Customer Reviews

A Young Man's Fancy

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

 

 

Johnny Crawford was my one and only true love when I was a young girl. Johnny was 'The Star' of the weekly TV show "The Rifleman". I planned my week around this and counted the minutes until it was on. Johnny was adorable and I loved him so. The (official)Johnny Crawford Fan Club was advertised in my "16 Magazine" and I saved every penny of my babysitting money and "sent away". I was officially, and I suppose still am, a "Member in Good Standing" of Johnny's Fan Club. When Johnny recorded a record album, "A Young Man's Fancy," I thought it was too good to be true. I borrowed the $3.98 (plus tax) from my mother and ran to the local record store that very day! Oh, the endless hours I spent listening to Johnny sing (to me.) Since then, Johnny has relocated into a box in the garage and keeps company with my other priceless, favorite items from days gone by. Worn, warped and scratched, I wouldn't part with it for anything. Johnny's record is now a CD in my collection. A nostalgic smile has replaced the swoon, and, OK, it's a little corny, but it was no surprise; I am STILL in love with you, Johnny.

I bought this CD the other day, and I must admit it sounds really good. It doesn't sound dumb or like "old-person" music. And believe me, I'm a tough critic, even for a kid. I've even memorized some of the songs. Take my word, you need to get this CD.

Johnny Crawford enjoyed great success with this album when it was released on vinyl LP; and it's back again--fortunately--on CD for us to enjoy in our times.

"Cindy's Birthday" has a great arrangement and Johnny croons this beautifully. Johnny never misses a note and the lush musical interlude enhances the number. "Sittin' And A Watchin'" has a great early rock and roll feeling to it as Johnny sings this sweetly; I predict that you will enjoy "Sittin' And A Watchin'" very much.

Moreover, listen for "Debbie;" Johnny sings this with heart and soul; and I really like this song. The guitars and strings play wonderfully on "Debbie," too.

"Something Special" is a song that seems tailor made for Johnny Crawford; he performs this with panache and soul. "I'm Walkin'" gets a fine treatment, too. Love that horn solo!

Johnny performs "Mr. Blue" very beautifully; and he never sings a superfluous note. "In The Wee Small Hours" showcases Johnny's ability to sing a classic torch song along with the best of them; and "Moon River" charms me because it's so perfectly beautiful. The strings and percussion on "Moon River" bolster Johnny's fine performance.

The album ends on an excellent note (no pun intended) with Johnny singing "Young At Heart." "Young At Heart" gets a very slightly slower tempo than when Frank Sinatra sang it; but Johnny proves he can take this ballad and place his own stamp on his with a fine interpretation.

Johnny Crawford may not get the recognition that he still deserves; but don't let that fool you into passing over this fine album. I recommend this album for people who enjoy classic pop vocals and it's a great starter CD for people who are new to Johnny Crawford's grand style of entertaining.

I have loved listening to Johnny Crawford's music since the early 80's when I bought his - Best Of Album. He has such a natural singing voice and when he is singing the words - he sounds so sincere and you really believe every word of every song. He really has a sweetness in his voice which is rarely heard in a male singer. Even his songs that didn't make the music chart are such a pleasure to listen to. A perfect example of this is - What Happened To Janie. This song is definitely aimed at young teenage and pre-teenage girls. In my opinion his 2 best songs are - Rumours and Proud. He definitely had a more mature sound to his voice when he sang these songs as compared to his earlier songs. There is an innocence to these songs that make them hard to resist. Johnny had a sweetness and sincerity in his singing that set him apart from all the other young male singers in the early 60's. This music is very pleasant and relaxing to listen to. Anyone who enjoys the late 50's early 60's teen music will certainly enjoy listening to Johnny Crawford.

When I was 10, my sisters 11 & 13, we begged my parents for a HI-FI for Christmas. My mom, who wore the pants, said NO! But my dad, for once went around her, got us the HiFi and 6 albums. We were shocked but elated. Mom was *#!^. (We were on the poor side and my dad was not good at earning but too good at spending). This Johnny Crawford album was one. We wore it out along with the rest - but Matt forgot to mention our favorite song, and the one we have all been looking for "The Little Cloud That Cried". All 3 of us were very different from each other, all liked the album, but that song is the one we loved the most and we still do.

I bought this CD. I enjoy the songs but they do not play in the order they are listed. The CD does have all the songs however, you just have to figure out what order they go in.