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By Request/Sing to Me, Mr. C. | 
 enlarge | Artist: Perry Como
Label: Collectables
Category: Music
List Price: $16.97
Buy New: $6.33
You Save: $10.64 (63%)
New (9) Used (7) from $6.33
Avg. Customer Rating:  8 reviews
Sales Rank: 64844
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 2
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 5.6 x 5 x 0.5
UPC: 090431276228
EAN: 0090431276228
ASIN: B00005B514
Release Date: May 8, 2001
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: **BRAND NEW GIFT QUALITY***SHIPS SAME DAY ***FOR 3-5 DAYS ARRIVAL ORDER IT VIA EXPEDITED ****STANDARD SHIPPING MIGHT TAKE UP TO 3 WEEKS FOR ARRIVAL
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| Tracks:
Disc 1
| • | Maria | | • | Lollipops and Roses | | • | The Sweetest Sounds | | • | More than Likely | | • | Moonglow (And Theme from "Picnic") | | • | My Favorite Things | | • | Once Upon a Time | | • | Can't Help Falling In Love | | • | What's New? | | • | Somebody Cares | | • | I'll Remember April | | • | Moon River |
Disc 2
| • | Sing to Me Mr. C. (Theme) | | • | Medley: All By Myself / I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face / So In Love | | • | Medley: Say It Isn't So / Blue Skies / Here's That Rainy Day | | • | Medley: All I Do Is Dream of You / Gigi / The Way You Look Tonight | | • | Sing to Me Mr. C. (Theme) | | • | Medley: Thank Heaven for Little Girls / You Were Meant for Me / A Fellow Needs a Girl | | • | Medley: You Alone (Solo Tu) / I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter / A Portrait of My Love | | • | Medley: Smile / How Deep Is the Ocean / This Nearly Was Mine | | • | Medley: You Are Never Far Away from Me (Theme) |
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| Customer Reviews: Read 3 more reviews...
 Flawless Singing, Flawed Release September 7, 2008
Before I get to the actual review of these two wonderful albums, I would like to address some of the unscrupulous and unethical activities that music labels, such as the one in question, engage in. In the `editorial review' portion of this page, you will notice that the recoding label states that "These albums have been remastered from premium quality sources with the utmost of care and released here in their original stereo versions." This description makes it sound as if this CD has good sound quality when, in fact, it has nothing of the sort. Although I ultimately do not want to dissuade anyone from purchasing this CD, it should be mentioned that all tracks are victim of a rather loud and obtrusive hiss. Like all Collectables CD's, there is no engineering information for us to glean which sources were used. However, we can be certain they did not use "premium quality sources." The only truly premium quality sources are 1st generation master tapes, which, as sure as you're reading this, were not used.
If any one singer truly mastered the art of the ballad, it was Perry. There was no other vocalist who had such an understanding for lyrics and such a sensitive touch with his voice. In keeping with that fact, these albums are absolute treasures. Like Christmas salutations, the moniker of `greatest' has been bestowed upon many albums `many times and many way.' In my mind, these albums truly deserve that oft given title. Absolutely everything about these sequentially recorded albums work, and work brilliantly.
Although located on the second disc, `Sing To Me, Mr. C' was the first of the two albums to be recorded and released, in 1961 . An album of standards from the Great American songbook, Perry and his team have culled the absolute best works from composers Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Jerome Kern, Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart. The end result is an exquisite and tasteful album of full-length medley's juxtaposed with Perry's television theme. Although much is made of Sinatra ability to render a song personal property, I would argue that Perry renders the definitive version of each and every one of these. Perry lets loose on Porter's "So In Love" while giving Berlin's "Blue Skies" a great improvised jazz feel. Como also delivers the most aching versions of two Irving Berlin standbys, "Say It Isn't So" and "How Deep is the Ocean. " For the finale of this LP, he even beats out Sinatra interpretation of "This Nearly Was Mine," which was given lush treatment by Nelson Riddle in `Concert Sinatra.' Truly, this is an LP you must buy, even if you have to go and find the original vinyl.
On `By Request' Perry takes a slightly different approach. Instead of mining the riches of the Great American Songbook, Perry turns to more recently penned songs, most of them hits of other singers of the day. As with the first album, it can be honestly said that Perry makes each and every song his own, except perhaps maybe "Moon River," which will forever remain Andy Williams' (even if Perry does give a better reading of this sensitive long-song). Paired with guitarist Tony Mottolla, Perry sings and absolutely astounding version of "What's New." He also one-ups his most famous label mate, Elvis Presley, with his rendering of Presley's hit song "Can't Help Falling in Love." However, what may be Como's greatest accomplishment on this album is his version of "Once Upon a Time," which of course, was a big hit for the ever-capable Tony Bennett. One of my all time favourite songs, it tells the story of a man missing his lost lover of many years who has either left him or passed away. Although the song was, as mentioned, recorded by Tony Bennett, as well as Frank Sinatra and John Gary, Perry gives the song a depth of feeling the other singers merely touch upon. It could be the saddest song of the set, and is one the best Perry ever recorded.
Because the sound quality is poor, I am subtracting some stars from my rating. But, since Perry's singing alone raises this release well above the five-star level, it will still get a five-star rating from me. Remember, you just can't go wrong with Perry.
A.J. Smith
The Beautiful Voice of Perry Como! Wonderful Singing and outstanding arrangements, but sound quality is imperfect! August 13, 2006
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
There never was before, was at the time and never again will be another singer like Perry Como. You can't imitate him, you can't even get close to that beautiful distinctive voice. A very deep, rich voice and totally controlled. He knows exactly how to handle a song; when to let it go, when to hold it down - he's a complete professional! Every song Perry sings - he undoubtedly makes his own. His singing is out of this World!
Collections of Como's work like this 2 CD Set give testimony to those statements.
Here we have two of Perry's 1960's RCA Victor Albums in full. Disc 1 is 'By Request' from 1962 and Disc 2 is 'Sing to me Mr. C' from 1961.
Both albums are superb! As always, Perry is in fine voice and it sounds as if every song was written especially for him! These are the sort of songs Perry felt most comfortable singing. Perry could handle any type of song - but at heart he loved the show tunes, the ballads and the standards the best. Many of which he performed regularly on his TV Shows.
Disc 1 consists of the complete 'By Request' album. Every song is a gem. Ever song is ideal for relaxing - whether your taking a stroll through the park, coasting over the ocean in a boat, maybe strolling the sandy beaches - or even just taking time out and having a sit/lie down in your easy chair - these Perry Como songs are ideal. His vocal performances are outstanding. He does marvellous renditions of songs such as 'Maria', 'Can't help falling in love' and 'Moon River' - plus the wonderful chillout approach Perry gives to songs such as 'Moonglow and Theme from 'Picnic'' and 'What's New?' is just wonderful!
In Disc 2, we get an album that records and remembers a very special part of Perry's Kraft Music Hall Shows. This was when Perry would walk up on a special set stage, sit on his stool dressed with his cardigan and other easy-going clothes on. He would then look at the sheets of Music on a stand in front of him and his opening theme to this segment would play 'Sing to me Mr. C'! The Boom Mike would come down to Perry, there would be a rose in a vase to the Right hand corner of the set and then Perry would begin to sing beautiful renditions of beautiful songs. With so many requests, Perry couldn't sing just one song, they would comprise a medley of 3 of the most requested songs of the week and the audience would be totally captivated! Totally hushed and on Cloud 9!
This was all due to the wonderful effect Perry's beautifully singing had on people. All the songs included here are true classics. Focusing mainly on standards and show tunes - this album is a true winner. The album also includes at a appropriate times - Perry's medley opening theme 'Sing to me Mr. C' and his medley/show closing theme 'You are never far away from me' (The latter of which is a different version to the 1958 closing theme version!)
This 2 CD set is a fantastic addition to any music fan's collection - especially Perry Como fans!
Unfortunately, the sound quality is imperfect. There is lots of hissing interference in the background which is stronger and weaker sounding throughout which is dissapointing. This sound is obviously on the Master Tapes used, but fortunately they have used the Release Master Tapes here - so we know the problem isn't a fatal problem that can never be changed, as the 1st Generation Master Tapes are yet to be used!
Both of the albums on this CD were released by BMG Japan. These CD's are very hard to find, but if you can locate a copy, the sound will be better than this. Japan also use Release Masters, but have been known to use Vinyl records as their source - so this is probably the best alternative. If not, this 2 CD set is really the closest you will get a present to these 2 Albums from Master Tapes.
I guess the engineers decided not to take out this hissing as it is fairly strong, it might have had a bad effect on the finished product that may have been much worse than this. Nevertheless, they should have taken more care in their release of these 2 superb Como albums.
The moral of the story is - USE 1ST GENERATION MASTER SOURCES, they are the ULTIMATE and BEST option!
This 2 CD set was also released as part of a 2 Box Set series called 'The Essential Perry Como' - the mastering on some of the CD's is well done, but on some including both of these CD's, there are imperfections in the sound quality. If you are looking for more Como titles, I suggest buying the 2 Box Sets together. Despite the sound quality lacking in places. Perry's beautiful voice and the excellent orchestral arrangements make up for it, without a doubt!
I agree with what another reviewer and also believe that the sound quality is imperfect, but the singing isn't!
Also included are the original album liner notes (where liner notes wee included), plus full details on Musicians present at the recording session, the exact takes released, matrix numbers and lots of other detailed and accurate information about these beautiful Como recordings!
Whatever your opinion on the sound quality, Perry Como gives this 2 CD Set the maximum of 5 stars straight off, for his outstanding performances! (And, I would give him more stars than that - infact as many as possible. But! Since 5 is the 'best' rating possible here, that will have to do!)
SUPERB LISTENING!
Matthew Long
(An enormous Perry Como fan of a much younger generation!)
Superb musicianship January 7, 2006
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
It has taken me many years to realize how good Perry is but now count me among the disciples. If my memory serves me correct many of the By Request songs were originally on an album called Lightly Latin which I purchased as a 78 and is now thoroughly beat up, so it was wonderful to see these songs on a CD. His version of What's New with Tony Mattolla is masterfully done but my favorite has to be I'll Remember April. It is sung with a Latin beat and Perry, Mitchell Ayers, and the Ray Charles singers interact seamlessly.
As an aside one of the hallmarks of the truly great singer is the choice of an orchestra which complements and enhances his style; Mitchell Ayers teams effortlessly with Perry in creating By Request, and songs to listen to time and again. Worth every penny!
The transfer is imperfect but the singing isn't July 23, 2005
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
This recording demonstrates the exceptional singing ability of "Mr. C."
It is unfortunate that the recordings for which he is best known, while great commercial successes, do nothing to share with the listener his great musicianship....impeccable intonation and phrasing....much admired by none other than Billie Holliday.
His effortless transition between vocal registers is characteristic of a voice that few performers of his time equalled.
If there is any criticism I would have of Perry Como, it is that he compromised a great artistic talent for commercial success.
Enjoyable listening May 25, 2001
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
Perry Como delivers the classic "What's New" accompanied only by guitar and the result is capativating. That's just one of the vocal gems on this two CD release. Also worth noting is his rendition of "Favorite Things," in which he duets nicely with the Ray Charles Singers. Also clever is "The Sweetest Sounds. The second CD is just as enjoyable with Como stringing together several hits and standards. It's awkward having this release as a two-disc CD, since the first disc is barely 30 minutes. Much has been written about the sound quality, but whatever hiss others say is evident, is not an issue with this recording.
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