For the true music afficiando, not the novice
Michael Horvath | Austin, TX | 08/19/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I am a true lover of music, not your run-of-the mill music, but great music with certain things. In my opinion, a GREAT song requires six things: 1)a great singer; 2)a great melody and/or arrangement; 3)great lyrics; 4)the song has to be sung with FEELING, in other words the singer has to "feel" and relate to the song, 5) the speed or tempo of the song has to fit it, not too slow and not too fast; and finally 6) great musicians on the same page as the singer. Obviously very very few songs can boast all six. 5 out of 6 is about as good as we ever get, but even then that rules out 90% of "music" in my opinion. Roy Orbison is one of the few singers that is capable of a 6. I have almost everything he has ever done, and realize there will never be another Big O. So when I bought this compilation I was extremely anxious to play it.
I must admit, that not all of the songs are even what I would call 4 or 5 star, but I realize Roy didn't fit a mold and liked to experiment. The first time I heard it was in my car in traffic, and for some reason I was disappointed. Maybe it was my mood. But then that night I really listened to it at home, and was totally blown away. Perhaps Bob L should relisten to it. While some of the songs are less than epic, the others more than make up for them. There are at least 20 great songs on this set in my opinion (out of 33). That is 19 1/2 more than most artists have in their lives. In fact most artists have one "good" song and 10 or so awful ones on a cd, and wonder why people aren't anxious to shell out money for their cds. Not so with Orbison.. especially this set.
There are songs of deep, deep love here, songs of lost love and pain, reminiscences of love that truly Roy has felt in his life. Some of my favorites are Danny Boy (he took a great song and made it truly outstanding and almost tearful to listen to), Harlem Woman (he is hopelessly in love with a prostitute I believe and knows he cannot have her love but still loves her unconditionally), Changes, Remember the Good (truly outstanding), I Can't Stop Loving You, I Wanna Live, Take Care of Your Woman (lot of truth here), The Three Bells (MY God),
You Don't Know Me, I've Been Loving You, The Morning After, and my absolute favorite, Blue Rain (it sends chills up my spine).
If you truly appreciate GREAT music, buy these CDs. You won't be sorry."
A MUST FOR ANY ORBISON FAN
R. Roberts | 11/26/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"For many their knowledge of Roy Orbison begins and ends with his 'big' hits from the early 1960's (Only the Lonely, Crying, and Oh Pretty Woman to name a few). But by 1965 the man with the 3-octave voice and the dark sunglasses moved to the MGM label.
While musical styles and tastes changed around him, Orbison continued to record his style of music, marked by big ballads and his operatic voice. At the time this combined with personal and professional turmoil lead to a decline in Orbison's career. As a result these MGM albums, which represents a huge chunk of Orbison's recordings, have been unavailable since their initial release.
For the casual Roy Orbison fan these albums being released on CD is nothing short than a breathtaking opportunity.
The three albums presented here, Roy Orbison Sings, Memphis, and Milestones represents the last albums Orbison would record for the MGM label. Despite how poorly they were received at the time these albums do showcase some incredible songs, amazing vocals, and an artist who was maturing and willing to take some chances.
Now, no longer competing against the pop sounds of the late 60's and early 70's this body of work can be appreciated on its own.
"
Boiled Lollies and a Diamond From Roy.
Bob L | Canberra Aus | 04/28/2005
(3 out of 5 stars)
"If we troll through these three albums we can put together one quite strong album, another called 'Oddities and Rarities', and a third called 'Absurdities.'
It's not for no reason that these efforts marked the beginning of Roy's lost years. His song choice was often laughable and the arrangements weird.
I offer Harlem Woman and You Don't Know Me as evidence. And as for Morning After........!
Despite these failings when he got it together he could still stop a Diesel in it's tracks.
If there is one overwhelming reason to buy this package it is Danny Boy. The song has been around so long and sung by so many people Roy has no right to make it is his own. But he does. It is breathtakingly, bone achingly beautiful.
"
Track Listings (22) - Disc #1
