Customer Reviews

Capitol Collector's Series

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The Andrews Sisters first recordings were made in late 1930's and their popularity continued through the 40's. Most of my CD's contain early recorings from the 30's & 40's. This CD contains these songs re-recorded in the mid 1950's, when the sisters were in their 40's. There is a difference -- they sound more mature; I didn't recognize Patty's voice; maybe it's the modernization of the recording studio. Get this one to compare to the originals, you'll find it interesting. Does anyone know of video recordings of the Andrews Sisters besides their 1940's movies (eg tapes of TV shows or their night club acts)?

Bottom line: This collection is largely re-recordings of the Andrews Sisters' hits from the 1940s, re-done in the 1950s. Some of the oldies ("Shoo-Shoo Baby" and "Well All Right", for example) benefit from tight studio band arrangements and improved recording techniques, but most do not. Other selections reflect Capitol's inexplicable experiments in turning this swingin'est of sister acts into a country ("Crazy Arms") or gospel ("By His Word") group -- without much success. I bought this CD because the Capitol recording of "Hold Tight" was the first Andrews Sisters record I ever heard; so it has a place in my childhood memories, and I wanted to have it. But unless you're an Andrews completist, I'd opt for the original 1940s recordings and pass this collection right by.

Don't buy the Capitol Andrews Sisters CD's - these are re-recordings done in the 50's. They tried to copy each song exactly but you just can't recapture the original spirit of the times in which they were recorded, the sister's involvement in those times caught in every note, the spontenaity, and the jazzy bands over 10 years later. The originals are about 50 times better. I recommend The Andrews Sisters - Their All-Time Greatest Hits (MCA) - this is a far superior CD - all the original recordings from the 40's with neat DECCA replica label on the CD's and great liner booklet.

This set of the greatest hits of the Andrews Sisters (made in the 1950's) is a great companion to any CD of the original recordings (made in the 1930's and 40's). Most re-recordings by pop and rock artists are infinitely weaker than their original recordings and are easily dismissable. However, the Andrews Sisters recorded during a period when recording technology was in its infancy, thus resulting in a great deal of hiss and a monophonic sound in their recordings. Enjoyable, yes - but unsophisticated from a technological point of view.

These re-recordings offer the listener more technogically sophisticated recordings and, most importantly, the vocals of the Andrews Sisters are just as strong. As a result, I feel many of these records are more enjoyable to listen to than the originals, as vital and important as those are.

My own conclusion? Buy both the originals and these re-recordings. You can't go wrong!

These songs were all recorded in 1956 through 1958. While maybe not as good as the original recordings of the same songs done a decade or so earlier, they are still The Andrews Sisters, and they still have the wonderful harmonies, and this cd is certainly worth owning and listening to. The 16 page booklet has a 5 page essay, and plenty of photos. There are also 3 songs that are previously unreleased which make this cd a must for any true fan.

great c.d
Only thing is toward the end of each song there is a small skip ,rather annoying, but the cd is enjoyable

The CD is of high quality. Sounds like the selections were recorded this year rather then 50 plus years ago. When you listen very close you realize how good the Sisters were.
Enjoy it very much!

What a nice upbeat album. It makes you happy. A lot of oldies rerecorded in 1957. I'm not a fan of such an action. But this was done beautifully. If you think, the Andrew Sisters, old stuff. Listen to this CD. As if recorded last week,uh, year....

This is the first CD that I purchased by the Andrews Sisters and it was a great introduction to their music. I have heard a couple of the "originals", but they do not have the energy and quality of the newer ones. The CD mastering is flawless. I own many CD's of recordings from decades after these ones were done and they do not sound nearly as good.

The liner note booklet for this compilation was the second of two which I have written about "The Andrews Sisters". For a first time listener I would recomend one of the earlier MCA releases. But for the die hard fan this CD is a must, as it shows the progression and maturity of the girls as a trio, and Patty as a soloist. (Plus there are three previously unreleased songs well worth listening to!) Pam DuBois