Bang Bang: The Early Years [IMPORT]

Cher

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 18, 1999)
• Original Release Date: May 18, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Emd Int'l
• ASIN: B00000IWUX
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #301,770 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

With her 1999 worldwide smash "I Believe in Love," the woman born Cherilyn Sarkasian LaPier not only became the oldest woman to score a No. 1 record, she seemingly transcended pop music itself as a force of nature. While her early years are best remembered for her mid-'60s hits with partner-mentor Sonny Bono and a string of '70s kitsch classics ("Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves," "Half Breed," "Dark Lady"), her solo career actually began as a sidelight to Sonny and Cher, with Bono writing and producing a string of successful singles for his wife-to-be. That both musicians were alumni of Phil Spector's legendary hit factory is amply evident here, both in the drama of their themes (the murder metaphor of "Bang Bang," the rare pop take on divorce of "You Better Sit Down Kids") and in Bono's full-bodied, if sorely underrated, productions. Fans should also be delighted by Cher's readings of a generous selection of period covers, ranging from Dylan and Bacharach to the Righteous Brothers, Jobim, and even Tom Jones. Such are the unlikely roots of a legend. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars And so this is where Cher's career started..., October 16, 2002

By	Neal C. Reynolds (Indianapolis, Indiana) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This is indeed recommended for those who just discovered Cher through her "Believe" and "Living Proof" CDs. Cher has been labeled "legendary" by many and this collection of material which even many older fans may have forgotten helps justify such a label.

The album starts off with "Dream Baby", a 1965 recording made under her full name of Cherilyn. Next comes the first of several covers, Bob Dylan's "All I Really Wanted To Do", followed by the Kinks' Ray Davies "I Go To Sleep". Notable also are her great hits from the era, the original version of "Bang Bang", "Needles and Pins", and "Elusive Butterfly".

"Alfie" actually is a cover, since the song was first recorded by Cilla Black and was expected to be a big hit is the U. S. as well as England. That was wrecked by the use of Cher's version over the final credits of the movie and the subsequent release of Cher's version as a single.

The closing song is an outstanding cover of Tom Jones' "It's Not Unusual".

The presence here of the best of her early Imperial/Liberty recordings, all of her early major hits, and great covers all combine to make this a must for all who are her fans.

The 60's style does date this collection and needs to be taken into consideration. If you just don't like 60's music, this won't likely appeal to you. Otherwise, this is a good basic item for any collection.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cher is one of the best folk rock singers ever!, June 24, 2000

By	Ward J. Lamb (slate hill, new york United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This vintage collection finds Cher in her cool 60's mode with many gems to share.The girl groupchestnut "Dream Baby" starts out the set here, and is probably the most faithful Bono rip off of that style. Cher's version of "Alfie" is haunting and emotive. "Bang Bang" is probably her greatest song of this era, stunningly iconoclastic! The violin intro forshadows gypsy classics of her 70's output. Cher is relaxed and insular here, and just plain enjoying the songs.Her rollicking read on "needles and Pins" has a country edged feel with lots of momentum. "Sunny" gets a personal touch, as we all know why, she is singing it to him!"I Go to Sleep" probably inspired Chryssie Hynde's version and is a great Ray Davies song that Cher puts her stamp on. This compilation is remastered and sounds great! Cher has a good foundation to base her long career on here!Her fresh simple arrangements let her shine.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What A Great Surprise!, December 23, 1999

By	"jonofoz" (Rapides Parish, LA) - See all my reviews

Who knew she could actually SING? I bought this CD several days ago; I'm still impressed. ALL I REALLY WANT TO DO, NEEDLES AND PINS, and YOU BETTER SIT DOWN KIDS are fabulous stand-outs, but every song is wonderful. I reccommend this album to anyone who likes authentic 60s music, loves Cher, or who thinks BELIEVE is all that this amazing woman has to offer.