Search - Tokens :: Wimoweh: Best of the Tokens

Pop music that has stood the test of time.

Dan Penwarn | calgary | 08/16/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Tokens are best known for their 1961 blockbuster "The Lion sleeps tonight",a song based on the folk tune "Mbube", written by South African Solomon Linda. That record sold millions of copies and has become a pop standard. These five guys from Brooklyn, however, ought to be listened to for more than just that big selling tune. Although The Tokens never reached the top of the pop charts again, they continued to turn out delightful singles and albums."Wimoweh" is a compilation of their tenure at RCA at the hands of producers Hugo and Luigi.Some highlights: "Sincerely", the old Moonglows standard, is given an arrangement by Sammy Lowe that tries to duplicate the groups initial success on the Warwick label with "Tonight I fell in love". "Bwa'nina' has the same musical sensibility as "Lion"(it was also a mid charting hit)and "A tale of two lovers" features a sensuous Arthur Lymanesque vibe.Over the course of the four albums that they recorded for RCA, The Tokens moved from doo-wop to a kind of folk-pop and ultimately ended up recording an album of "car" music. I'don't believe that a string of charting singles is always a measure of artistic success, or more importantly, whether a body of recorded music remains viable as entertainment. As you will see from this excellent compilation, The Tokens still deserve to be heard."

Oldies but goodies

Verle E. Yates | Talent, Oregon | 12/30/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you like oldies but goodies, get this CD. The lion sleeps tonight is great and fun to listen to..."