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1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 Outstanding Oct 21, 2007
Should be a classic. Forget the arguments about what Yiddish is supposed to be, how to speak it, where, etc. Yiddish speakers have tried to kill it by being language commandos but it lives on. Pantinkin is great as usual, and the track Rebbe Elimelech should become a classic alongside Aaron Lebedeff's
Romania. You will love this album.
5 of 5 found the following review helpful:
Ever heard the term Yinglish? Mar 23, 2007
Read on - and then think about that word, Yinglish, in the context of this CD and think about whether it is worth Kvetching about the various songs on this CD, some quite unconventional.
For those who haven't heard the word, Yinglish was used by Leo Rosten in a book called The Joys of Yiddish (others have used it, too) and it describes how YIDDISH speakers have continued to let Yiddish words (and the language itself) change and mingle with words from other countries. As a result, in the natural course of things, Yiddish spoken in America may sound VERY different from the way Yiddish is used and spoken in Israel. This type of thing happens in ALL languages, including English. We have words like "Phat" and "fat", for example, relatively recent evolutions of words and word usage. You can't keep language from evolving....or music or Yiddish music, for that matter...or how Yiddish is used in song. To do so would stifle the creative process.
HOW DOES THIS RELATE TO THIS CD? (sorry for the caps but I really do want to stress this question): Some Yiddish "traditionalists" seem to be ambivalent about a "Yiddish" song compilation that includes songs from Mary Poppins as well as the more traditional songs - all translated into Yiddish.
I find it refreshing. I can see why some believe it might even water down Yiddish - but let's face it- Yiddish speakers have had a hard time keeping the language alive and many speakers have changed or loosened certain terms or words, anyway - so why can't a singer? At least, Pantinkin does it with a certain humor and reverence. Listen to the music and I think you'll agree.
And yes....Mandy Pantinkin can be over the top, sometimes (also known as "a willingness to take creative risks") but I think his voice is superb here, his timing and emotional resonance are lovely and the selections are fun to listen to, even moving (depending on the tune). Whenever I play it at a party or with friends and family, it has helped spark conversations about Yiddish. So how can it be hurting Yiddish?
11 of 23 found the following review helpful:
 Sledgehammer Man! Jun 18, 2003
I've got two words to say about this recording -- Jesus Christ! (And I'm an atheist.) I'll admit that the man can sing, and if Patinkin didn't do so many quirky, overwrought, outright hammy gymnastics when he sings, his basic instrument would be a pleasure to listen to. Unfortunately, you can't divorce the narcissist from the vocalist, and there's the rub. Mandy Patinkin is simply to self-involved and egocentric to know when enough is enough. This grandiosity permeates everything he does, both as singer and actor, and it is the bane of his career. His latest CD is also his latest calumny, and I squirmed all the way through it. Did the world really need Yiddish versions of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame", "The Hokey Pokey" (accent on the word 'hokey') and, good lord, "Supercalifragilistic"? The idea that someone besides Patinkin thought this was a nifty concept simply baffles, but then, Patinkin has made a career out of "what-the-heck-does-he-think-he's doing" maneuvers. This is no exception. For completists and masochists everywhere.
18 of 26 found the following review helpful:
 Over the top, as usual! Mar 23, 2001
This is exactly what we've all come to expect of Mandy Patinkin. Is it worth it? Well, yes, if it helps to preserve (and even popularize) some of these beautiful Yiddish songs. But this is Mandy Patinkin at his self-indulgent best. Gifted with a terrific voice, Patinkin has made a career of turning every song into an opportunity to show off his range and dynamics, often at the expense of the music. This collection is no exception. Yiddish music is melody-oriented, frequently written to be sung by the simplest of accompaniments, if any at all. But here, we have overly sentimental arrangements and histrionic vocals. Awfully different from what Bubbie used to sing; at times almost unrecognizable. I give it two starts for historical value (although what historical value "God Bless America" in Yiddish has is questionable!) But, chalk this one up as another Patinkinization. If you like his style, this is more of the same. If you're looking for Yiddish songs with an inkling of tradition, look elsewhere.
19 of 22 found the following review helpful:
Mandy Patinkin has SOUL Apr 17, 1999
When I first heard about this CD, I wondered what I would make of it. I know no Yiddish, but I love Mandy's voice. I immediately realized it doesn't take knowledge of the language to understand the meaning of any of the songs. With a word or phrase in English, one can feel the emotion, the pain or pleasure of the story, just by relaxing into the soulfulness of Patinkin's glorious voice. Clearly, the ideas of culture and identity matter to him passionately, and that feeling is easily conveyed to any listener regardless of ethnic or religious background. I defy you to listen to "Motl the Operator" and not be moved. I would give this CD a 6 if I could...really a ten. It's the soul, folks.
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