Formby On Film - Volume One - Var 102 "Sounds On CD"

Formby on Film vol 1 is both an album of historical interest and a very entertaining listen, which any Formby enthusiast will enjoy.  This being the first ever release of George's film songs on CD, it is of course a must for serious collectors.

However, the average fan will also be satisfied because the songs are well chosen: 22 numbers from 13 pictures, spanning the full 12 years of Formby's film career. The songs range from comic favourites such as Grandad's Flannelette Nightshirt (Let George Do It) to the cheerfully optimistic Hitting the High Spots Now (Trouble Brewing) and the beautifully sentimental Talking to the Moon About You (Much Too Shy).  The Feather Your Nest version of Lamp-post is also included, and George's delivery makes a fascinating comparison with the recorded performance.

For me, the most outstanding tracks are On the Beat (Spare a Copper) and the title song of Bell Bottom George; both are excellently orchestrated and arranged, which seems to inspire George to perform at his best.  Bell Bottom George is also one of the songs to feature lyrics not included on record. Whilst George's superb visual presentation is sorely missed on CD in songs such as The Daring Young Man (I Didn't Do It) and Fanlight Fanny (Trouble Brewing), We've Been A Long Time Gone actually seems to benefit from losing that infamous choreography which opens George in Civvy Street! Personally, I find it regrettable that the film overtures have not been included, since they are (particularly in the Columbia pictures) wonderful Formby medleys.

Perhaps this could be a project for a future album? I should mention that the sound quality, although inevitably a little poorer than some of the best-produced CDs of George's studio recordings, is nevertheless good, and I congratulate Chris Webster for his hard work. May I heartily recommend this CD to all Formby fans!

Andy Eastwood.
15/1/99

To purchase this CD please contact Chris Webster
Telephone 0181 649 9727