People who know me are usually shocked to discover I like Liza Minnelli, as if all her fans fit the exactly same profile. She is a polarizing artist, to say the least, and I've found that many people who despise the woman actually know very little of her work. Minnelli certainly hasn't remained blameless in the tarnishing of her reputation, with many distasteful tabloid headlines to her credit. But when friends ask me where my appreciation for Minnelli comes from, I've always directed them to the most underrated film in Martin Scorsese's filmography, New York, New York. In that generally overlooked 1977 gem, Minnelli held her own against Robert De Niro at his peak — no small accomplishment - while delivering sassy, swinging vocals on a number of songs. Next, I point the Liza-doubters towards the short-lived TV show Arrested Development, which featured Minnelli in the brilliantly played recurring role of Lucille Austero.
If those examples aren't enough evidence of her value for the non-showtune fanatic, I suggest the newly released The Complete A&M Recordings. This double-CD collects four Minnelli albums originally released between 1968 and 1972. The music has been carefully remastered for this package, which marks the first time Minnelli's entire A&M catalog has been released on CD. Extensive liner notes provide background information about the recordings, placing them in proper context within her career. Over the course of 51 songs (which includes several bonus tracks), a surprising amount of stylistic ground is covered. In other words, it isn't just for lovers of Broadway.
The first ten tracks on disc one are the entirety of 1968's Liza Minnelli, her A&M debut. Released when Minnelli was just 21 years old, the album is a relatively low key affair. A variety of styles are touched upon, while remaining categorizable as 'middle of the road' pop. There are a few nice readings of Randy Newman tunes, "The Debutante's Ball," "Happyland," and "So Long Dad." The Lennon/McCartney classic "For No One" receives an interesting treatment. In this melodramatic interpretation, the song's unique second-person perspective is replaced by a more conventional third-person approach. Other songs found here would later become concert showstoppers, such as "My Mammy" and "Married/You Better Sit Down, Kids," both of which reappear on disc two.
Article comments
1 - Ben Spelling
Chad--Good Job on this review. I own these four albums on vinyl and agree with most of what you've written though I think New Feelin' is the weakest of the four albums. It's an "A" for effort but I never thought it held up. Congratulations on your open mind in appreciating the artistry of Minnelli. She's not a living legend for nothing. I plan to buy this collection. Thanks.
2 - Isaac
Many thanks for this very useful and informative review. I grew up listening to these four albums, though my favourite today are the songs from "Come Saturday Morning". And I can't wait to hear the Luiz Henrique tracks. There are a few short videos on YouTube of Liza singing with Luiz in an impromptu and relaxed private setting and what a revelation to hear her handle these quiet and tender songs. I agree with you - she should've recorded more of these types of songs. Thanks again, and keep up the good work.