Gold mine of new-to-CD instrumental tracks
Zub | Forks Twp., PA | 09/25/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Instrumentals were an integral part of the popular musical scene even after the advent of the rock and roll era in the mid-50's. Though rock instrumentals vied for the attention of the music-buying public, the purveyors of the pop instrumentals continued their chart success unabated for the remainder of the decade.
Many of these pop instrumentals found their way into the digital domain early in the CD era. Frustratingly, for collectors especially, reissues of this genre have slowed to a trickle even though there is still a wealth of these instrumental tunes languishing in the vaults. Now, when a respected company comes along with a new compilation of pop instrumentals with even an occasional new-to-CD track, it is something of an event.
In this new release from Hit Parade Records of Canada however, they pull out all the stops. Among the massive 29 tracks of fifties pop instrumentals spanning the decade is an astonishing number of new-to- or rare-on-CD tunes. And these are not obscure recordings by any measurement as the vast majority of them were top-40 at the time of their chart appearance. Just a few of the finds here include Eddie Barclay's "The Bandit", Steve Allen's version of "Autumn Leaves", "Giant" from Les Baxter, Lou Stein's "Almost Paradise", a pair of David Carroll tunes and two more from Dick Jacobs. In addition to the 27 top-100 charting tunes included here are two bonus tracks from Otto Cesana, better known to his contemporaries in the industry than by the general public.
Since most of these tracks are from the pre-stereo era, by necessity they appear in mono but a few of the later 50's recordings are presented in stereo, ie., tracks 1,2,6,7,15 and 27. One Otto Cesana track, "Devotion" from 1953 is also in stereo but no explanation is provided as how such an early recording comes up as a multi-channel recording. While no information is provided as to sources for these recordings, Hit Parade has done an admirable job in sonic restoration. One is hard-pressed to distinguish which tracks have been lifted from vinyl or a source closer to the original master.
While the music in compilation CD's like this one is the main purpose, all too often the purchaser is shortchanged by the afterthought given to the information accompanying the music presented. Hit Parade doesn't disappoint in this regard as the 12-page liner notes booklet with text and pictures provides interesting background on the performers.
Notable new reissues of the music from the 50's are few and far between anymore. Finding so many singles previously unavailable on CD on one superbly executed package as this one is a rare gem indeed."
Many cover versions
Edgar M. Knoll Jr. | Millville, New Jersey United States | 01/20/2010
(3 out of 5 stars)
"not all the original top versions but in the 50's many artists would record the same song. This was purchased mainly for "The Bandit" by Eddie Barclay Orchestra. I practically wore out my original 78 (long gone) recording and though I would never hear this again. Another import (from Canada this time). Why do American companies ignor some of their best product."
Track Listings (29) - Disc #1
