| NAME | MESSAGE |
| Candace Scott |
posted 06/17/05 09:49 AM Central Time (US)  contact the author directly
We all have various Bing recordings we don't like; either the song leaves us cold, the arrangement or background singers. I've found I almost never blame Bing, because his voice is so beautiful it salvages even crummy songs. I was wondering if everyone could share a list of Bing hit records that they don't enjoy? I'm referring to songs that are commonly included in "Greatest Hits" packages or are fairly well-known. Here is my list of Bing clunkers: 1. The Whiffenpoof Song (dreadful!) 2. MacNamara's Band 3. Now is the Hour 4. Sunday, Monday or Always ----------- There are a few other hits I'm not fond of, like Dear Hearts and Gentle People and You are My Sunshine, but they don't quite make the clunker list. Thanks in advance in all who share, but remember, obscure Bing tracks shouldn't be indluded, just hit better-known hits. |
| Judy Schmid |
posted 06/17/05 10:12 AM Central Time (US) contact the author directly
Gosh..I LIKE those songs...don't let me listen to "Whiffenpoof" after I've had a few...it's a dreadful sight to behold! ;-) |
| Jon O. |
posted 06/17/05 10:42 AM Central Time (US) contact the author directly
Yeah, I like them too. I could live without "MacNamara's Band", but the others are pretty darn good, IMO. Especially the incandescent "Now Is the Hour". "Dear Hearts and Gentle People" is one of my all-time favorites Bing recordings. I've always felt it captured the spirit of Bing's persona--and perhaps the real, private Bing as well. |
| auburn sommer |
posted 06/17/05 12:11 PM Central Time (US) contact the author directly
Wow! I couldn't think of any that I just didn't like, so I went straight to some of my collections to see if I could come across any. I know there are few...at least one or two that I want to skip over sometimes, but it also depends on my mood. While I'm not really sure if it was a "hit" or not, I did come across one that I'm not that crazy about. "I'm Falling in Love" duet with Frances Langford. I'm not even sure it's the fault of either of them, I just find some of the harmonies to be a bit dreadful to listen to...akward and such. ...Though after writing all of this, I put it in to see if it's as appalling as I remembered, and I quite enjoyed it...save for one little interval... :-) It's still probably not one of my favorites, anyway... |
| Candace Scott |
posted 06/17/05 12:13 PM Central Time (US) contact the author directly
No one has any Bing hits they aren't fond of? There has to be a few songs that don't tickle your fancy. :) Any list is always influenced by personal bias. I don't like background singers on any Bing record, so this influences my list. I can tolerate the Andrews Sisters, but still wish they weren't on most of his records, so go figure. With "Whiffenpoof," it's the "ba ba ba's" that sink it for me. |
| howard crosby |
posted 06/17/05 12:29 PM Central Time (US) contact the author directly
I agree with "Sunday, Monday or Always", I always hit the skip button whenever the CD reaches that song... |
| Ron Field |
posted 06/17/05 01:00 PM Central Time (US) contact the author directly
Candace, Sheep, lambs do go 'ba-ba-ba'. I have trouble with: With this ring I thee wed Let's take the long way home (Here Comes The Waves) also, That Old Black Magic, also from 'Waves' - Bing just seems uncomfortable with this, but David Currington pointed out that in the film they are sort of having a go at FS with those screaming girl 'bobby sockers'. |
| Lee |
posted 06/17/05 02:29 PM Central Time (US) contact the author directly
Hmmm, I like those songs Candace listed, but here's one I always skip as soon as I hear it, "Swinging on A Star", I can't stand it anymore, esp. the standard always heard Decca version. I've head a KMH recording occasioanlly on CD and that one I kind of like, but the official Decca record? Forget it. Also really don't like "You Keep Coming Back Like A Song", sounds so forced as if it were trying too hard to be smooth. Just grates on me. I'm also not too thrilled with Jingle Bells, the standard Decca version with Bing _amp; Andrews, another case of hearing it too many times and now it's ruined. As for the Whiffenpoof Song, I like it, if not for the only reason being that I'll always remember embarrassing my little sisters as they sat in the back of the car as I drove singing loudly along with Bing, BAAAA, BAAAAA, BAAAAAA. They were sinking down in their seats red faced and telling me to shut-up while hoping no one would see them listening to a song about lambs baa-ing and that strange fellow singing so proudly along with Bing and the lambs. It still makes me laugh to think about it. |
| Auburn Sommer |
posted 06/17/05 02:53 PM Central Time (US) contact the author directly
Lee, I agree with you on Swingin' on a Star, sometimes. I remember we performed that song during some youth musical back in Elementary school. I just didn't get it back then, except that we were a bunch of kids singing about animals. Since then, it has earned its own "soft-spot" in my heart, but still I have to look back and ask, "This was a hit?" |
| Ronald Sarbo |
posted 06/17/05 03:10 PM Central Time (US) contact the author directly
"Now Is The Hour" and "Sunday, Monday, or Always" are not "mood" killers like "Accidents Will Happen". |
| Bob Handy |
posted 06/17/05 05:23 PM Central Time (US) contact the author directly
I guess it doesn't fall in the "hit" category, but to my ears Bing's positively worst recording is "Night and Day." I do like "Now is the Hour" and "You Keep Coming Back Like a Song," in both cases in large part because of their appealing verses. The same would go for, among others, "Where the Blue of the Night" ("Why must I live in dreams of the days that used to be. . .") and "Pennies from Heaven" ("A long time ago, a million years B.C. . . ."). |
| Jon O. |
posted 06/17/05 06:55 PM Central Time (US) contact the author directly
About the only real "stinker" I can find, at least among Bing's #1 hits, is "Little Dutch Mill", and only because it sounds dated. But obviously it was appealing to the record-buying, jukebox-listening public of 1934, so who am I to judge? And I, like others here, have developed an aversion to "Swinging On a Star". I do feel, however, that for a novelty/kids' song, the lyrics are brilliant, and perfectly married to the playful, appealing melody. And it still sounds fresh when I watch it performed in Going My Way. |
| jane s |
posted 06/17/05 08:17 PM Central Time (US) contact the author directly
I hit "skip" whenever I hear Bing's version of "Night and Day" but it's rare for me to skip any of his songs. |
| George |
posted 06/17/05 08:38 PM Central Time (US)  no email address given
The extended "y-o-u" right before the orchestral bridge on "I'll Be Seeing You" has always made me cringe. Always wonder why they couldn't have fixed this in the re-mixing process. I am quite fond of 'Little Dutch Mill' which Bing mentioned as a personal favorite on at least one occasion. |
| Steven Lewis |
posted 06/17/05 10:14 PM Central Time (US) no email address given
Recordings were not "remixed" in the pre-tape era when Bing recorded "I'll Be Seeing You" (1944). The orchestra and the singer performed together live and the result was recorded direct to disc and was either accepted as performed or recorded anew from the beginning. |
| Steve Carras |
posted 06/17/05 10:54 PM Central Time (US) contact the author directly
1.FAR AWAY PLACES (1949) 2.PISTOL PACKIN' MAMA (with Andrews Sisters) (1943) 3.LITTLE DUTCH MILL (1935-noy 34) 4.IT'S EASY TO RERMEMBER (1935) 5.WHITE CHRISTMAS of coruse 91942) 5.HAPPY HOLIDAY (hit single version/titles verison with usic Maids)(1942) 6.BOB WHITE (duet w/Connee Boswell)(1937) 7.TOO MARVELOUS FOR WORDS (1937) 8.OUT OF NOWHERE (1931) 9.IS URRENDER DEAR (1931) 10.MILLION DOLLAR BABY (1931-how would Bing Crosby react to the "assisted suicde" at the end of the CLint Eastwood movie of that name?) |
| Arne |
posted 06/18/05 12:10 AM Central Time (US) contact the author directly
This is too much fun to resist..... Incidentally, I must not keep this just to the hits - with apologies to Candace - because we then are in danger of confusing songs we dislike with songs we are merely sick to death of. So, this is a list of Bing records I find either boring or sub-par performances, regardless of hit status: 1. PUT YOUR HAND IN THE HAND 2. SPANISH EYES 3. LITTLE SIR ECHO 4. A FADED SUMMER LOVE 5. WOULD YOU (1940s) 6. TIE A YELLOW RIBBON 7. BLACKBALL FERRY LINE 8. QUICKSILVER ....That's all I can come up with just now. As I ponder which of these recordings I'm less than fond of, I'm reminded again and again how much I love the entirety of this guy's catalogue. I'm far more often remembering the name of this or that track that I treasure. I'm surprised at a few of the other choices here, particularly "Little Dutch Mill". Sure, the song itself is fruity, but the last "A" section of Bing's out-chorus is superbly jazzy, and essential as an example of how a superior artist can surmount trite material. |
| Toa |
posted 06/18/05 10:30 AM Central Time (US) no email address given
This isn't a very positive topic Candace! Doesn't Ken Barnes rate 'Sunday, Monday or Always' as one of the best performances of Bing's career due to the difficult circumstances involved with the Musician's stike in 1943? I think Bing is excellent on that record and it's a lovely melody. It's great to hear it at the beginning of 'Road To Utopia'. Unfortunately I've never seen 'Dixie'. I don't think Whiffenpoof is a quality song in terms of lyrics but once again Bing does very well. McNamara's Band can be heard too often although my Mother loves the thing, but I can't understand anyone not tolerating 'Now Is The Hour'. Arne, I really like 'Quicksilver' 'Would You' and 'Tie A Yellow Ribbon'. I agree on Little Sir Echo and Spanish Eyes though! Ronald, how is "Accidents Will Happen" a mood killer? |
| Toa |
posted 06/18/05 10:42 AM Central Time (US) no email address given
It seems that some are a bit overcritical of Bing's 'Night and Day'. Yes, he could have been in better voice and he should have sung the verse, but there is no way that it's the worst recording of his career. He sounds a bit strained on some of the high notes and sings a bit too casually for such a great song. However, it seems that some writers on here are just paraphrasing the same opinions from Barnes and Reynolds without recognising their sources. Is it just fashionable to bag 'Night _amp; Day' to seem well educated on Bing like this pair? Surely nominations for the worst song of Bing's career would include: * What Do We Do With The World * Be-Bop Spoken Here * Bon vivant * The Spaniard That Blighted My Life * Hey Jude * Lonely Street * My Friend, The Doctor * Where The Rainbow Ends * Christmas Dinner Country Style |
| Bob Handy |
posted 06/18/05 11:37 AM Central Time (US) contact the author directly
Trust me Toa, nobody, but nobody, influenced my opinion of "Night and Day." I first heard Bing's recording of it when I was a teenager back in the Forties. I didn't like it then, and I still don't. |
| Jane S |
posted 06/18/05 01:17 PM Central Time (US) contact the author directly
I simply dislike Bing's version of Night and Day. I have not read the opinions from Barnes and Reynolds to paraphrase and I have no deep knowledge to impress anyone or be fashionable. I just don't his the version. |
| Candace Scott |
posted 06/18/05 04:25 PM Central Time (US) contact the author directly
Well, Toa, it may not be a "very positive topic" in your view, but it sure is a popular one! :)How in the world is it negative to discuss the few recordings in Bing's career that we personally dislike? This is a discussion group after all and this is a good topic. I'll have to pat myself on the back for thinking it up. LOL! My original post asked for only hit records, but I must say that Arne's list piqued my interest. He listed clunkers that were non-hits, but this is a great list. I agree with every one of these songs being placed squarely in the clunker category: 1. PUT YOUR HAND IN THE HAND 2. SPANISH EYES 3. LITTLE SIR ECHO 4. A FADED SUMMER LOVE 5. WOULD YOU (1940s) 6. TIE A YELLOW RIBBON 7. BLACKBALL FERRY LINE 8. QUICKSILVER Thank you, Arne! If we extended the list to non-hits, the list for me would be mostly anything Bing recorded in the 60's, excluding his Christmas songs from '62. Steve, your list is also interesting, thank you for sharing. I'm surprised anyone would dislike "Bob White," though I wish it would have been solo instead of a duet. A question for Steve: is the "Happy Holidays" you list the identical one from Holiday Inn? That was also from '42 so I'm curious. As for "Night and Day," it was never a favorite of mine either. The version Sinatra did for Reprise in the early 60's was great and after I heard that, I don't listen to Bing's version anymore. I hate to admit it, but it's true. Thinking over this topic, I came up with a few other Bing hits I always skip over, but they wouldn't have made my "true clunker" list: 1. Mexicali Rose 2. Only Forever 3. I Can't Begin to Tell You I'm surprised "Little Dutch Mill" is so disliked. The lyrics are trite, but the song is OK in my view. Interesting responses, all! Hope some more of you weigh in. |
| Brian R, Johnson |
posted 06/18/05 04:27 PM Central Time (US) contact the author directly
Wonder how many of the songs on the lists being posted were foisted upon Bing by Jack Kapp? Always wondered what Bing sang just for pleasure.... But while were at it I would just love to deep-six andthing that reeked of the Hawaiian Islands or anything of the south Pacific. (Not to confused with the musical, "South Pacific." |
| Jon O. |
posted 06/18/05 05:41 PM Central Time (US) contact the author directly
I think "Night and Day" is simply better suited to Sinatra's style than Bing's. Nevertheless, Bing wasn't in very good voice the day he recorded it. As far as the Hawaiian/Pacific songs, Bing cited "My Isle of Golden Dreams" as one of his best vocal performances. I like most of his recordings in this genre, and I think Return to Paradise Islands, recorded in 1963 with Nelson Riddle is one of Bing's finest albums. "It's Easy to Remember", "Pistol Packin' Mama", "Mexicali Rose", and "Out of Nowhere" (1931) are among my FAVORITE Bing songs and/or performances. |
| Wendy Mahoney |
posted 06/18/05 06:56 PM Central Time (US) contact the author directly
I think this is an interesting topic too Candace - thanks! I wish I had more time to consider this in depth but straight off the top of my head, the only Bing songs which make me cringe (but they weren't necessarily hits) are: Ding Dong the Witch is Dead (he sings deeeaaaddd)- horrific; Love Is Blue Talk to the Animals Thoroughly Modern Millie (all from the LP "Thoroughly Modern Bing") Hey Jude (which has been discussed numerous times before); and at the risk of being howled down here: PS I Love You (I'm not keen on the words). I actually like all the other "worst" songs which have been suggested here, and have to also put in a good word for the Whiffenpoof Song, for sentimental reasons (it brings back happy memories of my father when he was singing it arm in arm with his special Army mates. w |
| Toa |
posted 06/18/05 08:36 PM Central Time (US) no email address given
Candace, it may be a popular topic but so was the one started by the Elvis troll named John. For a true Bing fan such as yourself, it would be better to focus on the positives of Bing's career than focusing on the negatives. Sure we need balance but there is enough disharmony on this board already due to the Elvis troll. I can't understand how you cannot like the Andrews Sisters when you consider the joint success that Bing had with them. If you ever doubt their worth, just watch 'Road To Rio' as their number with Bing must be one of the best of Bing's film numbers. It's right up there with 'Rhythm On The River', 'One, Two, Button Your Shoe', 'Ain't Got A Dime To My Name' and 'Now You Has Jazz'. |
| Toa |
posted 06/18/05 08:44 PM Central Time (US) no email address given
Jon O, I can't agree on 'Return to Paradise Islands'. Bing sounds like he has a cold and can't be bothered. Steven Lewis' evaluation seems pretty spot on: EVALUATION: This was Bing's first solo album for Frank Sinatra's new record company, but his first effort was anything but Paradise. Crosby had sung many Hawaiian songs to good effect in his Decca days, but he fell flat on his face in this album. The one highlight was "Keep Your Eyes on the Hands." For the rest, put your fingers in your ears. Grade: D+ |
| Toa |
posted 06/18/05 08:50 PM Central Time (US) no email address given
Candace, you don't like backup singers which is fair enough but how can you not like 'I Can't Begin To Tell You'? It's an exquisite performance by both Bing and Cavallaro. Candace, are you not fond of the piano? I love all of the Bing/Cavallaro performances including 'I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me' and the 'Four Winds And The Seven Seas'. I respect your opinion but I can't begin to tell you how much you baffle me! |
| Ronald Sarbo |
posted 06/18/05 10:58 PM Central Time (US) contact the author directly
What does it say to new people coming here to learn about Bing to see many of his most famous recordings denigrated? |
| Steven Lewis |
posted 06/18/05 11:54 PM Central Time (US) no email address given
It says that we are not mere mindless groupies worshipping at the feet of our perfect heroes but adults who can admit to the flaws as well as enjoy the talents of our favorite entertainers. Perhaps you are confusing Bing with Jesus? |
| Ronald Sarbo |
posted 06/19/05 08:26 AM Central Time (US) contact the author directly
Bing's recordings should be evaluated according to the time and conditions they were created under. If they reflect the 30s and 40s and do not sound as "modern" as we would like this does not mean they are "flawed". |
| Candace Scott |
posted 06/19/05 09:35 AM Central Time (US) contact the author directly
Toa, this was not intended as an exercise to pick *my* brains, but to solicit the opinions of others here, who so graciously shared. I enjoyed reading all the answers to my question. I gave my opinions in the first post, but I guess your opinion is superior to anyone elses. LOL! Reflect upon the attitude shown in these statements: 1. "For a true Bing fan such as yourself, it would be better to focus on the positives of Bing's career than focusing on the negatives." Thank you for telling me how to feel. Based on the multitudes of answers for this topic, it seems the rest of the Board regulars feel differently. 2. "Sure we need balance but there is enough disharmony on this board already due to the Elvis troll." This statement directly contradicts the previous one and erroneously assumes there is "disharmony" here. Everyone else except you and one other contributor is enjoying this thread for what it is. 3. "I can't understand how you cannot like the Andrews Sisters" Thank you again for reminding us that your opinion is the only one that counts and for completely misquoting me since I never said I didn't like them. It's a silly exercise... should I respond why the puerile, "I can't understand how you *can* like the Andrews Sisters?" 4."If you ever doubt their worth, just watch 'Road To Rio.' That's a little like asking a Brando fan to be sure and catch "On the Waterfront." As expected, I've seen 'Road to Rio' about 50 times in my life, as we all have. ---------- Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and musical taste is also a personal thing. Most people figure that out by the time they hit the age of 13 or so. Because I don't like "Now is the Hour" is hardly an attack on Bing or an attack on people who like that song. I happen to like "Little Dutch Mill" and didn't go off half-cocked on the many people here who hate it. Adults should be able to disagree without becoming disagreeable, but I guess a few haven't learned that. Thanks again to everyone who shared their clunker list! |
| Candace Scott |
posted 06/19/05 09:55 AM Central Time (US) contact the author directly
I'm going to have to track down 'Christmas Dinner Country Style.' I confess I've never heard it. |
| Ron Field |
posted 06/19/05 12:00 PM Central Time (US) contact the author directly
Talking of the Andrews Sisters, there was an announcer on radio staion 2KY in Sydney (same station that Brian Howard presented 'Bing and Swing') by the name of John Harper (this was in the 50's and 78's). He did not like the Andrews Sisters. He would put on a recording of theirs and beforeit got a quarter way through he would stop it and you could hear the record breaking against the wall. I'm not playing that rubbish he would say. Then one of the girls came to Australia and he met her and thought that she wasn't so bad after all and he became more friendly to the Andrews Sisters recordings. He was quite a character John Harper. Ron Field |
| Candace Scott |
posted 06/19/05 01:02 PM Central Time (US) contact the author directly
The Andrews Sisters are fine when used as props for Bing, but standing alone, they are nothing special. Musical historians would universally say the same thing. "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree" is cute, nothing more. I would never deny that their interplay with Bing on the following songs isn't cute: South America, Take it Away Pistol Packin' Mama Accentuate the Positive Ciribiribin There'll Be a Hot Time in the Town of Berlin Route 66 I still would rather hear Bing solo on all these cuts. He is so far above their modest talents that it's sometimes embarrassing. Their contribution also detracts from several recordings, most notably Don't Fence Me In, where one of them is a little off key. Their version of Jingle Bells with Bing is irritating in the extreme. Bing's vocals are outstanding, the Andrews Sisters break in and ruin it completely, IMHO. Bing was a vocal genius with an unparalleled voice. The Andrew Sisters were hardly in his league in any capacity. I regard them like I do Tex Beneke , Ray Eberle, the Pied Pipers, etc.-- OK, but nothing to write home about. I will say that Bing certainly enjoyed singing with the Andrews Sisters and they brought an infectious, fun spirit to some of their better colloborations. But it's certain that there isn't a single line in any of their songs that Bing wouldn't have sounded better on, had he been standing alone at the mike. |
| Brian W. |
posted 06/19/05 03:11 PM Central Time (US) no email address given
It's so interesting to see how everyone's personal taste differs... most of the songs people have listed as ones they don't like are among my very favorites! Ones I can hardly stand to listen to: My number one, most-despised Bing song is: Good Night, Lovely Little Lady. He completely overuses mordents on this song, and in general gives a nauseatingly melodramatic performance. I can hardly STAND to listen to it...it makes me cringe. To me, the same is true of Many Happy Returns of the Day and My Love, though to a lesser extent. I can't stand his hit recording of "Here Lies Love," either, because of the horrid, horrid spoken verse. I love the film version, though. |
| Ronald Sarbo |
posted 06/19/05 08:28 PM Central Time (US) contact the author directly
The Andrews Sisters were the most popular vocal group of the 1940s. Everything Bing recorded with them has been officially issued on CD. Jo Stafford was a member of the Pied Pipers and Sinatra made many of his first hits with them and TD. |
| BarryB |
posted 06/19/05 11:10 PM Central Time (US) contact the author directly
Candace, You obviously haven't heard the Andrews Sisters sing "Carmen's Boogie." Try and get a copy; turn the volume up; it will blast you back against the wall! Enjoy. |
| Arne |
posted 06/20/05 12:13 AM Central Time (US) contact the author directly
One of the tough things about these polls is the cross-purposes that we engage in; what I mean is, we are sometimes working multiple definitions of what exactly is being polled. An example would be "Swinging On A Star" - I seldom listen to it anymore, but not because it's a bad record; on the contrary, I think it's a good tune, well executed. BUT, I'm so very, very tired of it, plus it represents to me all that is wrong with the public's collective memory of what Bing was all about. This is very different from just saying that Bing performed poorly on a song, or that Bing may have done well but the SONG is lousy (also two very different things). So, we're getting all different kinds of responses, sort of like "Tower Of Babel", where some of us are having difficulty communicating with others.... Fascinating though, I think. INcidentally - I'd like to comment on some of the album titles that have shown up: HOLIDAY IN EUROPE: A little dry (read: boring) for some listeners, but I've always really liked this album, because Bing does some of the most SERIOUS vocalizing of the last part of his career here. By "serious", I mean a concentrated effort to set a mood, to keep a high level of musicianship, rather than an exercise in projecting his "Bingishness" only. Songs like "April IN Portugal", "Morgen", "Melancholie", and a few of the others show a great singer in the act of displaying his vocal and interpretive skills, ala a Sinatra or Bennett. THOUROGHLY MODERN BING - To me, this is Bing's worst album. NOT BECAUSE OF BING'S PERFORMANCE, mind you, but because the studio sound and level of musicianship, the general auditory surroundings, are nearly at amateur level. Don't know how Bing could have allowed himself to be used by such hacks. HEY JUDE, on the other hand, may sound dated, but it also sounds exactly like the albums Jimmy Bowen was producing for Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra on Reprise, and the record was popular in it's time. "Just For Tonight" is one of the best recordings Bing made during his last 20 years, in my opinion. WHAT DO WE DO WITH THE WORLD was mentioned. I am partial to this, because I love hearing Bing singing with the "Wrecking Crew", the top "pop" LA studio musicians in the late 60s. When it came out, it represented to me the marvel of Bing's longevity: listen to "Happy Feet", then listen to "What Do We...", and you hear the entire history of pop music (up til then) bookended by the works of one singer. Seldom-heard Bing records that really move me: THAT LITTLE DREAM GOT NOWHERE: Sensitive, serious vocal with the great Eddie Heywood, sounding exactly the way he sounds on those classic Billie Holiday Commodores. WHOSE DREAM ARE YOU: - Moody, thoughtful, gorgeous reading, with the GREAT Les Paul. AIN'T DOIN' BAD DOIN' NOTHIN' - Bing's best laid-back easy-rhythm performance, gorgeous voice to boot..... Joe Venuti's small group in support. Epitome of Bing. NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS - I must admit that the quality of the backing group affects my appreciation of a Crosby performance... JImmy Dorsey's band KICKS ASS here! And Bing is at his glorious, late-30s best. Bravado, authority, swing, --Maybe my all-round favorite Bing Crosby single. "WHAT IS LOVE" and "FOR LOVE ALONE" - Two Crosby performances from the mid-30s that best reveal that this little guy from Spokane had the most glorious, expressive pipes that God ever gave a human. MORE CLUNKERS: - All the singles from the "Say One For Me" score. These are not the soundtrack performances, but versions cut for Columbia singles. Good arrangements, fair songs, but Bing sounds tired and bored. MANY HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY - Yes! the worst of his otherwise clasic output of 1931. Perhaps the only early Crosby performance where he sounds corny and dated. ANDREWS SISTERS - I don't think they are as devoid of talent or interest as Candace does, but they can get a little tired, particularly in the later collaborations with Bing where the feel is more "country" than "swing". I like them in the late 30s, with "Long Time No See" and other swingy things. I much prefer the Boswell Sisters, however, with whom I often fantasize myself having "truly meaningful" relationships. My all-time clunker of a performance from Bing? - for this, I have to leave the realm of commercial releases, and move to the TV file, for these "honorable mentions": "BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER" - just a big mistake, Bing has no feel for the meaning of the song, his voice is brittle and tired, and well.... you get the idea. (Pearl Bailey show, 1971) - and, DESIDIRATA (Bing Crosby special, 1972) - Not a bad Bing performance so much as a mediocre performance of a really insipid piece - in my opinion. - I hated hearing him tackle it, and I'm so glad Ken Barnes came along so that Bing could go out in a blaze of glory, rather than with this stuff from a few years earlier. |
| Ronald Sarbo |
posted 06/20/05 07:57 AM Central Time (US) contact the author directly
Every great singer has their share of "clunkers". Bing made more records than anyone so his # may be higher. But Bing forged a singing style that was adaptable to all the types of songs that existed up to Rock and Roll and in doing so held popular music together for almost 30 years. "Musical Historians" have stated that the downside to this was that a "blandness" or a "sameness" had developed that made Rock and Roll's rise inevitable. Pat Boone, for instance, applied Bing's approach to early Rock and Roll and enjoyed great success. He was second to Elvis in the 50s and early 60s. How has Pat fared with "Musical Historians"? He is still not in the R_amp;R Hall Of Fame. Andy Williams applied Bing's approach to the songs of the day in the late 60s and early 70s. Again he sold alot of records and was a great success on TV but where does he stand with "Musical Historians"? |
| John Walton |
posted 06/20/05 09:35 AM Central Time (US) contact the author directly
Arne, thanks for a very thoughtful contribution. I completely endorse your first two paragraphs about "cross-purposes" and "multiple definitions". I also agree that "Ain't Doin' Bad Doin' Nothin'" is one of Bing's best ever tracks. Having recently acquired the "Holiday In Europe" CD and wondering if it was as bad as some have suggested, I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of Bing's voice on most of the tracks. I thought, however, that the arrangements occasionally left a little to be desired - sometimes intrusive, sometimes banal. |
| Jon O. |
posted 06/20/05 11:34 AM Central Time (US) contact the author directly
Excellent post, Arne. Your singer's perspective is always illuminating. Glad you mentioned "Whose Dream Are You", and "Ain't doin' Bad Doin' Nothin'", two of my top-shelf Bing favorites . . . and we're definitely on the same page as far as the irresistable "Never In a Million Years", a dynamite performance all around. |
| Candace Scott |
posted 06/20/05 12:08 PM Central Time (US) contact the author directly
"The Andrews Sisters were the most popular vocal group of the 1940's." Well, the Monkees were the second-most popular vocal group in the period 1966-67 based on total sales, and there's hardly a testimony to their talent (or lack thereof). I don't follow this logic. The Andrews Sisters could have outsold Crosby, Sinatra, Elvis, the Beatles and Elton John combined and people are still entitled to dislike them. The Orwellian principal of "everyone is entitled to my opinion" seems to rear its ugly head with a few people around here. Sigh. Barry, I have heard and enjoy "Carmen's Boogie," one of the Andrews Sisters best tracks, you're right about that. Arne, as always, I enjoy your posts. You always bring something to the table that's interesting and thought-provoking. I agree with you about "Many Happy Returns of the Day" and "Bridge Over Troubled Water." Both are painful. I would like to have heard Bing in his 1932 voice tackle "Bridge" however; I think the result would have been different, with a lot more pathos and emotion. I bet he would have sung "Bridge" like he did "Last Round-up" with those soaring notes. Just thinking of that possibility is exciting! |
| Candace Scott |
posted 06/20/05 05:14 PM Central Time (US) contact the author directly
Since I'm dispensing *my* opinion about the Andrews Sisters and not Bing's opinion, it's totally a moot point, just like placing Pat Boone in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a moot point. Hey--when Pat's being inducted, let's sneak in other prodigious rock talents like Fabian, Kookie Burnes, Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello! Why not induct Debby Boone as well, since "You Light Up My Life" is a beloved rock anthem second only to Hendrix's "Purple Haze" or Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love?" |
| Arne |
posted 06/20/05 05:59 PM Central Time (US) contact the author directly
Thanks Candace, and everyone else, who offered such nice words about my over-long late-nite contribution to this thread last night. And, as if to put a fine-point on it all, I have to add: .....hey Candace..... I LIKE the Monkees! |
| Ronald Sarbo |
posted 06/20/05 07:11 PM Central Time (US) contact the author directly
When we dispense "our" opinions we may not be taking into account what Bing thought at the time. As he sold more records than anyone else his judgement was pretty sound on the whole. Even taking into account Jack Kapp's ADVICE. |
| Candace Scott |
posted 06/21/05 06:16 PM Central Time (US) contact the author directly
Arne, I like The Monkees too and have many of their LP's on vinyl and many CD's. I just wouldn't announce it in a crowded room. :) As for Jack Kapp, my fondest wish in hindsight for Bing would have been to never have been with Kapp or Decca. I wish he would have had in the mid-30's a person like Nelson Riddle was to Sinatra. Bing has the greatest singing voice in popular music and it's a shame he didn't stick to singing the great standards by Gershwin, Cole Porter, etc. with quality arrangements. Instead Kapp had him becoming a Jack of all Trades singer, dabbling in way too much Hawaiian, cowboy and novelty songs. Jack Kapp deserved a kick in the behind. |
| Ronald Sarbo |
posted 06/21/05 06:32 PM Central Time (US) contact the author directly
I guess if the record buying public in the 30s and 40s were not as "discerning" as they are today I guess this whole dispute about the charts and who had more #1 records etc would not be taking place. Elvis would be #1. |
| Ronald Sarbo |
posted 06/21/05 06:53 PM Central Time (US) contact the author directly
I should have said if they were as "discerning" as today Bing would not be #1. Anyway you catch my drift. And I agree Steven runs a great site. |
| Ronald Sarbo |
posted 06/21/05 07:00 PM Central Time (US) contact the author directly
Nelson Riddle did alot for Frank Sinatra. But it is a misconception that he was responsible for Sinatra's comeback. Riddles's work with other singers does not approach the greatness of his work with FS. FS chose to sing great standards because he was not as "Hit Driven" as Bing. Who had the greatest singing voice in popular music is also a matter of opinion. |
| Keith |
posted 06/22/05 08:29 AM Central Time (US) contact the author directly
It so happens that I agree with Ronald and Candace's last two messages regarding Kapp and Riddle and they are, if you think about it, not conradictory. Bing was hit driven in the same way as Jolsen. So many songs were written especially for him. Frank liked standards but probably did not have the same power to attract hit song writers in the same way as Crosby in the thrities and forties. But I suspect someone is about to disagree. |
| Ronald Sarbo |
posted 06/22/05 10:41 AM Central Time (US) contact the author directly
What is contradictory is when we seek to remind the media that Bing had more HITS than anyone else in history while at the same time bemoaning that they appear on so many CDS, in many cases are "flawed", and that the guidance Jack Kapp gave him in producing them was lousy. You can't have it both ways. |
| Sue Horn |
posted 06/22/05 03:44 PM Central Time (US) contact the author directly
Just wanted to say that "Only Forever" is always on my list of top ten Bing songs!! So we agree to disagree. I also like the Monkees quite a bit and enjoy their music. As for the Andrews Sisters, I like listening to them with and without Bing, but mixed in with other artists as well. A little goes a long way. Sue |