Search - Orson Welles :: I Know What It Is To Be Young (Single)

A must have for all orson fans

Winthrop Harrison | 06/21/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This spoken word monologue reveals Orson at his most misguieded. Backed by Ray Conniff wannabees, Orson puts the (in)appropriate sound and fury into the delivery of lines so jaw-droppingling banal that this recording must be experienced to be believed. It makes his wine commercials look like "Touch of Evil"! Incidentally, Orson only particpates on one of the two songs--but that's enough. You'll never ever play the second one, but you'll read the ludicrous liner notes again and again. Buy it today!"

Orson gives William Shatner a run for his money... Cute!

Winthrop Harrison | Seattle, WA United States | 11/20/2001

(1 out of 5 stars)

"I'm not sure whether this 4-minute song was recorded as a joke, but it's certainly ridiculous. The liner notes champion "a recording you'll play again and again. An inspired performance ...you'll want to share with friends and family."Whatever. The orchestral backing is the kind of Rodeo Drive strings you found on your grandma's LPs (the ones she kept in the basement). Welles never sings, but he does pontificate with deadly force, propelling this junk into a camp classic. There's no Orson on Track 2, just a Perry Como-esque instrumental. Too much money for just 8 minutes, but I loved every horrible minute of it. If you loved William Shatner's ludicrous "Transformed Man" LP, check this out. Hmmm, maybe it IS a record you'll want to share with friends and family...."

I'll play the old while you sing me the new.

Johnny Heering | Bethel, CT United States | 05/15/2005

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Believe it or not, this was Orson Welles' first recorded musical performance. "I Know What It Is To Be Young" is a violin-drenched, minor-key, Charles Aznavour-ish ballad in which the weepy Ray Charles Singers gush that their lives have been changed forever by the words of an old man (Welles), who then rumblingly recites his mystical wisdom. This includes the following: young people don't think about age as much as old people do...young and old people should get together more often..and winter follows summer. Wow! This is an insipid performance that will turn your stomach. And the "b-side", which doesn't feature Welles, is even worse! This is a must-get for fans of bad celebrity recordings."