(As published in the Times of Acadiana ... )
Barbra Streisand
The Movie Album
(Columbia)
Pleasant though these romantic theme songs from a dozen mostly well-known films circa 1935-1988 are, one gets the impression that these days songs like “Moon River,” “Smile,” and “I’m in the Mood for Love” pose no more of a challenge for Streisand than behaving badly poses for Mike Tyson. This material, after all, is what she was born to sing, the orchestral settings her most flattering backdrop. To hear her rise and swell to one lovingly polished sentiment after another is to know in one’s bones that no show tune ever had a better friend. Ironically, the musical traditions dearest to Streisand’s heart are also those dearest to the hearts of many of the conservatives whom she (rightly) considers her political enemies. Could it be that The Movie Album is really just her way of leaving Republicans with $15.99 less to contribute to President Bush’s re-election campaign? If so, she’s taken dirty politics to a new high. Conservatives could do worse than take the bait. Rating: Four breakfasts at Tiffany’s out of five.
Barbra StreisandThe Movie Album
(Columbia)
Pleasant though these romantic theme songs from a dozen mostly well-known films circa 1935-1988 are, one gets the impression that these days songs like “Moon River,” “Smile,” and “I’m in the Mood for Love” pose no more of a challenge for Streisand than behaving badly poses for Mike Tyson. This material, after all, is what she was born to sing, the orchestral settings her most flattering backdrop. To hear her rise and swell to one lovingly polished sentiment after another is to know in one’s bones that no show tune ever had a better friend. Ironically, the musical traditions dearest to Streisand’s heart are also those dearest to the hearts of many of the conservatives whom she (rightly) considers her political enemies. Could it be that The Movie Album is really just her way of leaving Republicans with $15.99 less to contribute to President Bush’s re-election campaign? If so, she’s taken dirty politics to a new high. Conservatives could do worse than take the bait. Rating: Four breakfasts at Tiffany’s out of five.
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