This song is the most recognised theme from any of the numerous Peanuts television specials. While I am a huge fan of Charles Schulz and his beloved comic strip characters, this song and the album it is pulled from could easily stand on it's own. Mr. Guaraldi is a master at jazz-oriented piano and his trio plays together like a well-oiled machine. The absence of any vocals makes his music the perfect background for dinner parties and gatherings where conversation is to be encouraged.
This magnificent track is from the oft-ignored years Aretha spent at Columbia Records. Most of her material for the label consisted of religious songs and jazz standards and she truly shines here. She sings with a sense of urgency and a slight cry in her voice as she pleads with her love not to abandon her. As much as I love her Atlantic catalogue, this song and the album it comes from are at the top of my Aretha Franklin list.
Nina Simone originally recorded this song in 1959, but it is during the live recording of it during a 1964 performance that she brings forth all of the emotion and true desperation of this song. You can sense her pain and resignation to the fact that she is soon to be separated from her true love.
from Nina Simone In Concert (Polygram 846513) available on CD - The Gershwin Songbook (Verve 314 513 928)
Most people probably prefer 'Super-cali-fragil-istic-expi-ali-docious' or 'Spoonful of Sugar', but this is my favorite song from the classic film. It can still make me cry whenever I hear it.
The most beautiful, sensual song I have ever heard in my life. It feels like a warm, tucked-in, comfortable sigh from a lover nestling in on your shoulder, holding you ever tighter while whispering words of love in your ear. Try to top that.
The Divine One pours herself into this number completely. Her serene confidence breathes a kind of hyper-life into the lyrics. But the way she caresses the melody and strokes it so adeptly with her brilliant vocals sends me right over the top every time.
If I ever fall in love again, the woman of my affections will, in my wildest, most fantastic dreams, melt with me on this.
Please excuse the sap...
from Viva Vaughn (Mercury SR 60941) available on CD - The Girl From Ipanema: The Antonio Carlos Jobim Songbook (Verve)
03 Feb 03 ·FlyingDutchman1971: Blossom Dearie also performs a nice version of this great song on her 1964 LP 'May I Come In'