Mack the Knife by Bobby Darin

Bobby Darin‘s 1959 English rendition of the Kurt Weill-composed, Bertolt Brecht-lyrics German classic ‘Mack the Knife’ – originally ‘Die Moritat von Mackie Messer‘ (The Ballad of Mack the Knife) from their 1928 music drama Die Dreigroschenoper (The Threepenny Opera) – drips of charisma and charm – and swag. This is showmanship and musical storytelling at their most stylish.

From the very first notes, Darin’s smooth, velvety voice catches you like a thief in an alley, drawing you into the sinister yet alluring world of Mack the Knife. The song’s jaunty, upbeat tempo, juxtaposed with its dark, lyrical content – Oh, the shark, babe, has such teeth, dear/ And it shows them pearly white/ Just a jackknife has old MacHeath, babe/

And he keeps it, ah, out of sight’ – creates a delightfully intriguing contrast with the upbeat lounge act tempo.

Each phrase is delivered with a wink and a nod, adding layers of nuance and personality to the performance. Darin, with the orchestra playing gang to his gang leader, punctuates the narrative with switchblade-cum-comb drama. The brass section adds an extra layer of excitement, and the swing is as hypnotic as a pendulum. Delightful.