Special is the word for this album
Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 12/22/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As single CD compilations go, this one of Petula Clark's impressive artistry is certainly one of the better ones. We get twenty five songs including six tracks that have never been released before this issue; and that's very good. Petula is in excellent form on this album; her voice is as clear as a bell and she makes everything she sings sound so special! The quality of the sound is excellent and I like the artwork as well.
The CD starts with one of Petula's biggest hits, "Downtown." Her sophisticated phrasing makes this shine and I love every minute of it! The key modulations help to make this number grand. "Sailor" is very easy on the ear even though Petula's character is longing for her man; and "I Couldn't Live Without Your Love" is very pretty and sweet. Listen also for Petula Clark to do a superb job on "This Is My Song;" she delivers this with panache and she never skips a beat, either!
"Don't Sleep in the Subway" was another huge hit for Petula; the lush musical arrangement complements her vocals perfectly and she sings this with lots of genuine emotion. "I Know a Place" is equally wonderful; Petula makes this a masterpiece with her excellent diction and her passionate delivery. Petula's rendition of "Call Me" is also very well done; it's yet another highlight of this fine album.
"Romeo" is very romantic; and that music is really grand! "My Love" sparkles brighter than silver and gold combined when Petula sings it faultlessly; this is awesome music! "The Other Man's Grass Is Always Greener" is quite poignant and pretty; and "Maybe I'm Amazed" is a fine cover of Paul McCartney's song. In addition, "Memories of Love" has great percussion and keyboard work to enhance the number; and I really like Petula's rendition of "La Vie En Rose."
"It's OK (I Believe in You)" has Petula singing wonderfully; and another track I really like is the final one, "Corner of the Sky" which has Petula Clark doing a duet with Dusty Springfield. Wow! The overdub was produced by Jim Pierson and Ted Carfrae.
There's no doubt about it: this is an excellent single CD compilation. New recordings by Petula include "Come Along With Me" and "To Memphis." "Corner of the Sky" had been unreleased in the UK before this CD came out; and "These Are the Days of Our Lives" lets Petula tip her hat to Freddy Mercury and Queen. There's more new material, too! Petula Clark fans should get this for their collections; this wonderful album also makes a terrific introduction to Petula Clark and her incomparable talent."
