Tony Sings the Great Hits of Today

You thought Tony Bennett was cool just because he's got a video on MTV. Here's what Tony was doing back in 1969, when his career wasn't in such good shape -- covering Beatles tunes and trying his best to appeal to the younger generation.

On "Tony Sings the Great Hits of Today", we find covers of such staples as Something, Little Green Apples and Here, There and Everywhere, along with a knockout reading of Eleanor Rigby that's guaranteed to floor you with disbelief (especially if you listen to it while viewing the hip psychedelic painting of Tony shown here).

It's safe to say that Tony doesn't regard this album as his best work. A 1990 article in The Atlantic titled The Real Stuff quotes him as expressing his disgust with doing "contemporary" tunes, likening it to that of his seamstress mother when she was forced to work on a cheap dress. Fortunately, the Vinyl Museum saved at least one copy from the dustbin.

Tyler (johndeer33@gmail.com) says:
Tony Rocks!!!! (09-02-2005)

E.T. Spoon (spoonreport@hotmail.com) says:
What an embarrassment. That the bean-counters were in charge is clearly evident with these two selections from this musical debacle. But, then again, that's why we're subject to the likes of Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake and Ashlee Simpson. (08-21-2005)

Zudz says:
Good lord, did he just not bother to learn the verse melody? (07-31-2005)

hannibal says:
to lead a better life, avoid this album. Oh, and the joke about the rash was funny (06-08-2005)

koa (basementboars@earthlink.net) says:
Almost as good as Julie London's 1968 classic, especially the orally pornographic reading of "Yummy Yummy Yummy" ("...I've got love in my tummy...."). "Eleanor Rigby" is truly an inspired Shatneresque. (06-04-2005)

Pardon Me While I Rock You says:
Tony seems to have a rash that's spreading toward his crotch on this cover. Just like in real life. (04-04-2005)

J says:
I have a Burt Bacharach compilation with similar cover art-- a color-shifted likeness of the songwriter inside a circle surrounded by the performers. (12-02-2004)

Anita (anita.bigun@gmail.com) says:
interesting and worth the time, thanks. (11-20-2004)

Mad Dr. Matt (magob@aol.com) says:
I must admit I never really GOT the Tony Bennett thing. Sure, he can sing fairly well. Yeah, he's a really nice guy (or so they say). Plus, he paints! But - mostly - he's BORING! Has been since the fifties. Musical Prozac in my estimation. Oh well. Judging from some of comments on this (and the other) board (s) - some of contributors could USE some prozac... (11-16-2004)

Hodgie says:
hay down at muh job at pepsi in st. petersburg florida, ah drink semen. that name st. petersburg shore do turn me on. quit lukin at mah wifes pussy or ahl stomp a mud pudle in ya an walk it dry (11-15-2004)

Jim Lloyd (jamesrlloyd@gmail.com) says:
that wasn't nice (11-14-2004)

KERRY & EDWARDS IN '04! says:
KERRY & EDWARDS IN '04! (10-28-2004)

Joli (purplevioletsquishies@comcast.net) says:
I hate meatloaf, mincemeat, fruitcake, head cheese & squid in it's own ink. What's up with that. Is that supposed to be a bonus? The fact it's in it's own ink would be more of a deterrent than a point of sale (POS) I would think. I am surprised as to why they haven't yet tried to market grasshoppers in their own ink. But as for the group Meatloaf, the guy sings a few good songs. As to why he would want to draw attention to the fact he sports an excess of adipose tissue perplexes me deeply, however. Leslie West from Mountain & Meatloaf could engage in a Sumo Wrestling match as a publicity stunt. (10-14-2004)

Joli (purplevioletsquishies@comcast.net) says:
He indeed massacred Eleanor Rigby. No doubt about it. He slaughtered it unto death & buried it in the ground six feet under. As to Here, There & Everywhere he actually pulls it off if... I think. I guess 1 out of 2 ain't bad. Meatloaf would agree. (10-14-2004)

musiclover says:
To Ed:
Read your wonderful comment on this album and I am so pleased that you are a fan of this album. I hope you will start going to the thrift stores and flea markets in your area to find your new copy. (10-12-2004)

ed says:
Read others comments.I don't get it.I love this albumn.I lost my copy over the years and have searched to replace it.I may not remember every song but How can't you love Bennett's recording of "Sunrise Sunset"and "Here".I sure would like to hear them again. (09-18-2004)

David (dwolf47@comcast.net) says:
I once had dinner with Tony Bennett in Atlantic City. If I had heard this beforehand, I would have politely declined the invitation. I hope Beatle Paul never had the misfortune to hear this "version" of Eleanor Rigby. (08-12-2004)

musiclover says:
even though Tony personally hated this album when he made it, it is definitely worth picking up. Other standout tracks on this LP include his take on Stevie Wonder's "My Cherie Amour". Even though Tony cringes at some of the lyrics, the arrangement by Peter Matz is outstanding. Another great "My Cherie Amour" cover is by Andy Williams on his "Get Together with Andy Williams" album. Other great songs on this album is his take on "The Look of Love", the ballad "Here", and versions of "MacArthur Park" & "Little Green Apples" where Tony sings only parts of but not all of these two songs. Trust me, it is definitely worth your search. He also did a follow-up album of this called Tony Bennett's "Something" which contained his personal favorite songs of the period-in his own words-"the best the times had to offer." (08-07-2004)

Frank A says:
Bennett hell, he broke it! Nearly in the same class as William Shatner. UGH. (08-06-2004)

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