How does it compare to the artist's other releases
Outstanding
Value for Money
Advantages:
Different, Ferry at his best, Excellently executed
Disadvantages:
Arrangement on 'I'm In The Mood For Love' (small gripe ! )
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
I was once watching the opening credits to the Sitcom 'As Time Goes By' and thought 'Bryan Ferry could do this miles better'. So imagine my surprise when he actually did (okay, I was also surprised that this album only took four years to arrive...)
The great thing was I was right. Ferry has always had an ear for the classic tunes but he always adds his own little (or sometimes not so little) touches to them. The true genius is he quite often makes his version better than the original.
'As Time Goes By' is a album of 15 songs from the 30's and 40's performed in the style of the period. Ferry seems in his element; crooning along, laid-back and thoroughly enjoying himself. You can just see him in some ballroom, leaning across a piano and captivating his audience.
The track listing is amazing including 'As Time Goes By', 'Miss Otis Regrets', 'Falling In Love Again', 'I'm In The Mood For Love', 'You Do Something To Me' and 'September Song'. Only once (on 'I'm In The Mood For Love') does Ferry stray a little from the theme giving the song a bit more 'treatment'. It ends up not quite fitting the album, but this is a minor gripe. The rest of album is all violins, pianos, trumpets, trombones and brushed drums.
Singing 'You Do Something To Me', Ferry emulates a very famous female vocalist; it is an absolute treat. Other high points are the foot tappingly brilliant 'The Way You Look Tonight', 'As Time Goes By' and, well let's face it, they are all great!
Ferry himself only picks up an instrument once on the album (on 'I'm In The Mood For Love'), leaving the job to an excellent assembled backing group. Colin Good co-arranges and the album is produced by Ferry and Rhett Davies who worked with Ferry through the eighties.
The songs are short and sweet with the album coming in at 45 minutes, slightly longer than the average Ferry offering. But, unlike albums offered by other artists, there are no fillers, no 'Oh we have to make this up to 10 tracks' syndrome. The album passes the high expectations I had for it. It is truly magical.
"Why, Mr Ferry, wiz this album of classic tunes, you will be truly spoiling us...."
More details
How does it rate alongside the competition
Outstanding
Cover / Inlay Design and Content
Good
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places. As Time Goes By focuses on music largely from the 1930s and 40s and conjures that era's aura of fine cigars, satin gowns and gentlemanly romance. The opening t...
