Customer Reviews

Songs of the Polka King

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3 star:		(1)
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In this CD, along with Volume Two of the same title, Frankie Yankovic outdoes himself. The performances are energetic and the recordings are superb. In the liner notes to Volume Two, we find that "Frank Yankovic is now 82 years old and in frail health" (he died about a year later). The accordion parts on this CD were performed, I believe, by Frank's faithful sidekick of at least 30 years, Joey Miskulin. But, on most of the tracks, Frankie still performs the vocals himself, and kicks in with his trademark instrument, the solovox organ. On most tracks, some vocals are also contributed by various other artists who have gathered together to salute the greatest polka performer of all time. Volumes 1 and 2 of Songs of the Polka King are Yankovic's best efforts ever.

Not a rehash, this is good stuff for us thirsty Polka fans

On St. Patrick's Day everyone wants to be Irish, and listening to this album may make you wish you were Polish. Even if you don't know how to polka, it's almost impossible to stay still when you hear these joyous, infectiously bouncy dance tunes. Frankie Yankovic and a lot of guest stars, including Drew Carey and Weird Al Yankovic (his son, I presume?) sing these old favorites with great gusto.

I bought this album because my fiance was talking nostalgically about the ethnic music programs he used to hear on the radio in his childhood, back when local radio really was local, and not homogenized Clearchannel pop. This music brings back a lot of great memories.

I bought this CD as a gift for my Grandfather. Every time we listen to it we all sing along! The polkas are upbeat, fun, and very well-known. Frank Yankovic is one of the best!

Anytime you have polka greats Frankie Yankovic, Joey Miskulin, and Eddie Blazonczyk getting together with celebrities like Drew Carey and musical icons Chet Atkins, Weird Al Yankovic, and Chas & Dave, you're bound to be in for a memorable presentation. And that's exactly what I got from this recording. Even if it isn't politically correct, there's something to be said about a CD that features Drew Carey singing the "Too Fat Polka."

The musicianship on this disc is first-rate, as is the case with most productions Joey Miskulin plays a major role in. While most of Frank's vocals are tastefully brought in from previous efforts, "For Old Times Sake" is an original vocal and one of the last the late Polka King would record on a major release. This duet with Joey is worth the price of the CD alone. Any fan of Frankie Yankovic will find this to be an extremely touching and well-performed piece.

Two minor disappointments include Weird Al's contribution to "Who Stole the Kishka" and "Just Because" with Little Joe Hernandez. Neither artist managed to match the feel of the overall musical style of the CD. Or, perhaps the producers didn't bend enough toward Little Joe's and Weird Al's tastes. It's a minor point, really - it's likely that only the most critical polka fans will take note of these items.

The bottom line is that the production is five stars all the way. And major kudos to the folks at Cleveland International for assembling such an All-Star cast. This is one that belongs in your music collection, whether you're a casual polka fan or diehard fanatic.

I highly recommend it.

This album pairs America's Polka King, Frankie Yankovic, with a series of other stars in duets. Singing partners include Chet Atkins, Weird Al Yankovic, and, my favorite, Drew Carey. If you are not a polka fan but want to own one fun-to-listen to polka album, this is the one. This is an album that is great to listen to on long drives in the car. It is just one fun, happy song after another. And, you just cannot help singing along to the songs. If you cannot enjoy Drew Carey's version of She's To Fat, then you just don't like music. If you are from Cleveland or Northeast Ohio, you have to get the album just for all the Northeast Ohio references.

Only about a half hour of content, the last four and a half minutes of repetitive maudlin slop. A few very good cuts of Frank's hits reprised with a potpourri of celebs. Who is Cowboy Jack Clement, anyway?