like my grandma's apple pie. It's time to order myself another slice.

Tim McCarver matches his career .388 slugging percentage with this tour de force debut album. Tim McCarver Sings Selections from the Great American Songbook is a must-own for any fan of baseball, jazz music, and the smoky club where the two cohabitate and flourish.

From the very first note of the leadoff track "On a Clear Day" through the ever-so-slightly different notes that follow, McCarver paints a brilliant and lavishly taupe portrait of the American landscape. Immediately thereafter, the crooner transitions to an instant classic as he proclaims "This Will Be My Shining Hour." Some might argue this is an overstatement for a big league baseball player who once led the National League with 13 triples; however, a second and third listen reveal that McCarver's vocals shine through the following eight tracks with the radiant luster of a stainless steel refrigerator. Surprisingly, McCarver then makes the album's one minor misstep with "I Wish I Didn't Love You So." While not dog-howlingly bad by mortal means, McCarver ignores the signal to take a 3-0 pitch with the bases loaded and instead swings away at Frank Sinatra. On the heels of ten great tracks, McCarver pops up and is out by way of the infield fly rule. Fortunately, the singer regains his composure and finishes strong, ending the album with three resurgent tracks including the penultimate ballad "I Wish I Were in Love Again" and the nearly jubilant "Day By Day."

On July 4, 1976, Tim McCarver belted a grand slam homerun but was called out for passing a teammate on the base path, thereby making his hit a single. On this CD, McCarver belts a grand slam with each hit single by calling out my heart. Whereas The Beatles offered us a long and winding road, McCarver's equable brand of Americana is a journey across western Nebraska on I-80... A journey which reinforces the undeniable proclamation that Tim McCarver is America; Tim McCarver is all of us; Tim McCarver is... you.

It's hard to conceptualize that Tim McCarver was once mere genetic material waiting to be realized inside of his parents' respective gonads. It almost seems more realistic to imagine that genius that burns so bright and so hot has existed since the Big Bang. But alas, McCarver is a mere mortal which makes this album that much more astonishing.

I used to get sad occasionally. I used to question things. "What's the point?" "Why am I here?" Then, not long ago I stumbled across Tim McCarver's "Tim McCarver Sings Selections from The Great American Songbook." I was transformed. Suddenly, everything was clear. I am here to LIVE. Live life like a real AMERICAN - The MCCARVER WAY. With an open heart and an empty mind.

When McCarver sings the chorus on "I'll Remember April" I feel free and easy. His voice is like a laxative for the soul. His dulcet tones cause me to vacate my bowels of ennui and sigh contentedly as I stare at my dung of discontent.

Thank you Tim. First you taught me that Jeff Francouer's beard was natural and now you teach me how to live again. I will forever be in your debt.

Mellifluous tones of Tim McCarver!

I bought this CD as a joke, but decided to listen to it and I was blown away. Who would have thought that the whinny guy doing MLB games has deep inside him the voice of a warbling nightingale? From the first song through the last, I sat with rapt attention and was moved by the timbre of his melodies and how he hit certain notes made my insides go all soft and gushy. The man has translated his range behind the plate to the musical scales with aplomb and temerity, but pulls it off like the sizzle of a New York summer.

My absolute favorite and one that I will play at my wedding, my kid's graduation, and all other times when loving people are gathered is the second song, "This Will Be My Shining Hour." Sammy Davis Jr., Ella Fitzgerald, Liza, Frankie, and Babs all sang their own versions, but when you hear Timmy Mac's crooning stylization and dare I say provocative interpretation of this classic, I promise you that you will get a little misty.

It has been said that every time a bell rings an angel gets its wings. I would like to add that every time Tim McCarver reaches that high note those angels look down upon us and smile...

I thought Mr. McCarver had reached his apex with his brilliant baseball analysis but I was pleasantly shocked to discover that it pales in comparison to his musical talents. His version of "This Will Be My Shining Hour" is destined to be a classic and would bring even Zeuss himself to tears. My only regret was to discover that this is his only album and since he is getting up there in years it's not likely there will be many more. Bravo Tim!!!

I quickly selected, PLAY ALL SAMPLES! Again and again and again until I thought my brain could handle no more pleasure, and felt certain that I had fully repented for every sin ever committed. And in so doing, I quite by accident discovered what Frank Sinatra most likely would have sounded like had he dared to perform while nursing an acute case of quadruple pneumonia. This album is almost certainly the result of Tim being surrounded by too many supportive friends (one of whom had keys to a recording studio and opened it on a dare) and family members who simply don't want to risk hurting his feelings, and who most definitely do NOT have the best interests of the good-of-hearing at heart. Never have I read so many five-star reviews brimming with delicious sarcasm and insincerity.

Pavarotti's Greatest Hits

You don't have to be a fan of St. Louis baseball--hell, you don't have to be a fan of baseball at all--to appreciate this AMAZING debut record by the Bard of the Bases, Tim McCarver. He sticks to tradtional American jazz standards, delivered Sinatra-style. No "getting out there" for the 70-ish, plucky McCarver. No siree. If you love your vocal stylings of the meat-and-potato variety, you'll love this tasty collection of mixed metaphors. Personally, though, I was disappointed he didn't include Bob Gibson or Joe Garagiola as duet partners, but we can always hope for the follow-up effort. Not to be eclipsed by McCarver's future platnium effort, I understand Joe Morgan is cutting a tribute to Judy Garland and Joe Buck is putting the finishing touches on a recording of William Shatner covers.