Customer Reviews

My Special Angel

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

 

 

I can't find out anything about these songs in relation to Frankie Avalon, except for 'Venus' and 'Why.' The CD doesn't say if any are 'original recordings,' which I would expect it would if any are. My guess is that the total CD is made up of re-recorded, or even newly recorded songs. This CD is mostly for those who like the voice of Frankie Avalon and aren't looking for old rock n' roll hits.

Oh, Darn... the cuts on this disc DO NOT sound 'right'. I should never buy a CD if I can't listen to samples first. But I really wanted to hear Frankie Avalon do these covers of hits originally done by others -- and the photo on the cover is so period classic... well, I took the chance and lost.

First the quality of the digital transfer is lousy -- everything sounds flat and muddy compared to how his version of songs like 'Venus' and "Bobby Sox to Stockings' sound on other CDs. I guess somebody thought he was a hot shot sound engineer and decided to "make the songs better" by averaging out the highs and lows on this disc, cutting the soul out of the vocal delivery, muffling the background singers and even muting the instruments! People who don't understand about dynamic range should not be allowed to master CDs! (or make MP3s for that matter).

But even allowing for the messed up digitizing, Avalon just does not sound like his classic Teen Idol self on these cuts. I'm guessing he recorded these versions later in his life after he'd done them too often in concert... when he had lost some of the boyish enthusiasm that made his early recordings so vibrant and endearing.

I may have to get these cuts onto my computer and see if I can't reverse engineer some life back into them. Phooey.

I love this cd! Frankie gives us a collection of great standards of the fifties and sixties,inluding four of his big hits. The arrangements are classic and Frankie's voice in top form ,velvety and romantic as he lovingly interprets these wonderful familiar tunes. These are all recent recordings but Avalon's voice has only improved with age and this collection is sure to delight any fan and make new ones. Whether this is your first Frankie Avalon cd ,or a new addition to your collection ,you won't be dissapointed.