Whenever I hear (f'rinstance) Paul McCartney touted as "the greatest popular songwriter of the twentieth century", Hoagy Carmichael is the name I counter with first. Then there's a list as long as Wilshire Boulevard before we get to McCartney. Carmichael may not be the greatest songwriter of all time, but he's in the top two.
Recorded in '56, this is a late-career high. His smoky drawl - sometimes appealingly shy in its approach to the note - fits Johnny Mandel's arrangements like an olive in a Martini. Mandel wrote 'Suicide Is Painless' (well worth a Wiki!) and his charts here are the epitome of supperclub cool. It's almost impossible to not light up a cigarette as 'Sweets' Edison and Art Pepper lean into the mic.
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| I can't read these furshlugginer notes, by George! |
Th' Hoagster died in 1981 (like, yesterday) leaving a matchless catalog of songs, recordings, and movie appearances. His understated vocal style hides a surprising virtuosity - try singing along to 'Baltimore Oriole'. Ian Fleming had him in mind when he first created James Bond, and taking a squint at the above cover [above above - Ed.] you can see it's not such a stretch.
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| In 1956, smoking was medically proven to be good for you, and encouraged on airlines. Too bad I was only three. |
They don't make 'em like this any more. They don't write 'em like this any more. In an age when hits with the longevity and substance of bubblewrap are assembled by algorithms and performed by bots, Carmichael's songs are, well, stardust, and will shine forever.
This post is a FMF© Remix, with all-new content. Anything to make my life easier.
What's your favourite Bond movie?
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