Search - Perez Prado :: Our Man in Havana: Very Best of

Odd mix of originals and rerecordings

Zub | Forks Twp., PA | 03/16/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Supposedly, this piece from the Camden subsidiary of U.K. RCA is a collection of the "very best" of the King of Mambo, Perez Prado. And while the infectious, mostly-mambo melodies are great listening fun, the idea that these are "originals" as indicated on the jewel box spline just ain't true. Most of these tracks are 1959 stereo rerecordings of the earlier hit and album versions although there are a few original mono versions here. Apparently, the compiliers either did not know what they were grabbing from the tape vaults or just opted for the seemingly superior-sounding later stereo recordings. Though not necessarily inferior and actually sonically superior to the flatter, older mono originals, some of these stereo versions are considerably and sometimes annoyingly dissimilar - "Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White" being one of the most egregious. Musically, totally enjoyable but if you're a purist looking for the original hit versions, pass this up and try to get the now out-of-print Rhino piece done back in the mid-90's even though that collection has fewer tracks. Until someone comes along with an all-inclusive original hits package of Prado's work, these pieces will have to fill the bill."

Excellent Collection

Not Normal | Phoenix, AZ United States | 01/06/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I would suggest that this compilation is very good indeed. I grew up listening to Perez on vinyl and this CD has several primo tunes from several of his very early 60s or late 50s albums. Couldn't agree less with the other review. Quality is high & the beats will get you dancin'!!"