Entertaining, ageless and easy on the ear
Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 05/26/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Mitch Miller's recordings bring back so many memories from the days when I was just a young kid! My father used to enjoy listening to these songs; and even today that wonderful singing remains a pleasure to hear. Mitch's chorus could harmonize faultlessly--and they did, time after time after time. In addition, the quality of the sound on this CD is excellent and the artwork is good although a bit standard for the "16 Most Requested Songs" CD series.
"The Yellow Rose of Texas" starts the album off with a tune that has a great beat; that upbeat marching flavor works wonders for this ballad. I really like the vocal ranges of the singers; they do this one very well and I'm impressed. "The March from the River Kwai" is one of my very favorite tracks on this album; the chorus performs marvelously and I can only wish I could whistle that well! "The Bowery Grenadiers" is yet another marching tune that brings a smile to my face; the brass, drums, percussion and more all serve to carry the melody well as these fine performers sing and never let go of a single superfluous note!
The "Children's Marching Song (Nick Nack Paddy Whack)" is sure to grab the attention of very young kids; and I like hearing the very sweet "Do-Re-Mi" from "The Sound of Music." Listen also for the singers to outdo even themselves on the medley that includes "I've Been Working on the Railroad;" "Sing Along" with that harmonica and ukulele; and "Tiptoe through the Tulips with Me" is a very well done classic song.
"Shine on Harvest Moon/For Me and My Gal" is my favorite medley on the album; these charming songs really make me happy when I hear them with that signature Mitch Miller sound! "You Are My Sunshine" is yet another number with a sparkling arrangement; and they all handle "When the Red, Red Robin Comes Bob, Bob, Bobbin' Along" with polish and finesse. Al Jolson would have loved it!
There's another pretty medley that includes "Singin' in the Rain" which has been performed in more than one movie including the movie of the same name with Gene Kelly; and "I'm Looking over a Four Leaf Clover" is easily a huge favorite of mine--what an ageless, sweet number! "Sweet Adeline" is part of another medley; and the relentlessly upbeat "Side by Side" never sounded better than when these singers perform it to perfection and beyond! The album closes with a fine medley including "When You Were Sweet Sixteen."
Mitch Miller brought so much happiness to millions of people; we are all so much better off for his having shared his artistry with us. The chorus on this album never sounded better and that's grand. I highly recommend this for any Mitch Miller fan; and people who enjoy classic pop vocals from the mid 20th century will enjoy this one as well. This also makes a fine starter CD for people just discovering the beautiful music of Mitch Miller."