FREE: Linda Ronstadt & Bette Midler audio cassettes.

The listing, Linda Ronstadt & Bette Midler audio cassettes. has ended.

"The Rose with Bette Midler (1995). The soundtrack for this 1979 film is arguably the best of Midler's live albums. The songs are in the mode of rock 'n' roll ala Janis Joplin. As if to underscore the point, "The Rose," the song, plays to Midler's strengths as a vocalist while running counter to all the other songs on the album. It is a beautiful song. Plays well..

Linda Ronstadt, "Lush Life," (1984) & "For Sentimental Reasons" (1990). On For Sentimental Reasons, Rondtadt really hit her stride with singing standards. The song choice is excellent throughout, her pitch and control impressive, but most importantly she seems to be at one and comfortable with these songs. Her rendition of "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered" moves from playful to powerful by the songs riveting ending. "I Get Along Without You Very Well" is one of Ronstadt's great accomplishments; I disagree with those who say it pales against Sinatra's. If anything, it builds on it. It is both delicate and passionate at the same time--a rare feat. Linda offers an affecting rendition of "My Funny Valentine," swings through "Am I Blue," & adds a wonderful male doo-wop to the background of "I Love You For Sentimental Reasons." Nelson Riddle's string arrangements are as layered and beautiful as ever. One of Ronstadt's best albums in her entire, versatile career.
All three of the Linda Ronstadt/Nelson Riddle collaborations are wonderful, but "Lush Life" is my favorite. The versions of "Skylark" and "Lush Life" - two extraordinarily difficult songs to sing - are the equal of ANYONE else's attempts at these songs. Ronstadt GETS IT. Whether she intuitively understood what makes these songs "tick," or whether she merely followed Nelson Riddle's road map, she deserves the highest praise for richly capturing the mini-drama contained in each song. Plays well. All 3 are audio cassette tapes, not CDs.