Search - Chordettes :: Best of

Quintessential 50s harmony

Zub | Forks Twp., PA | 12/22/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Within the 18 tracks included in this early-CD era greatest-hits compilation from Rhino are the biggest hits achieved by this barbershop quartet-sounding girl group of the 50s. While of many musical generations back, the quality of the performances and arrangements here make these tunes as enjoyable as they were during their heyday. Anchored by the monster hit of 1954, "Mr. Sandman" and their last big chart success, "Never On Sunday", the disc contains 12 charted singles including the quasi-novelty staple "Lollipop" along with a few non-charting sides. Sound quality is a bit ragged on a few tracks and there is some tape noise on others but is good overall given the vintage of these recordings. All tracks except "Never On Sunday" are in mono. Liner notes are limited to two pages of musical backround on some of the included tracks in a four-page booklet. This piece was the first quality CD reissue of Chordettes material. Though having been since supplanted by bigger collections from Ace Records and Varese Vintage, this still offers a sonically decent no-nonsense Chordettes retrospective."

BEAUTIFUL HARMONY

ernest a. dupont | Pembroke, ON Canada | 11/30/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Chordettes at their best. This collection includes their great hit NEVER ON SUNDAY as only this group could do it. I can't think of a better vocal rendition of this song. A stereo rendition, made in 1961. Their biggest hit, MR. SANDMAN, is included. It was on the top ten chart for 16 weeks. Also included are their wonderful renditions of LAY DOWN YOUR ARMS and BORN TO BE WITH YOU. A little sour note: many of the songs here are of the teeny-bopper kind, popular in the 50's with the teenagers. Still, this is a CD worth having."