Search - Perry Como :: By Request / Sing to Me Mr C

Enjoyable listening

Darryl Geddes | Syracuse, NY | 05/24/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Perry Como delivers the classic "What's New" accompanied only by guitar and the result is capativating. That's just one of the vocal gems on this two CD release. Also worth noting is his rendition of "Favorite Things," in which he duets nicely with the Ray Charles Singers. Also clever is "The Sweetest Sounds. The second CD is just as enjoyable with Como stringing together several hits and standards. It's awkward having this release as a two-disc CD, since the first disc is barely 30 minutes. Much has been written about the sound quality, but whatever hiss others say is evident, is not an issue with this recording."

Superb musicianship

elaine warren | Newbury, NH | 01/07/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It has taken me many years to realize how good Perry is but now count me among the disciples. If my memory serves me correct many of the By Request songs were originally on an album called Lightly Latin which I purchased as a 78 and is now thoroughly beat up, so it was wonderful to see these songs on a CD. His version of What's New with Tony Mattolla is masterfully done but my favorite has to be I'll Remember April. It is sung with a Latin beat and Perry, Mitchell Ayers, and the Ray Charles singers interact seamlessly.

As an aside one of the hallmarks of the truly great singer is the choice of an orchestra which complements and enhances his style; Mitchell Ayers teams effortlessly with Perry in creating By Request, and songs to listen to time and again. Worth every penny!"

"Somebody Cares"...

Matthew Long | West Midlands, United Kingdom | 08/13/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What many who have criticized have failed to understand is that in actual fact, the 2001 Collectables CD's of Perry Como represent the best ever attempt made by this budget label. The sources are mainly Original Release Master Tapes. It is unfortunate that the tapes used were worn; but this is not a big concern because the 1st Generation Masters are fully intact in the vaults. It is the original masters which need to be digitally re-mixed and re-mastered.



Also included are the original album liner notes (where applicable), plus full details on contributing Musicians at the recording sessions, matrix numbers, etc.



These CD's actually represent very good value for money. Collectables had never before and never have since done work as honest and as good value for money as this. Their typical sources are records... the subsequent Como releases from Collectables went from bad to worse. The recent Como release of "The Scene Changes" and "Lightly Latin" appears to be a better effort; but one can't help but wonder if they simply copied from the Japanese CD releases - The main issue there being an ethical one."