What's In Your CD Player/iPod/MP3/Computer/Hi Fi, Right Now?

Angela51 · Post by **Angela51** » Fri Oct 20, 2006 11:27 pm

Hello everyone.

I have been checking some of Matt's tapes which I have had for some time.

Now playing : STARDUST

Angela

Jintygirl · Post by **Jintygirl** » Sat Oct 21, 2006 12:06 pm

lol I really must keep up with this website! I had no idea my listening to Stranger in Paradise would produce so much comment!

I was, of course, being a sarcastic old bag - I regard the definitive version as the one done by one Matt Monro.

I know there are many versions out there (and I'd forgotten it came from Kismet) but it's Matt's phrasing that is genius, apart from anything else. The middle bit up to 'I hang suspended' - he doesn't take a breath - and there's no need for one there, in any version. His phrasing throughout is PERFECTION.

So no change there...

I'm not listening to anything right this second, except Matt singing in my head and the sound of birdsong and traffic outside and my son inventing various train crashes for Thomas and Percy in the lounge with his wooden railway....

Lena & Harry Smith · Post by **Lena & Harry Smith** » Sun Oct 22, 2006 10:07 pm

Hi Diane, "Stardust", this Hoagy Carmichael number, superbly recorded by Matt is said to be the most recorded American song ever written., a real classic, and Jintygirl "Stranger In Paradise" is another song also recorded by many, but you are so right, Matt's phrasing is PERFECTION.

ROBERT M. · Post by **ROBERT M.** » Sun Oct 22, 2006 10:20 pm

Em...........................................L&H it was Angela, not diane who mentioned "Stardust"

or has the info gone in one ear and out the other

but "Stranger In Paradise" IS absolute perfection

Lena & Harry Smith · Post by **Lena & Harry Smith** » Mon Oct 23, 2006 1:55 am

Sorry Angela a senior moment, we'll have to go back on the Phyllosan, the tonic that fortifies the over forties, but you can see how we are helping you out Robert.

We can see the 1100 mark looming rather quickly now.
Anyway, Eric Hall played Matt's recording of "Over The Rainbow" today" we are all aware of Judy Garlands recording, but Matt's is sheer perfection and the best recording of that song ever.

ROBERT M. · Post by **ROBERT M.** » Mon Oct 23, 2006 4:28 pm

What tonic do you take L&H for the over 70's

mariana44 · Post by **mariana44** » Mon Oct 23, 2006 5:02 pm

Hi Robert--I am sure they will let you know-----when they get there

Marian

ROBERT M. · Post by **ROBERT M.** » Mon Oct 23, 2006 11:06 pm

They look nearer 80 than 70 Marian

paul jh · Post by **paul jh** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 9:54 pm

I guess I have to disagree with Lena and Harry this time. Usually I feel that Matt Monro has recorded the definitive version of every song (even songs normally associated with other singers: Sweet Lorraine, When Johanna Loved Me, Spanish Eyes). The only exceptions I can think of are Strangers In The Night (where Bert Kaempfert has the best version), In The Still Of The Night (Doris Day) and Over The Rainbow, where Doris Day's version is the best. I love that she recorded the opening verse, and the background music sounds like rainbows and lollipops. I rank Matt Monro's beautiful version as #2.

mariana44 · Post by **mariana44** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 10:48 pm

I'm with Paul on this one---if Matt had included the opening verse, I agree, it may well have been perfect. My money is on Jane Monheit for the best version that I have heard.

Marian

Lena & Harry Smith · Post by **Lena & Harry Smith** » Wed Oct 25, 2006 12:12 am

Hi Paul and Marian, for a female vocalist version of "Over The Rainbow" Doris Day and Jane Monheit's recordings are both excellent, but Ella Fitzgerald's version plus the intro verse is favourite for me.
This song caused the most trouble in the choosing of the songs for the film - "The Wizard Of Oz." Yip Harburg and Harold Arlen wrote the words and music for this song, but it was Harburg who at first thought the song was too heavy for a little girl from Kansas to sing, but changed his mind when they played it for Ira Gershwyn who thought it was wonderful.
Even after that it was fated to be cut after two or three previews because it came early in the film and studio heads felt that it was holding up the picture.
Of course it turned out that "Over The Rainbow " was voted the Academy Award as the best film song of the year.

Angela51 · Post by **Angela51** » Wed Oct 25, 2006 1:49 am

Hello again everyone.

Just been listening to... 12 lovely recordings - of course, it's Matt Monro sings Hoagy Carmichael.

The word in the dictionary "matt" is normally defined as "smooth", and that is just the way, one feels when listening to the relaxed voice of our one and only Matt Monro.

Angela

ROBERT M. · Post by **ROBERT M.** » Wed Oct 25, 2006 1:54 am

You're up late Angela, arn't you tired yet??

Hilary · Post by **Hilary** » Wed Oct 25, 2006 10:55 am

Hi All,

I think that Eva Cassidy recorded the best ever version of "Over the rainbow" so I thought that I would mention it here!
Does anyone else agree with me or is it just me that likes this version?!

michduncg · Post by **michduncg** » Wed Oct 25, 2006 2:01 pm

I think for us young'uns Hilary that Eva Cassidy's version is the best. Also loved her rework of 'Fields of Gold'. I have to admit that I have never liked 'Oer the Rainbow' in the 1st place as I really strongly dislike the 'Wizard of Oz'!! But Evas version is very beautiful

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