Irving Berlin In Hollywood (Film Score Anthology)
Irving Berlin's songs defined popular music in Tin Pan Alley, and once the talkies took over, the composer who helped shape ragtime found a second wind, churning out movie song after movie song that kept him in the entertainment spotlight.Irving Berlin in Hollywoodfocuses on these songs, made unforgettable by the likes ofFred Astaire,Ethel Merman,Judy Garland, and the full-throatedBetty Hutton. It's infectious stuff, brimming with romance and timeless themes; even today it's hard not to be caught in the charms of songs like "Anything You Can Do" or "Cheek to Cheek." Because of licensing difficulties, there are some obvious omissions from some of Berlin's finest screen moments (noHoliday InnorWhite Christmastracks), but there are plenty of gems here (tracks fromEaster Parade,Annie Get Your Gun,Top Hat, andAlexander's Ragtime Band). A few previously unreleased Merman tunes and great liner notes by Ian Whitcomb make this a must-have for musical lovers and one of the best collections of Berlin's music.--Jason Verlinde