Matt Monro Forum

I posted a little while ago, about one of my top 5 CD'S, and thought hard about what else I would put on the list.

Naturally we would all have 1 or 2 of Matt's titles in that list, so I am suggesting that we do not include them, and just list cd's/Lp's of other artists--and a reason for that choice-if there is one.

So here are my top 5--in no special order

Firstly--"Carousel--" The film soundtrack was the first Lp I ever bought , with the first money that I earned at a Saturday Job-and for a long time, it was the only Lp that I had--so I got to know it really well--However, since then I have bought many other recordings of this show, and far and away my favourite is the" National Theatre Version"-so my first choice is
"Carousel--National Theatre Version"

My second choice is "Rhythms and Ballads of Broadway" by Johnny Mathis--again the first ever record I bought of Johnny Mathis--a long time back--it cost me 39 shillings and 9 pence--and I played it so often , I am surprised it did not wear out--luckily I now have it on cd.

As previously mentioned--"Mandy Patinkin--Experiment" . No special reasn-I just love it.

"Supremes sing Rodgers and Hart" I bought this LP many years ago, in HMV London--just a few years ago, I was thrilled to see a cd version, with twice as many tracks--again-no special reason for choosing this-except I love all the songs--and the way the Supremes sing them.

My last one is "Simon and Garfunkel--Live in Central Park "---both my husband and I loved Simon and Garfunkel's music---and when I saw a video of the concert for sale on ebay[USA], I was just so excited and bid on it straight away. However it never arrived--presumed lost in the post. When I contacted the buyer, he very generously sent me his own personal video, and would not even take payment for the extra postage. I am so glad that I now have it on Cd. They did a reunion concert "Old Friends" just a few years ago--but quite honestly I was a little disappointed--the Central Park concert was just magic !!

So there you go---I will be looking forward to hearing the top 5 favourites from you all--and I am expecting a few surprises !!

Ok Here goes then, in no particular order
Climb Every Mountain, I love this song, obviously from The Sound Of Music, which is my favourite musical, and although Shirley Bassey sings it nicely, I don't think anyone can beat Peggy Wood from the actual film, she is superb.
Ave Maria by Perry Como, simply because it is a beautiful song, and I think his is the best version.
The Carnival Is Over by The Seekers, I have fond memories of this when I was growing up, my mother had the original ep and I used to play it over and over.
Now, by The Carpenters, this was one of the very last songs Karen sang, absolutely flawless.
Here In My Heart by Al Martino finishes the list, this was the very first no. 1 hit in the u.k., and he still sings it to this day in his concerts, magnificently, I may add.

It will be a very hard task to find a top 5, without any Matt songs included

I did not mean your 5 top songs, but your 5 top cd's or Lp's. Apart from any of Matt Monro, because we know that he would be in our favourites list--I want to know about the others---not neccessarily your favourite singers--but something about a particular cd or Lp that makes it special!!

I may go back and change the heading to make it clearer.

Well I could easily put five of Jack's, which would be just as unfair as putting five if Matt's I suppose. Anyway I'll have a go, only allowing myself two of JJ.
1.Jack Jones sings Michel Legrand. Some old favourites on this album.
2.All to Yourself, although a compilation, this was the first LP I bought of Jack's that I loved every song, so It's always had a special place for me.
3.Les Miserables, the musical, especially sung by Dave Willetts, who I've seen in concert many times, and also as Jean Valjean and the Phantom.
4. I'm going to have Carousel too, a favourite musical for many years.
5.Terry Dene, my favourite as a teenager.
What a mixture!!!!
Marian

I knew that you meant albums Marian, but John confused us by listing songs. I will need more time to think about this. I already know my number 1, but I need to do search through my papers for the other four.

Sorry everyone, I misread Mariana's question, I thought she meant your favourite songs, not albums. My mistake!

And that was before I went to the pub!

That is Ok, John--I probably did not make mysef clear to start with--but hope that my alteration has helped.

Jeff, it took me about a week to finalise my final 5--the last 2 kept changing, as I could have had at least a dozen different ones there.

Marian--good to see Dave Willetts get a mention--he has such a good voice--ideal for musicals. I saw him as "Phantom ", and he was just great.
Terry Dene was an unexpected name to appear!!!

I thought that might surprise you Marian, but I have given him a mention somewhere in the past.

I hope you are okay where you are after the shock news of an earthquake in Kent this morning???? Let us know if you can.
Marian.

Yes, we wondered, did the earth move for you Marian.
No but seriously going by distance wise we hope that all's ok with you and for everyone else with whom it may have affected.

We are still thinking of our favourite albums and CDs.

Luckily the earthquake was down by the coast--nowhere near where I am, thankfully. I have not read of any injuries, so hopefully it was not too bad, although I guess there may be some structural damage.

I know this is cheating a little, but my favourite 5 songs (apart from Matt songs) can all be found on CDs or LPs so these are my 5 Favourite Recordings - in alphabetical order-

A Wonderful Guy from "South Pacific" - I adore watching Mitzi Gaynor at the start of the song, singing the opening bars, while looking straight into the camera. I LOVE the whole song though, a truly great melody from Rogers and Hammerstein, so UPLIFTING.

Broadway Rhythm from the B&W musical "Broadway Melody of 1936" - This wonderful musical extravaganza of a song lasts for 8 - 10 minutes. It starts with the beautiful Frances Langford in black top hat and tails, then follows contributions from Buddy and Vilma Ebsen, June Knight and of course Eleanor Powell, plus other magical performers. If you like those old B&W musical movies, then this is for you.

Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man from "Showboat" - In the movie Ava Gardner looks stunning when singing this beautiful tune - she was actually dubbed in the movie, but there are "clips" available of Ava singing the song before being dubbed, and my goodness she sounds terrific. In fact many say her version of the song should have stayed in the movie.
Another reason why I love this song, is that Frances Langford, sings this tune rather magnificently on her CD "Serenade" - what a fabulous rendition Frances gives the song.

If I Had You by The Korgis - A beautiful 70's power ballad by one of my favourite groups. The song has a gorgeous slide guitar riff throughtout - heavenly. If I Had You, was The Korgis first hit record.

Reed em and Weep by the mighty Meat Loaf - I was a massive fan of Meat Loaf in the late 70's - I still am a big fan. Reed em and Weep is another power ballad, a follow up to his top ten hit Deadringer For Love. But Reed em and Weep never actually charted, which seems strange to me, as the song is GLORIOUS.

Thanks for your list Robert-I did mean complete cds or Lps, but it was interesting to see your selection of favourite recordings. I was surprised to see the Korgis listed !!

So if anyone else wants to do the same as Robert--just their 5 favourite recordings , then that is fine.

Here are my Top 5 CDs :

1. Something Else - Shirley Bassey
2. The Best Of Liza Minnelli
3. The Ways To Love A Man/Nashville By Carr - Vikki Carr
4. The Essential Barbra Streisand
5. Today My Way/Honey Come Back - Patti Page

Just bubbling under the Top 5 :
6. Jack Jones Sings Michel Legrand
7. Cleo At Her Finest - Dame Cleo Laine
8. I'm Coming Home - Johnny Mathis
9. I Am What I Am - Dorothy Squires
10. Judy At Carnegie Hall - Judy Garland