Retro Review: Bobby Darin - Mack is Back DVD
Bobby Darin - Mack is Back DVD (Questar; QD3180)
reviewed by Michael Macomber
One of the earliest Bobby Darin DVDs ever released and still the best, Mack is Back showcases the many talents of the great Mr. Darin beautifully. The centerpiece of this disc is essentially a concert; an uncut version of the final episode of Darin’s 1972-73 TV variety series. This would also be the last time Darin stepped in front of a camera before his passing late in 1973, and so it has a unique resonance.
Darin, as always, is pure dynamite, singing, swinging, dancing, joking, rocking, rolling, and flashing that legendary smile. He is in absolute command of the audience. He charms them, he woos them, he thrills them. Ultimately, he knocks their collective socks off.
All 14 songs performed are winners. “For Once In My Life” is a funky delight, with Darin shimmying all over the stage. When he breaks briefly into the career defining tune “Once In A Lifetime,” the moment is as sharp as that knife carried by MacHeath. His swingin’ delivery of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” is just as fabulous as the Frankie Valli original. The tempo change in the bridge is positively astounding. Darin and the band are in perfect synch. This clockwork brilliance continues into “Higher and Higher,” another super funky number, with just a hint of country. Only the bold and brash Darin would have the cojones to take on this Jackie Wilson signature song with such verve. And once again, he equals the original.
Displaying his boundless versatility throughout, Darin addresses a wide range of styles, from the blues-laden contemporary rock of “Midnight Special,” to the gentle folk pop of “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” His approach to the Hank Williams classic “Lonesome Whistle” is devastating. Swaying gently, strumming his guitar, Darin intones “I heard that loooooo-a-whoaaaaa-nesome whistle blow,” and his voice sails out and over the crowd.
The extras on this disc are something beyond fantastic. Darin is at his finger-snappin’ best in a 1961 TV special, Bobby Darin And Friends, with guests Bob Hope and Joanie Sommers. The entire special is included, and so we get to see Darin do a lot more dancing, singing, and charming the audience. The opening number provides Darin an opportunity to demonstrate his brilliant Donald O’Connor/Jimmy Cagney inspired moves. Darin’s knack for comedic acting takes center stage in a skit where he plays a high school nerd. This knack can also be seen in clips from the Andy Williams Show in 1965 and the Flip Wilson Show in 1970.
The finest extra on this disc, however, has got to be Up Close And Personal, a collection of footage from an unfinished 1966 Darin documentary. The Cocoanut Grove performance of “Some Of These Days” alone is worth the price of admission. Seeing Darin in private moments, playing with his son Dodd, working in the studio, slamming away on the drums, and candidly discussing his fears and concerns about returning to nightclubs after a 3 year hiatus, can only be described as priceless.
March 18th, 2008 at 9:48 am
This is the most AMAZING live show!! I studied and listened to this for years, never getting old. Bobby truely shows all his gifted talents and it’s unreal that he was so sick and dies a few months after this show.
It also features Bob Rozario leading the band. Bob is a top notch quality cool cat, I was lucky to befriend while living in Las Vegas.
This is a must have, see and see again for any Bobby Darin or Music Fans.. I like Sinatra and love Elvis, but Bobby was the most talented and the proof is in this show!!
Peace & Goodness…
ETA
March 30th, 2008 at 9:33 pm
This is definitely my favorite DVD of Bobby Darin. He is such a natural in front of the audience and soooo energetic… it’s hard to believe he was so ill when he performed this show. I love all the songs he did on it, too. Bobby was just the BEST performer and this DVD shows why. It’s easy to see why even Elvis Presley was such a big fan of Bobby Darin.