Reviewer from New York
05/13/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Although we can greatly appreciate the attempt to create an exciting project, some of the results are very disappointing.
The pictures and the packaging are excellent but for a Connie Francis Fan, the source was primarily from Connie's box set "Souvenirs". It was obvious that the compilation producer went for the hits and many great items which were only available on EPs were left out.
The most outstanding track and find for a Connie Fan is the song "You're My Everything" which has always been a rare item to find-impossible in the U.S. and difficult in England. The perfect Stereo on this track makes the set worth buying (if you don't have the Bear Family Set). Other outstanding rare tracks are "You Made Me Love You" and "Young At Heart" first recording but where is the great "Because Of You".
Most interesting tracks are "Biggest Sin Of All" and "You Know You Don't Want Me" which are only on the box set on CD.
What appeared on EPs which contain glaring differences are:
"Love Is Me, Love Is You" (this is the American,not British version),"La Paloma" (Spanish version, not Neapolitan version on English EP, nor English version on German EP)."Teddy" not Stereo version, and "Jealous Heart" not the single-tracked version released on the EP in England.
What could have made this EP collection would have been rarer track versions which did appear on EPs. Examples would have been
"What Kind Of Fool Am I" -a completely different performance, "If You Love Me Tonight", different version of "I'm Gonna Be Warm This Winter" the hit single "My Child", markedly different single version of "Senza Fine" and some of Connie's French, Spanish or Italian hits that appeared on EPs.How about "Quand je te regarde"?
At any rate, thank you, compilation producer, for this effort. We are grateful to have Connie represented, but more careful selection could have been taken in staying away from just hits and using some of the more rare tracks on those precious EPs.
Thanks for the beautiful photos but how about a second collection reflecting some of those rarer tracks mentioned?"
