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Hits of 21: Ain't We Got Fun

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For the first 35 years of its existence, the recording industry used no electronics, no microphones, no editing of any kind for its product. Sounds for both cylinder and disc records were captured by a large horn that concentrated air vibrations down to an etching needle.

Surprisingly, this method was quite tolerable, as extant records from 80 or 100 years ago prove. Once one adjusts to the limited frequency range of acoustic recordings you quickly discover a performance dynamic unique to the format.

HITS OF '21 * Ain't We Got Fun? is the second of a series released by a British company, LIVING ERA. Horn recording had reached its technological pinnacle by 1921, as the 25 examples here demonstrate. Many stars of the 'teens and 'twenties who we still remember today will be found in this collection. These include Al Jolson, Fanny Brice, Ted Lewis, Eddie Cantor and Paul Whiteman.

Additionally there's Vernon Dalhart, one the earliest country music recording artists (back then it was called "hillbilly"). Dalhart was best known for "The Prisoner Song." On "Tuck Me To Sleep.." he is backed by a vocal quartet. Also on this set are Van and Schenck, a comical vaudeville team, whose 1914 waxing of "Aba Daba Honeymoon" was one of the best sellers of that decade. Here they do a spirited version of this album's title cut, "Ain't We Got Fun."

Other still remembered tunes on HITS OF '21 include "My Mammy," "The Sheik Of Araby," "Ma! He's Making Eyes At Me," "All By Myself," "Look For The Silver Lining," and "My Man."

Notes are included for each track, which is a definite plus. This collection is a great way to get acquainted with the happy music of the Roaring '20s.