Keel music reviews

I LOVE listing to it on my ipod and in the car. My daughter was in a community play of it and we just love singing along. we love the songs "sobbin' women", "Bless your beautiful hive", and "Going' cortin'". If u love the music u will absolutly love the movie too.

It's a great show, hands down one of the best original movie musicals of the 1950s. Instead of depending on an existing Broadway show, the creators decided to do it themselves, and the result was movie magic. The always creative Stanley Donen seemed driven to recreate American masculinity on the screen, and he found the perfect dance partner in Michael Kidd, whose energetic, acrobatic dances were a sensation and still look terrific today. As dancers, the men come off better than the women, who are hampered by some weird looking costumes and when they're trying to look pretty have to simper around in plushy pastels, like a living row of Nicco wafers.

On the soundtrack, we miss the dancing but there are some wonderful dance arrangements that will get your feet a-tapping. Best of all ghe absence of visuals allows us to concentrate on the classic tunes themselves, which while watching the movie play second fiddle to the subordinate elements. Howard Keel and Jane Powell have melodic, achingly lyrical voices and are each given several opportunities to really wail out--they should have worked with Phil Spector!

Jane's voice, sometimes wobbly or piercing in lesser recordings, is perfection here; Keel probably sings a bit better in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN or KISS ME KATE, but that's only technique: he sounds like he's having a blast. The mixed choruses are charming and Johnny Mercer's lyrics are simply crazy--not over the top as they would be for LIL ABNER, just crazy. If the plot is sometimes criticized as being unseemly, since the theme of rape is treated so casually and humorously, you don't hear much of that on the soundtrack, not until you hear Mercer's original lyrics for "The Sobbin' Women." That will open your eyes and ears! Mercer, by many accounts rather a pig of a human being, came honestly by his reputation as a poet; his lyrics embody the American pastoral in the Cold War, postwar period.

Thank Goodness they were able to find some of this stuff in the trunk. But even without it you would still have one heck of a show album.

If you enjoyed the movie, you'll love the CD, particularly for its bonus tracks, including Howard Keel's rehearsal recording of "Bless Yore Beautiful Hide", which, although less vigouously presented than his usual style, is, in its own way, charming. You can also focus, undistracted by the spectacular dancing, on the six-minute rendition of the "Barn Dance", superbly performed by the ace M-G-M Studio Orchestra.

However, most outstanding of these 6 bonus gems are the Academy Award-winning lyricist (for "Moon River") Johnny Mercer's original lyrics, heard in the demo recordings of "Goin' Co'tin'" and "Sobbin' Women". PRICELESS!!! Stanley Donen, who directed the film, performs the former, and audibly collapses into laughter at some of "Goin' Co'tin'"'s words, as will you.

But the highlight is Johnny Mercer himself, performing (with composer Gene De Paul) the original "Sobbin' Women". Mercer must have been planning on the Hays Office being closed on the day he intended to submit his lyrics, for there is no doubt whatsoever that the censorship bureau would NEVER have permitted those words to be heard in an entertainment aimed at families. One rather thinks Mercer wrote these words only to be sung at stag parties, and this demo track does sound as if it were performed at one. IT'S A RIOT! Go directly to Track 27.

The wizards at Rhino have put us once again in their debt for this re-release of the soundtrack to MGM's Kiss Me Kate. For anyone who loves the Broadway musical and its Hollywood incarnation, this recording is an essential part of any collection.

Musical lovers have historically been very poorly served by the "original cast" and "soundtrack" recordings. What should have been glorious mementos of the theatrical (or cinematic) experience have often turned out to be savagely butchered and indifferently reproduced shadows of what could have been. With the extended playing time of CDs and the efforts of enthusiasts who (at last) recognise the treasures lying in the studio vaults, many musicals are being re-released in greatly improved sound and including previously unreleased orchestral underscoring and extended performances.

Kiss Me Kate receives a rip-roaring outing here (listen to Wunderbar, Tom Dick or Harry or Where is the Life That Late I Led. A somewhat mangled score (if you're a Broadway purist)...but what performances! It is a dream team with everyone at their finest - Kathryn Grayson, Howard Keel, the MGM Orchestra not missing a beat under Andr� Previn. And those orchestrations! Conrad Salinger and his colleagues were surely the unsung geniuses of the MGM musical sound.

This is a joy to listen to and we must be grateful to the efforts of everyone who made it possible, assembled as it has been from fast-deteriorating scraps of recordings criminally neglected in the MGM archives. Listen to this and then feast your ears on other recordings in the series. I recommend Gigi, Show Boat, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers, Meet Me in St Louis, Hit The Deck and Kismet for starters.

The sound is, of course, variable and not up to the technical standards of today. But, bearing in mind the vintage, it is always good, often miraculous, and far, far better than it has ever sounded before. In fact, it is just right...just how an MGM musical should sound. It is also as complete as it is ever going to get.

Now come on Rhino - what about working the same miracles with High Society, Bells Are Ringing and Goodbye Mr Chips?

Why only a 4 out of 5 star rating? Simple; because we've had to wait so long!

I wholeheartedly agree with every comment already posted. This recording is astonishing in its completeness. The audio quality is as superb as already mentioned. I agree that Howard Keel gives a definitive performance, and that Kathryn Grayson is heard to best advantage. Ann Miller is beyond compare in her bravura performance. The spirit of the MGM studio orchestra is also heard at the top of its game. I was lucky to see a 3D screening of this movie around 1979 or 1980. It was well worth it then, and this recording captures everything about the film that anyone could ever want.

The MGM film version of Cole Porter's KISS ME KATE was released in 1953. It was filmed in 3D but was not widely released in that format as it required special projection equipment and required the audience to wear eye-straining glasses. It was successful both in the 3D version, as well as the conventional "flat" version that was more widely released. It was also one of the very first films released in stereo. The cast included some of the greatest musical talents in Hollywood at the time: Howard Keel, Kathryn Grayson, and Ann Miller. All are in top vocal form.

This soundtrack unquestionably surpasses any other recordings of the score, although the two original cast recordings come close. All tracks are taken directly from the original recording session masters and have been remixed for stereo (the original soundtrack album of 1953 contained only a handful of songs - compared to this - and was heard only in monaural). Not only are all cuts from the original vinyl release included here (you wouldn't expect the CD to not include them, would you?), but a HUGE amount of instrumental underscoring and additional material is here as well. The sound quality (in glorious STEREO) is fabulous. The BEST recording of the score, hands down. I also recommend, though, the 1959 stereo recording with the original cast. Fabulous.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

I've enjoyed Howard Keel's musicals, my favorite being Kiss Me Kate. I bought this CD along with the soundtrack of Kiss Me Kate, based on the reviews I read here.

This CD was very impressive and Mr. Keel's voice comes through with the same power and clarity of his earlier recordings and performances during MGM's golden musical days.

It's a fine example of his range, his narrative ability (in the Don Quixote medley), bold and brassy voice as in Bless Your Beautiful Hide, Oklahoma to softer ballads like Memory from Cats, Dulcinea (Don Quixote), Some Enchanted Evening. So in Love is delivered in the seductive beguine style of Were Thine that Special Face as originally performed in Kiss Me Kate.

Beautifully done CD and a fine representation of Mr. Keel's "incomparable" talents. A real gem.

HOWARD KEEL TRULY HAS AN INCOMPARABLE MANLY VOICE! THIS IS JUST A WONDERFUL CD. HE HAS A RICH DEEP DEEP BASS VOICE AND HE PUTS IT TO GREAT USE. SONGS FROM "OLAHOMA", SHOWBOAT, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, "MAN FROM LA MANCHA". THIS IS THE FIRST CD I HAVE EVER BOUGHT OF HOWARD AND I LOVED IT! LOVED "OLE MAN RIVER" THE BEST. HE SINGS 16 SONGS AND ALL ARE WONDERFUL! I HAVE HIS MOVIES, TOO! THIS WOULD MAKE A WONDERFUL GIFT FOR FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES. THE SOUND QUALITY IS GREAT!!!!!1 CAN'T WAIT TO BUY ANOTHER CD WITH HIM ON IT. TRULY A WONDERFUL MUST BUY!

Howard Keel is an all around talented man. He can act and sing like no other,and looks stunning too boot. I have been a collector of Howard movies and soundtracts for sometime now, but just recently purchased this CD, and I must say it is wonderful. Howard's voice is so powerful and deep, it's hard not to fall in love with him. The highlights of this ablum are definatly the Medley's, each about 7 minutes long. He does a wonderful job on all, but particularly, "With You I'm Born Again," "And I Love You So," and "So in Love." There are a lot of classics on here, but they can be enjoyed by all ages (I am a college student and adore it). The only song that is a little different is "Bless Your Beautiful Hide," which is a different version than the one done on the Seven Brides for Seven Brothers soundtract. It is a bit silly (he sounds giddy :), but will give you a good chuckle. I strongly urge you to purchase this CD so you can experience a true representation of manhood, through Howard's wonderful singing.

Like many of our greatest performers, it's impossible to capture the pure exctasy so many of us have been priveleged to in person on a recording,although this LKE offering probably comes closest.If Jack and Neal were alive today,they'd probably be headed to the next LKE show.Check him out.

I've heard Larry play many venues. I would honestly say he is the best guitarist available, be it bluegrass, jazz, funk, or even reggae. You would be doing yourself a grave injustice not to discover the amazing music of such talented artists.

THIS ALBUM IS PLAIN FUN, and with great guitar playing by Marc Ferrari and Bryan Jay. By the way, The Boss did not "cover" this song also. The Boss wrote it!

Keels 3rd studio album is another great forgotten album. This is the second Keel album i got after loving the self titled album. This album has a much more commercial sound than the first 2 Keel albums but still has some great rocking songs. This band sounds a lot like Dokken and this album was by far there most succesful peaking at #53 on the billboard charts and having 2 minor hits.

1.The Final Frontier- 10/10 A great rocker with a great intro. The riff rocks and the chorus is excellent. Ron Keel's vocals are great as always. The soft melodic bridge is great and Ron Keel's awesome scream leads into a great shredding solo. A classic!

2.Rock And Roll Animal- 10/10 Another great rocker with a good intro. The riff is great and the chorus rocks aswell. Ron Keel's vocals are strong once again. More great shredding too in the great dual guitar solo. Another classic! Jaime St. James of Black N Blue contributes backround vocals to this song too.

3.Because the Night- 10/10 A great cover song! I've never heard the original but this version is excellent! The song is lighter more melodic song than the first 2 but it's still great! Another great guitar solo, this solo is slower and more melodic and fits the song perfectly. The second solo is excellent aswell. Excellent vocal performance by Ron Keel too!

4.Here Today, Gone Tomorrow- 8/10 Another good song. This has a real commercial feel to it and isn't as strong as the first 3 songs. The chorus is strong and the solo is good but it doesn't measure up to the other songs.

5.Arm and a Leg- 9/10 A good rocker. The riff is good and the chorus is excellent. Ron Keel's vocals are great and the guitar solo shreds. A good song although not as good as the classics on the album.

6.Raised on Rock- 10/10 A great rocking song. Backround vocals by Michael Des Barres and rythym guitar by Joan Jett. A great chorus and an awesome solo.

7.Just Another Girl- 6/10 A decent poppy song similar to the Dokken song Burning Like A Flame. The chorus is pretty good but the solo is very good. I'd consider this song a filler.

8.Tears of Fire- 10/10 A great power ballad. One of the best I've ever heard. Ron Keel's vocals are excellent and the chorus is great. A beautiful song and the lyrics are great. A great harmonized guitar solo too. Mitch Perry plays rythym guitar on this song too. A classic that should have been a bigger hit than it was. This ballad reminds me of Dokken.

9.Nightfall- 10/10 A great short acoustic instrumental. This is just acoustic guitars and done in a classical style.

10.No Pain, No Gain- 10/10 A great fast rocker with an excellent riff and great vocals. The chorus is great aswell and Gregg Giuffria contributes backround vocals to this song. An excellent dual guitar solo with some great shredding. A classic!

This album was released in 1986 when hair metal dominated the charts with Ozzy Osbourne's The Ultimate Sin, Bon Jovi's Slippery When Wet and Van Halen's 5150 topping the charts. Overall a great melodic metal album similar with some high profile guest musicians. Fans of Dokken, The Scorpions Quiet Riot and 80's metal in general should own this.

Ron Keel- Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards
Marc Ferrari- lead Guitar, Vocals
Bryan Jay- Lead Guitar, Vocals
Dwain Miller- Drums, Vocals
Kenny Chaisson- Bass, Vocals

This is the best album from Keel ever! It contains an awesome cover of "Because the Night" a tune penned by Bruce Springsteen, and it also features the Marc Ferrari classic "Rock n Roll Animal". This is one of two Keel albums I'd ever recommend the other being their self-titled follow-up from 1987.

There is NO other release that sounds like this production from that era in Heavy Metal History.
So I Highly Recommend this album. It's worth any amount.

I am very happy to have this C.D. Howard Keel does a wonderful job singing lovely songs! I especially liked "Memory" and "Born Again."

I am very happy to have this C.D. Howard Keel does a wonderful job singing lovely songs! I especially liked "Memory" and "Born Again."

I am very happy to have this C.D. Howard Keel does a wonderful job singing lovely songs! I especially liked "Memory" and "Born Again."

...
Now, about the CD.
I've been a fan of Howard Keel for a long time. His movies and his music.
There are only TWO songs on this CD that Mr. Keel actually performed in any of his movies. I was very pleased with those two songs. The rest are mostly modern and up to date songs, and although they are memorable songs, I was disappointed that the CD did not have more of his music/movie tunes on it. also, the CD I received would not play passed the 16th track so I can say whether the last four songs are any good.
I still live Howard Keel, but I'd LOVE to see a compliation of his songs from his movies.

I bought this CD, and please aware that this CD and the entitled ...And I Love You... by HK are the same one! They are listed separately, but the tracks are the same.
Now, I am a fan of Howard Keel's music and his movies. I was surprised by the choice of songs on the CD. I expected a CD of soundtrack from Howard Keel's movie music, and was disappointed that there was only one, from Seven Brides For Seven Brothers. It is my favorite,Bless Your Beautiful Hide!
It was a good CD, just not what I wanted in the way of music by Howard Keel. Perhaps it was the recording itself, but Mr. Keel's voice seemed not as strong or rich on some of the songs as when he is singing the medleys of showtunes.

This cd is pitiful, I bought the cd for one reason. Title track is a rocking anthem song. Don't waste your time or money.

The headache you get the first time you hear this is the good "kick smash yell and start fights" kind, but halfway through the second spin you'll be ready to toss this one out. Ron Keel sounds like he is HURTING himself the way he sings! The guitars sound like construction equipment. There's a similar sensation to cracking your head on a brick wall in hearing this album. The number of stars we give it equal the number of stars you see circling your head. It's painful. That's the point tho. I think that makes it "better" than todays death metal. It is it's own worst enemy

Originally released in 1985,'The Right...' was the their second album.Decent under appreciated '80's metal band that never did quite get their due success.This would most likely be considered their best effort,at least by the fans.Key tracks would include the title cut,every true metal head's anthem "The Right To Rock","Back To The City",their Stones cover "Let's Spend The Night Together",the ass-kicking "Speed Demon" and "Get Down".Line-up:Ron Keel-vocals,Marc Ferrari&Brian Jay-guitars,Kenny Chaisson-bass and Dwain Miller-drums.Good to listen on a late Saturday night.

This cd is not a good "Keel" release. All of the studio recordings are like "The Right to Rock" without balls and not nearly as good as "The Final Frontier" or their self-titled cd.

It does have it's good points which are mostly on the Live portion such as "Rock 'N Roll Animal" and "Cold Day in Hell" the only good song on the studio prtion is the ballad "Dreams Are Not enough"!

Overall, if you want a good Keel cd pick up "The Right To Rock" or "The Final Frontier". I have a feeling this release was put out to fulfill their record contract.

To say the studio tracks on this Cd are good is not accurate in my opinion. The live tracks are good, but the studio tracks bring it down. Cold day in hell is the best song and that's because it's from the best album by Keel, Lay down the Law.

Guys, forget Back in Action, those badly recorded demos don't actually give the idea of the power these guys can deliver. Larger than Live has five new studio tracks absolutely fabulouos, plus the other live tracks, very well recorded and full of that Keel energy we were all missing. Hope they will produce some more of this music cause it does really kick a**!!