Churlish reservations relate only to the overall choice of repertoire--perhaps at the expense of a little less Mozart and Handel, still more space devoted to an uninterrupted sequence of songs with piano would be welcomed, an area where many find von Otter's gifts at their most compelling. The magical 1996 Swedish song album isn't represented at all, but then again a quick flip through the von Otter discography leaves one wishing so much else was included here. That would be totally impractical, of course, after all, who could buy this and not want then to explore her discography in detail?...
Splendid introduction, 2002-10-31
As Amazon's own reviwer says in praise (or warning?), this is an excellent introduction to Otter's work, and likely to cause your credit card to burn a hole in your wallet as you order more and more of her discs. An incredible vocal genius is at work here. For those who are wary of classical music for voice (operaphobia, perhaps) this is proof that there is much intoxicating music to be discovered. And for those who already love Ms Otter's work, her intriguing album with twisted pop philosopher Elvis Costello might begin them on a new road into intelligent pop music.

The tracks on this compilation generally date from the thirties and forties and include duets with the Andrews sisters, Bob Hope, Al Johnson, Louis Armstrong and (via overdubbing) David Bowie. You could fill several CD's just with Bing's duets and there are other compilations that explore these in greater detail.

The songs selected were not always American hits for Bing - and even where they were, his version wasn't always the biggest hit - but they are all classic songs of their age. Of course, some of Bing's big American hits are here including Don't fence me in (with the Andrews sisters), White Christmas, Pennies from heaven, Moonlight becomes you, Swinging on a star and Now is the hour, all of which made number one in America, and Dear hearts and gentle people, which spent a month as American number two. White Christmas is one of three Christmas songs are included - the others are Peace on earth (with David Bowie) and Silent night.

Among the other songs are Bing's covers of three of Fred Astaire's greatest American hits (Cheek to cheek, They all laughed, Nice work if you can get it) as well as Bing's covers of such classic songs as Among my souvenirs (a song from 1928 that became a hit all over again when Connie Francis covered it in 1959), You are my sunshine, Spanish eyes, A nightingale sang in Berkeley Square, As time goes by and Stardust.

While this is by no means a greatest hits collection, it provides an excellent selection of Bing's music.