60's Babs! My Gay Post for Pride '03

Ok. So I've had loads of time on my hands in between visits to various doctors. I've been listening to the new Annie Lennox CD (Excellent!! A MUST OWN!!!) and the new Sarah Brightman CD (Ambient Buddha Bar-Infested Ear Candy --- OK), By the way, what is up with Ms. Brightman and this whole sex pot thing? The CD is full of soft-porn shots of the diva on various landscapes. I mean the first time she did it was ok, however, now it just seems odd and kind of dirty. Anyway, I've been enjoying these new CD's, but nothing compares to a couple of shots of good ol' Babs Streisand when the heart is aching.

Anyway, I've had time to listen and think hard about it. While Babs may have hit her superstardom sales in the 70's and her voice reached its peak at about 1983 - 1985 ---- She did her best work in the 1960's. There is just no way around it.

When she sang Cry Me a River in 1962 she sang it in a completely original way. No sad sack or torch rendition for 60's Babs ---- her recording is pure anger. I mean, she sings as if she is out for blood. I don't think anyone ever sang it like that before or after. No one has ever sung "Down With Love" better and meant it more. Not even Judy --- and that is saying something. Yep. For my money -- Babs did it best in the 60's. Always original, always dramatic, not afraid to be imperfect if it made the lyric more powerful --- gusto, verve, humor and pure passion with just a hint of innocence.

However, for sheer fun and harmony --- stick with free-lovin', super cool, afro-haired 70's Babs. Loads of fun for sing-a-longs and the obesession with absolute perfection that would gripe her so hard in the 80's/90's has yet to take full hold. You can tell she is still worried about getting laid --- at least more so than always "getting it right"

Ok, that is my big old gay post. Go out and pick up the new Annie Lennox CD, check out the new CD from Goldfrapp (most cool!) and pull out the old 60's Bab's CD's --- particularly the fist two and the People album.

NOTE: These are my opinions. Am on heavy meds so take them for what they may or may not be worth.

Love,
Matt