Customer Reviews

By Request / Sing to Me Mr C

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

 

 

Perry Como delivers the classic "What's New" accompanied only by guitar and the result is capativating. That's just one of the vocal gems on this two CD release. Also worth noting is his rendition of "Favorite Things," in which he duets nicely with the Ray Charles Singers. Also clever is "The Sweetest Sounds. The second CD is just as enjoyable with Como stringing together several hits and standards. It's awkward having this release as a two-disc CD, since the first disc is barely 30 minutes. Much has been written about the sound quality, but whatever hiss others say is evident, is not an issue with this recording.

This recording demonstrates the exceptional singing ability of "Mr. C."

It is unfortunate that the recordings for which he is best known, while great commercial successes, do nothing to share with the listener his great musicianship....impeccable intonation and phrasing....much admired by none other than Billie Holliday.

His effortless transition between vocal registers is characteristic of a voice that few performers of his time equalled.

If there is any criticism I would have of Perry Como, it is that he compromised a great artistic talent for commercial success.

It has taken me many years to realize how good Perry is but now count me among the disciples. If my memory serves me correct many of the By Request songs were originally on an album called Lightly Latin which I purchased as a 78 and is now thoroughly beat up, so it was wonderful to see these songs on a CD. His version of What's New with Tony Mattolla is masterfully done but my favorite has to be I'll Remember April. It is sung with a Latin beat and Perry, Mitchell Ayers, and the Ray Charles singers interact seamlessly.
As an aside one of the hallmarks of the truly great singer is the choice of an orchestra which complements and enhances his style; Mitchell Ayers teams effortlessly with Perry in creating By Request, and songs to listen to time and again. Worth every penny!

I was so looking forward to having this CD. It may be original master tapes but obviously no-one bothered to listen to them. Throughout the whole Cd there is a loud "hissing" noise obviously on the original masters!!! At times the noise is so loud as to drown out Perry. It is an insult to the artistry and memory of a great singer. I would be ashamed to be associated with this release! What a dreadful wasted opportunity. If this is the quality of re-releases on "Collectables" we are better playing the old vinyl. Luckily these titles appeared in Japan on Cd sometime ago, and the Japanese Cd's are better, still with some noise, but not as bad as these transfers! Shame on everyone associated with this release! Avoid!!!

What many who have criticized have failed to understand is that in actual fact, the 2001 Collectables CD's of Perry Como represent the best ever attempt made by this budget label. The sources are mainly Original Release Master Tapes. It is unfortunate that the tapes used were worn; but this is not a big concern because the 1st Generation Masters are fully intact in the vaults. It is the original masters which need to be digitally re-mixed and re-mastered.

Also included are the original album liner notes (where applicable), plus full details on contributing Musicians at the recording sessions, matrix numbers, etc.

These CD's actually represent very good value for money. Collectables had never before and never have since done work as honest and as good value for money as this. Their typical sources are records... the subsequent Como releases from Collectables went from bad to worse. The recent Como release of "The Scene Changes" and "Lightly Latin" appears to be a better effort; but one can't help but wonder if they simply copied from the Japanese CD releases - The main issue there being an ethical one.

One of my all time favorite albums SING TO ME, MR. C is finally available. This is a lovely album, which has given me hours and hours of listening pleasure in its original release. The wonderful medleys just flow so beautifully. Only objection is the sound quality, which could have been improved in remastering; but the excellent quality of the music overwhelmingly compensates for any shortcomings in sound quality. BY REQUEST offers Perry's versions of some nostalgic songs from the 60's and is the weaker of the two albums.

I am so glad that "By Request/Sing to Me Mr. C" has finally been released on CD..Perry's smooth baritone voice shines through on some wonderful songs like "Maria", "My Favorite Things", "More than Likely", "Moon River" and "Solo Tu",...With Mr. Como's recent passing, these songs sound even sweeter and makes one more appreciate the great talent of this man...I hope more releases will follow...It angers me that Perry did not see the total releases of his great music...The selfish music industry had to wait until a marketable time, such as his death, to make a profit...Shame on them...My only slight complaint is that the recording did not seem to be of highest quality...Other than that I am thankful to have this recording on CD...Great 2 CD set that is well worth the cost...Long live Perry!