Customer Reviews

Two of a Kind

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The chemistry between this terrific twosome is incredible, making a high voltage recording that's like a vaudville act at times, with some songs that sound as if they're from that era, with titles like "My Cutey's Due at Two to Two". It's an upbeat big band blast, with Billy May & Orchestra doing a marvelous job. The timing of their ad libs is impeccable, and the entire CD exudes wall-to-wall fun.

Johnny Mercer, who's wonderful voice sounds a little like a smoky version of Darin's, was lyricist for over 1000 great songs, and received 4 Academy Awards for best song (like "Moon River"), wrote tracks 3, 6, and 8, and co-wrote the title track with Darin.

Darin sparkles with energy, and sounds like he's having the time of his all too short life here...he does imitations of W.C. Fields, Groucho Marx, Dean Martin and Elvis, and with so much creative vitality and humor, left us with what just might be his finest recording here.

This CD is a treasure from these entertainment giants from the past, with infectious merriment to lift the spirit and set feet to dancing.

I might be in the younger range of this album's audience (30), but I've been a Johnny Mercer and Bobby Darin fan since I first heard "Mac The Knife" and Louis Armstrong cover Mercer's "I Wonder" when I was a 15.
Personally, this album is the epitome of what a duet should be. The melodies are spot on ear worms you won't stop humming, the delivery and tone playful but always committed. The energy they share is always complementary, never outshining the other.
This must be in your collection , no matter what.

A seemingly odd match on the surface, Johnny Mercer and Bobby Darin team to make an incredibly entertaining album of forgotten tin-pan alley gems and more contemporary standards. The arrangements of conductor Billy May provide a fantastic backing to an album that Darin and Mercer obviously had a ball recording. There is constant banter between the two to go along with the great music which together make for flat-out entertainment over and over again. I've heard this album thousands of times since I was a kid and never grow tired of it (I've owned it on vinyl, cassette, and CD over the years!). If you like the talent and versatility of either Johnny or Bobby, give this one a try. IT'S FUN!

Bobby Darin and Johnny Mercer really do know how to make a good album together. Both of them seemed very relaxed and layed back as they sang. It reminds me of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin the way they were able to play off each others lines. In this album don't expect to find songs that you here all the time. Don't get me wrong, the songs are great, it's just that they are kinda off the wall type tunes. If you are looking for great enertainment that you will enjoy listening to over and over again then this is for you, but if you want something more traditional of Bobby Darin then I would go with the album "That's All" or one of the two "Best of Bobby Darin" albums.

This has got to be one of the best albums ever recorded. No modern performers even come close to the talent of these remarkable singers, and the songs seem to flow so easilly that you wonder that you never heard them before. Mercer and Darin have that amazing Frank Sinatra/Dean Martin chemistry which is in itself beautiful, and the jokes and imperrsonations alone make you laugh out loud. I am relatively young compared to some other fans, but I love it just the same. Age does not matter with such infectious lyrics. I often find myself humming or singing some of the songs (especially Bobwhite, East of the Rockies, Mississippi Mud, Two of a Kind...oh hell, they're all hummable and singable!)as I walk to classes. Guaranteed to put an absolutely idiotic grin on your face for hours after listening to it.

I grew up listening to this in the car. As I got older, I (God forgive me) completely forgot about it. One day we found the tape, and to my amazement, I remembered almost all of the songs. I should not have been surprised. Music like this does not die, nor does it fade away. It lives on forever.

It'll makes you cry when you miss the two talents that were both taken before their time, and laugh so hard you'll cry when you listen to their quick musical wit. I realize I must be biased because I adore Johnny Mercer and Bobby Darin both. This album is so telling of their personalities, even the liner notes read that you can tell there is nothing that Mercer would rather be doing than singing with Darin. There are fun, vibrant arrangements by Billy May and the banter between Mercer and Darin rivals the best comics. I dearly wish they had done more together. So close your eyes and imagine the two smiling, one with the perfect movie-star grin, the other with his gapped front teeth and I guarantee your have such a melancholy smile that you'll keep coming back for more.

I first heard 'Two Of a Kind' 42 years ago..in Los Angeles on good, old AM radio. The attraction and delight was immediate and within days I had purchased the album..vinyl, of course. My 1960 'Two of a Kind' is in excellent condition to this day.
Great for parties, get togethers..family & friends..or whenever you just want to feel good.

It's truly a memory trip down 'tin-pan alley' dressed up by the master - Billy May - and sung by two of the finest vocalists that ever stood before a microphone. I've been listening and enjoying this unique 'duets' album for all these years and never tire of it..if this sounds like a recommendation. That's because it is..one based on 4 decades of experience.

Buy it and enjoy for your next 40 years..as Darin might of said in the album, "tell 'em Bobby sent ya".

I remember hearing some of these songs in the past and I loved them. I almost didn't buy it, but then I changed my mind - and I'm so glad I did. I just love this album. You can tell they had fun recording it. I love the songs and the little comments they make to each other. It's just fun to listen to - and I play it over and over in my car.

Some people sing simply because they love it. They can no more stop singing than they can stop breathing. It is clear from this CD that Bobby Darin and Johnny Mercer were two such people. This CD is a joy to hear from beginning to end. They just seem to be having so much fun as the swing from one upbeat, silly tune to the next. They take on a laid back and casual style gives the whole album a feeling as if it were just an afternoon jam session they decided to do on the spur of the moment.

Billy May and his Orchestra were the perfect choice to back them up. These guys give a new definition to the term "swing". The horn section provides bright, lively accents while the orchestra smoothly slides from one passage to the next. Man, I would give anything to sing with an orchestra like these, especially with these arrangements.

The songs range from old standards to silly little ditties, but every one them is upbeat and fun. Darin and Mercer spice up each piece with adlibs and off the cuff jokes as they banter back and forth through each piece.

I defy you to listen to this album without tapping your feet. If you want to get a good feel for the overall album, list to cuts 9 (My baby's due at 2 to 2 today) and 11 (Who takes care of the caretakers daughter). If you like those, you will love everything on the album.

Folks, in case you haven't already figured it out, I Really like this CD. Buy it, and you too will soon find yourself smiling and tapping your toes to some of the best music from a bygone era.

I have loved this since my parents got it when it was released. Great songs, fabulous singing (by 2 of my all-time favorites) and wonderful orchestration from Mr. Billy May. If I could only have one album, it would be this one.