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Editorial Reviews
About the Artist
Seth MacFarlane is the creative force behind "Family Guy," "American Dad!" and "The Cleveland Show." "Family Guy" has garnered four Emmys and seven Emmy nominations, including one in the Outstanding Comedy Series category. MacFarlane is in pre-production on his directorial feature film debut, TED, which he co-wrote with "Family Guy" writers Alec Sulkin and Wellesley Wild.
Product Description
The album, titled Music Is Better Than Words, is a crisp sounding orchestral/ big band record that features MacFarlane singing some of the hidden musical gems of the `40s and `5os. Introducing this rich sound and classic integrity to a new audience, the album features duets with beloved artists Norah Jones and Sara Bareilles, and was arranged, conducted, and produced by accomplished film and television composer Joel McNeely, who will conduct the orchestra at the event. Universal Republic Records, who signed MacFarlane in 2010, will release the album in stores and online platforms in September 2011.
MacFarlane has been a fan of music from this era for as long as he can remember, and has even trained with vocal coaches Lee, Sally, and Steve Sweetland. Lee and Sally coached many great singers throughout their careers, including Frank Sinatra. MacFarlane has featured countless musical numbers on his television shows, and has garnered multiple Emmy nominations as well as a win for Outstanding Music and Lyrics on "Family Guy."
Recorded at the legendary Capitol Records, the album was made with MacFarlane singing live in the same room as the orchestra, just as they did in 50's. Additionally, Frank Sinatra's original microphone "nicknamed The Frank", on loan from the Smithsonian, was used to record the album. All songs were recorded to analog tape, to match the warm sound of the historic records of that era.
MacFarlane's voice has been celebrated for it's perfect phrasing, richness, and consistency. He is an experienced live performer, having played to sold out audiences at London's Royal Albert Hall and New York's Carnegie Hall.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
25 of 27 people found the following review helpful
Rich warm vocals, crisp orchestrations, more than a little attitude--a real winner
September 28, 2011
Format:Audio CD
I'm not really familiar with MacFarlane's biggest claims to fame--I don't really watch Family Guy, although I have seen a few episodes. I'm not even certain what made me pop this CD in the player--but boy am I glad that I did! I love big band music, love the rat pack, love the 40's and 50's style of music. This CD is a wonderful homage to that era; the orchestra is crisp, exciting with drenchingly melodic strings, playful flutes, and an elegant tempo throughout. But the real winner is Seth's voice! It is warm, warm, warm--like a wonderful thick robe you put on while sitting by the fire. His tone recalls Sinatra without being overly derivative, and his technique is marvellous--vibrato right on key. Melody is king here, beautiful melodies, wonderfully sung. This album has instantly earned itself a place next to some of my favorite big band/crooner albums, and will fit alongside them without irony. A delight, really a delight, and I am sitting here with a giant smile on my face listening to this record. Pick it up if you love Sinatra, Dino, and the guys, and give it a spin. Groovy.
23 of 26 people found the following review helpful
Format:MP3 Download
Easily the finest album of pop standards ever recorded by a cartoon dog, Seth MacFarlane's swinging tribute to the "golden age" of pop albums is astonishingly enjoyable. Joel McNeely's sprightly, overblown arrangements fit the creator of TV's "Family Guy" like a splendidly tailored suit. MacFarlane's full and warm baritone makes this collection far more essential than just some run-of-the-mill celebrity vanity project (yes, Mr. Laurie, I'm talking about you).
If you have a fondness for the great pop LP's of the mid-to-late 1950's (Sinatra, Como, Bennett, even Jackie Gleason's collections), this will make you very happy - and not in any post-modern ironic way. MacFarlane MEANS this stuff! After using the great Broadway and American songbooks as fodder for his tasteless - but hugely funny - animated empire, MacFarlane's sincere respect for the material and the era is obvious and very vivid on this disc/slab of MP3's.
Later this winter, you can even play this while sitting next to the fire with a brandy - the way Seth obviously meant you to hear it.
If you have a fondness for the great pop LP's of the mid-to-late 1950's (Sinatra, Como, Bennett, even Jackie Gleason's collections), this will make you very happy - and not in any post-modern ironic way. MacFarlane MEANS this stuff! After using the great Broadway and American songbooks as fodder for his tasteless - but hugely funny - animated empire, MacFarlane's sincere respect for the material and the era is obvious and very vivid on this disc/slab of MP3's.
Later this winter, you can even play this while sitting next to the fire with a brandy - the way Seth obviously meant you to hear it.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:MP3 Download
It's great to see someone with a good voice keeping this style of music alive. It's actually a good album with unique works.
edit: PS: You should really read the booklet. It amazes me the great lengths they took to make this sound like the olden days while recording this.
edit: PS: You should really read the booklet. It amazes me the great lengths they took to make this sound like the olden days while recording this.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Music IS Better Than Words (sometimes)
I am a bit of a Family Guy fan and lately a Seth MacFarlane fan. I was not surprised that Seth had recorded a CD because I know from Family Guy that he has a great voice. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Gayle Ramsay
This Is How It's Done
I am not a Family Guy fan, however I am a fan of good singing and good songs. Other reviews mention the songs, etc. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Harry N. Cohen
This is an excellent album by the multi-faceted Seth MacFarlene
which harkens back to the classic American Songbook that was the meat of the classic
albums of Frank Sinatra, Nat Cole, and all the others from that era who made all those... Read more
albums of Frank Sinatra, Nat Cole, and all the others from that era who made all those... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Lou B.
WOW
I just watched Seth MacFarlane: Swingin' in Concert, on EPIX. I hope they bring this out on DVD. Love, Love, Love it!
Published 3 months ago by Shelly K. Myers
Music is Better than Words - In this case its true!
I first heard Seth MacFarlane sing when listening to the MGM Musicals at the Proms. I was impressed; wanted to learn more about him and if possible buy any albums he may have... Read more
Published 3 months ago by aquitaine my home
If you love Sinatra...
After hearing Seth on Piers Morgan, I ordered this CD and gave it to my Mother - a music snob who lived through the big band era with all the great vocalists. She LOVED this CD. Read more
Published 3 months ago by J. Hall
Authentic
I purchased this back in September, when the album was released, and it has consistently been my CD of choice to listen to when driving in the car. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Jaceymon05
Family Guy sings
Yes, the Family Guy can sing. That would be Seth MacFarlane, of course. He does not try to top the Rat Pack's biggest hits, but rather has gone for some old gems. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Rich Paschall
Those Good Old Fashioned Values On Which We Used To Rely...
I have a love/hate opinion of Seth Macfarlane. On one hand, I appreciate and laugh out loud at "Family Guy", but sometimes the show can be too mean-spirited for my taste. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Matthew Hunter
very good first album, needs more zest
Not much to say, but I really enjoyed MIBTW, and it's still in my car CD player. His voice is wonderful, although I would rather hear more big band and less crooning. Read more
Published 4 months ago by sieg6529
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