Search - Peggy Lee :: 20th Century Masters: Millennium Collection

Budget-priced introduction to Lee's mid-50s Decca sides

hyperbolium | Earth, USA | 06/29/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Peggy Lee had a long, successful career in the music industry, accumulating fans at many points along the way. MCA's latest collection spotlights recordings Lee made in the mid-50s, following her first flush of success with Benny Goodman in the early 40s and her subsequent solo recordings for Capitol later that same decade. These twelve sides were waxed during the five years (1952-1956) she spent at Decca, before returning to Capitol in 1957. While the casual fan is more likely to know Lee from her signature work on Capitol, and later pop hits like "Is That All There Is?," her years at Decca were a time of fruitful transition, moving from big band "girl singer," and singles artist to album auteur. The recordings gathered here may not be as familiar as some of her other work, but they're every bit as good.Among the twelve titles gathered on this disc are her first hit for Decca, "Lover," as well as memorable recordings from feature films, including "Somebody to Love Me" and "He Needs me" (from "Pete Kelly's Blues"), the title song from "Johnny Guitar," and her own "The Siamese Cat Song" (from "Lady and the Tramp"). Also included are titles from musicals, including "Just One of Those Things" (Jubilee) and the eponymous "Mr. Wonderful." The collection is filled out with singles, such as "Let Me Go, Lover" and "Black Coffee," and a re-recording of Lee's own "I Don't Know Enough About You."Given the breadth and depth of Lee's recording career, twelve tracks barely scratches the surface of even her Decca output (which, if packed tightly, could probably fill a half-dozen discs). But as an introduction to this artistically successful part of Lee's career, this disc neatly captures the essence of her Decca years. For a more detailed view, check out MCA's 2-CD "Black Coffee and Other Delights."3-3/4 stars, if Amazon allowed fractional reviews."