Barry Manilow (1977)
For anyone who was disappointed by Barry Manilow's 1997 tour, here's a suggestion: If it's camp you're looking for, 1977'sBarry Manilow Livefrom 1977 delivers what you missed. Here Manilow drives home every schmaltzy hit of his early career with absolutely no apologies. The years hadn't given him the self-awareness he now displays. OnLive, he sings his kitschy love songs with all the earnestness of Johnny Mathis. Two of the CD's standouts, however, are medleys drawn fromAmerican Bandstandand commercials. (Manilow started his career as a jinglesmith, composing themes for Dr. Pepper, Band-Aids, and State Farm Insurance, not to mention singing "You Deserve a Break Today" for McDonald's. Manilow sings his jingles as if he were trying to land them in the Top 10.--Steve Gdula