Customer Reviews

Rose Of Washington Square (1939 Film) / The Dolly Sisters (1945 Film) / Gold Diggers Of 1933 (1933 Film) [3 on 1]

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This excellent CD gives us so much classic music from three major motion pictures: Rose of Washington Square; The Dolly Sisters and Gold Diggers of 1933. These songs were huge, huge hits back when they were originally released; and wow, how people loved to hear them on the radio! It's great to have these songs on CD in our times, too. The quality of the sound is rather good considering the age of these recordings; and I love that artwork.

The "Pretty Baby" overture by Al Jolson comes from Rose of Washington Square; and it opens up the set of songs so very well. Al never sounded better! Al Jolson also does a superb rendition of "California, Here I Come;" "California, Here I Come" gets the royal treatment and Al plays with the tempo to put his own stamp on this ballad. The music that plays fits in perfectly with Al's vocals and "California, Here I Come" gets a rather spirited treatment. Alice Faye also does her usual best on "I Never Knew Heaven Could Speak;" this track also has some dialogue between two other people superimposed upon Alice's singing but that's what you get with a soundtrack recording. A minor disappointment--oh, well.

The song "Rose of Washington Square" itself has a fantastic musical arrangement that's very easy on the ear; and that's grand. In addition, I really like "My Man," this incredible stand-out number comes at the end of "Rose of Washington Square;" Alice Faye delivers this better than anyone ever could have and I love every minute of it. She delves deep into "My Man" and it certainly shines! And, if you want to hear a ballad REALLY shine, listen for "We're in the Money (The Gold Diggers Song)" performed by Ginger Rogers in the movie "Gold Diggers of 1933." Ginger isn't exactly my favorite singer; but her diction is excellent and she's got lots of energy--and that counts for a lot.

Dick Powell does an outstanding job on "Shadow Waltz;" "Shadow Waltz" charms me with its beauty and I could never tire of hearing Dick sing this wonderful love song. "Pettin' in the Park" is another very well done number; and the finale from "Gold Diggers of 1933," "Remember My Forgotten Man" is probably my favorite number on this album. It is very powerful; and if you've seen "Gold Diggers of 1933" before it's even more powerful. Terrific! ""I'm Always Chasing Rainbows" comes from the movie entitled "The Dolly Sisters;" and there's another gem in the vocal version of "I'm Always Chasing Rainbows" which features Betty Grable and John Payne singing their hearts out. And how's about that piano arrangement? The album ends strong with "The Sidewalks of New York;" it leaves me wanting more!

This is one fine CD for fans of these particular musicals. In addition, people who like songs from the golden age of the Hollywood musical in general and even classic show tunes will appreciate this album. As of the time I am writing this, the album is sadly out of print but maybe that will change with time. I highly recommend this album!