Customer Reviews

Singles Collection

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This set is one of the best-presented boxed sets I've come across. There are extensive notes, a discography, pictures of LP sleeves and other pictures too. The set opens like a hardback book, with the CD's on the inside of the front and back covers. The music is dominated by her years on Capitol (especially the 1940's), but begins with three tracks from her Benny Goodman days, followed by two with Bob Crosby. What can a woman do? (track 6 on CD 1) is the first time we hear Peggy's own music, but the rest of that CD and the other three CD's concentrate entirely on her studio singles, up to Some cats know (1975), her last new single. Senza fine, a Japanese single in 2001 that was originally recorded in 1964, plus five studio out-takes, including false starts and rehearsals, complete the set.

Even on 4 CD's, it is not possible to include all Peggy's singles, but it is clear that a serious effort has been made to include singles which had not been previously available on CD - there are almost fifty of them, plus one song, Moments like this, which was going to be a single but was never released. Live and album versions of the song have been previously released, but the original single version is available here for the first time ever.

Of the previously released material, the most obvious omission is Riders in the sky, which was an American number two hit for Peggy in 1949, but this is readily available on other compilations. All the tracks that are absolutely essential - Manana, The folks who live on the hill, Fever and Is that all there is? - are included. Black coffee was never released as a single, so does not qualify.

This is a cleverly compiled set which is designed to include as much as possible for Peggy's committed fans who have a lot of her CD's already (I have over 20), while making it an attractive purchase for somebody who just wants one big collection of Peggy's music.

The majority of the recordings on "The Singles Collection" were recorded/issued and were huge hits way before my time. As I listen to MISS PEGGY LEE throughout this Box, her vocal sex appeal is way too hard to ignore and dismiss...the woman sung with a simmering and blistering sexiness, it's her vocal trademark amongst many other singer's exceptional attributes - regardless of how subtle she may have consciously maintained her efforts to not offend with the times she lived in, Miss Lee was gifted with a MONUMENTAL vocal instrument that could melt solid gold! Peggy Lee, by far, is a sincere musical artist, beyond Madonna's $$$ ambitions, which by the way, fall flat: Madonna is no singer, yet, she quietly molded herself after the ultimate best: Peggy Lee! But, back to PEGGY. This woman was gifted with a vocal range most singers would envy. Simply put, PEGGY LEE is one of a handful of irresistable female vocalists music fans can not ignore once exposed to her high quality recordings. My first encounter with Peggy Lee was, and will forever be imprinted in my musical & visual mind, on a variety show back in 1969 when I was a child(Carol Burnett Show?) and she was singing her modern day trademark classic(one of many!) "Is That All There Is?". I didn't know who the hell this woman was, but, she left a huge musical impression on me! I never bought that "45", but, in the early 1980's while rummaging through a resale shop of classic record Lps, I came upon PEGGY LEE's "IS THAT ALL THERE IS" album: no questions asked, I bought it...my reaction upon listening: TOTALLY STUNNED!!! Fast forward to early 2004...saw two Peggy Lee Box Sets: "THE SINGLES COLLECTION" & "MISS PEGGY LEE"..no hesitation, I am a proud owner of her two box sets and am looking for more! Before my time, but, PEGGY LEE ROCKS!!!

This is one of the best boxed sets I've ever purchased. With it's tremendous photos, information (a complete discography), and top-notch remastering, combined with extremely rare tracks, you cannot go wrong.

While I have been extremely grateful to EMI in England for issuing Miss Lee's albums, intact, with their twofer series, I am equally delighted to see her SINGLES being given the treatment they deserve. When you consider that almost HALF of this box set featured singles NEVER heard until now, that is a real testament to the thought behind this release. From the start with Benny Goodman, to the end, the sound has never been better, and I have ALL of Peggy Lee's releases.

To borrow from the liner notes, this is not a complete singles, of all labels, as that would be around TEN CDs!! That wouldn't phase me, but probably would others. So this set concentrates on the hard to find, or impossible, recordings released as singles. What a tremendous treat, so much better than her "Miss Peggy Lee" box set. This set is chronological, which I love. You can hear her voice maturing with each track, and there are way too many standouts to even mention here. The beautiful photos, liner notes, and SOUND, make this a must have for all the fans of Miss Peggy Lee!! GRAB IT!!

A MUST for all true-blue Peggy fans. A few hits & tons of rare
sides, some unheard since the original releases. Beautifully designed & annotated, obviously a labor of love!

Having heard this magnificently remastered collection of Peggy Lee singles across several decades, one can only be even more amazed by her talent, versatility, musicianship and uniqueness. There was simply no one like her. Her growth as a singer is remarkable too and her songwriting abilities shine anew. What a life and what a career. It's all beautifully packaged and presented and worth every cent.

This collection is a wonderful addition to all the other records and disc that I have by Peggy Lee. I'm ready for 4 more disc if they will only release them. I know that there are many many fans who feel the same as I do.

Beautiful box which contains over 100 songs interpreted by this legendary singer with her beautiful, jazzy voice. All her hits are on it, like (my favourites) 'Golden Earrings', 'Don't smoke in bed', 'Is that all there is?' and 'Where did they go?' (I love that song: her voice is touched by life and the atmosphere is very melancholic and moody). The nice box is accompanied by a great booklet. For me it's a great purchase!

I just can't help myself, I have always loved Peggy Lee! (Along with Millions of others).

Never, perhaps, in the history of recorded music, has any singer given us so much.....just take a moment and think of all the wonderful songs she recorded, and, luckily, we have to remember her by.

If you've forgotten, by all means, go up above here, and click on a few selections and refresh your memory!

In truth, you will also need the pink and black striped box set of Peggy's, and also the "Best of the DECCA Years" to round out a "good, overall retrospective" of the GREAT LADY's career! Do Enjoy!!! `operabruin

I'm biased; I think Peggy Lee is amazing. The box is just a lot more of a good thing. Nice presentation, thoughtful notes, wonderful sounding masters, great photos.