By Myself: The Songs of Judy Garland

Linda Eder | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 4, 2005)
• Original Release Date: 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Angel Records
• ASIN: B000AP04R4
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (58 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #35,133 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Happy Days Are Here Again - With Music That Makes The Soul Happy!, October 6, 2005

By 

Amanda Christensen (New Jersey, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: By Myself: The Songs of Judy Garland (Audio CD)

To perform the songs of Judy Garland - one of America's, dare I say the World's, greatest entertainers - in a tribute CD, is to tread on ambitious and even dangerous ground. But it is with courageous and loving spirit that Linda Eder brings us her latest release, BY MYSELF: THE SONGS OF JUDY GARLAND. Not only does Eder rise to the challenge of capturing the "essence" of Garland, but she somehow manages to surpass her gift, infusing each song with her own style and a "newness" that will resonate for generations to come. The title-track, "By Myself," is a victorious anthem of self-confidence and worth, sung skillfully and with perfect conviction by Eder. She breathes new life into "classic" Judy Garland songs with expertly paired medleys such as "Almost Like Being In Love/This Can't Be Love," "Zing! Went the Strings Of My Heart/The Trolley Song," "The Boy Next Door/You Made Me Love You," and "I'm Always Chasing Rainbows/Over the Rainbow;" and she exposes the beautiful and blithe "lesser-covered" or even know songs, including "Me and My Shadow," "It Never Was You," "Do It Again," and "I'd Like To Hate Myself In the Morning." Eder's "Rock-a-Bye Your Baby With a Dixie Melody" does indeed rock, but, perhaps surprisingly, one of the most delightful tracks among this catalog of beloved treasures, is the only original song - "The Rainbow's End" - penned by Lyricist/Composer and long-time Eder collaborator Jack Murphy. The song, intended as a tribute to Judy Garland's legacy, has smart lyrics and a melody that dramatically builds and falls in brilliant fashion (without ever really falling!) - perhaps meant to mirror the tidal quality of Judy Garland's own life. Although written in 2005, "The Rainbow's End" is well-married with the other material on the disc, which with Eder's opulent voice, effortlessly and blissfully transports the listener to a bygone era - when the songs were great, the talent was pure, and the music had meaning.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Have!, October 12, 2005

By 

S. Roche "FlaBroadway" (Jacksonville, FL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: By Myself: The Songs of Judy Garland (Audio CD)

While not your typical "Linda" CD, it still scores a 10 in my book. We're so used to Linda Eder's belt - this CD introduces us to the softer, reflective side of this songstress. Not to worry - there are still songs with that powerful belt!

The medleys, "Almost Like Being In Love/This Can't Be Love" and "The Boy Next Door/You Made Me Love You" seem to belong together. "Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart/The Trolley Song" has your toes tapping right along. "Do It Again" is more seductive than words can describe. Finally, "The Rainbow's End", the only non-Judy song on the CD is a superb tribute to the legend.

If you don't immediately love the CD, give it time. You'll warm to it. It needs to be a part of your collection!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars How Does She Hold Those Notes????, October 19, 2005

By 

terroh "terroh" (OH) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: By Myself: The Songs of Judy Garland (Audio CD)

What a voice! I'm embarassed to say this was my first Linda Eder purchase (it wont be my last!) It takes a lot of chutzpah taking on Judy Garland and I was curious enough to give this a listen. All I can say is, Wonderful! I was just bowled over by her voice. (she even sounds a little like Judy on some of the songs). My only complaint is a few of these songs are only marginally associated with Judy (she may have recorded them, but...) while other more famous ones never made the cut. I was disappointed that The Man That Got Away wasnt on here (I've since found out she allready recorded it on a previous CD, but it would have been nice to be included here as the CD doesnt seem complete without it) The newer song, Rainbows End, is sensational and for me the high point of the album. This is a powerhouse set and if you like great songs sung by a wonderful singer, you cant go wrong here! I love every track on it.