STAN RIDGWAY: The Way I Feel Today! (crooning the classics)

Stan Ridgway

The Way I Feel Today! (crooning the classics)

© 2007 Dis-Information Recordings

CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.

Its back in stock and very rare indeed. A swingin, surly sonic succotash of classic covers from songwriter/singer, and Wall of Voodoo's Stan Ridgway, singin' and croonin, cryin' and swoonin'. With a big band and strings. Its cocktail time.

tracks

1 Witchcraft
2 What Now My Love?
3 Under My Skin
4 Whoops
5 Angel Eyes
6 It Had To Be You
7 Yesterdays
8 The Coffee Song
9 My Way
10 One For My Baby
11 My Baby Just Cares For Me
12 Oh! What a Beautiful Morning
13 On A Clear Day
14 If I Ruled The World
15 Old Man River
16 Make Someone Happy
17 As Time Goes By
18 The Impossible Dream
19 Send in the Clowns

notes

Stan Ridgway now at myspace.com: http://www.myspace.com/officialstanridgway

Ridgway Merch now online! Purchase here:
http://www.zazzle.com/ridgwaymusic

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Here now in limited supply. Read on.

"This record is dedicated to the writers and original performers of these songs. Long may they sing!" - Stan Ridgway
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A swingin' and surly sonic succotash from Wall Of Voodoo's frontman Stan Ridgway, singin' and croonin', cryin' and swoonin'. Mix up a high ball and join Stan and his big-band as he sings these golden greats of yesteryear! With two olives please...

So, what's it like? Why, it is a sheer delight. Musically, the standards are brilliant big-band arrangements; they've got horns, and strings, and squonky little synthesizers lurking in the background (manned by ex-WOV member and Drywall producer Bill Noland along with Hecate's Angel Pietra Wexstun). Stan takes to singing those great old songs like a duck to water, as if he's been singing them all his life.

http://www.stanridgway.com

And be sure and read the listener reviews below!
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5 Stars ***** Reviewer: db morton
Well I never thought I'd be digging crooners, but incredibly Stan Ridgway has changed all that. I've been listening to The Way I Feel Today for the past six months or so. It never gets old. There is so much to get your ears around. Sonically, it's the most analog recording I've ever heard in digital format, yet it's got weird, alien synthesizers bopping througout. This record is fun, it's very well crafted and the sound...! Let me just put it this way; do something good for yourself and those around you and get this CD and play it LOUD, LOUD, LOUD!!! There's nothing else out there like it.
----------------
5 Stars ***** Wow, a Communion Breakthrough: Transformation in the Secret School! Reviewer: Wittlee Streeebur
I heard Stan sang a good song, I heard he had a style. So I got his CD, to listen for a while. He sang as if he knew me, in all my dark despair... I felt he found my letters -- and read each one out loud. He was strumming my pain with with his fingers, singing my life with his words, killing me softly with his songs, in short, telling my whole life in his words.
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5 Stars ***** The Way I Feel Today is Outta This World! Reviewer: Doug Frank
One of the most smashingly-clever concept albums I've ever heard! Y'know, if Stan wasn't doing this showbusiness thing, I think he'd probably be investigating the subject matter of this CD full time... all the cases of ordinary folk being carried off and subjected to the kinds of stuff Stan's singing about. I guess it might be more interesting than showbusiness. You've got to be obsessed to stick in showbusiness...
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Read more reviews below....

The Way I Feel Today was a real out-of-the-blue left-turn for Stan Ridgway, especially coming only a few years after his work with "experimental noise combo" Drywall. On this limited-edition CD, Ridgway reinvented himself as a big band crooner, and enlisted a genuine Hollywood big band led by Robert McNeely to help him tackle a wide range of Sinatra-esque standards, regardless of their perceived campiness or kitsch value.
The upshot of all this is a (mostly) straight collection of songs by the likes of Cole Porter, Stephen Sondheim, and Rogers & Hammerstein which means that if the limited range of Stan Ridgway's deadpan film noir drawl fails to strike you as the ideal vehicle for conveying the sentiments expressed in "It Had to Be You," "Send in he Clowns," or "Oh, What a Beautiful Morning," then The Way I Feel Today is definitely not the album for you.
On the other hand, if you're a devoted Ridgway buff, you'll find some interesting and amusing performances here, especially when Stan tips his hat to narrative songs such as "One for My Baby" (which was a clear, if previously unacknowledged, influence on his own "A Mission in Life"), or when he exuberantly belts out strong novelty number like "The Coffee Song." Some fine, brassy arrangements from McNeely and the unquestionably heartfelt performances by Ridgway throughout. — Rudyard Kennedy

reviews

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  • Delightful
    author: Por Ol' Sam

    Ten years after the fact, but new to me and I absolutely love it. Merci, Monr. Ridgway.

  • A masterpiece
    author: HQ

    I have been buying Stans stuff since I heard "Mexican radio" and realized he was the best songwriter I had heard in a long time. Then I heard "Seven days in Sammystown" and was hooked so hard that "addiction" doesn't quite cover it. This is a very sweet departure from the Stan we all know and love. This is what all the faux-lounge acts like Richard Cheese _should_ be doing, if they had the talent. Stan once reanimated "Ring of fire" so hard I now claim it is his song when I talk about it. Here he does it again, the Ridgway versions are simply better than the 'originals'. I am praying for either a vol 2 of this album, or a companion single, because I miss a tune. Can you even IMAGINE what he could do with the classic "Is that all there is?" if he decided to try it on? His cold, cold voice and that cold, cold song. That omission is the only thing that keeps me from giving this album a five-star rating. Add the song and double the price, and I'll buy the album AGAIN! It really is that good.

  • Ok, but for the sci fi synth stuff
    author: the walkin dude

    I'm a big Stan Ridgway/Wall of Voodoo fan going back to the early '80s, & I never expected him to do anything like this, but I thought 'what the hell, I'll buy it'. This is entirely subjective, but this would have been a really good record but for the horribly off key synth stuff & the echo effected vocals in about 1/3 of the songs. That being said, the songs performed in 'normal' big band fashion are really good...they'll be along side the WoV songs on my mp3 player.

  • Awesome tribute to Tin Pan Alley standards by former WOV singer
    author: David Bontron, France

    This album stood for a long time as a kinda "Holy Grail" to me, since it is Stan Ridgway's most difficult CD to find (specially here overseas). And the item I now hold in my hands stands as a fabulous treasure, for WOV's former mainman has achieved one of the most appealing & enduring crooner-type record ever, ranking next to Bryan Ferry (As Time Goes By, 1999) or Harry Nilsson (A Touch Of Schmilsson in the Night, 1973). It even succeeds on a funny level, thanks to humourous bleeps & sci-fi like synth whistles (i.e. "Witchcraft", "What A Beautiful Morning", "Send In the Clowns", or the ever-difficult-to-cover "My Way") making it as clever & dizzy as Paul Anka's recent "Rock Swings" (which is exactly an opposite move, covering 80's & 90's hits in a crooner way). Haunting vocal arrangements ("I've Got You Under My Skin", "Yesterdays", "Make Someone Happy"), jazz-noir saxophone ("It Had to Be You", "As Time Goes By") & Stan's own vibing harmonica playing ("Yesterdays", "On A Clear Day", "Old Man River") make for a diverse yet tight mixture which valorizes the man's incredible voice (a kinda "natural born crooner"). His fascination for Chandler-like stories & 50's Sci-Fi B-movies finds him at ease with the musical material from this era, and with titles such as "The Coffee Song" & "My Babe Cares For Me", he shows he can be a pure fun entertainer! Standout tracks : "I've Got You Under My Skin", "It Had to Be You", "One For My Baby", "My Baby Just Cares For Me", "Old Man River", "Make Someone Happy" & "Send In the Clowns". Make Someone Happy ... and may this be you (make yourself a joyful gift)!

  • worrrrrrrrrrrrrld - Nobody sings an "R" like Ridgway
    author: Timbabwe

    Nobody knows better than Stan "Mexican Radio" Ridgway that a successful novelty song can lock you in a commercial box for your whole career. Ask Thomas "Blinded by Science" Dolby, Loudon "Dead Skunk" Wainwright (now known as "Rufus' father"). That must be why this CD is only sold at concerts and from CD Baby. I an see why he doesn't want to tie his hopes to the whole martini/ultralounge revival that is already on the wane. That said, "The Coffee Song" could be a breakout song for Ridgway. A boiling hot arrangement, the original all but forgotten and a perfect match of Ridgway's unique voice and Sinatra's trademark syntax, (...and was fined a great big fifty dollar bill)

  • Stan's big-band revue!
    author: karlykins1967@yahoo.co.uk

    Stan "does" Frank - yet conjures up images of sipping martinis by the pool in a faded motel, the lights of the strip reflected in streetside puddles, the highway receeding into the empty heathaze vastness of the desert as you're leaving Las Vegas... Not just the classics regurgitated, rather reinvented and embellished with Stan's fantastic resonant tones. The musicianship and singing both on this CD are a delight to behold and this should be a welcome addition to not only Stan's fanbase, but also ideally anyone with an appreciation for fine music, finely rendered! Long-time unavailable, buy it now whilst stocks last, or regret missing out!!

  • inspires a nice martini
    author: gravyboat

    Mr. Ridgway has taken an old era and made it his own on this CD. Thoroughly enjoyable musical tribute to these fine standards. A must have for any stan fan and/or martini lovers everywhere.

  • Just plain brilliant.
    author: stuart McAra

    Yeah it's a 'gotta-have'. Whether you're a Stan regular or not, it's always good to hear the standards sung in a way that highlights the darker side of the lyrics. Damn he's good.

  • Another strange and enjoyable CD from one of the greatest!
    author: Craig Vanerstrom

    Stan you are the master at strange music. I don't know what I expected but it is very entertaining. The classics with a Drywall edge.

  • Bold And Ambitious
    author: Michael Hateley

    Finally, a fresh take on some timeless music. A bold and ambitious move from an artist on the bleeding edge of music and art. It takes a brave person to stand out on the skinny branches and pull it off. Thank you for the inspiration, Stan.

  • What a pleasant surprise this was !
    author: Dennis DeHex

    Wow, I didn't even know this CD existed (read about it on Stan's homepage and ordered it inSTANtly). It feels strange but kinda cool to hear him sing such classic songs - beeing used to hearing his voice since the early eighties - I can only say that his voice matches the atmosphere of these songs perfectly !

  • Classics with a twist...
    author: Capt_haz_mat

    Who else but Stan can give these songs the heart and soul they require with the whackd coo coo nutty personal touch that make them pure Ridgway??? 19 tracks of classics that transcend the era in a timeless and bold presentation. I don't know what it is, but I love it, and I want more! All we can hope and pray for is that volume two is in the works!!!

  • this sonic cocktail is supremely both shaken + stirred!
    author: jan bunting

    this Cd exudes an idiom as polished and passionate as a pair of alligator shoes! it's not surprising Ridgway et al handle this material with such aplomb and elan. wexstun and her angels inject the tenderhook vibe on whether to panic or party, while Stan replies with exquisite disregard for the apocalyptic moment.... encapsulating deja-vu, fate and the mystery of love.

  • What is it with Stan Ridgeway and aliens?
    author: Frank Wirum

    Stan Ridgeway are crooning the classics with an strange alien sound. The first time I did listen to the CD I was not sure I liked it...but it does just getting better and better every time it is in the CD player. Buy this CD and just keep on playing it!

  • Shining and wandering
    author: Ann Marie Aubin

    Fantastic CD and long overdue. This collection is worth every cent and is very worthy of Stan's talent. Already a keeper.

  • So Glad To Find Him Again
    author: Claudia Wilson

    All these years I have loved that song,Mexican Radio and that distinct sound of his. I am such a fan and will complete my collection with everyone of his cd's.. This is just another fabulous cd of his. Not a bad cut on it.

  • Strange but Nice
    author: Eric

    As always with Stan you need to be willing to like it and then you'll love it. Never easy, but sure strange and nice! Stan is just something else in a world with too much of the same. Stan is doing the classics here and makes classics of his own.

  • stans voice sits perfectly amongst these classic crooner tunes
    author: andy

    The combination of the Big Band sound and the quirky Alien synth sounds, along with Stans voice is a brilliant concoction.great to play in the car or late at night

  • The coolest thing Stan has ever done...
    author: Adam in London

    ... and that's saying something. Utterly essential. Not that I'm complaining (I've got my copy), but I'm amazed Stan hasn't given this gem a wide release. It surely deserves one!

  • I am positively addicted to this album! Thank you Mr. Ridgway
    author: Chris Brewer

    God - I love this album! It sends chills down my spine and occasionly makes my eyes tear up. Rarely have I heard musical arrangements this beautiful, dark, and unforgettable. I just can't get enough of it.

  • Surprisingly amazed
    author: Ian

    I would never usually buy a CD with these sort of songs on, but having most of the other Stan CDs I thought I would try this one. I was amaxed by how much I enjoyed it, old songs done in the Stan Ridgway way and very entertaining.

  • the best of its kind
    author: marc

    Stan does an incredible job interpreting these oldies. Bryan Ferry and Rod Stewart could learn a lot from Stan. Great!!!

  • Can't stop listening to this absolute gem.
    author: db morton

    Well I never thought I'd be digging crooners, but incredibly Stan Ridgway has changed all that. I've been listening to The Way I Feel Today for the past six months or so. It never gets old. There is so much to get your ears around. Sonically, it's the most analog recording I've ever heard in digital format, yet it's got weird, alien synthesizers bopping througout. This record is fun, it's very well crafted and the sound...! Let me just put it this way; do something good for yourself and those around you and get this CD and play it LOUD, LOUD, LOUD!!! There's nothing else out there like it.

  • Wow, a Communion Breakthrough: Transformation in the Secret School!
    author: Wittlee Streeebur

    I heard Stan sang a good song, I heard he had a style. So I got his CD, to listen for a while. He sang as if he knew me, in all my dark despair... I felt he found my letters -- and read each one out loud. He was strumming my pain with with his fingers, singing my life with his words, killing me softly with his songs, in short, telling my whole life in his words.

  • The Way I Feel Today is Outta This World!
    author: Doug Frank

    One of the most smashingly-clever concept albums I've ever heard! Y'know, if Stan wasn't doing this showbusiness thing, I think he'd probably be investigating the subject matter of this CD full time... all the cases of ordinary folk being carried off and subjected to the kinds of stuff Stan's singing about. I guess it might be more interesting than showbusiness. You've got to be obsessed to stick in showbusiness...

  • Wow, a Communion Breakthrough: Transformation in the Secret School!
    author: Wittlee Streeebur

    I heard Stan sang a good song, I heard he had a style. So I got his CD, to listen for a while. He sang as if he knew me, in all my dark despair... I felt he found my letters -- and read each one out loud. He was strumming my pain with with his fingers, singing my life with his words, killing me softly with his songs, in short, telling my whole life in his words.

  • author: christian

    this album it's very good stan ridgway is excellent and the big band also my note 20/20 CHRISTIAN FRANCE

  • Open tiny umbrellas. Insert into drinks. Drink!
    author: Hector Cepeda

    This baby-boomer feels more than qualified to apply whatever finger it takes to describe THE WAY I FEEL TODAY: Thumbs up, boys! A teensy bit skewed, just short of being disturbing, yet...quite breezy! Curiously entertaining. Sort of like finding Klaus Kinski whistling in the bathtub, playing with a small rubber ducky! Fun for all involved.

  • another great cd from one of the best in the business...Stan...
    author: tray goodman

    Loved the music and the arrangement on this CD...thanks again to Stan Ridgway...he always finds an interesting way to make music.....

  • Trippy music
    author: Henri Mensonge

    The CD takes me back to acid days; it is as close to a flashback as I've ever had, in fact (dammit--I had counted on those flashbacks soo much!). Thanks for the flashback, Stan.

  • Frank Sinatra is....................Lost In Space!!!
    author: Ian Davies

    Beaming in by satellite from Belshazzar 3, the Metropolis Theater proudly presents an evening of light & shadow; of sweet romance & dark foreboding in the company of the Incomparable Mr. Stan Ridgway - & featuring the symphonic stylings of the Lost Weekend Orchestra & the electrifying Clara Rockmore Devotional Singers - Only in dreams?? - blissfully, not!!

  • excellent , i love this cd, stan has made another great cd with his own magic
    author: graham - england

    i love this cd, stan has taken these classic songs and given them his own interpretation. When listening I feel relaxed and can take in the atmosphere as we are entertained as only Stan can. Thank you for a great cd!!

  • First time I've heard him....wonderful
    author: Donna Douglas

    I never heard of the guy before, my son gave me the CD and I absolutely love it... love his voice....love his style. I don't know what age group he appeals to most but I am a 68 year old woman and think he's terrific.

  • This is another great recording from Stan!
    author: Sammy The Stan Fan

    Horns! Strings! Stan crooning his heart out! This is fab and gimme a martini...Buy this CD NOW!

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