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Title: Merman in The Raw
Review: This is the beginning of what I hope will be a series of CDs that will bring Merman fans her rarest and best recordings. Although it might have been helpful to tell listeners that the medley tracks were made by Ethel for her then-fiance Ernest Borgnine (and recorded with Goldie Hawkins at the piano), these rare glimpses of Merman singing pop love songs is priceless. Likewise the songs from "Happy Hunting." Although the "Gypsy" demos have already been released, the "Hello Dolly" cuts are something I never thought I'd hear on CD. It is too bad Merman's live versions (recordings are available) of these songs weren't included, but perhaps they are forthcoming. Note to the producers: how about Ethel's work on Verve, and the full version of her live album? Ethel fans are going to love this one!
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