Marianne Faithfull - Live at the BBC

2008 release. These recordings were made between 1965-66 for the BBC's flagship pop program, Saturday Club. Across five sessions, Marianne performs with both the Mike Leander Orchestra, replicating those delicate, baroque arrangements, and with her regular guitarist Jon Mark, combining both Marianne's fragile Pop and more folksy material, all of which are interspersed with interviews as Brian Mathew quizzes Marianne on her life and ambitions; complete with a picture booklet containing exceptionally rare photos of Marianne from these years. 15 tracks. Universal. Album Description

A SHOCKINGLY GOOD CD!

This 15 track Decca release of the Marianne Faithfull live BBC "Saturday Club" performances from May 1965 to May 1966 was a surprise to say the least. I was not impressed by Ms. Faithfull's Decca LP albums of that era. Except for her single "hits" I always felt her other musical material was not all that strong. But what a surprise to hear these broadcast performances! Her voice just shimmers. She was a damn good singer which these performances prove. We hear her "hits", and some other decent songs, performed live and they are better than those wonderful studio recordings that are etched in our brains. I am just mesmerized by these performances. You just fall in love with her all over again! There are introductions and short interviews with the BBC announcer, but it just adds to the moment. The sound has been lovingly mastered in good quality mono. The 19 page booklet is full of wonderful colour and B/W photos (many of which I've never seen) with extensive liner notes including an intro by Marianne herself. This is one of the best reissues of 2008. What a CD and what a babe! September 24, 2008

A perfect listen for a Sunday morning...or anytime actually.

Being a huge fan of Marianne Faithfull I was completely floored to see this release by DECCA.
The CD is broken down into five parts on one disc.Three songs performed live plus interview for each part. A total of fifteen songs and five interviews.
1.Can't You Hear My Heartbeat.
2.Interview/Come And Stay With Me.
3.In My Time Of Sorrow.
'Saturday Club'13th May 1965.
4.Go Away From My World.
5.The Sha La La Song.
6.Interview/This Little Bird.
'Saturday Club'5th June 1965.
7.Go Away From My World.
8.Paris Bells.
9.Interview/Summer Nights.
'Saturday Club'24th July 1965.
10.Interview/Lullaby.
11.The Last Thing On My Mind.
12.Yesterday.
'Saturday Club'18th December 1965.
13.As Tears Go By.
14.Cockleshells.
15.Interview/Tomorrow's Calling.
The interviews. Some of the topics discussed with Marianne are her aristocratic background/her parents.Marriage,her wishes on recording a modern jazz album/acting making a film. Marianne's thought's on touring or not after giving birth to her son Nicholas. Talk about Nicholas.
This is great fun to listen to Marianne at this time in her life,being a mere 18-19 years old.
Such a charming and lovely young woman.A real delight.
Now the songs.FANTASTIC!To me personally Marianne is a complete joy to listen to during this time in her career.That voice is so sweet and soothing.
Now I must say I love all the song selections here,but there are favorites.
Lullaby from 'North Country Maid' is exactly what the title implies. Listening to this song is like floating on a cloud. A perfect blend of Marianne's voice and a lone guitar. PERFECTION!
Paris Bells...a very folk tune,that soprano voice again...lovely.
Cockleshells...love this...a jaunty,bouncy tune,Irish folk,British Isles folk.
Again every track is a winner. A definite addition to your Marianne collection.
Ahhh...also a 20 page booklet included with beautiful photos of Marianne from this time. Some of these images could have been an inspiration for a John William Waterhouse painting. Absolutely stunning beauty.
I'am not really sure how Marianne feels about her early recordings. I get the feeling she dose'nt always fully appreciate just how good these recordings are. I think maybe she can be a little hard on herself and her early work.
I can only speak for myself and say how much her early recordings bring me great joy and pleasure. July 26, 2008

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