Search - Bing Crosby :: When Irish Eyes Are Smiling

Live performances of Bing's classic Irish recordings!

Greg Van Beek | West Bend, Wisconsin | 11/15/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Judging from the track listing, at first glance, this appears to be yet another reissue of Bing's 1940's - early 1950's Irish recordings commercially released on the Decca label. All the hits are here alright; Too Ra Loo Ra Loo Ral, Dear Old Donegal, MacNamara's Band, et al. But these are NOT the versions you're familiar with. These are high quality airchecks taken from Bing's Philco and Chesterfield sponsored radio shows of the late 40s and early 50s! Yes, actual LIVE performances of Bing's wonderful Irish repertoire!



This is a first-ever collection of Irish songs from Bing Crosby's popular radio program!



Bing was extremely proud of his Irish heritage, and as well known as he was for his for his classic Christmas songs his Irish recordings are some of the most popular he ever sang, including several that were million sellers, "Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral (That's An Irish Lullaby)," "MacNamara's Band," and "Galway Bay."



Includes four tracks rarely found on any Bing Crosby collection, "The Donovans," "That Tumbledown Shack In Athlone," "Peg O' My Heart," and "Kate (Have I Come Too Early, Too Late)." Bing never issued the latter two on record.



Features a unique St Patrick's Day version of his radio show theme, "Where The Blue Of The Night Meets The Gold Of The Day." In over 4,000 radio broadcasts this was the only time Bing ever changed the lyrics of this famous song.



Includes a duet with popular Irish tenor Dennis Day on the hit song "Clancy Lowered The Boom."



Mastered from original source materials for excellent sound quality. A must have collection!

"