The definitive collection of performances by the Grammy nominated singer features 43 tracks from 14 albums released by Elektra, Elektra Nonesuch, and Atlantic labels from 1987-1996. Plus 8 previously unreleased live tracks only available here 'Rhode Island is Famous For You', 'S Wonderful', 'Alexander's Ragtime Band', 'I Love A Piano', 'Patisserie', 'Get Out And Get Under The Moon' (with Page Cavanaugh), 'Love Is Here To Stay' & 'Violin' (with Liza Minnelli). 2 Digipacks housed in a slipcase with a booklet. Rhino Records. 2002.
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The line between evangelist and entertainer has always been somewhat indistinct. But as showcased on this 43-track, double-disc collection culled from his '87-'96 recordings for Elektra/Nonesuch/Atlantic, Michael Feinstein's dedication to spreading the gospel of the American song often blurs it beyond recognition. While the singer's pedigree for the task is impeccable (a long-term stint as Ira Gershwin's assistant and early career sponsorship by Liza Minnelli), his interpretations often succeed by playing off a tense axis of fervent emotionalism and a joyous sense of irreverence.
If his readings of romantic standards can sometimes tend toward the precious, they're often balanced here by sheer dramatic power and telling insights ("Isn't It Romantic" fairly bristles with ironic chauvinism) and a few loopy curves ("The Mole People," the Sherman Brothers' "The Ugly Bug Ball," and the previously unreleased "Rhode Island Is Famous for You"). Feinstein's dedicated song archaeology is also showcased on several gems: "Violin," a duet with Liza Minnelli; "My Favorite Year," a rejected ballad for the film of that name; the sublime "lost" Gershwin classic "Ask Me Again."
Sprinkled with live performances (the forum where Feinstein's talents seem most energized) and studio outtakes and featuring a lengthy print interview with the singer, the set chronicles both the pioneering efforts of one of pop music's most successful revivalists and, crucially, the cream of his beloved American songwriters, from stalwarts Gershwin, Berlin, and Porter to later legends like Herman, Styne, Lane, Martin, and Mercer. --Jerry McCulley
Title Tracks for The Michael Feinstein Anthology
1. Nice Work If You Can Get It
2. Isn't It Romantic
3. Swinging On A Star
4. Ask Me Again
5. Rhode Island Is Famous For You
6. 'S Wonderful
7. Wonder Why
8. Too Marvelous For Words
9. Where Do You Start
10. Theme From The Bad And The Beautiful
11. Easy To Love
12. Alexander's Ragtime Band
13. Who Are You Now?
14. You're An Education
15. You Are There
16. Sophisticated Swing
17. Love Can Change The Stars
18. Come Out, Come Out Wherever You Are
19. Half Of April (Most Of May)
20. Marianne
21. They Can't Take That Away From Me
22. I Love A Piano
23. That's Entertainment
24. My Favorite Year
25. Ten Feet Off The Ground (With Rosemary Clooney)
26. I Never Felt Better
27. Someone To Watch Over Me
28. Kiss Her Now
29. The Ugly Bug Ball
30. For You, For Me, Forever More
31. The Mole People
32. And So To Bed
33. You're All The World To Me
34. Old Friend
35. Isn't It A Pity (with Rosemary Clooney)
36. Pattisserie
37. Open Your Eyes
38. For Love Alone
39. I Won't Send Roses/Time Heals Everything
40. Get Out And Get Under The Moon (with Page Cavanaugh)
41. My Romance
42. Love Is Here To Stay
43. Violin (with Liza Minnelli)
Customer Reviews
Average Customer Review
(8 customer reviews)
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Your love for this superb collection will be here to stay..., July 18, 2002
"thetad" - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Michael Feinstein Anthology (Audio CD)
The magnificently talented Michael Feinstein has made one wonderful album after another for nearly two decades. Now that Elektra and Rhino have put together this anthology, I am blown away by the versatility and diversity in Feinstein's recorded output. Such amazing rare gems, combined with the most beloved favorites in the history of American Popular Song. Assembled with wit, intelligence, and obvious affection on the part of the record company, this set is a keeper. You'll love it!
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Absolutely 'S WONDERFUL!, June 9, 2002
By A Customer
This review is from: The Michael Feinstein Anthology (Audio CD)
There are very few contemporary performers who can hold their own with the truly great interpreters of American popular song. Michael Feinstein is truly the ONLY performer of the "younger" generation who really understands what these songs are all about. His incredible knowledge of this music, and his enthusiasm and passion for it have fueled his career. Rhino Records has done a truly outstanding job of putting together an anthology that exemplifies why Mr. Feinstein has become so beloved by audiences around the world. The packaging is excellent, and filled with interesting photos and background information about many of the selections.This collection not only contains all the favorites one would expect, but a neat group of surprises too. I especially love the duets with people like Liza Minnelli and Rosemary Clooney, and the various collaborative efforts with songwriters like Jule Styne and Burton Lane accompanying Michael at the piano.This collection is a classic to...Read more
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful
He's done it again, July 14, 2002
Marilyn (Toronto, Canada) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Michael Feinstein Anthology (Audio CD)
Is there anything this man can't sing? This collection is so varied as to be the definitive collection of songs for any occassion. This is perfect background music for a dinner party for a whole group but especially for two. Light, romantic and just gorgeous. You just can't go wrong when Michael Feinstein is your musical choice.Way to go Michael, you've done it again!
(8 customer reviews) 
Your love for this superb collection will be here to stay..., July 18, 2002