Search - Mel Torme :: Best of

Mel's Voice is Great, but the material is pure schmaltz

Mack_T_Knife | USA | 05/21/2000

(2 out of 5 stars)

"These songs and arrangements are pretty bad, even though Mel's voice is beautiful. This disc would be better titled "Mel Torme: My LEAST Favorite Songs". Mel hated recording this stuff but was pressured by Capitol records who, during the 60's, tried to capitalize on the rock craze by having older artists record modern rock songs in an elevator music style to appeal to the parents. I'd pass on this one...it's one of those cd that you would never want one of your friends to catch you listening to.The only redeeming cut is Mel's cover of "Happy Together" which is done in a bouncy, swinging, upbeat style. The rest of the tunes are either drippy or awkward sounding."

Cheese is where this music makes its greatest impact

TUCO H. | Los Angeles, CA | 08/12/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The king of overmodulated, ultracontrolled, overinterpreted singing, performing some popular tunes of the late '60s. Mel is the only person on the planet who could believe in these cheesy lyrics to such an extent. The windmills seem stuck in Mel's golden throat on the ultimate version of the Michel Legrand classic. Then Mel gets psychedelic with Blood, Sweat, and Tears' 'Spinning Wheel,' and gives Tom Jones a run for his money on 'You made me so very Happy.' The great thing about most of these performances is that they work as camp and as consummate artistry simultaneously. You'll definitely have a smile on your face as you can't help but marvel at Torme's demented talent."