I have listed my own favourite music artists and film (movie) artists on another page "Your other Favourite Artists" under (Other Singers).
My tears will fall now that your gone
WORST RECORDING BY MATT
To the Guest from Maryland USA, I am just wondering how you actually became a fan of Matts or how you found out about him, on that side of the pond. Is he played on American radio or was it by listening to British radio, or was it by some other way.? Do you like any American artists or bands ? as you say you prefer British artists.
I have listed my own favourite music artists and film (movie) artists on another page "Your other Favourite Artists" under (Other Singers).
My tears will fall now that your gone
I have listed my own favourite music artists and film (movie) artists on another page "Your other Favourite Artists" under (Other Singers).
My tears will fall now that your gone
Hi all--after all the discussion about "Maria" [which personally I love, whoever sings it] , I will get back to the worst recording made by Matt, and I am ready for you all to disagee with me--I really do not like his version of "Music to Watch Girls by"---much , much too slow! I await any comments!! Marian
Mariana
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Lena & Harry Smith
- Posts: 21514
- Joined: Tue Jul 12, 2005 10:05 am
- Location: London UK
Marian, we'll be gentle with you 
we do both happen to like Matt's version of "Music To Watch Girls Go By" plus great orchestration.
We understand what you are saying about slow tempo. Sometimes maybe we get so used to constantly hearing other singers and the tempo in which they sing these songs.
Anyway, there is one recording only of Matt's that we both agree would not be among our top five , and that is his version of "Spanish Eyes." his phrasing and the tempo on this one, anyone agree or disagree.
we do both happen to like Matt's version of "Music To Watch Girls Go By" plus great orchestration.We understand what you are saying about slow tempo. Sometimes maybe we get so used to constantly hearing other singers and the tempo in which they sing these songs.
Anyway, there is one recording only of Matt's that we both agree would not be among our top five , and that is his version of "Spanish Eyes." his phrasing and the tempo on this one, anyone agree or disagree.
Hello Lena and Harry. You have taken the words out of my mouth, as I was just about to submit a post concerning "Spanish Eyes". Off hand there are TWO Matt recordings I'm not overly impressed with. Firstly there is "Hava Nigila". Somehow I dont think the song suits Matt, but others will have their own opinions on that.
Secondly, I completely agree with you Lena and Harry regarding "Spanish Eyes". It just seems to me that Matt is singing in the WRONG KEY all the way through the song. Its not Matts fault, as I think the arranger Billy May must have arranged the song in the wrong key for Matt. I think the END of the song proves the point in question when Matt seems to be singing the final one or two notes sounding very very FLAT. But he is only trying to keep in tune with the orchestration of Billy May. Hope you agree with me on this point. So for me "Spanish Eyes" regrettably in my opinion is not one of Matts best recordings, even though I hate to say ANYTHING against our matt.
My tears will fall now that your gone
Secondly, I completely agree with you Lena and Harry regarding "Spanish Eyes". It just seems to me that Matt is singing in the WRONG KEY all the way through the song. Its not Matts fault, as I think the arranger Billy May must have arranged the song in the wrong key for Matt. I think the END of the song proves the point in question when Matt seems to be singing the final one or two notes sounding very very FLAT. But he is only trying to keep in tune with the orchestration of Billy May. Hope you agree with me on this point. So for me "Spanish Eyes" regrettably in my opinion is not one of Matts best recordings, even though I hate to say ANYTHING against our matt.
My tears will fall now that your gone
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Guest
To: Robert M of Yorkshire and everyone else!
From: Guest in Maryland USA
You asked how I got into Matt Monro's music. When I was a kid in the 1960s, his music was played on the middle-of-the-road radio stations (that is, the stations mothers would listen to---not strictly instrumental easy listening music, but the stations which played Andy Williams, Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme, and Barbra Streisand); they would play Matt Monro. I remember hearing and enjoying Born Free and From Russia With Love. I'd also hear this radio station (and Matt's music) at the barber shop! This was the main music I listened to from 1966 - summer 1969, after listening to pop music in 1963 - 1965. Then in the summer of 1969, I switched completely to soul, pop, and rock music.
In 1985, Washington DC got a wonderful radio station that billed itself as "The Station Of The Stars". It played the Matt Monro hits fairly often. So I rediscovered Matt Monro again. That station sadly switched to all sports three years later (to make more money).
In January 1990 on my first trip to London, I bought my first Matt Monro compilation, that wonderful one that is still sold today in the U.K. with different artwork---the one that includes We're Gonna Change The World as the last track. Then I became a HUGE Matt Monro and I still play that CD often. I have the tracks completely memorized and know immediately what comes next. Then in every successive trip to the U.K., I bought another Matt Monro CD. I've only bought one in the US, which was the Capital series and it's quite wonderful as well. I have two compilations that I haven't even listened to yet (one from Singapore and the other from Liverpool)---saving them for a rainy day! In the large American record stores (such as Tower), you can find about 5 different Matt Monro titles. So people still remember his music in the US. In small record stores and big box stores, you find no recordings by Matt Monro.
As I mentioned in a previous message, Matt Monro's singing, phrasing, and interpretation of lyrics inspires me in my piano playing more than any other artist. I almost always carry a Matt Monro CD in my car along with the latest rock, dance, and pop releases (such as Gnarls Barkley, Jamie Cullum, Texas, The Kooks, Barbara Tucker, Shapeshifters, Oasis, Coldplay, and my current favorite group The Magic Numbers, whom I saw in concert in March---an absolutely wonderful show ... I highly recommend them.
In another message, I will provide my critique of Havah Nagilah and Spanish Eyes. Big surprise! I don't agree with you, as these will be in my list of top 40 favorite Matt songs. Perhaps I can point out some things for you to note about these two excellent recordings, just as you did with Maria for me! I also like Music To Watch Girls By. I never heard his version until I got that twofer CD. I've loved the Andy Williams version for years; but how refreshing to hear Matt Monro's version. He can make any song his own---this is something that he does uniquely. No one else can make every song his own. Another example: Here There and Everywhere so closely associated with The Beatles and Emmylou Harris. But Matt's version is so emotional and equal to the other two definitive recordings.
From: Guest in Maryland USA
You asked how I got into Matt Monro's music. When I was a kid in the 1960s, his music was played on the middle-of-the-road radio stations (that is, the stations mothers would listen to---not strictly instrumental easy listening music, but the stations which played Andy Williams, Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme, and Barbra Streisand); they would play Matt Monro. I remember hearing and enjoying Born Free and From Russia With Love. I'd also hear this radio station (and Matt's music) at the barber shop! This was the main music I listened to from 1966 - summer 1969, after listening to pop music in 1963 - 1965. Then in the summer of 1969, I switched completely to soul, pop, and rock music.
In 1985, Washington DC got a wonderful radio station that billed itself as "The Station Of The Stars". It played the Matt Monro hits fairly often. So I rediscovered Matt Monro again. That station sadly switched to all sports three years later (to make more money).
In January 1990 on my first trip to London, I bought my first Matt Monro compilation, that wonderful one that is still sold today in the U.K. with different artwork---the one that includes We're Gonna Change The World as the last track. Then I became a HUGE Matt Monro and I still play that CD often. I have the tracks completely memorized and know immediately what comes next. Then in every successive trip to the U.K., I bought another Matt Monro CD. I've only bought one in the US, which was the Capital series and it's quite wonderful as well. I have two compilations that I haven't even listened to yet (one from Singapore and the other from Liverpool)---saving them for a rainy day! In the large American record stores (such as Tower), you can find about 5 different Matt Monro titles. So people still remember his music in the US. In small record stores and big box stores, you find no recordings by Matt Monro.
As I mentioned in a previous message, Matt Monro's singing, phrasing, and interpretation of lyrics inspires me in my piano playing more than any other artist. I almost always carry a Matt Monro CD in my car along with the latest rock, dance, and pop releases (such as Gnarls Barkley, Jamie Cullum, Texas, The Kooks, Barbara Tucker, Shapeshifters, Oasis, Coldplay, and my current favorite group The Magic Numbers, whom I saw in concert in March---an absolutely wonderful show ... I highly recommend them.
In another message, I will provide my critique of Havah Nagilah and Spanish Eyes. Big surprise! I don't agree with you, as these will be in my list of top 40 favorite Matt songs. Perhaps I can point out some things for you to note about these two excellent recordings, just as you did with Maria for me! I also like Music To Watch Girls By. I never heard his version until I got that twofer CD. I've loved the Andy Williams version for years; but how refreshing to hear Matt Monro's version. He can make any song his own---this is something that he does uniquely. No one else can make every song his own. Another example: Here There and Everywhere so closely associated with The Beatles and Emmylou Harris. But Matt's version is so emotional and equal to the other two definitive recordings.
Hi--re last posting---I really agree about Matt's version of "Here ,There and Everywhere"---as far as I am concerned it is my Favorite Beatle song--apart from The Beatles, the only other version I had heard was Emmy Lou Harris, which was lovely. But my favourite version by far is Matt's.
Marian
Marian
Mariana
Hello Mariana44 and to the Guest from Maryland USA. Can I say that I too absolutely love Matts version of the Lennon/McCartney song "Here There and Everywhere". Matts version just gives the song that little bit EXTRA.
Thank you to the Guest from the US, it was a very interesting post you sent. I too grew up listening to pop music in the 60's, then moved on to a bit heavier music in the 70's -ie- Meat Loaf. But as i'm getting older!!!! my taste in music has changed. I still like pop music and Meat Loaf, but I now prefer Easy Listening sounds especially MATT MONRO. Who is without doubt the best singer in the WORLD, there is no comparison. I just love the music and everything about Matt.
In your post you didnt have anything to say about the 10 MM songs I mentioned in a previous post above. Or if you saw my other favourite Artists, and my favourite Film (Movie) stars on another page.
I await the reply from yourself, regarding YOUR top 40 Matt songs with anticipation. Whether I agree or disagree with your opinions is a different matter. But send them in when you are ready to, then we can start debating Matts WONDERFUL and GLORIOUS songs all over again.
My tears will fall now that your gone
Thank you to the Guest from the US, it was a very interesting post you sent. I too grew up listening to pop music in the 60's, then moved on to a bit heavier music in the 70's -ie- Meat Loaf. But as i'm getting older!!!! my taste in music has changed. I still like pop music and Meat Loaf, but I now prefer Easy Listening sounds especially MATT MONRO. Who is without doubt the best singer in the WORLD, there is no comparison. I just love the music and everything about Matt.
In your post you didnt have anything to say about the 10 MM songs I mentioned in a previous post above. Or if you saw my other favourite Artists, and my favourite Film (Movie) stars on another page.
I await the reply from yourself, regarding YOUR top 40 Matt songs with anticipation. Whether I agree or disagree with your opinions is a different matter. But send them in when you are ready to, then we can start debating Matts WONDERFUL and GLORIOUS songs all over again.
My tears will fall now that your gone
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Guest
To: Robert M of Yorkshire
From: Guest in Maryland
I haven't looked at your lists of other favorite singers or movie stars yet. Since I've seen less than 20 movies in my life, I won't have any comments on that list (except that Doris Day better be on BOTH lists!). I'll look at the singers list at another time (again Doris Day is a must). And I need some time to work on my top 40 countdown of Matt Monro songs. But I will do it, as that will be a fun project!
Many of your ten favorite Matt Monro songs are my favorites also. I will have to listen to the track from The Singer's Singer box set again. I only listen to the box set at home which is not often, since I'm rarely home. So maybe tomorrow I will listen to that song. Usually I listen to Matt Monro while in the car. Just today I listened to Spring Is Here. I don't even have the words to describe how wonderful his singing is on that song. The way he carries over one of the phrases is just exquisite.
I also listened to The Happening this morning. Here's another example of what I was mentioning yesterday. He can take any song and make it his own. I have loved that song by the Supremes since 1967; it was one of my favorites by them. I never thought someone else would record it because it's so Motown. So when it was on the These Years/The Late Late Show twofer, that was one of the reasons I bought it. Anyway, I will always love the Supremes version, but I also love Matt's version.
Now Spanish Eyes. First off, Matt Monro has never sung out of tune; he's never flat or sharp. He is ALWAYS on pitch. Perhaps the arrangement is bothering you. But I assure you he sings it perfectly. I'm so impressed with his vocal line. I wonder if that was written out for him note by note, or whether he improvised in the studio? Does anyone know the answer to that question? Once again, I only knew the version by Al Martino, which is a lovely bolero. When I first heard the Billy May and Matt Monro version, I thought it was a bit strange. But it's a real grower. I probably didn't start liking it until the tenth time I heard it. They changed it to an entirely different Spanish rhythm---I think of Seville when I hear it rather than Mexico. At the end Matt does a turn and an inverted mordent; you may think it's off pitch, but it's not; it's perfectly in keeping with the Spanish style of May's arrangement.
It's great to drive the open road, put on Spanish Eyes and sing-along. It's 2 minutes and 20 seconds of pure bliss.
From: Guest in Maryland
I haven't looked at your lists of other favorite singers or movie stars yet. Since I've seen less than 20 movies in my life, I won't have any comments on that list (except that Doris Day better be on BOTH lists!). I'll look at the singers list at another time (again Doris Day is a must). And I need some time to work on my top 40 countdown of Matt Monro songs. But I will do it, as that will be a fun project!
Many of your ten favorite Matt Monro songs are my favorites also. I will have to listen to the track from The Singer's Singer box set again. I only listen to the box set at home which is not often, since I'm rarely home. So maybe tomorrow I will listen to that song. Usually I listen to Matt Monro while in the car. Just today I listened to Spring Is Here. I don't even have the words to describe how wonderful his singing is on that song. The way he carries over one of the phrases is just exquisite.
I also listened to The Happening this morning. Here's another example of what I was mentioning yesterday. He can take any song and make it his own. I have loved that song by the Supremes since 1967; it was one of my favorites by them. I never thought someone else would record it because it's so Motown. So when it was on the These Years/The Late Late Show twofer, that was one of the reasons I bought it. Anyway, I will always love the Supremes version, but I also love Matt's version.
Now Spanish Eyes. First off, Matt Monro has never sung out of tune; he's never flat or sharp. He is ALWAYS on pitch. Perhaps the arrangement is bothering you. But I assure you he sings it perfectly. I'm so impressed with his vocal line. I wonder if that was written out for him note by note, or whether he improvised in the studio? Does anyone know the answer to that question? Once again, I only knew the version by Al Martino, which is a lovely bolero. When I first heard the Billy May and Matt Monro version, I thought it was a bit strange. But it's a real grower. I probably didn't start liking it until the tenth time I heard it. They changed it to an entirely different Spanish rhythm---I think of Seville when I hear it rather than Mexico. At the end Matt does a turn and an inverted mordent; you may think it's off pitch, but it's not; it's perfectly in keeping with the Spanish style of May's arrangement.
It's great to drive the open road, put on Spanish Eyes and sing-along. It's 2 minutes and 20 seconds of pure bliss.
Hi to the Guest in Maryland. Thank you for you reply. I think you have summed up "Spanish Eyes" in an honest manner. I mainly agree with your summary of the song. You say it took about ten listens for you to start liking Matts version, but surely it shouldnt have taken that many listens. I never said Matt was singing out of tune, it just sounded like he was because of the odd orchestration I thought the tune had been given by Billy May. I admit, like Lena and Harry say, that some of the song sounds good, but other parts of the song are not so good. So as you mentioned in your post, it IS the arrangement of the song that does bother me. The ending does sound a bit strange to me, even though you explain the reasons for this in your above post.
I too had previously only heard the Al Martino version of the song before Matts version. Also I do admire Doris Day tremendously, but I did not add her to my lists of favourite singers or actors/actresses. I mainly prefer 30's and 40's stars of the silver screen, and MATT MONRO as a singer, with the odd exception.
My tears will fall now that your gone
I too had previously only heard the Al Martino version of the song before Matts version. Also I do admire Doris Day tremendously, but I did not add her to my lists of favourite singers or actors/actresses. I mainly prefer 30's and 40's stars of the silver screen, and MATT MONRO as a singer, with the odd exception.
My tears will fall now that your gone
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Guest
Hi, to the guest in Maryland U.S.A. We have found your postings interesting and thank you for sharing your musical knowledge with us as a professional pianist. We accept and appreciate your expertise views and the reasons that you have given for liking Matt's version of "Spanish Eyes"
It hasn't altered our views on this recording, and for a recording of any artist to grow on either of us is a rare occurrence, certainly not for a tenth time of listening. We generally know instantly if we care for it or not.
Spanish Eyes is not a particularly easy song to sing in comparison to many others. Matt had the vocal range plus everything else that it took to make him the best possible vocalist ever, but we agree with Roberts comments entirely and for us this one just didn't work.
As for Doris Day, superb. At the top of our list.
It hasn't altered our views on this recording, and for a recording of any artist to grow on either of us is a rare occurrence, certainly not for a tenth time of listening. We generally know instantly if we care for it or not.
Spanish Eyes is not a particularly easy song to sing in comparison to many others. Matt had the vocal range plus everything else that it took to make him the best possible vocalist ever, but we agree with Roberts comments entirely and for us this one just didn't work.
As for Doris Day, superb. At the top of our list.
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Guest
To: Robert M and everyone else
From: Guest in Maryland
Perhaps I didn't have to listen to Spanish Eyes ten times before liking it, but it took several listens. What's wrong with that? Why does a positive reaction to a recording have to be instantaneous? Spanish Eyes by Matt Monro and Billy May a real grower. It gets better with each listen. I suggest you put it on and do something else, like housework. Later you'll find yourself singing it!
Another example is the new song by Keane, Is It Any Wonder. Jo Whiley at Radio 1 said it was a grower, and she's right. The first time I heard it I thought it was terrible. But now I find it fascinating and it's in my head and won't leave. It's a great song and not just a re-hash of Somewhere Only We Know and Everybody's Changing. I'm looking forward to their new album!
From: Guest in Maryland
Perhaps I didn't have to listen to Spanish Eyes ten times before liking it, but it took several listens. What's wrong with that? Why does a positive reaction to a recording have to be instantaneous? Spanish Eyes by Matt Monro and Billy May a real grower. It gets better with each listen. I suggest you put it on and do something else, like housework. Later you'll find yourself singing it!
Another example is the new song by Keane, Is It Any Wonder. Jo Whiley at Radio 1 said it was a grower, and she's right. The first time I heard it I thought it was terrible. But now I find it fascinating and it's in my head and won't leave. It's a great song and not just a re-hash of Somewhere Only We Know and Everybody's Changing. I'm looking forward to their new album!
Hi to the Guest from Maryland. Our point is that "Spanish Eyes" is on OLD song, so you shouldnt have needed to have got used to it, as everyone knows Spanish Eyes. Whereas on the other hand the Keane song is a different kettle of fish, as it is a NEW song and will obviously need time for poeople to get used to it. So maybe Matts version of Spanish Eyes took a while for it to grow on yourself, but it still doesnt alter our view of the song. It is just not one of our favourites, as the words and the melody do not seem to match up correctly.
My tears will fall now that your gone
My tears will fall now that your gone
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Guest
Sorry, Robert M, but I must disagree with you once again. Matt's version of Spanish Eyes took repeated plays before I knew whether I liked it or not. That's because the arrangement was so different than Al Martino's. It is a grower. Even though I've been familiar with the song for years, the Billy May arrangement took several listenings. So new arrangements as well as new songs can take time to fully understand and appreciate.
I feel that you are not giving the song a chance, but are just expecting him to sing the regular melody and then we can be bored. But instead, Matt's vocal and rhythm is completely different than the original (which I find refreshing); it's improvisation and I think it's brilliant. Another brilliant Matt interpretation was Fly Me To The Moon, where he alters the melody just slightly; but since it was not very different from the standard song, it was not a grower. I knew instantly that I loved it. I just wish he had recorded the opening verse (as Jack Jones did).
I feel that you are not giving the song a chance, but are just expecting him to sing the regular melody and then we can be bored. But instead, Matt's vocal and rhythm is completely different than the original (which I find refreshing); it's improvisation and I think it's brilliant. Another brilliant Matt interpretation was Fly Me To The Moon, where he alters the melody just slightly; but since it was not very different from the standard song, it was not a grower. I knew instantly that I loved it. I just wish he had recorded the opening verse (as Jack Jones did).