Michael Parkinson
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My Life In Music - Michael Parkinson Album Review
Album Review
Rarely does the Sinatra Estate sanction releasing the work of Ol' Blue Eyes work for compilation albums; but this isn't any ordinary compilation album (plus it is released via Reprise Records Label, founded by Frank Sinatra in 1960)! The master of the Friday night interview has put together an eclectic mix of his favourite music, both old and new; in the first of a series of compilation albums (the others will cover his Jazz and Classical passions).
This double album is a cyclic affair, kicking off (Track 1 Disc 1 'I Get a Kick Out of You') and winding down with Sinatra (Track 20 Disc 2 'Change Partners'). In between there is a melee of the well known cherished songs from the heyday of American Blues (Billie Holiday 'But Not For Me'; Nat King Cole 'Sometimes I'm Happy'; Ella and Louis 'Summertime') to the soft rock classics of the 1970s (Rod Stewart 'Downtown Train'; Elton John 'Rocket Man'; Carly Simon 'You're So Vain'). There are even modern artists covering the old standards which on occasion do fall short and the listener wishes for the original version, or just the better version (Michael Buble 'The Way You Look Tonight', the Ella, Tony or Frank versions are far superior to this watered down sing along).
The standout tracks, include Sammy David Junior 'Can't We Be Friends', Nina Simone 'Feeling Good' (one of the greatest songs ever written by one of the most astonishing female voices of our time), Jimmy Scott 'They Say It's Wonderful' and Tony Bennett and K D Lang 'Because of You'. The mix of music couldn't be better, and is clearly the work of someone with a true passion for the music of his life.
Michael Parkinson has chosen the best of singing talent from across the decades to represent his life in music. It is tremendous to listen to a compilation album and enjoy every single track, both the well known and the previously undiscovered. 'My Life in Music' is a treasure trove of sounds waiting to be opened, and its appeal will spread far and wide. A sure fire hit with the parents and grandparents this Christmas, but also a great introduction to the best artists of the 20th century.
