Terry D. Robertson | Asheville, NC USA | 10/05/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It is very rare when a collection of Connie's old songs include nothing but some of her finest Lp tracks. Most anthologies that have been reissued (mainly overseas), contain monotonous repeats of her many hits.
"Cocktail Connie" from Germany is the exception. The disc contains some of Connie's finest sophisticated standards. This is the Connie her fans know and love, not the general population, which is a shame since she was at her most versatile and vocal peak. There isn't a single "dud" on this disc. Her version of "Stardust" was one of the first by a female artist and is a definitive version. Her tribute to Burt Bacharach, "Do You Know The Way to San Jose?" and "I Say a Little Prayer/This Girl's in Love With You" are two of the few faster tracks on this disc.
My only complaint were the liner notes. The author apparently taking today's music into focus, considers this a dated "lounge singer's collection", but admits it takes a great deal of talent to sing these songs. Overall, the liner notes were very downbeat and not worthy of inclusion.
This isn't an easily obtainable set. You won't find it in the brick and mortar stores. Amazon does not sell it except in their "marketplace". If you can find it, buy it! It's well worth listening to this artistic pro at her very best.
The general public remember Connie for her "bubblegum hits" (to quote Ms. Francis). They would be quite pleased to hear this collection. Connie who will turn 70 this year, continues performing to sell out crowds."
Super showcase!
Thomas Hughes | Elmira NY USA | 10/14/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"At last, after endless hits compilations, here is a wonderful set of songs that highlight a more mature, sophisticated Connie at her peak recorded from 1964-1969. As usual, she pours her heart and soul into every song from emotional moving ballads like WHERE DID EVERYONE GO and WHERE CAN I GO WITHOUT YOU to uptempo swingers like THE SECOND TIME AROUND and BOSSA NOVA HAND DANCE and leaves you wanting more. Great collection includes: It's Not Unusual/Bossa Nova Hand Dance/Call Me Irresponsible/Stardust/Do You Know The Way To San Jose/So Nice (Summer Samba)/And I Love Him (Beatles song)/I Wanna Be With You/I've Got A Crush On New York Town/Walk On By/The Shadow Of Your Smile/Where Can I Go Without You/Wives and Lovers/Boy From Ipanema/I'm Glad There Is You/This Girl's In Love With You-I Say A Little Prayer/Where Did Everyone Go/The Second Time Around"
Cocktail connie
G. Temesvari | s. deerfield, ma. | 09/22/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"a wonderful collection of lounge songs by one of the best vocalists. The diction is pure and and the sound is uniquely Connie. A real gem by perhaps the most underrated vocalist of our time. Buy it!!!!"
Connie at best !
Diana | Germany | 03/08/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A great C.D. featuring a more sultry sounding Connie Francis and her personal renditions of such hits as " It's Not Unusual " and my favourite of this collection of gems " Second Time Around ". The smoothness of her professional vocal resonates wonderfully with the musical orchestration accompanying her on every song ... It's A Hit !"
It's About Time
W. Soule | Aylett, VA United States | 10/31/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Well all I can say is, "its about time". All this rehash on her early hits and bubblegum teen stuff, enough already. This is one you can sink your teeth into and say WOW. So many fans and the general public only think of Connis as a sobbing teen, singing senseless teen age stuff. NOT SO. As Connie matured, so did her music. On this CD you will fine a mature sounding Connie in GREAT form, handling these songs better than the best of them. I have said it before and I will say it again and again, Connie in her prime (which was in the mid 60's) could out sing ANYONE, ANYONE. Her way with a phrase, her coloration all if it, Connie had it. AND the thing is she recorded tons of good stuff but it is just not out there. Connie and Clyde is a great one and you can get it at Amazon. DOn't just sit there get this CD while you can and I will bet you, you will be back for MORE."