Magic Moments: The Best of 50s Pop The 1950s was a golden era for popular music, and "Magic Moments: The Best of 50s Pop" captures the essence of this enchanting decade. From iconic crooners to rock 'n' roll pioneers, this collection features some of the most beloved songs and artists of the era. One of the defining characteristics of 50s pop music was the emphasis on innocence and romance. Ballads like "Magic Moments" by Perry Como and "Love Me Tender" by Elvis Presley became anthems for young love, capturing the hearts of listeners across the country. These songs were the soundtrack to unforgettable moments, and they continue to evoke a sense of nostalgia and tenderness. In addition to the romantic ballads, the 50s also saw the rise of rock 'n' roll.
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Because it s a first-person narration, I felt like I was being asked to share her perspective, whereas in real life I would definitely want more information before making such snap decisions either way. Because I d had a previously underwhelming experience with Stewart , I wouldn t have picked it up, but the description was so appealing that I thought I would risk it.
In addition to the romantic ballads, the 50s also saw the rise of rock 'n' roll. Artists like Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, and Little Richard brought a new energy and rhythm to the pop music scene. Hits like "Peggy Sue," "Johnny B.
This Rough Magic
25-year-old actress Lucy Waring, disappointed by the folding of her first major role after a short and unsuccessful run in the West End, is running away to Corfu. (This is fair. If I had a sister who had married a wealthy Corfiote landlord, thus allowing me to run away to a Greek island every time something in my career didn’t come off, I would do just that). When she arrives, her sister Phyllida tells her that the big, crumbling old villa owned by her husband has been rented out to famous actor Sir Julian Gale and his son. Julian is Lucy’s hero – she’s seen him on stage at least ten times – but he dropped into obscurity after his abrupt retirement. Phyllida hints that there might be a reason he disappeared from the stage so suddenly. Still, swimming in the sea and walking among the local flora is a balm to Lucy’s wounded ambition, and she settles in well. But it isn’t long before an islander drowns in somewhat suspicious circumstances, a friendly local dolphin is under threat from a mysterious assailant, and Phyllida loses her diamond ring…
Cover art for This Rough Magic, oldest to newest. Would you believe all these covers are for the same book?
This Rough Magic (1964), by Mary Stewart, is a bit different from my usual fare. Stewart’s genre is, I believe, what is commonly termed “romantic suspense”. I heard about it in the Greece episode of Strong Sense of Place. Because I’d had a previously underwhelming experience with Stewart*, I wouldn’t have picked it up, but the description was so appealing that I thought I would risk it. Overall I am very glad I did. The title is a quote from The Tempest, and part of the novel’s premise is that Corfu may be the inspiration for the nameless island in that play. Of course, a book containing two actors and set on a possible Shakespearean island spends quite a lot of time discussing that particular literary mystery, and I really enjoyed the way it was threaded into the wider plot. Another theme that runs through the book is the tension between Greece and Albania. Corfu is closer geographically to Albania than it is to mainland Greece, but was liberated from successive Italian and Nazi occupations by British troops, then rebuilt post-WWII by the Greek government. In 1964, when the book is set, all these tensions are very much a live issue. Some of the islanders have a sideline in smuggling luxury goods to communist Albania, which is lucrative but dangerous.
The mystery and action scenes are done wonderfully. I saw this described in a review as “Enid Blyton for grown-ups”, and while I feel that is seriously underselling Stewart’s talents as a writer, it definitely has some of that vibe. It’s almost more adventure story than mystery. The big, brooding, crumbling Castello dei Fiori where the Gales live looms over the story, giving it a gothic feeling that intersects with the sunny, beachy setting. The setting is the real star, in fact. The characters are painted with fairly broad strokes and didn’t stay with me – except Julian Gale, who is probably the most nuanced of a fairly unnuanced bunch – but the setting is rendered in very loving detail. I really don’t have a visual imagination, but there were scenes in this that I could almost see, which always impresses me. I truly felt like I’d been to Corfu with Lucy. This time of year is always stressful at work (somehow I forget every year just how rough October and November are), and this was just what I wanted to read – deliciously escapist and using up precisely the right amount of brain space.
Among other things, this book most definitely made me want to visit Corfu. (Image from Wikimedia).It’s not a perfect book, though. The novel was published in the 60s and there are a few throwaway phrases that I doubt would be in there these days, especially with regard to the deference working-class Corfiote islanders show to the wealthy British woman who employs them. It only crops up a couple of times and I don’t think Lucy, who is the point-of-view character, expects or demands it – but she doesn’t question it either. It simply lingers in the background, accepted as natural. Because it isn’t integral to the story, it didn’t bother me too much, but I definitely noticed it – especially in a few scenes towards the end. More of an issue is the fact that Lucy jumps to conclusions so quickly. To be fair to Stewart, this is clearly an intentional character flaw – it’s just one that I happen to find very irritating. Because it’s a first-person narration, I felt like I was being asked to share her perspective, whereas in real life I would definitely want more information before making such snap decisions either way. It seemed clear that one of the characters she was jumping to conclusions about was a potential love interest for her, so it felt like an artificial obstacle put there to complicate their relationship. Annoyingly, she is soon given good reason to be suspicious – if Stewart had only waited a couple of chapters before Lucy takes against him, it would have felt much more believable. And, while we’re here, I might as well add that characters falling in love “at first sight” (or as near as) stretches my credulity in every story where I encounter it, and this book was no exception.
Despite all my grumbles, though, this novel was exactly what the doctor ordered. I can’t imagine managing more than one on the trot, but I will definitely be reading more Mary Stewart. In fact, I can easily see myself hunting down old copies of her novels so that I have them on hand for the dark part of the year. Recommended if you fancy an exciting adventure in Corfu, especially as the nights draw in and the days grow cold!
*At least, I thought I had – I thought she was responsible for a dreadful Christmas mystery set in Scotland and riddled with clichés and stereotypes that I read a few years ago, but a) I can’t find it anywhere in her bibliography, and b) apparently she married a Scot and lived most of her life in Edinburgh, whereas the book I’m thinking of had a distinct air of “written by someone who once saw a picture of Groundskeeper Willie; might be able to locate Scotland on a map but don’t bet on it”. Probably there’s another novelist of a similar name responsible for that particular crime against literature. (I can’t even remember the name of the book to warn you all off of it. Clearly it’s a mostly-suppressed memory).
It’s not a perfect book, though. The novel was published in the 60s and there are a few throwaway phrases that I doubt would be in there these days, especially with regard to the deference working-class Corfiote islanders show to the wealthy British woman who employs them. It only crops up a couple of times and I don’t think Lucy, who is the point-of-view character, expects or demands it – but she doesn’t question it either. It simply lingers in the background, accepted as natural. Because it isn’t integral to the story, it didn’t bother me too much, but I definitely noticed it – especially in a few scenes towards the end. More of an issue is the fact that Lucy jumps to conclusions so quickly. To be fair to Stewart, this is clearly an intentional character flaw – it’s just one that I happen to find very irritating. Because it’s a first-person narration, I felt like I was being asked to share her perspective, whereas in real life I would definitely want more information before making such snap decisions either way. It seemed clear that one of the characters she was jumping to conclusions about was a potential love interest for her, so it felt like an artificial obstacle put there to complicate their relationship. Annoyingly, she is soon given good reason to be suspicious – if Stewart had only waited a couple of chapters before Lucy takes against him, it would have felt much more believable. And, while we’re here, I might as well add that characters falling in love “at first sight” (or as near as) stretches my credulity in every story where I encounter it, and this book was no exception.
Goode," and "Tutti Frutti" showcased the raw talent and rebellious spirit of these pioneering musicians. The 50s also saw the emergence of girl groups, with acts like The Shirelles and The Chordettes stealing the hearts of audiences with their sweet harmonies and catchy melodies. Songs like "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" and "Mr. Sandman" became instant classics, with their timeless appeal transcending generations. "Magic Moments: The Best of 50s Pop" is a compilation that encapsulates the magic of this unforgettable decade. Whether you're a fan of the heartfelt ballads, the vibrant rock 'n' roll, or the infectious harmonies of the girl groups, this collection has something for everyone. So sit back, relax, and let the music take you on a trip down memory lane to a time when the world was a little simpler and the music was truly magical..
Reviews for "The Birth of Rock n' Roll: Exploring the Best of 50s Pop"
1. Jane Doe - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Magic moments: The best of 50s pop." While the songs themselves are classics and did bring back memories, the quality of the recordings was extremely poor. It almost sounded like they were taken from old vinyl records with scratches and pops. It was really distracting and took away from the enjoyment of the music. I would have expected better sound quality considering it's a compilation of popular songs from the 50s.
2. John Smith - 1 star - I cannot recommend "Magic moments: The best of 50s pop" at all. The selection of songs is quite limited and doesn't really capture the true essence of 50s pop music. Additionally, the album lacks any sort of cohesive flow. The songs jump from one genre to another without any logical progression. It feels like a random mix of songs thrown together without much thought. Overall, it was a disappointing purchase and I would not recommend it to anyone looking for an authentic 50s pop experience.
3. Sarah Williams - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Magic moments: The best of 50s pop" but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The sound quality of the recordings is subpar and almost feels muffled. It's a shame because these songs are true classics and deserve to be heard in their best possible form. Additionally, the packaging of the album is quite lackluster. It feels cheap and doesn't do justice to the iconic era of 50s pop music. I would recommend looking for a different compilation album that offers better sound quality and presentation.