The Ink Spots - The Greatest Hits [MCA]

Ink Spots

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 26, 1989)
• Original Release Date: November 21, 1989
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Mca
• ASIN: B000002PEF
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #8,938 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
The Ink Spots' hushed harmonies and acoustic-guitar backing were something of an anomaly in the brash swing era; they nevertheless carved a niche as one of the benchmark acts of '40s pop and were harbingers of doo wop. The group's most distinctive voices were tenor Bill Kenny, whose soft leaps into his high range remain heart-catching more than a half century later, and baritone Orville "Hoppy" Jones, who provides most of the 15 songs on Greatest Hits with recitations that are usually sincere and solemn, occasionally self-parodying ("Whispering Grass"). Not just for nostalgia buffs, this disc has a gentleness that stands on its own. (Beware the myriad later rerecordings by groups with vague ties to the original.) --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Getting back to old-time basics, April 9, 1999

By	Kevin Cox (USA) - See all my reviews

This is the definative Ink Spots collection for those who want to experience the delicate touch of these early American masters. The precision of each voice and breathy vibrato and the end of a long-held note or word will leave an indelible imprint on you, from the inside of your soul outward. This is some of the very best "American" music from this country. The more you listen - and you should listen many times over - the more you will understand the beautiful simplicty of the Ink Spots, from their campy sound and talking interludes to the seemingly identical strumming of the guitar to start each song. Listen closely at night with a martini or a glass of wine and you will discover the magic of this music.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic Ink Spots, February 11, 2005

By	HardyBoys.us (Long Island USA) - See all my reviews

This CD is a nice overview of the fabulous Ink Spots.
This is the original group from the late 1930s - mid 1940s.
It's easy to hear the Ink Spots influence on early R&B and Doo Wop when listening to these classic tunes.
The Ink Spots tunes almost invariably follow a classic pattern - brief guitar intro, tenor lead, baritone talking bridge - but it works for them.
Don't be fooled by pale later imitations, these are the original recordings and the sound is excellent.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pure Elegance--Thirties Style, September 23, 2000

By	J Keistler "[e-mail]" (Lake Jackson, Texas USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

I first heard the Ink Spots in the seventies when I got into big band. It was impossible to find their music then, and I listened eagerly on the radio. This CD illustrates the restorative magic that can be done with a competent remastering. It ain't stereo, but it's clear and true as only good mono can be! I wonder--do any black people listen to this music? I only know white people that like the Ink Spots. This music evokes elegance in the Roosevelt years. Like one of your other reviewers says, dim the lights, pour a drink, and enjoy!