Search - Dick Powell :: In Hollywood (1933-1935)

Why we gave this guy a spotlight

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 05/13/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In Hollywood (1933-1935) is an excellent CD of many of the best of Dick Powell's songs from the years he worked in Hollywood. The sound of the recordings is pretty good considering the age of these recordings; and the artwork is very nicely done as well.



The CD starts with Dick Powell singing "The Gold Diggers' Song (We're In The Money);" this rousing number features Dick singing beautifully and it's no wonder so many people enjoyed his songs! "The Gold Diggers' Song (We're In The Money)" is a classic pop vocal and it's also a highlight of this album. "Pettin' In The Park" is from the soundtrack of one of Dick Powell's films; and he sings this to perfection--and beyond! "Shadow Waltz" has a beautiful melody and Dick doesn't waste a minute's time--he takes this tune and makes it into a masterpiece with his incredible sense of timing and his voice is in excellent form.



"By A Waterfall" is probably one of the most beautiful love songs I've heard--ever; and when Dick Powell sings this it never sounded better--even with the slight surface noise on this disc! Dick really knew how to sing out a song and have it work just right. In addition, "Honeymoon Hotel" is a cute number with lots of positive energy that I predict you'll enjoy if you haven't heard this tune before.



"I'll String Along With You" is definitely another major highlight of this CD; and Dick delivers this with so much feeling I am truly impressed. Dick never sings a superfluous note and this absolutely amazes me. "Mr. And Mrs. Is The Name" is yet another peppy little tune that Dick infuses with lots of energy as he sings this flawlessly. The music that accompanies Dick as he sings is really great--and it never drowns him out either!



"Lullaby Of Broadway" is one of the best musical numbers Dick Powell ever sang; and he polishes the lyrics with such finesse it's terrific. "Lullaby Of Broadway" is another tune that I consider to be a classic and if you haven't heard this one you will enjoy it. "Lulu's Back In Town" features Dick Powell squarely front and center; and that's quite all right by me! Dick sounds great and "Lulu's Back In Town" has a jazzy rendition that makes it catchy and irresistible.



The CD also ends very strong with Dick Powell performing "The Rose In Her Hair." "The Rose In Her Hair" gets the royal treatment from Dick and this number leaves you wanting more--great!



Dick Powell fans will like this; and this is also great for people who love the old classic movies from the early part of the golden era of Hollywood. People who enjoy classic pop vocals will also want this CD.

"

Good singing, a so-so anthology

Gene DeSantis | Philadelphia, PA United States | 04/14/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"With his aw-shucks charm and winning tenor, Dick Powell hugely secured Busby Berkeley's success at Warner Bros., and inevitably he had to record. This disc, part of Columbia/Legacy's "Art Deco" series, has twenty Brunswick sides, mostly Warren and Dubin. But Powell's fine vocals stand foursquare against the drab arrangements typical of early Depression commercial music, performed by uncredited or little-known orchestras, all in the dull muted sound of old 78s (Legacy's excellent remastering notwithstanding); while he goes one way the rest of these recordings go another. Powell's fans (and fans of thirties movie music) will certainly like this collection; nonetheless for the definitive musical take on Berkeley I'd recommend John McGlinn's superb EMI recreation. Alas, it's deleted."