Close But No Cigar

I have a Columbia Records album titled "La Vie en Rose" from the 50s with a picture of two lovers on a bench kissing on a Paris street. This album features Piaf singing completely in English. A few of the songs on Rare Piaf sound alike, but are obviously different takes?!?! The album I have has far superior versions of these songs with better vocals and instrumentation. So I'm patiently waiting for Columbia to dig into their vaults and come up with the wonderful takes I'm used to from my fast wearing vinyl.

Finally I know what she's saying!

Do you remember the scene in Bull Durham where Nuke shouts through the door, "I know your in there, I can hear that crazy Mexican singer"?

Annie should have played him this recording instead of reading Walt Whitman. Buy this CD and you'll understand and better love the original. Oh, and buy Bull Durham, too.

Good bonus tracks

"The Rare Piaf" is chiefly a collection of English versions of some of her tunes. The real prize on this CD, however, is the pair of c. 1962 studio sessions. The first is some 22 minutes long. You hear the orchestra alone practicing, then Piaf attempting the song multiple times and you can also hear her lauhging with or barking at the musicians or directors. The English tracks on this disc can be obtained on other compilations, but this one is worth getting because of the bonus tracks.