Waters Ethel - Cabin in the Sky (CD, Imported)

The soundtrack from Vincente Minnelli's 1943 debut film, Cabin in the Sky, makes a diverting and entertaining CD. There are ten songs on this 75-minute CD, written by Vernon Duke and John LaTouche, and Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg; Duke Ellington and Mercer Ellington are represented as well, and also included is most of the background instrumental music by Roger Edens. Musically, this low-priced CD is virtually a duplicate of Rhino's Cabin in the Sky soundtrack CD, with a slightly different track breakdown and none of the outtakes included on Rhino's CD. Also, in lieu of the handsomely produced booklet that comes with the Rhino disc, this CD has a plainer insert that does, at least, contain a good plot summary and full music and performer credits. Otherwise, one is as good as the other, except that the Rhino release is authorized by the actual owners of the film (Soundtrack Factory's release is a little cloudier in terms of legalities) and, therefore, not morally objectionable on its face. ~ Bruce Eder