Customer Reviews

The Best of The Ink Spots: 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I just bought this on spec because I discovered that the singing careers of two of the greatest entertainers of the twentieth century owe their foundation to these boys: Yes, it's true, World: without the Ink Spots, you may never have got to love the groundbreaking sounds of Elvis Presley nor the winsome duet of Don Estelle and Windsor Davies, from TV's "It ain't half hot, mum".

This is great music, and in all seriousness it isn't hard to see its influence on the young E and his backing troupe, the equally legendary Jordannaires. Dreamy, perfect harmonies, vocals and arrangements (plinky guitars and plonky pianos, mostly, but all done in the best possible taste), the Ink Spots speak with an air of antiquity and to concerns which have long since become an artefact of the yesteryear we all hark for (but would all most likely loathe). Ironically so do Elvis' early records, listened to with a modern ear, although that hardly can have been how they sounded at the time.

Somewhat amusingly, the introduction to each song is identical (an augmented acoustic guitar fill of the cowboy riding into the sunset singing to his horse variety), but even so (and maybe even because of it) I found this record a quite perfect way to unwind after a sod of a day in the office. Completely recommended.

I was afraid that this collection would have one or two good cuts and that the rest would be either poor quality recordings or poor song selections. This CD is great. There is a very slight background hiss on some selections, but the general quality is very good. Ella Fitzgerald sings in a number these recordings. If you like the Ink Spots you cannot miss with this CD.

The Ink Spots may very well be the best and greatest vocal group in the history of recorded music-period. The Spots lead singer Bill Kenney- who was blessed with a voice of an angel from heaven- probably influenced more people in the History of Rock & Roll than any other singer. Elvis had Ink Spots records in his personal collection. In fact Elvis's whole ballad style is strictly based on the phrasing of the late Bill Kenney and that of the late Roy Hamilton.This is also the group that invented Doo Wop.They were just one incredible group.Everybody from Clyde McPhatter to Tommy Edwards to Smokey Robinson to Roy Orbison to Jackie Wilson to Michael Jackson to Elvis to countless lead singers of doo wop groups and vocal groups are all-"all" indebted to the sound that Bill Kenney forged in these oh so classic songs.

I had heard Ink Spots music but I had never had one of their recordings. The audio quality of this CD is acceptable although there is a minor background hiss. The selections of tunes is good. I recommend this title. Too bad Amazon couldn't discount it more.

The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame recognizes The Ink Spots as some of the greatest "forefathers" of modern day music. I agree with the reviewer who writes that The Ink Spots profoundly affected Elvis Presley's initial style with his original backup group The Jordannaires. This CD proves that The Ink Spots were very special.

The CD starts with the classic 'If I Didn't Care" written by Jack Lawrence for the group. "If I Didn't Care" marks the beginning of the road to true fame and fortune for The Ink Spots after years of struggling for recognition. "If I Didn't Care" is an affectionate ballad about how a man loves his woman. The vocal arrangement represents that "Ink Spots formula" which remains an important part of the trademark Ink Spots sound: Bill Kenny sings and Orville "Hoppy" Jones supplies the talking bass vocals. The next song, "My Prayer" is another touching ballad which expresses how a man wants nothing more than romantic time with his woman. "Java Jive" is a fun ballad that equates hot coffee with romance--excellent!

Although each song on this CD is truly flawless; some especially good songs here include "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" which reflects sadness because World War II required so much rationing that people couldn't enjoy life anymore; "I Don't Want To Set The World On Fire" which displays the desire a man feels for one woman and one woman alone; the romantic ballad "The Gypsy" and "I'll Get By (As Long As I Have You)."

Ink Spots fans will delight that Ella Fitzgerald, the First Lady Of Song, joins The Ink Spots for three numbers: "I'm Making Believe;" "Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall" and "I'm Beginning To See The Light."

The CD ends with "To Each His Own." This pensive song about how two people are meant to be a couple charms the listener and this ends the CD very well.

I must admit that I almost took off a star because the opening notes of each song are identical; but this remains a five star review because the overall quality of each song is perfect. The Ink Spots convey a soothing, pensive, loving tone that only they could deliver so well. Impressive!

I also wish that 20th Century Masters added two or three more songs to this CD. There is ample room for more entertainment on this album.

The liner notes include great black and white photos of The Ink Spots; and there is an essay about the history of the band written by Joseph F. Laredo. The liner notes also provide the recording dates and the song credits, too.

The Ink Spots will never be forgotten; they helped to launch rock and roll music. Their influence on Elvis Presley is unmistakable. The Ink Spots remain a special group who could convey deep emotions with great sensitivity. If you like this CD, I would suggest The Ink Spots CD entitled We Four: The Best of the Ink Spots as well as other CDs by The Ink Spots.

Enjoy!

The Vocals are Great all the way through.Very Important Music&Group.Classic Material here.Very Essential.

I saw the Ink Spots (or perhaps a cover band?) at about age five when they played in a high school gymnasium in a town of 1000 people in the far reaches of northern Minnesota. My mother played the record again and again for years, so every syllable, every slide, is sweet and familiar: and just as relevant some xx years (er, decades) later. Enjoy --

Smooth harmonies, great period songs and a cameo appearance by Ella Fitgerald, what's not to like?

I love this disk, as one who wore out most of their original 78 rpm shellac disks in the company of my first love, this disk brings back many fond memories. On some cuts a female singer is heard, something I never heard on the original records. However it in no way detracts from the quality of the disk, if you like the Inkspots from the past, or are just now discovering their unique style, do not hesitate to add this disk to your collection.

This CD so easy to listen to for most age groups (high teens to those who have been round since dirt was a puppy). Very enjoyable.