Search - Matt Monro :: Collection

Historic Release!

D.D. | Jacksonville, FL United States | 05/06/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD set is a truly historic release for Matt's fans, as it includes brilliant renditions of two well-known songs that have been unreleased for over 30 years. One is "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head," and the other (more about it later) is "Yesterday When I Was Young." The fact that these two gems were still in the vaults gives us all hope that more and more will become available on future CD releases. The set also includes four songs that were released but are new to CD, which is rare among Monro compilations. These include one of the most horrifyingly hilarious story songs you'll ever hear, as well as Matt's lovely 1980 tribute to the new Princess Diana. Michele Monro, his daughter, wrote the liner notes, and this release is a perfect follow-up to her 2002 box set, itself a milestone to those of us who love her father."Yesterday When I Was Young" is a lost treasure from its era. There were so many versions, some may wonder why this discovery is such a big deal. Well, for one, the song was practically written for him...a deeply melodic European ballad with an adapted English lyric. And Matt takes it to incredible heights by drawing out the tempo and twisting the melody to keep it fresh and not as repetitive as we're accustomed to. He extends each note even more than usual, allowing us to bask in his artistry. Then the ending has a clever key change that allows a further revision of the melody and gives us another classic Monro scoop. True, he keeps us wanting more by omitting a couple of verses, but that's a show business rule, right? Here's hoping that the "more" will come in the form of more surprises like this one."

Matt Monro: The tallented singer that did not Walk Away

Harald Jan | Norway | 03/24/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you shall buy only one Matt Monro audio CD in your life this is the one I recommend. And frankly speaking, because this i s a wonderful collection of some of Matt Monro's best songs, I hope that this record will encourage you to buy more of his famous hits. Some of you will remember Matt Monro's soundtrack on the second James Bond film, "From Russia with Love." "Walk Away" became a major hit, as did "My Kind of Girl". Matt enjoyed his tenure in the U.S. Special highlights included appearances in some of the biggest stateside cities in America. His television appearances in America read like a who's who including Johnny Carson, Merv Griffin, Red Skelton, Pat Boone, Gypsy Rose Lee, Nelson Riddle, Librace, Dick Cavett and Ed Sullivan a staggering four times. Matt's rise to fame coincided with the Beatles era and although their styles were very different he had a great success with several Lennon/McCartney songs. Matt became the first artist to cover "Yesterday" and took the song to No.8. His last single came in 1973, when "And You Smiled" made the top 30. Although Matt was a stranger to charts in later years, the "Heart-breakers" compilation in 1980 proved that the Monro magic still worked. The album went gold within a few days. One of Matt's last performances was at the Barbican, London, a sell out night and one that was highly praised by critics and public alike. With a standing ovation of over seven minutes, Matt was overcome with emotions. The CD includes songs like "Spanish Eyes", "The Nearness of You", "Portrait of My Love", "Walk Away", "Born Free" and "Yesterday", just to have mentioned a few. This music CD gets 5 Stars!"