To me Marty Feldman (1934-82) was one of the brightest shining jocose icons, as writer, performer, director and producer - from the TV happening "At Last The 1948 Show", over participation in Mel Brooks films, up to the brilliant "The Last Remark Of Beau Geste" and "In God We Tru$t" movie comedies. So when I first encountered this LP I expected witty talkies in variety show shape. But it's actually well produced (Ray Richardson) and arranged (Ivor Raymonde) songs, larger part co-written for the album by Dennis King and John Junking. Most in classic British vaudeville style, as from the twenties or thirties, some reminding of Flanagan & Allen and some of early Bonzo Dog. In fact many of the numbers could have been part of any Bonzo Dog sixties LP, carried by the same mix of artful humour and serious winks to times gone by. He's not the best singer though wings it just fine. Squeezing in twentyfour cuts in around forty minutes could make it too sketchy, but to my ears here saved by the numbers are tied together as from a common ground idea with similar arrangements, not so much giving the impression of separate songs as pieces of a big puzzle. Audio tophole and the atmosphere very cozy and very British. Lisening now with a big smile and a warm feeling in my gut. UK mono LK 4983. Also issued on vinyl in Australia (Decca SPA 134). EU 2007 CD (Decca 984 609-2) came with the non-album 45 "A Joyous Time Of The Year"/"The B Side" as bonus. Premiere UK stereo had label as shown here in thin laminated cover with die/cut hole on rear and blue rim stereo inner. (MÖRS*)
Inga kommentarer:
Skicka en kommentar