Customer Reviews

Bing's Gold Records

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

 

 

Bings pure voice rings out in this CD! Some rare recordings including "Sunday, Monday or Always" with only chior backup. Seems there was a strike by the bands at the time of recording. Also a particular favorite, "I Can't Begin to Tell You" is Bing with a simple piano and precussion accompanyment. Rare for Bing, but absolutely wonderful.

It goes without saying that Bing Crosby was one of the very, very best male vocalists of the entire twentieth century; and I dare say that it will be a very long time before we see another quite like him. This wonderful CD gives us 26 of his songs to enjoy over and over again.

The track set starts with "Sweet Leilani." This tune has a Hawaiian beat to it; the slow tempo enhances the romantic effect of this ballad. Lani McIntyre and His Hawaiians bolster this number. This early Bing Crosby recording shows his natural talent very early on in his illustrious career. Great! "White Christmas" remains the best selling song of all time; this melancholy ballad features Bing reminiscing about celebrating Christmas in simpler times when people were worth more than cold strings of computer code. The backup chorus helps to make the number special; but Bing outshines them by far. I've simply never heard a more beautiful Christmas song.

"Pistol Packin' Mama" is actually a somewhat humorous melody and the musical arrangement works well with its use of the horns. Listen for The Andrews Sisters themselves to help out on backup vocals. Great! "Jingle Bells" and "I'll Be Home For Christmas" give us two more Christmas songs; "I'll Be Home For Christmas" is an especially beautiful, heartfelt ballad that gets the royal treatment from Bing. Bing performs "I'll Be Home For Christmas" with panache and all his heart and soul.

"Don't Fence Me In" features Bing again with The Andrews Sisters. Cole Porter wrote this as a spoof of country tunes; but with Bing and The Andrews Sisters to perform "Don't Fence Me In," Cole Porter hardly could have bombed! "Alexander's Ragtime Band" showcases what Bing can do with a classic--with Al Jolson joining in for even more fun. Bing swings gently as Al Jolson belts it all out--Bing and Al Jolson sure made a great duo! Their banter amuses me, too.

"Dear Hearts And Gentle People" sports a country feel to it; and "Play A Simple Melody" has a big band style melody as Bing and his son Gary croon this to perfection. "Sam's Song" is a playful tune again with father Bing and son Gary that provides a happy, strong ending for this album.

The liner notes include detailed notes about every song on this CD; and the artwork is well done. We also get the song credits and recording dates. Great!

Bing Crosby never disappointed his countless fans throughout the decades; and you won't be disappointed either if you get this CD. What a collection of hits!

This collection of Decca hits during the late 30s, 40, and early 50s is a bit heavy on Christmas records, but satisfies that thirst for pure, smooth singing, wrapped in beautiful harmonies and elegant arrangements. Some of the arrangements here -- particularly "Silent Night," and "I'll Be Home for Christmas," are among the best ever done of these classics.

I only wish they would put out some more of Crosby's catalogue -- it is criminally out of print.

Given that formerly "uncool" artists such as Sinatra, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett, and Sammy D. have all been resurrected, along with formerly uncool pursuits such as golf, cigar-smoking and poker, isn't it time we give Der Bingle his due? I'm ready to bring back the light blue bucket hat!

It's amazing the catalog of songs - some hits, some lesser known - that Bing put to disc in his 50 years! PLEASE, Universal - get your books straightened out and release MORE of these discs! And the cover art? Terrific!!!

This record was a hard one to find, but it's deserving of being labeled 'gold' in my opinion, and I hold an MM degree from Catholic University, Washington, D.C.

Crosby's vocal tone is very smooth, easy on the ears and pitch perfect. "Concerning taste there can be no dispute", but for my taste this recording is a treat for lovers of vocal music.

The music sample of Sweet Leilani isn't even Bing singing. He comes in later. How 'bout playing a sample of Bing?