BARBRA STREISAND NEW CD 2011

[mariana44]

Has anyone seen the new cd from Barbra Streisand---it is now available for preorder from Amazon---and I forget thevtitle, but it is based on the music of Alan and Marilyn Bergman--I knoiw Barbra has sung loads of their songs in the past , but these are all songs that she has not recorded before. I will let you know my verdict when it arrives--but what is not to like !!

At the same time, I ordered Doris Day's new cd-a really nice track listing--but that is next month.

[karl]

Yes I knew about it Marian but I won't be buying it, I found over the years I played her cd's once and never went back to them and yet I used to really like her - still do but I prefer watching her.
Barbra does not do enough up tempo material for me and she should as she's really good at it.
Do you have her album or dvd A Happening In Cental Park? That is really good but she was very young then.

Haven't ordered the new Doris Day cd but I did order the triple set from HMV at a brilliant price and it's Columbia not a cheap label.

[Eman]

My Mom has all of Barbra's lps on vinyl and her cd's. I didn't know about the new one. Thanks for the info Mariana. I'll wait to see your verdict. I only started listening to her when she did the "Stoney End" album as it featured the all girl rock band "Fanny" on it. I loved the next one "Barbara Joan Striesand" from 1971. I still visit it often. Yet like Karl, I'll only listen to it a couple of times and then revisit it when the notion strikes.

[mariana44]

Yes, I agree Barbra is great at uptempo--I do have "A happening in central Park" there is not much of Barbra's stuff I have not got-maybe a couple of her films which are non-musical--like "The way we were"--but I do have that one. I love her voice and her style of singing--I guess one of my favourite cds is "The Broadway Album" plus the cds of the Live concerts.

[Eman]

Revisited "Barbara Joan Striesand", "Stoney End", "The Way We Were" and "Guilty" today. Not bad to listen to while just relaxing and doing paperwork!!

[mariana44]

I forgot to say that "Guilty" was one of my top cds--although I never really liked the "Guilty 2 " cd. Yes, "Stoney End" is a good one too,

[Terence Lee]

Although I have faithfully bought all her CDs so far, I must admit that the last few albums have been disappointing to me. Barbra seems to have lost her spark or energy and she now sings dreary ballads with a phrasing that is predictable even before I hear it. The last album "Love Is The Answer" should have been outstanding as it contained many songs that I like. But it was a yawn fest for me. However, I have heard two songs from the new album which sounded wonderful. On "The Windmills Of My Mind", Barbra has given it a simple interpretation which works. It is not overproduced and she does not have to struggle with a lush orchestra. On "That Face", she actually shows a bit of swing and thank God, it is an uptempo song. My complaints.....there are only 10 songs and she did not even schedule a photo shoot for the cover.

[mariana44]

Hi Terence-good to see you here, and to hear youir opinion re this album-I am hoping to receive mine shortly, and will let you know what I think.

Have you managed to keep up with the news, and read about our get-together next month, in London, to mark the Paperback launch of Michele's book. It is sounding like a really good occasion.

Have you also read about the fiolm to be made of Dame |Shirley Bassey's life--I forget who is playing her,, but it is not a famous name, but I think she also comes from Cardiff.

[Terence Lee]

Hi Mariana

Yes I have read about BBC Two’s upcoming drama – Shirley Bassey: A Very British Diva.

Ruth Negga says: “I’m thrilled to be cast in the role of Shirley Bassey and it’s an absolute honour to be playing her in such an intimate story of her life.”

Can't wait to hear what you think of Barbra's new album. I won't order until you give me your seal of approval.

[karl]

Terence I agree entirely with your comments on Barbra as that's how I feel.

I have a few favourite cd's - one in particular where she's wearing a pink sweater (I think) but I can't remember the title.

Her version of John Lennon's 'Mother' is fantastic.

[mariana44]

That could have been "People", Karl.

I just remembered, I also love Yentl--the film and the cd.

[Eman]

Oh the People album my Mom always played that one! I didn't like Guilty 2 also Mariana. I would put it on my raspberry list of do not listens!!

[karl]

No it was a long time after People Marian a more modern album, I will dig it out and get back to you on this.

[Terence Lee]

Barbra in a pink sweater Karl?

Is it Emotion, one of my favourite Barbra albums?

[mariana44]

That's the one Terence--she had a pink blouse on the cover of "People"