1964

The Barbra Streisand Album - Barbra Streisand

I owe Babs a huge apology. I have overlooked this woman for many years. So many times my parents have watched Yentl and I have left the room. So many times I have flipped by dozens of her records in thrift stores. Everywhere I went, Barbra Streisand was there, and sadly to say, it took almost twenty-two years before I ever gave her chance. From the way she sings that first line, "Now you say / you're lonely" I was blown away. She kills it on every track. Even "Who's Afraid of The Big Bad Wold" (Who ever thought it was a a good idea to put that on an album of standards is a mystery to me, but I think it works).

Few singers have that crystal clear high register that really hits me. She comes close to that Nancy Wilson barrier of excellence. But even Streisand breaks through the glass ceiling here. "My Baby's Loving Arms" is a bursting confession of love that shakes me up, the end note is outrageous. Although some of these songs seem to be sung in different characters, each one is beautifully perfected by her performance. Both "A Taste of Honey" and "Soon It's Gonna Rain" have a deep, almost operatic style, contrasted with the heartbreaking confessions on "Much More" and "A Sleepin' Bee". Of course the stand-out on the this album is "Happy Days Are Here Again" Her runs on this track travel from soft spoken to pedagogical, all the while, carrying a banner of hope over every note. The album as a whole is an exercise in expression and intimacy. Each track on here is a performance capable of connecting to audience in any way possible. Babs, don't ever let me forget about you again.

other 1964 nominees

• Bach's Greatest Hits performed by The Swingle Singers
• The Days of Wine and Roses Soundtrack performed by Henry Mancini
• Honey in the Horn performed by Al Hirt
• The Singing Nun performed by The Singing Nun

1963

The First Family - Vaughn Meader

Another comedy album, o boy. Vaughn Meader and his talented cast perform a kind of radio-theater bit as they mimic the President and the first family. It's essential sketch comedy. I only listened to this once and to be honest, I didn't really get it. I tried my hardest to pretend I was living in the sixties and JFK was the president, but even then I have the problem of having to hear JFK speak. A voice that I personally find rather irritating and hard to understand. Great guy though. I did find myself laughing occasionally, whenever "John" and "Jackie" would talk together I found both of their character voices absolutely hilarious.

This kind of sketch comedy predates SNL by ten years, but seems to some of the ground work for intelligent and relevant sketch comedy. People will always find pleasure in mocking or playing with their political figures. It humanizes them, makes them seem friendly, and is a cathartic way to deal with the faults of our nation. Comedy is a form of relief, and I'm glad even then, JFK was involved in this art. If I knew more about history, I would've loved it all the more. But it's a very entertaining piece and a steppingstone in comedy history.

• I Left My Heart in San Francisco performed by Tony Bennett
• Jazz Samba performed by Stan Getz & Charlie Byrd
• Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music performed by Ray Charles
• My Son, the Folk Singer performed by Allan Sherman