Customer Reviews

Very Best of

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Arbors music is timeless. Their voices are musical instruments of the most rare quality. Having been a fan since the 60's, I cherish every recording and encourage anyone in love to share their music. They are more than 'cover artists'. The tender, thoughtful lyrics of Ed Farran speak volumes. If you see a lady with an Idaho license plate cruising down the highway singing in total bliss, she's wearing out an Arbors recording!

The Arbors are testament to the collision of traditional artists and the emerging psychedelic and pop scene of the 60's. Hence the covers of some of the biggest hits of the era by crooners, jazz artists, and vocal groups. Like the Lettermen, the Four Freshmen, the Hi-Lo's etc...,The Arbors take the hits of the day and eschew them through their traditional male vocal harmonic style. The results are mixed but sometimes surprisingly good! The Arbors swirling vocal harmonies seem to lend themselves particularly well to the psychedelic, dreamlike quality of songs like "Valley Of The Dolls" and "Julie". Easy listening goes on a TRIP! I would also hope for another Arbors compilation that includes "Love Is A Groovy Game" and other gems from this overlooked group. To the gentlemen that questioned the "originality" of these tracks: Yes, they are covers, but, they are the Arbors original recordings of these covers. SHEESH!

I have heard all the records, and these are the original recordings and they are presented in wonderful stereo sound. [...]. Yes, there are a few nice songs missing, but that's the way it is with all greatest hits compilations. I would recommend, after buying this CD, buying the original LPs and listening to all the great songs this gifted vocal group did. These guys fell somewhere between The Association and The Lettermen, but they worked with some of the best people in the business and did not record a song which did not have a decent melody. Their reworkings of songs like "The Letter" and "Touch Me" are very innovative and original songs like "Symphony For Susan", "Just Let It Happen", and "You Are The Girl" are pure pop perfection. These guys were the best-kept secret of the Sixties.

in 1965, 66; i lived in the same apt. house in chicago, with ed and fred. ed dated my roommate; and we spent many hours together. they were wonderful neighbors and great singers. i just read of Ed's death, and am saddened to hear it. would love to get in touch with Fred.
they all had such a wonderful voice; never forgot them all these years.
diana

The songs and the terrific vocal arrangements makes one feel romantic and young. Though originally released in the 60's, people in love will find this album one for all seasons and all ages. I have listened to this album maybe a million times when I was a teenager and I can't wait to hear it again in its CD format.

It was a good group specially in late 60', when 'The Letter' was released, but the songs could be better selected cause when you don't find in the track list one of their best like 'Most of all', surely there's something wrong. It's was a sin to forget this song.

Love this CD, but I have to agree with "A Customer's" review. The absence of the track, "Most of All" from the line up lends to this disc falling short of its full potential, because it would've rounded out this catalog so nicely. Still, I give it a five-star rating for its sheer splendor of melody, coupled with its mellow, trippy and groovy arrangements - pure 60's brilliance. I had the vinyl single, "The Letter" in the 60's with b/w "Most of All." I listened to it incessantly. An improperly underrated vocal group from Michigan, The Arbors' vocal blend was possibly just too embellished and sophisticated for the times, which is why they may have been unfairly underappreciated. The fact that "Most of All" is not available as an MP3 download is inopportune, too. Maybe it's missing due to a licensing issue, because it makes no other sense that such a significant performance and arrangement would be omitted. Nevertheless, I'm pleased I bought this disc, especially now that I see it's apparently out of print. I hope that they reconsider its release so that others will have the occasion to appreciate the talent of these guys. It's a noteworthy disc to have in my collection of 60's recordings, which includes everything from the Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel and the Stones right through to more obscure one-hit wonder garage band recordings. The Arbors were a breathtaking alternative to mainstream acts like the Letterman. A little over-the-top, as was exemplified in their version of "the Letter." They were a very cool group! If you are reading this, I would definitely purchase the import, which does include "Most of All."

Even at $48, it's not worth the price to obtain it. I know it's out there somewhere for a fraction of the lowest price listed here!

"The Very Best of the Arbors" fills me with joy! I have been an Arbors fan for years and have never heard a couple of the songs on this CD. I particularly liked "Julie, I Tried". It surely must have been written by Ed Farran, an extremely talented songwriter who writes straight from the heart. I love the album even though it does not include some of my favorites.

It is pure bliss to listen to the Arbors harmonize. The blend of their voices and the sweet sound of their loves songs always makes me thoughtful remembering special places and times.

I'm hoping another CD will be made by the Arbors in the near future that will include, "There Will Be Times"...a most beautiful long song.

Hi guys! You've ALWAYS been my most favorite group!!!
I just had a delightful trip down 'memory lane' with Shirley T. who flew into Atlanta yesterday, for a couple of days. We had a wonderful lunch and visit and spent a LOT of time laughing about your Orlando trip/visit with us. Do you remember your Orlando trip and the PARTY we had at our duplex? This is a voice out of THAT past ... and one who has never forgotten the beautiful music you made. The party was and still is one of my fondest memories; Though our duplex was small and cramped, the BUNCH of us had a ball that night, singing, binging, and in general, raising Hell. What a blast! I hope to someday see you again .. somewhere, somehow! Since this is a public venue, that's about all I CAN say about the party to end all parties!
My best wishes to you and my condolences as well on the loss of your brother! Bob Mehl Buford, Georgia