NOSTALGIA IS IN AND SO IS COMMERCIALSIM
Terry D. Robertson | Asheville, NC USA | 06/29/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There was a time when music labels gave creative license to their artists. Now in the days of mergers, we are left with two mega corporations that have sucked up all the major labels under the banner of "Universal" and "Sony/BMG". Music has always been about making money and with the limitations imposed on having a monopoly in place, many fine artists have been driven into retirement, touring or working for smaller labels with limited distribution. It's all crass commercialism. The factory cranks out media hype and cookie cutter soundalikes that have many a few years of stardom and are forgotten.
CONNIE FRANCIS, THE BEST OF 1000 SERIES" is a limited pressing as was it's predecessor THE BEST OF 1200 SERIES" that has managed to stay in print in Europe for many years. The Japanese released on a limited basis, the "1200 SERIES". This CD is identical from artwork to songs but at a nicer price and is again limited pressing with the same great Japanese sound and the rare stereo single tracked release of JEALOUS HEART. These limited editions sell out fast. I am sure Universal only allows enough printed to make a profit and I can't assume how many copies are made available. The only exception from the European release and the Japanese is this one rare track which is worth the price. Connie practically invented the dual tracking (singing with herself) as it was slick and commerical and very popular, and other singers with a lesser range used it to "beef up their wafer-thin voices". I find the dual tracking of Connie's tunes a bit annoying when one realizes she was only following a trend. She can sing acapella and blow the listener away. But I have always opted for the Japanese pressings because they are the best in the world and their compilations are always imaginative (including many rare Lp tracks in their hit anthologies--something that is rarely found elsewhere) so they are a bargain to the fan at any price.
Nostalgia is limited but the only forum for these baby boomer singers. And in the case of Ms. Francis, she has had endless streams of hit releases worldwide (she had 60 charters in the US alone) and they do get a bit tedious. Another reason why I go with the Japanese pressings because of their diversity.
What I'd really like to know is what is a "Limited Edition" and "how many copies" do they really print? They certainly go out of print before you can blink.
If this new release wasn't so brilliant sounding, despite the fact it was reissued again right after the first one ran out, I'd be annoyed.
Well...I am annoyed when I think about it. Open up the vaults Universal. There is so much unchartered and better territory out there to explore. But in the meantime if you missed out on Japan's first pressing, get this one while you can. Connie native US isn't doing much in terms of reissues.
Go for it."
