Jane Russell
Let's Put Out the Lights

Grab your honey, set the hi-fi at a whisper and get cozy on the rattan couch before pressing "play" on Jane Russell's sultry CD, Let's Put Out the Lights, possibly the best make-out album of the year.

Available for the first time on compact disc, Let's Put Out the Lights (Sony Special Products) was originally released in 1947 on four 78s under the same title. It primarily consists of lush, familiar ballads, such as "Body and Soul" and "A Hundred Years from Today," and a few nice novelty numbers, like the title track "Let's Put Out the Lights (And Go To Sleep)." The record showcases Miss Russell's soft, alluringly feminine vocal style, which could more than handle ballads and even swing when necessary. It was a style not all that different from that of Marilyn Monroe, with whom Jane starred in Howard Hawks' landmark Gentleman Prefer Blondes in 1953 and recorded several duets for the film.

Lights also boasts fine arrangements by Lou Bring, Carmen Dragon and Kay Kyser. In fact, "As Long As I Live," which Kyser recorded with Russell as part of his popular NBC radio show in 1947, ultimately landed Jane her very own recording contract and is included here as a bonus track.

This CD is a much-deserved reissue of a fine singer's work that harkens back to a simpler time. If you like the vocal styles of singers that came after her, such as Julie London, Tina Louise and Linda Lawson, you are going to love this album.

—Athan Maroulis