Search - Chartbusters USA :: Vol. 1-Chartbusters USA

ACE Sets the Standard for Sixties' Reissues

Steve Vrana | Aurora, NE | 07/22/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Using the blueprint from their enormously successful Golden Age of American Rock 'n' Roll (1954-1963) series, ACE Records now turns its attention to the second half of the Sixties (1964-1969) with the first installment of their Chartbusters series. You get a 20-page full-color booklet filled with info on the bands and their songs, original hit versions taken from the best source tapes possible (most in stereo), and a whopping 30 songs and 79 minutes of mostly Top 20 music. [Exceptions: The Soul Sisters' "I Can't Stand It" barely cracked the Hot 100 and the Seeds' garage classic "Pushin' Too Hard" stalled at No. 36.]As would be expected of any comprehensive overview, there are numerous music styles represented. You get the Tex-Mex sound of the Sir Douglas Quintet (with the late Doug Sahm and keyboardist Augie Meyers) on "She's About a Mover." The goodtime sound of the Lovin' Spoonful's first hit "Do You Believe in Magic." The blue-eyed soul of Mitch Ryder's "Jenny Take a Ride!" The lush harmony vocals on the Mamas and the Papas' "California Dreamin'." The baroque stylings of the Left Banke's "Walk Away Renee." The California sound of Ronny & the Daytonas' "G.T.O." Barry McGuire's protest anthem "Eve of Destruction." Paul Revere & the Raiders' anti-drug song, "Kicks." The funk of Sly & the Family Stone's "Dance to the Music." And the hits just keep on coming. There is not a bad track on this album. [Here's the rest: "Brown-Eyed Girl," "Wooly Bully," "I Fought the Law," "Games People Play," "Gimme Little Sign," "Elusive Butterfly," "Working in the Coalmine," "Hi Heel Sneakers," "Treat Her Right," "Hawaii Five-0," "Green Tambourine," "On the Road Again," "Psychotic Reaction," "Let It Out (Let It All Hang Out)," "Soul Deep," "Remember (Walkin' in the Sand)," "The 'In' Crowd," "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" and "Expressway to Your Heart."]ACE has certainly raised the bar when it comes to reissues. [I'm not aware that Rhino has ever put more than 20 songs on a single disc.] If you love Sixties music, you have got to own this CD. All I can say is, when can I get volume 2? HIGHLY RECOMMENDED"

A 30 Track Sixties Summary

J. A. MANKOWSKI | APO, AP United States | 02/08/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Another winner from the ACE label of the UK. This time, they have turned their attention to Top 100 American-originated Rock and Roll/Soul/Pop from the years 64-69. This contains 30, rpt 30, songs, nothing terribly obscure (maybe the Soul Sisters "I Cant Stand It") All classic (though I could do without "Eve of Destruction"). For the price, you cant really do better to get the mood for your Party! Other Standouts: Sir Douglas Quintet's "She's About a Mover", Bobby Fuller Four's "I Fought the Law", Lee Dorsey's "Working in a Coalmine", and I could go on. Outstanding sound, and copious and informative notes! Well, what are you waiting for?"

Great cd / great sound

DAVID A MILLER | Heyburn, ID United States | 01/04/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is great! Sometimes when you buy a CD you get stuck with newer re-recordings or the sound quality is bad. NOT SO with this collection. I love every song (except that song by the soul sisters - where did that one come from). Most of the songs are in stereo. And heard in stereo for the first time. Love the stereo mix on The Raider's "Kicks" and Shagralas "Remember walking in the sand""