Lora's Album Review - 10/7

[lora]

I said I'd do this one a while back at some point, so here it is. Sorry for the lack of variety in all of my review choices! This is pretty much the only kind of stuff I've got folks!

*This is for Judith*

Bette Midler
The Divine Miss M
1972

This album is quite famous due to Bette's producer and pianist at the time, Barry Manilow. Melissa Manchester was also part of Bette's background "choir" at the time. So you get three for the price of one!

1. Do You Want To Dance?
Fantastic bass on this song. I knew this way before the classic Bobby Freeman version, but it's obvious which one I would've liked best anyway. This is on the greatest hits and for VERY good reason.

2. Chapel Of Love
Also on the greatest hits. I've always loved this.

3. Superstar
Yes, the Carpenters song. I knew this one first as well. Bette does a different arrangement, so I choose to pretend that it's not even the same song - that way I don't have to pick a favorite. Bette's vocals on this are really sultry.

4. Daytime Hustler
This is another great track. Bette's vocals are so effortless.

"Fancy money doesn't buy my love...flashy Cadillacs won't make me fuck..."

5. Am I Blue
Great piano on this. The first section of the song is really pretty, but it kind of starts to drag after that.

6. Friends
NOT the version you know. This is a different twist on the song. Bette even does this almost comedy part in the middle of the song. It's cute.

7. Hello In There
This has been one of my favorite Bette songs since I first heard it. It opens her greatest hits. This is really a phenomenal ballad. Very underrated.

8. Leader Of The Pack
Bette also did this in Divine Madness and it's on the soundtrack. I prefer the live version. It's rockin'.

9. Delta Dawn
The only version of this I've ever heard, but I can't say I'm aching to hear any others after this. Bette does it superbly.

10. Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy
This also appears on the greatest hits, but it's a newer recording - cleaned-up audially, if you will. The other version is much stronger.

11. Friends
Now, here's the version we all know and love. Well, those of us who know it do love it. Again, on the greatest hits, and this one is great. I love the piano on this and it's just so much fun!

All in all, a solid and versatile debut. This was critically lauded at the time of its release and then Bette got struck with the infamous sophomore curse (although the second album is one of my favorites and is superior to this one in some aspects). Anyway, I like it!

[djdave]

Not a bad debut--a good catalyst for her 1973 New Artist Award! (actually presented in 1974)
I don't know all these songs, but know of some here.

1. Do You Want To Dance?
Never been extremely fond of this version; to me, the lyrics and the feel (from Freeman's original) demand this be an upbeat song. Always felt this was a poor man's Carole King tuype of version, but that's not saying bad in the least.

2. Chapel Of Love
Only heard this version a few times. OK.

3. Superstar
Good take.

4. Daytime Hustler
Don't know it, but that lyric makes me wanna check it out!

5. Am I Blue
Don't know this version. Fine tune that originated in the late 20's, and became a standard.

6. Friends
That comical part may make me wanna investigate.

7. Hello In There
Don't know it, but sounds like a good tune.

8. Leader Of The Pack
Never cared much for her take.

9. Delta Dawn
Don't know her take, but if I'd hear it, I wouldn't put it too much lower than Tanya Tucker's and Helen Reddy's versions, which are both good.

10. Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy
Oh I LOVE this! I'm sure I knew this version even before the Andrews Sisters' 1941 standard. In fact, edges out the Rose as my all-time personal Bette fave.

11. Friends
Probably my second fave tune here, and squeaked into the top 40; her third time there.

[Ken]

Hey Lora

Nicely done!

I know a few of the tracks.

Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy - Which I remember hearing around the age of 5 the first time , we had the 45 in the house . Bette does a VERY good cover and the whole band rocks on this one.


Do You Wanna Dance? - I've heard this once or twice - I seem to remember that she slowed the tempo down on her version - right ? Quite good.


Delta Dawn - I heard Tanya Tucker's version first. Nice job.

[Laura--I wuv u all :)]

I love "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy", but I have to agree with Dave's opinion on "Do You Want to Dance". It definitely works better as a fast song IMHO.

[lora]

1. Do You Want To Dance?
Never been extremely fond of this version; to me, the lyrics and the feel (from Freeman's original) demand this be an upbeat song. Always felt this was a poor man's Carole King tuype of version, but that's not saying bad in the least.

Do You Wanna Dance? - I've heard this once or twice - I seem to remember that she slowed the tempo down on her version - right ? Quite good.

I love "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy", but I have to agree with Dave's opinion on "Do You Want to Dance". It definitely works better as a fast song IMHO.

Since I heard Bette's version first, that's why I like it best. Of everything Bette ever covered, the original has to be phenomenal in my mind before I would ever rank it over Bette. But, that's just my opinion. It's cool to see how different people all have such varying opinions about the same songs!

[Dawn]

I like Bette's take on Do You Want to Dance - very different from other versions I've heard, but works very well.

Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy - Great '40s sound - she does a nice job with it.

I've never heard her versions of Superstar and Delta Dawn, but would be interested in checking them out.

Very good review!