Say what you will about Barely Man-enough: he looks better than I will when I'm 64 (unless I also opt for a bit of nip and tuck). Captured live in his native Brooklyn, Barry Manilow: Songs from the Seventies—a PBS-aired special filmed in September 2007—finds the orchestra-backed Emmy-winning singer-songwriter performing his biggest hits (many in medley format), as well as a handful of covers from the decade that made him famous. What can you say? He wrote the songs, including “Mandy,”Copacabana,” and “Looks Like We Made It”—all presented here, along with solid renditions of “The Way We Were,” “It Never Rains in California,” and “He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother,” closing out with a medley that features “It's a Miracle” and “I Write the Songs.” Highlights include a smattering of famous commercial jingles written by Manilow (State Farm, Band-Aids, McDonalds) and an a capella version of “One Voice” that showcases the singer's still-strong voice. Presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 and stereo sound, this hour-shy offering never really rises above the level of a Las Vegas act, but there's no question that fans will be eager to watch this (and don't kid yourself—you'll be singing along to “Mandy” just like the rest of us). A bonus 21-minute mini-concert—unnecessarily put on a second disc—features alternate performances and behind-the-scenes rehearsal footage. Recommended. Aud: P. (R. Pitman)
Barry Manilow: Songs from the Seventies
(2007) 2 discs. 54 min. DVD: $19.99. Rhino Entertainment (avail. from most distributors). Volume 23, Issue 3
Barry Manilow: Songs from the Seventies
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