Search - Various Artists :: Best of Polka (2pk)

The best polka collection ever!

Elspeth | 06/06/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sure, polka is thought of as a joke. But if you're one of the many lovers of polka, novelty songs, old time music, or even banjo or clarinet, you have to get this compilation. It collects the greatest -- Frankie Yankovic, Six Fat Dutchmen, Jimmy Sturr, etc., and the greatest songs -- "She's Too Fat Polka", "Pennsylvania Polka", "Who Stole the Keeshka". Anyone who makes fun of this CD is just unenlightened! If you love this comp and you live near or are visiting the San Francisco area, try to check out a live show of Polkacide. The greatest punk-polka band ever!"

A mixed bag with some high points

Bill Smythe | Chicago | 11/25/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"All of the material on this two-CD set is at least 30 years old, but the sound quality is a cut above some other similar re-releases on this label. It is almost worth the price just because of Ach du Lieber Augustin on disc two. That track, by Whoopee John Wilfahrt, originally appeared on a 45-rpm single around 1960. The tuba player is in top form, perhaps inspired by the lyrics, "Und vhen the tuba goes oompah so schweet, my heart will ahnswer with each oompah beat". I wish more of these 45's could be found, for it is rare these days for Whoopee John tracks to sound decent (most are taken from 78's recorded in the 1940s). Many of the other artists' contributions to this collection leave a lot to be desired. The Frankie Yankovic tracks are thin and distorted, compared to that artist's superb original releases, and some of the other polka bands are nothing to write home about to begin with. There are several serious dropouts beginning on track 16 of disc two. Maybe it's just my copy; if so, and if you get a good copy, it might be worth an additional half-star or so. Future re-releasers, please search for those Whoopee John 45's, like When Otto Plays a Polka, Starlight Waltz, Banjo Polka, When the Sun Comes Over the Brewery, etc. I miss those."

A mixed bag

Michael Kabala | Sioux City, IA United States | 04/03/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This collection contains many of the old standards and a few I'd not heard before. The quality of performance varies markedly from track to track however. I've heard better renditions of the Pennsylvania Polka from Jimmie Sturr and Lawrence Welk. "The Happy Wanderer" is abysmal however, and will probably turn off all but the most avid fan. There is the occasional gem, like Dick Rodgers' "Try It, You'll Like It" polka, which is hilarious even though it's a bit thin on the vocals.This is certainly not a "Best in Class" recording, but it may serve to start you off on your Polka collection."