For some, this early-'60s Broadway musical turned Hollywood spectacle epitomizes "adult" culture's hatred of rock & roll. But its parody of Elvis Presley's entry into the Army (and Conway Twitty's name--the teen-idol c... more »haracter who sings about being "Honestly Sincere" carries the handle Conrad Birdie) isn't the only skewering of a midcentury American icon, as "Hymn to a Sunday Evening," a nod to Ed Sullivan's sacred status, makes plain. It's a brightly colored romp of the sort whose days were numbered, but the premise is funny and the tunes are catchy--and did Noel Gallagher get the line about morning glory here? --Rickey Wright« less
For some, this early-'60s Broadway musical turned Hollywood spectacle epitomizes "adult" culture's hatred of rock & roll. But its parody of Elvis Presley's entry into the Army (and Conway Twitty's name--the teen-idol character who sings about being "Honestly Sincere" carries the handle Conrad Birdie) isn't the only skewering of a midcentury American icon, as "Hymn to a Sunday Evening," a nod to Ed Sullivan's sacred status, makes plain. It's a brightly colored romp of the sort whose days were numbered, but the premise is funny and the tunes are catchy--and did Noel Gallagher get the line about morning glory here? --Rickey Wright
"Lovers of this musical like to despise the movie version because of its infidelities to the original source material. But the original stage show didn't have the great title track that Ann-Margret sings (in a way no one had ever sung a song before or since), and the film version does have the absolute definitive version of that great show-stopper "The Telephone Hour" (most staged versions take it slower than this one, but the fast-tempo version from the film is absolutely electrifying)."
Be Bye Birdie! Hello Ann-Margret!!!
Michael G. Batcho | McAdoo, PA (USA) | 01/09/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I first purchased this original soundtrack recording on LP when the movie was first released. It's great to be able to listen to it on pristine cd technology.
The entire soundtrack is a collection of really enjoyable songs and music. "The Telephone Hour" is now a "classic" and has even been parodied by the cast of "Xena-Warrior Princess" on one of the "Xena" episodes and soundtrack.
"I've Got A lot Of Livin' To Do" has also become a well recognized pop classic.
My favorite tracks on this album, however, happen to be sung by Ann-Margret. Particularly great are the opening and closing renditions of her "Bye Bye Birdie"! Ann-Margret has alwas had the nack of bringing real "character" and "personality" into her performances, and these tracks are no exception. No one else could have recorded them anywhere near as interesting and captivatingly as did Ann-Margret. She made this soundtrack recording "memorable".
This musical was and is an "American Classic". This soundtrack recording is also "An American Classic" . . . and a most enjoyable one at that!"
Just plain old fun!
Michael G. Batcho | 08/05/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is just full of fun songs anyone can enjoy! This CD would be especially fun at sleepovers! It's a blast to sing along with some of your best friends!"
"It probably helps to have seen and loved the movie, as is the case with us. Ann-Margaret is close to perfection, and surprisingly, Dick Van Dyke is no slouch, either! Lots of fun."
Loved this cd, movie and play!
Ashton | New Jersey | 03/18/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"We have just finished doing Bye Bye Birdie for my high school play last night and I have loved the songs since way before, I don't know were i would be with out the bye bye birdie music.It is catchy, and fun! You will defintly enjoy this cd!"