Search - Cher :: Bang Bang-Early Years

Cher is one of the best folk rock singers ever!

Ward J. Lamb | slate hill, new york United States | 06/24/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This vintage collection finds Cher in her cool 60's mode with many gems to share.The girl groupchestnut "Dream Baby" starts out the set here, and is probably the most faithful Bono rip off of that style. Cher's version of "Alfie" is haunting and emotive. "Bang Bang" is probably her greatest song of this era, stunningly iconoclastic! The violin intro forshadows gypsy classics of her 70's output. Cher is relaxed and insular here, and just plain enjoying the songs.Her rollicking read on "needles and Pins" has a country edged feel with lots of momentum. "Sunny" gets a personal touch, as we all know why, she is singing it to him!"I Go to Sleep" probably inspired Chryssie Hynde's version and is a great Ray Davies song that Cher puts her stamp on. This compilation is remastered and sounds great! Cher has a good foundation to base her long career on here!Her fresh simple arrangements let her shine."

And so this is where Cher's career started...

Neal C. Reynolds | Indianapolis, Indiana | 10/16/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is indeed recommended for those who just discovered Cher through her "Believe" and "Living Proof" CDs. Cher has been labeled "legendary" by many and this collection of material which even many older fans may have forgotten helps justify such a label.The album starts off with "Dream Baby", a 1965 recording made under her full name of Cherilyn. Next comes the first of several covers, Bob Dylan's "All I Really Wanted To Do", followed by the Kinks' Ray Davies "I Go To Sleep". Notable also are her great hits from the era, the original version of "Bang Bang", "Needles and Pins", and "Elusive Butterfly"."Alfie" actually is a cover, since the song was first recorded by Cilla Black and was expected to be a big hit is the U. S. as well as England. That was wrecked by the use of Cher's version over the final credits of the movie and the subsequent release of Cher's version as a single.The closing song is an outstanding cover of Tom Jones' "It's Not Unusual". The presence here of the best of her early Imperial/Liberty recordings, all of her early major hits, and great covers all combine to make this a must for all who are her fans. The 60's style does date this collection and needs to be taken into consideration. If you just don't like 60's music, this won't likely appeal to you. Otherwise, this is a good basic item for any collection."

What A Great Surprise!

jonofoz | 12/24/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Who knew she could actually SING? I bought this CD several days ago; I'm still impressed. ALL I REALLY WANT TO DO, NEEDLES AND PINS, and YOU BETTER SIT DOWN KIDS are fabulous stand-outs, but every song is wonderful. I reccommend this album to anyone who likes authentic 60s music, loves Cher, or who thinks BELIEVE is all that this amazing woman has to offer."