Great Great Great MINA
Mat | Italy | 12/27/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I would like to recommend this box set to all the international Mina's fans and also to everybody who wants to listen to a great female voice. Mina is the greatest Italian singer, during her almost 50 year long career (her debut date back to 1958) she received acclamation in Italy for each record she made, and she is well-known in many foreign countries This box set is a collection of some of her best songs released from the end of the 60s to nowadays. All the songs in this collection are examples of Mina's ability in using her powerful and beautiful voice. Considering the very wide Mina's discography (more than 100 albums) this collection is just a little part of what she have done, but it is really the best of the best. Listen to "Insieme" "Grande Grande Grande" "E poi" just to quote only tree songs in the collection, and you will captured by DIVA MINA"
Setting the record straight, more to follow
Allan L. Cerf | Sunnyvale, CA United States | 11/24/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I will write a lengthier review in the near future to set the record straight about Mina. Bluntly however, regarding this album, just buy any of her CD's used, say about 8, for the same price. Like the Beatles, every song is good or great and this collection is okay; but too subjective and considering her vast output, too expensive.
Mina Mazzini is the greatest female singer of the 20th Century, Opera included, which she dabbled, briefly and successfully in. The great Louie Armstrong said publicly that Mina is the, "greatest white singer in the world." Apparently and on good authority, off the record, Louis said, "greatest, period."
She is so good that now that her voice is indeed, showing signs of wear, tear and cigarettes, (how stupid is that) she has turned to singing, often, easy pop songs. What remains of her tattered cords blows away most of the composers of these songs; even things I've always felt trite, like, "Blowin' in the Wind, are incredibly poignant. What's left of her voice in other words lends itself to Pop, as it's easy for her and she does incredibly well, even in English. Apparently it must be much harder to sing Pop than the Italian songs, she mainly sang. (The opposite of say, Roger Daltrey, who wasn't the greatest, at times, Rock singer, but incredibly good with straight pop, witness his solo albums.)
For those that are looking for, "the last, great, musical buzz," this IS it. Everyone I have ever played Mina to, immediately put her in the "Beatles level," enjoyment realm. No, she's not quite as great as the Fab Four; they after all were composers; she an interpreter. But she's pretty damn close, which should say it all. And you have HUNDREDS of songs of 'perfect music,' to enjoy.
Finally, the first reviewer is wrong. Mina's golden period was the 60's.
True, her voice got, 'dry,' as the reviewer stated, but that happened in the late 70's but even her 'dry,' voice, is incredibly enjoyable.
** I heard a recent song where she displayed her damaged cords, deliberately, in an unflattering way. That was first Mina song of hundreds I didn't like.
** Mina can, in vocal impressions, out Holiday, Billie Holiday, out-Streisand, (with ease) Streisand, and out Minelli, Liza, (who states unequivocally, that Mina, "is the greatest singer in the world.)" Surely however, surely she can't "Shirley" pun intended, pull a Bassey? Hell, yes. She has that same cinematic, mind blowing power as evidenced at the end of a 60's version of, Georgia On My Mind. However, she doesn't sound like Shirley Bassey on every number, have no fear. She even caused Aretha Franklin to storm off the stage when she out, improvised, the soul great; (though Mina's range is not 5 octaves like that worthy.)
Still, Mina can easily do Franklin, but NOT vice-versa. Blasphemous though it sounds, Mina's 60's scat-singing is to me, virtually as good as Ella Fitzgerald. She does a killer Ray Charles, (!!) a wonderful, authentic Brazilian Tango, and her Michelle and I Should Have Known Better, must have given even Paul and John, respectively, considerable uh, 'pause.' Am I getting through to you, reader? This woman is THAT good.
Trained as a concert pianist! you are in store for probably, the last great "60's level," musical thrill. We're not talking, oh, Oasis had a few good songs, or White Stripes, or Arctic Monkeys thrill-levels. We're talking the Holy Grail of musical, "every song is perfect," thrills! Enjoy that ride - her likes will never appear again. (For proof, visit youtube.com, type in Mina Mazzini and select and play the first video, E Penso A Te. You'll INSTANTLY become a believer.)
** Bonus - world's greatest legs."
Platinum Collection
Allan L. Cerf | 02/11/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This interesting compilation spans nearly four decades and confirms the notion that Mina's absolute prime was in the 70s. Much of her early singing is too girlish and frivolous for confort ('Zum Zum Zum' is particularly sorry example that shouldn't have been included here). In the seventies, however, her voice, look and personality underwent a remarkable transformation into a dark and explosive sensuality that must have hit the unsuspecting public like a ton of bricks. The first CD contains many if not most of her best hits of this period, with Mina's trademark vocal technique, intelligent lyrics and intense interpretation. Songs like 'Importante e finire' and 'Non credere' bear more than a passing resemblance with the great Marlene Dietrich. CD 2-3 are for the most part later productions, which I don't care much for. The intelligence and passion is still there, but heavy-handed arrangements cannot disguise the fact that the voice has become dry and the magic is gone.
In summary: get this compilation for the first disc and start from there. You may even find yourself mesmerized by this singer's voice."
Track Listings (19) - Disc #1