Bette Midler: The Divine Miss M Deluxe Edition

Ever since the beginning of her career, there has been a constant element of sassiness and sadness found within the spirit and songs of Bette Midler. There is no one like her, as she has the remarkable talent to bring up a frothy mix of high spirits matched perfectly with a melancholy mood of songs. It's no surprise, then, that her debut album -- released 40 years ago on October 21 -- shows exactly these genuine attributes of emotional and titillating entrancement.

"The Divine Miss M: Deluxe Edition" celebrates this special anniversary with a two-disc set, not only with a cleanly remastered collection of the original LP, but also a second disc of some of the earliest recordings of the songs, single mixes, alternate versions and demos. Her vivaciousness and pathos are out in full force.

1972... To tell you the truth, I was 11 years old, and I distinctly remember hearing "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" first on the radio and then going to my local music shop to buy one of my very first 45 records. Midler has had me hooked ever since with her stunning style that managed to capture another musical era while delivering her personal stamp to every song, old and new.

It's her sad songs that touch the heart so deeply. Take "Hello In There," "Superstar," "Delta Dawn," or "Am I Blue," written by Hoagy Carmichael, and you have all the elements of anguish, remorse and loneliness wrapped up in one. Bette has the uncanny ability to bring tears, empathy, and utter heartbreak through with every note and lyric. Then, snap! She fires it up with joy and a bubbling energy for life and sensuality with the songs that still reverberate to this day, such as "Friends," "Do You Want to Dance," or "Chapel of Love." Oh, did I tell you she has a huge gay following? Go figure, as her following probably began with this album and her engagement at The Continental (Baths, that is) in New York. It was there that she earned her moniker, which still rings true, as "divine."

If her debut wasn't enough to set the world on fire and create a passionate following for Miss M, the second disc opens the vaults for a spin of rare takes and even some earliest recordings and mixes from "Songs For the New Depression," her third studio album, released in 1976. Hearing the purity of Bette Midler singing "Old Cape Cod" is fascinating on this unused take, while "Marahuana" is still smoking in this rendition.

What? You've never heard of Bette Midler? Begin at the beginning, and she will fire your heart up with her distinct originality, flawless vocals and emotional, vibrant style on "The Divine Miss M: Deluxe Edition."

"The Divine Miss M: Deluxe Edition"
Bette Midler
$15.19
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