BetteBack February 13, 1976: For Bette Midler, Songs For The New Depression Is A Tasty Canape



Most artists, when they prepare for a major tour, have a record either just released or ready for release just after the tour.

Bette Midler who will be appearing shortly at the Valley Forge Music Fair in Devon has followed this formula.

Her newest Atlantic release, Songs For The New Depression, was scheduled to be released before the start of her new tour but complications delayed its release.

Also the Fabulous Miss M had an appendicitis attack which also threw things off schedule.

Although a Bette Midler fan, I was not overwhelmed by her new album.

The album shows she is still a powerful performer who can add a special interpretation to a classic piece or take a new piece and grind it out in her campy style.

But alas, much of the excitement of Bette lies in her live performances. Whereas her technical recordings are just fine, it doesn’t give you the full impact of the performer.

Her interpretation of “Strangers In The Night” is well done but not awe-inspiring.

Her rendition of “Old Cape Cod” invokes images of the McGuire Sisters or the Andrew’s Sisters, it is definitely camp and well done.

A new piece should also be singled out for mention. She does a satirical piece on the Vice President called, “Mr. Rockefeller” which is delightful to listen to.

But at best, any Bette Midler album can only serve as the appetizer for her live performance. The album can whet your appetite but the real meat and potatoes are on the stage.

In the meantime, Songs For The New Depression is a tasty canape.

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