Reviews

Carly Simon's rendition of classics evocative of 50s Film Noir works at every level. It's hard to say which is better -- the film of "The Making of Carly Simon's Film Noir" or the music CD. Both are passionate, both are beautifully done, an experience not to be missed if this music genre makes your day -- or night. Love songs, songs of lost love, many of which were first recorded by Frank Sinatra, are just as moving today as when they were written. Simon puts her own spin on these classics with unusual arrangements, key changes and a full orchestra. Interestingly, much of her actual singing was recorded live, allowing only an hour for each song. During that hour the orchestra had to learn the music, the arrangement and how to work with Simon. It's a successful collaboration at every level. Originally I saw the video on PBS and was so moved I immediately bought the CD. Although I haven't seen the video for some time. The video, just like Film Noir, is done in black and white. Although it is presented as a documentary, it is pure Carly Simon at her best in an unusual genre.