Best of the Little Sparrow [Fuel 2000]

Performer: Edith Piaf
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: Released twice on two different labels in 2007, The Best of the Little Sparrow is a cheapo collection of 16 recordings featuring the voice of French pop vocalist and drama queen Edith Piaf. No matter how many times they reissue this particular collection it will never amount to more than a poorly produced sampler that barely does justice to the artistry of this often arrestingly passionate performer. Her strength is at high tide during "C'est a Hambourg," and she comes across wonderfully on the Parisian waltz "Un Coin Tout Bleu." Throughout "Le Petit Brouillard" the orchestra sounds like it's under the influence of Nino Rota, a reminder that much of Piaf's career and some of these recordings reflect close ties with both theater and cinema. "Mon Legionnaire" appears to be the earliest recording, and is one of the few tracks not shrouded in reverb. "La Vie en Rose" was carelessly transferred and suffers from over-modulation. In short, this is a sloppy budget affair and you needn't bother with it. There are literally dozens of other Piaf albums to choose from. She -- and you -- deserve better. ~ arwulf arwulf This 16-track Edith Piaf collection features classic recordings from the legendary French singer's early years, primarily the 1930s and 1940s. Best of the Little Sparrow pales in comparison to more comprehensive anthologies like Metro's Immortal Edith Piaf, ASV/Living Era's Vie en Rose, or Capitol's Voice of the Sparrow: The Very Best of Edith Piaf, but with a set that includes Piaf classics such as "Mon L�gionnaire," "Petit Brouillard," "Cloches Sonnent," "Simple Comme Bonjour," and "Petite Marie," it's hard not to recommend, especially for a budget collection. ~ James Christopher Monger

France's "Little Sparrow" was the stuff of legend. Edith Piaf remains one of the most influential singers of the 20th century. Her dramatic singing style and her anguished voice appealed to French audiences and by the outbreak of World War II she had become a star. After the war, Piaf's reputation spread internationally and she appeared in New York, singing at Carnegie Hall. In her private life Piaf was as tormented as the heroines of her songs. She had many tumultuous relationships, most causing her severe emotional damage that was reflected in her passionate performances.

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