Betty Comden Albums (2)
What The Critics Say
Even the most cursory examination of this edition of 1955's It's Always Fair Weather soundtrack will thrill enthusiasts, as the contents have been improved upon by leaps and bounds over every previous incarnation. For starters, André Previn's complete score -- enhanced by the words and music of Betty Comden and Adolph Green -- is presented for the first time. Plus, the entire affair has been mixed to stereo from the three-track master tapes, resulting in nothing short of a breathtaking presentation. The film -- nominated for Oscars in both the Best Score and Best Screenplay categories -- is an entertaining conduit for some high-energy antics, balancing what is an arguably contrived plot. The story, which undeniably seems like a revision of On the Town (1949), focuses on pals Gene Kelly (Ted Riley), Dan Dailey (Doug Hallerton), and Michael Kidd (Angie Valentine). Upon arriving home from a stint in the Army, a bet is made that the trio will not remain as tightly knit after readjusting to life in the United States. The movie then chronicles each, as Kelly becomes a less than successful boxing manager, Dailey has traded his fatigues for a business suit, and Kidd is the proprietor of a typical greasy spoon luncheonette. Their story catches national attention when a TV station decides to broadcast a "feel-good" reunion between the trio. Enter the hard-nosed television hostess Dolores Gray (Madeline Bradville), who is bound and determined to get them back together. Although two are willing to participate, getting Kelly is a sizable challenge. Showstoppers include the infectiously fun three-way dance number "Once Upon a Time," Kelly's unforgettable roller-skating sequence during "I Like Myself" -- in which keen-eyed viewers may spot sets recycled from his Singin' in the Rain (1952) appearance -- and Cyd Charisse (Jackie Leighton) on "Baby, You Knock Me Out." Among the never-before-available goodies are a handful of Previn's rare piano demos, alternate versions of "The Binge" and "Music is Better Than Words," the outtakes "I Thought They'd Never Leave" and "Love Is Nothing But a Racket," and a superior liner notes essay from cinematic authority George Feltenstein, who packs in plenty of details regarding the production. ~ Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide
'Show Music at Its Best, Vol. 1'
Release Date 1/1/1955
Tracks 6
Label Heritage
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Before Betty Comden and Adolph Green turned their attention to writing lyrics, librettos, and screenplays, they were part of a performing group called the Revuers. The spirit of that group was rekindled in 1955, when Comden and Green recorded an album for Heritage Records of songs they had written for the five Broadway musicals they had worked on up to that point, plus one song ("French Lesson") they had written for the movies. Though they had appeared in the first of their musicals, On the Town, you could see why they ultimately retired to the typewriter: they were more enthusiastic than talented as singers. Nevertheless, there was, as always, a special flavor to material performed by the people who had written it, and by choosing songs from various sources, they effectively displayed the consistency of their wit and craftsmanship across different projects. Thus, the lusty "Taxi Song" (On the Town) shared a sensibility and a mood, as well as a remarkable verbal facility, with "French Lesson" (Good News) and "If" (Two on the Aisle), while songs like "Some Other Time" (On the Town), "How Will He Know" (Two on the Aisle), and "Quiet Girl" (Wonderful Town) had a similar wistfulness. Even after only a decade in a career that would continue several decades more, Comden and Green had a distinct identity as songwriters, and it came out better on their own album than it had in any of their shows. This album was reissued on CD in 1998, combined with the Comden/Green album It's Always Fair Weather, under the title Perform Their Own Songs. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide
