rightbrain's Full Review: Mack the Knife [Atco] by Bobby Darin
Darin only lived to be 37, a victim of serious childhood bouts with rheumatic fever that ended in fatal heart damage in 1973, but he did a lot in those 37 years. He knew he might not live to middle age, so he parlayed his talent and charisma across both the youth ("Splish, Splash") and adult ("Beyond the Sea") audiences during the fifties and sixties, comfortably volleying between both markets. He was the ultimate chameleon entertainer—singer, actor (nominated for an Oscar), songwriter—who delivered rock, swing, folk, and country music with equal ease. He embraced the civil rights movement and even married America's sweetheart, Sandra Dee. He seemed to have it all. If only he didn't have to die so damned young.
Darin had a good voice, but not the best. He wasn't the best-looking guy in a crowd, nor was he a hunk. But he had keen musical and acting talents, confidence you can't buy, a playful, sexy presence, and even a social awareness. Except for his bad ticker, he had everything it took to become a legend in the entertainment industry.
The Darin I embraced as a youth was not the "Splish Splash" teen idol Darin. I internalized the cocktail Darin, the cocky nightclub entertainer who delivered the Chickie-Baby, Sinatra flourishes that audiences craved. I loved the swelling horns, heavy-fingered bass, rich violins, and dancing pianos. I loved the bravado and the good-natured fun of that Darin's music. So, when I picked up Atco's "Mack the Knife: the Best of Bobby Darin, Vol. 2," it was a given that I'd enjoy the CD. I just never expected to like it so much.
This album has gorgeous arrangements that any audio-able body simply cannot ignore. Most of the cuts were arranged by Richard Weiss, but those done by or with Bobby Scott, Torrie Zito, Richard Behrke, or Robert Kirland are just as fabulous. I can't say enough about the artistry put into this music. The selections (well, most), the scoring, and the execution are all top-rate. To rock-atuned ears, these songs might all sound too much alike (and might be too evocative of an era perceived to be innocent), but they're just right to put me into high spirits.
Speaking of spirits, I've assigned a classic cocktail to sip (or just prop) with each song on the CD, and the librarian in me has also classified each song (well, most) as either bouncy, jazzy, or a torcher.
Mack the Knife: bouncy___Martini
Darin belts out his signature song with gusto and all the hup-hup, chickie-baby cool anyone could ever want.
Lazy River: bouncy___Navy Grog
Not the Mills Brothers' mellow version, this hot number collects more fuel as it moves along with blaring horns, pounding drums, and Darin gnawing at every syllable.
That's the Way Love Is: bouncy___Ward Eight
Was there anything this guy couldn't do? He composed this lively number, strung together with clever lyrics and a spirited score.
Beyond the Sea: bouncy___Cuba Libre
This was one of Darin's most popular songs and with good reason. You can't sing along to it without snapping your fingers, gesturing theatrically with your hands, and smirking outrageously. This song gets into your bones and warms you all over.
Was There a Call for Me?: torcher___Daiquiri
This recording isn't as engaging as most of the other cuts on the album, but it's not bad either. It has a nice arrangement, but the song just isn't that compelling.
I Guess I'm Good for Nothing But the Blues: torcher___Jack Daniels straight up
You can picture Darin, sitting on the sofa with a rocks glass in one hand and a bottle of Jack set between his thighs. Feeling low-down and blue, raw emotions come through in his haunting vocals. This song was one he penned himself, too.
Don't Dream of Anyone But Me: bouncy___Margarita
A fabulous arrangement lets Darin take his time delivering this song, and you're grateful he does, because every note is worth savoring.
Guys and Dolls: bouncy___Scarlett O'Hara
This classic show tune is given the nightclub treatment in a big way. After hearing this cut, you won't want to hear this song performed any other way. You'll start tapping your feet as soon as you hear the infectious cymbal-tapping.
Down With Love: bouncy___Gimlet
Terrific is the only word for this Harburg-Arlen number, and Darin punches it up with so much charm that you forget he's supposed to be an embittered guy, soured on romance.
Black Coffee: jazzy___Irish Coffee
This classic jazz number, with its throbbing bass, gives a nod to the Beats, and Darin gives it all the angst he's got. A real finger-snapper, daddy-o.
Pete Kelley's Blues: jazzy___Fog Cutter
From the 1955 movie of the same name, this cut is one of my favorites, and Darin's voice and stylings were made for such a number.
Clementine: bouncy___Boilermaker
Yep, this is the old-time "Oh, My Darling Clementine," revamped with hilarious lyrics and a hup-ho-ho arrangement that makes you forget it was ever an Appalachian favorite. Darin sprinkles it with silly sound effects to a socko finish.
Bill Bailey Won't You Please Come Home?: bouncy___Bailey's on the Rocks
And yet another old-time ditty done at an amphetamine-paced rhythm. It's not as winning as the previous "Clementine," but it's still a lot of fun.
Artificial Flowers: bouncy___Grasshopper
"Artificial Flowers" is my favorite, hands-down, on the whole album. The lyrics tell a rather sad story about Have-not Annie who makes artificial flowers for the Haves, but the story is ancillary to the powerhouse accompaniment and Darin's revved up performance. There's nothing artificial or flowery about this number!
I Didn't Know What Time It Was: bouncy__Highball
Darin may not know what time it is, but he sure knows what to do with this favorite Rodgers-Hart show tune from "Pal Joey." His styling is impeccable, and those horns are sheer perfection.
What a Difference a Day Made: jazzy___Sloe Gin Fizz
Darin adds a delicate touch to this cover of the Dinah Washington hit, as he seduces you with its cozy charm. A gentle piano and warm bass accompany him to complete the spell.
Skylark: bouncy___Manhattan
This lovely Carmichael-Mercer song gets the full violin treatment, because Darin knew anything less would be criminal. "Skylark" has one of the most sparkling melodies I've ever heard, and the musicianship on this cut polishes it to perfection.
Just Friends: bouncy___Golden Slipper
This breezy song has smart lyrics and an engaging rhythm that Darin and company play out to full advantage.
Don't Get Around Much Anymore: lullaby??___Brandy Alexander
The pokey tempo doesn't do justice to this popular Ellington classic, and the song sounds like a lullaby when it should be a lively number.
I Guess I'll Have to Change My Plan: bouncy___Singapore Sling
When I first heard this jaunty Dietz-Schwartz song in "The Band Wagon," I immediately fell in love with it, and this rendition doesn't diminish my affection for it. It's a tune made for top hat, cane, and sand shuffle, and, of course, the Darin swagger.
Christmas Auld Lang Syne: holiday___Brandied Egg Nog
I don't know how he does it, but he even makes a holiday song sound sexy.
* * *
If you like the swingin' singin' of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, or Sammy Davis, Jr., you'll like Bobby Darin on this CD. He and his cadre of musicians are the real deal.
Recommended:
Yes
Great Music to Play While: Getting ready to go out
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