For the Present/Other Side Of [Import]

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
UK twofer for the popular British vocalist combines 'For The Present' (1973) & 'The Other Side Of The Stars' (1975). 24 digitally remastered tracks. EMI. 2004.

Tracks:

Singin' in the Rain
First of May
Michelle
Didn't We
Speak Softly Love (Love Theme from the Godfather)
Bridge Over Troubled Water
I Am
Curiouser and Curiouser [From Alice's Adventures in Wonderland]
Ethel Baby
Till Then My Love
Me I Never Knew [From "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland"]
Sarah's Coming Home
Let There Be Love
What a Wonderful World
When You Wish Upon a Star
Over the Rainbow
For All We Know
Let Me Sing and I'm Happy
Be My Love
Chattanooga Choo Choo
I Love You Because
No Regrets
You're Sensational
I'm Glad I'm Not Young Anymore

Album Description

UK twofer for the popular British vocalist combines 'For The Present' (1973) & 'The Other Side Of The Stars' (1975). 24 digitally remastered tracks. EMI. 2004.

Album Details

Digitally Remastered Edition of Two Albums on a Single CD from the Singer in the 70's with his Renditions of Popular Favorites of the Time and also Covers of Songs Made Famous by Other Well Known Singers in Tribute.

Customer Reviews:

Two outstanding, overlooked albums.......2005-06-26

When people typically think of Matt Monro's "classic years", they think of the early-1960s Sinatra-esque albums and hits. Here, we venture into the 1970s with two outstanding British releases. "For The Present" stands out for the George Martin production, plus his arranging and conducting of more than half of the album. Monro's take on the Beatles' "Michelle" is a standout, as is "Speak Softly Love (Love Theme from The Godfather)". Monro does not take chances, but Martin and company give him space for his personality and warmth to shine, even in modern material like "Bridge Over Troubled Water". He also tackles two songs from "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" written by John Berry and Don Black.

The second album included here is 1975's "The Other Side Of The Stars". The production, by John Burgess, is more modern, almost slick at times, especially on the hit "You're Sensational." Yet, the arrangements by Colin Keyes retain their timeless feel, especially on "Let There Be Love" and "Let Me Sing And I'm Happy", a standout cover of the Al Jolson standard. This album has less contemporary songs -- in fact none of these could be considered originating from the rock generation, with his cover of Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World" probably the newest song included here.

These two albums stand as fine, even classic, examples of 1970s 'easy listening' recordings, on par with Perry Como and Andy Williams. If you own his boxed set, "The Singer's Singer", you have sampled several of these tracks. If you are interested in expanding your Matt Monro collection, this is a fine place to go.

Music:

Music

Music