BASSEY, SHIRLEY

The out of print 1972 CD from Shirley Bassey, And I Love You So, gets two additional bonus tracks on this re-release, and the more Bassey in the world the better. Her over the top rendition of pianist Jack Dieval's "The Way of Love" keeps the gender intact, as did Kathy Kirby and Cher on their respective hit versions, of a woman singing a song of heartbreak to another woman, only Bassey puts her trademark style on it bringing it into another realm. Chris White includes two lengthy pages of liner notes in the informative eight-page booklet which includes four lovely photos of the queen diva. Perry Como's hit version of the title track, "And I Love You So," a composition from the pen of Don McLean, might've kept this album from getting more exposure, but it is essential Shirley Bassey which her fan base is well aware of. She makes "Bless the Beasts and the Children" exotic while the Tom Evans and Pete Ham timeless classic, "Without You," gets a sort of Eartha Kitt as "Catwoman" reading, Bassey borrowing a bit but never copying. Johnny Harris forgoes the neo-Phil Spector production of Harry Nilsson's hit version to arrange, produce and conduct a special blend to fit Bassey's vocal stylings. The two Noel Rogers produced outtakes from the album sessions, "If I Should Love Again" -- originally the B-side of the 45 "Ballad of the Sad Young Men" -- and Paul Williams co-write, "Let Me Be the One," fit perfectly onto the extension of the dozen Johnny Harris produced sides that precede them. Like many of the artist's releases, this is a real treasure and a true work of art. [The U.K. re-release adds two bonus tracks: "If I Should Love Again" and "Let Me Be the One."] ~ Joe Viglione, AMG

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