Customer Reviews

Ultra-Lounge: Wild, Cool & Swingin' - Artist Series Vol 5

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Unheralded, Julie London is one of the great female singers of our time. She belongs to a pre-rock, lounge culture that's gratefully been revived She's underrated because she doesn't possess the obvious, Wow-Look-At-Me-I'm-Singing pipes that make every record from Barbra Steisand, Celine Dion and other nerve-shattering divas so annoying. She also wasn't helped by the corny TV show "Emergency" in the 1970s, produced by ex-husband Jack Webb. But she's one sexy broad and her "molten mezzo," described by Bill Ballance on her first record in 1955, only got steamier in the '60s, when she made her best records for the Liberty label. Her vocals slide across every track like the hot kiss of a streetwalker. This compilation pretty well covers her 14-year recording career. I particularly like her straight pop recordings like "Wives And Lovers" and "Girl Talk." There's also plenty of racy insinuations on tunes like "House" and "Black Coffee" and "Making Whoopee." Julie always had a sly, tongue-in-cheek quality and with her smoky reading of "Mickey Mouse March" we're finally let in on the joke. My only problem with this CD is the lousy cover art. Vinyl collectors prize any Julie London album for the great, sophisticated art direction. Capitol Records has done an exemplary job with its Ultra-Lounge series, but I find the look of the Wild, Cool, & Swingin' series pretty weak. You'll never get tired listening to this CD, though. BUY BUY BUY!

Ultra-Lounge: Wild, Cool & Swingin' - Artist Series Vol 5 features wonderful songs and ballads performed by the great Julie London. Julie could sing out a tune so well that she could make you ecstatic or break your heart--she was that talented and that good. The sound quality is excellent and the artwork is nicely done although I've seen better renderings of Julie London. However, the music is what we're after and that's very good throughout!

"Come On-A My House" gets a fine jazzy treatment from Julie London who sings this with a much slower tempo than I'm used to--what a steamy rendition from the great Julie London! Her voice is as clear as a bell and that's excellent. "My Heart Belongs To Daddy" always makes me smile with its playfulness and the lush musical arrangement impresses me every time I hear it. Great! "You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To" features a very elegant musical arrangement with its percussion and piano; Julie gets the fine musical accompaniment that she deserves and "You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To" is truly a major highlight of this album. Julie sings this without a superfluous note, too! In addition, "Makin' Whoopee" never sounded better than when Julie did this rendition--Eddie Cantor, watch out! "Makin' Whoopee" gets the full treatment from Julie who aces this tune effortlessly. Was it because it was easy to sing? Nope; we know better than that--Julie has incredible talent here and that's what makes it seem so easy when we know it really wasn't.

"Black Coffee" shines like new when Julie London sings it so sweetly; and that horn solo sounds so good! "Blues In The Night" by Harold Arlen gets a fine interpretation from Julie London who delivers this flawlessly. Great! "You And The Night And The Music" is another elegant tune that Julie was born to sing--and just one listen proves it amply! Julie sings this sweeter than I've ever heard it and that's very impressive. "Go Slow" is yet another magnificent tune that Julie delivers with great passion, heart and soul; and the violins are perfect for this number. "Wives And Lovers" sounds terrific when Julie swings brightly as Julie performs this without a hitch and listen also "Mad About The Boy." "Mad About The Boy" is a classic pop vocal that Julie delivers with all her might--and she certainly succeeds! The album ends well, too, with Julie London performing "Mickey Mouse March." This interesting treatment of a classic children's song intrigues me and it actually works much better than I thought it would!

Julie London truly was one of the very best female vocalists of the entire twentieth century and just one listen to this album proves it! Her fans will love this album and if you like classic pop vocals you won't be disappointed.

Although not as stunning as the now out of print Julie is Her Name/Volume 2 on Liberty/EMI, this is a nice presentation of her her post 1957 work. There's a lot more orchestra tracks, fine for those who like that sort of thing, and few of the intimate two piece combo arrangements (featuring the sublime Barney Kessel) that characterized her first two LP's. Still, it's a cracking good listen, with You And The Night And The Music, Nightlife, and Nice Girls Don't Stay For Breakfast. If you don't want to spring for the individual albums, most of which are available, this is a fine compilation

Yeah, pals and gals, Julie didn't have the range of Ella, but she brought sexiness to the table . . . in double doses. While Doris Day made a career out of being the "eternal virgin," Julie didn't even start recording until after she had kids! Once you hear her sultry, throaty voice on these tunes, you'll never forget it . . . and it will definitely put you "in the mood for love." This particular collection leaves out a few tunes (most notably, her signature "Cry Me A River"), but the inclusion of some little gems like "Nice Girls Don't Stay For Breakfast" makes this collection a winner. So mix a shaker of martinis, put this on your player, turn the lights down and curl up with your sugar!

The cover artwork is so awful that's its insulting to the beautiful, classy lady who sings on this CD, but the music is absolutely wonderful. Julie London was the best female singer of torch songs ever. She can even make the Mickey Mouse Club Theme sound sexy. Her version of Blues In the Night is probably the most soulful torch song ever preformed. Her version of Black Coffee flows with such intimacy that it makes K.D. Lang's version look strained. And Rosemary Clooney's Come on to My House seems awkward compared Julie's sensuous invitation. Her version of Watermelon Man adds a satin touch to the old Latin favorite. Julie always sings the blues as though she lived the blues, and having been married to Jack Webb, maybe she did. Each note from Julie London is like a warm personal hug that comes straight from the heart. I recommend this CD highly.

Audio quality of digital re-mix excellent.
EQ especially of voice really tops.
Music must be via a well recorded original studio master, i.e.not a live concert (with inherent remastering problems) All in all a super update. Received airmail in Australia in good condition.
Julie London great.

I just started listening to Julie recently, and let me tell you, she is the best lounge singer there is! It's so unfortunate that she never did any more recording then she did. I am a fan of her and her "Emergency!" co-stars,but I never knew she could sing as she did! By the way--"Emergency!" rocks--don't let anyone tell you otherwise! Anyway, if you are a fan of lounge music, definitely purchase this! It is a complete refresh!

Julie could never be considered a Lounge singer or Caberate singer which I consider the same in my opinion., The Caberate just sounds fancier than Lounge singer.

I cannot imagine myself having dinner and drinks with her performing while trying to keep my attention on all three at the same time.
I am positive my food would get very cold and my drinks would get hot.
While I gave her my full attention

She is timeless, and I feel will be, with many of her Brothers and Sisters who share their love and talent of music with all of us for decades to come.
I enjoy every album of hers I have..
I do believe this afternoon and evening will be devoted to listening to the likes of Julie , Peggy Lee, Carmen McRae , Nina Simon, Eartha Kitt and many others..

Her voice is so sultry! She draws you in and gives you the greatest vibe.

... because DK's source of inspiration is the real deal - sexier and more expressive, she's a blast from the past worth checking out.