Customer Reviews

Soundtrack

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

When it came out in 1956, the 'High Society' soundtrack was remarkable in not only being recorded specifically with LP release in mind, but also because it was both released in mono and stereo formats (a rare treat at the time). It also boasted Cole Porter's first new songs for a movie in more than 10 years!

Brilliant performances by Bing Crosby, Louis Armstrong and of course Frank Sinatra make up one of the most highly exhilarating soundtracks of that era. Sinatra's duets "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" and "Well Did You Evah?" are outrageously funny, even more so when you watch the movie, and his two solo efforts are remarkable.

Armstrong is in top shape too, and even Kelly, though not a singer, does well on her duet with Crosby. "Now You has Jazz" is a great testimony to the memory of the Louis Armstrong band, and though Crosby is not too convincing in the shoes of a jazzman, the way he explains in only a few bars that rock 'n' roll is merely a derivative of jazz is brilliant! I know this is a soundtrack I can play several times on end and never get bored with.

My only regret? That there were not more songs to this soundtrack from the beginning (though the film contains a couple of unreleased instrumental numbers by Armstrong and his band). Let us hope that Capitol-EMI will soon have the brilliant idea of reissuing this quintessential soundtrack, along with 'Pal Joey' and Can-Can', so that the more recent Sinatraphiles can finally fill these important gaps in their collections.

These may not be Cole Porter's most memorable songs, but they're still very high grade(most of the 'Can-Can' songs are pretty dull in comparison). If you like the 1950s Capitol jazz sound and quality, and/or if you're a fan of any of the performers on this record, this album is a must! And though the film's merits may be more questionable despite some good moments, the record is a milestone that you will cherish for years to come!

Note: This review is for the German release of this album on the Back Biter label (BB 61032).

The soundtrack from the 1956 MGM film HIGH SOCIETY with its Cole Porter score has been a favorite for nearly fifty years. The picture stars Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, and Frank Sinatra--its just a treat to watch.

This German release of the soundtrack is probably the easiest version to come across in CD format. The entire contents of the original 1956 Capitol Records LP are featured here--all 10 cuts. The sound is in stereo. The sound quality, though, leaves a bit to be desired. There is quite a bit of distortion and tape hiss in many places and the fidelity varies. The cover has a little sticker claiming that the recording was remastered for this. My guess is that, if it were remastered at all, it was done from the original LP masters, and NOT from the original recording session masters. If you're able to get over that, though, this disc is a very worthwhile purchase if you're fortunate enough to come across it. The cover art from the 1956 LP has not been reproduced for this release. As I said, this release is rather difficult to find and when it does surface, it can get rather pricey. You might even be further ahead to locate a nice copy of the LP on Ebay.

We would like to see a restored edition of the HIGH SOCIETY soundtrack from Capitol Records released in this country in the near future--maybe an expanded edition? Capitol/EMI should be closed down for allowing this recording to become so scarce in the US market. Rhino could do wonders for this--as they have with other MGM musicals--except that HIGH SOCIETY is one of the few MGM musicals to which they do not control soundtrack album rights. The BELLS ARE RINGING soundtrack album, which is also controlled by Capitol, has been on CD for years... why not this as well? Is anyone at Capitol Records reading this? I guess we'll just have to wait. In the meanwhile, enjoy this if you get a chance.

What a dissapointment! The bass is set way too high on this recording and there is white noise on some of the tracks. I remember my parents original cassette tape being of a far superior quality. I am currently returning this CD and purchasing the "High Society" DIG CD, hopefully the quality will be what I originally expected. I now see that the previous reviews were no help at all.

Been looking for this album for years! Reasonably priced import and the quality is super. If you loved this movie as much as I did, you really should add this CD to your collection. BIng, Frank, and the whole gang did one great job on this one!!

I was happy to get this and other music from musicals of the past. It came in good time, and in excellent condition.

I found this c.d. to be very good, it brought many memories back when I first saw the film. It is a first class product.

John.

This soundtrack is just fun and it features Grace Kelly singing....she has a sweet voice.
I love the movie; it's just so funny and touching so I had to have the soundtrack.
Enjoy!
Barb

A wonderful soundtrack with some of the greatest singers evah. The duet with Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, Well Did You Evah, is the main reason I bought this CD. I think the chemistry between them in this song is magical. Then to have Satch thrown in on the same CD, as well as the voice of one of the most beautiful actresses to Grace the Silver Screen. What a swell party this is.