Whether you appreciate his style of music or not, one really has to recognize the song-writing genius that is Neil Sedaka. This live album finds him in fine form performing a number of his well-known tunes. It’s not for everyone, but I have to admit that for the most part I really enjoyed the album.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2012  Volume 6 at lulu.com/strangesound.

The piano opens this with some pretty melodies and the vocals come over the top. This is a gentle and accessible piece of music that’s effective.

There’s a real bluesy vibe to the bouncy piano line that serves as the backdrop for this catchy tune.

 A bouncy and somewhat risqué (from Neil Sedaka, even) cut, this is fun and clever, but very old fashioned in style and tone.

There’s a definite 1950s rock and roll sound to the music that serves as the backdrop here. This is bouncy and fun.

More 1950s styled sounds are heard on this tune.

This mellow cut is one that pretty much everyone has heard at one time or another.

Here’s another little pop dittie. It’s another that’s familiar.

This is a mellow piano ballad that’s quite pretty.

I love this song and always have. This is a great performance of it.

Via video, Sedaka does this performance as a duet with Dara Sedaka. It’s a pretty, intricate and poignant song.

A bouncy little number, this works quite well here, even though it’s not really my cup of tea.

Emotionally powerful, the lyrics to this one are clever and the balladic song itself is potent and sad.

A rather bouncy number, this is entertaining.

Here’s another Neil Sedaka classic. I’m not overly impressed by this version, but it’s fun nonetheless.

This rock and roller is a lot of fun. It’s energetic and feels like something Jerry Lee Lewis would do.

Another potent balladic cut, this is one that has a lot of emotion packed within it.

Here Sedaka shows off both a love of classical music and his mastery of the piano by tackling a Chopin composition.

Starting with more classically styled piano, this works out into a rather rocking little tune. It’s quite an intricate and entertaining number and one of my favorites of the set.

Here is another highlight. It’s got some great lyrical content and the piano melodies are strong. In addition, the vocal hook is a real winner.

With a bit of an explanation of the song writing process, Sedaka plays another great tune. This is one of my all time favorites of his and this performance is strong.

Another bouncy number, this works pretty well.