Customer Reviews

Complete Little Rascals Music

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(0)
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I couldn't possibly say enough about these superb recordings. Nostalgia aside, I've come to realize the genius of Leroy Shield. Thanks a million Beau Hunks!

I realize that the recording was done in "low-fidelity" on purpose to make it sound more authentic but I have to believe that the composer surely would have wanted his music presented in the best form possible. Nevertheless... 5 stars+.

Definitely not an "historically informed performance" in today's accepted sense, and yet that's exactly what it is, the differences being of repertoire and musical instruments. Holland's Beau Hunks (named for a Laurel and Hardy film) have gone to the trouble of giving us note-for-note recreations of Leroy Shield's prolific Little Rascals output performed on instruments of the type used for the original soundtracks, and the results are astounding--truly a labor of love. I can't imagine these recordings would be of much interest to non-fans but to those of us who are, they're enchanting. They remind me not only of my childhood (I suspect most of us who grew up during the 50's and 60's here in the States watched TLR on TV) but also of the great LR festivals that were held during the 80's here in NYC every Friday midnight at the St. Mark's Theater. Those were more permissive times and fans used to wait in the ticket holders line, partaking with impunity of a particular variety of imported "tobacco" before being allowed in to find seats. And while some of us have moved beyond certain such not-strictly-legal activities in which we engaged at that time, I'd like to believe that our development remained arrested with regard to forms of entertainment like TLR. Really great stuff, in no small part because of that wonderful, evocative, immediately recognizable music.
Incidentally (collectors take note), the inserts for this set differ slightly from those included with the CD's sold for individual purchase. The most obvious differences concern the first disk (TBH Play the Original LR Music) and include the cover art's being sepia-toned as opposed to black-and-white; the stock itself isn't as nice, either (it's not nearly as heavy). Also, both disks in the box are labeled on their back inserts as being part of a box, so if such things are important, examine your set with these differences in mind--they're the easiest ones to spot. No extra materials are included, hence there's no advantage to owning the box over the individual CD's unless having the slipcase is important; it might also be a bit easier to acquire the separate CD's (the first of which is way OOP, as is the box).

Listening to this CD is a surreal experience. The recording is so authentic that you will be transported back to the 1930's and think that you are actually hearing the musicians who recorded the musical themes back in California during that time. For Rascal's fans everywhere, the effort that must have be taken to complete this project can only be compared to the discovery of the Titanic! No one ever thought the ship would be found, let alone that the technology would exist to complete such a task. That is how I felt listening to The Beau Hunks. A big thank you to all of the wonderful musicians who took part in this project. It is a dream come true for anyone who grew up with and loves The Little Rascals comedies.

I waited longer for this album than any other. Like many others, my friends and I watched the Rascals after school in the 60's and loved the music. We'd search for records like this in vain--nothing like Amazon was around then. The Beau Hunks have delivered performances better than I could have hoped for. Pop these CDs in and I guarantee you'll be smiling in minutes. The booklet even tells you some of the Rascals scenes associated with the tunes. Bless Leroy Shields and the Hunks.

A Little Rascals or Laural and Hardy short is incomplete without the musical soundtrack dancing in the backround that we all love and know so well. If this is what you wanted, and it sure is what I've wanted for a long ,long time, only one word could describe it: PERFECT!

These cds will take you back to when you were a kid sitting in front of the tv on Saturday morning watching the Little Rascals and eating your Pep or Cheerios. They are spot-on recreations of the music you listened to growing up and watching the Little Rascal shorts. If you are like me, you will be listening and you will mentally flash on a scene from one of the shorts. These are must have discs for your collection.

WOW...these transcriptions of the Little Rascals music are priceless. They are all played with energy and vigor. This is the Beau Hunks' absolute best recording. If you love the Little Rascals OR the incidental music of films from the 1930s, you gotta have this one.

My Uncle Dave says the tempo is off on "Rockin' Chair." I have detected no imperfections. Sounds as crisp and clear as if I were present at the 1930s recording sessions. But better than that! How did we ever get along without this?

In the liner notes of this wonderful CD, artist R. Crumb describes the music as being a part of our DNA -- he's absolutely right! For anyone growing up with movies and/or Television, to hear this CD is to re-experience the richness of one's childhood entertainments. From the first listening onward, one can't help but be whisked away to a kinder, simpler time and place -- it's all built into the writing, and reinforced immeasurably by one amazing ensemble performance after another. It is truely a labor of love for all involed -- composer, arranger, conductor, musicians, recording engineer(s), and...listener. Buy this CD -- you will cherish it forever.

First of all, I was amazed that this album even existed. I remember watching the Little Rascals, and Laurel & Hardy, and the music was always a vital part of these films. Even as a kid, I realized what great music this was. The only problem was I figured that no one else felt the same way. This album proves me wrong. The Beau Hunks have done an excellent job reconstructing this music note for note, and even using period instruments and overhead mikes. For anyone who loves the old Hal Roach comedies, this collection of music is must-have - and how!!!