The Andrews Sisters Sing the Andrews Sisters - Bottom line: This collection is largely re-recordings of the Andrews Sisters hits from the 1940s, re-done in the 1950s. Some of the oldies (Shoo-Shoo Baby and Well All Right, for example) benefit from tight studio band arrangements and improved recording techniques, but most do not. Other selections reflect Capitol s inexplicable experiments in turning this swingin est of sister acts into a country (Crazy Arms) or gospel (By His Word) group -- without much success. I bought this CD because the Capitol recording of Hold Tight was the first Andrews Sisters record I ever heard, so it has a place in my childhood memories, and I wanted to have it. But unless you re an Andrews completist, I d opt for the original 1940s recordings and pass this collection right by.
great introduction to the Andrews Sisters - This is the first CD that I purchased by the Andrews Sisters and it was a great introduction to their music. I have heard a couple of the originals, but they do not have the energy and quality of the newer ones. The CD mastering is flawless. I own many CD s of recordings from decades after these ones were done and they do not sound nearly as good.
Yes, they re re-recordings...but just as good! - This set of the greatest hits of the Andrews Sisters (made in the 1950 s) is a great companion to any CD of the original recordings (made in the 1930 s and 40 s). Most re-recordings by pop and rock artists are infinitely weaker than their original recordings and are easily dismissable. However, the Andrews Sisters recorded during a period when recording technology was in its infancy, thus resulting in a great deal of hiss and a monophonic sound in their recordings. Enjoyable, yes - but unsophisticated from a technological point of view.These re-recordings offer the listener more technogically sophisticated recordings and, most importantly, the vocals of the Andrews Sisters are just as strong. As a result, I feel many of these records are more enjoyable to listen to than the originals, as vital and important as those are.My own conclusion? Buy both the originals and these re-recordings. You can t go wrong!
Capitol Collectors Series - The liner note booklet for this compilation was the second of two which I have written about The Andrews Sisters. For a first time listener I would recomend one of the earlier MCA releases. But for the die hard fan this CD is a must, as it shows the progression and maturity of the girls as a trio, and Patty as a soloist. (Plus there are three previously unreleased songs well worth listening to!) Pam DuBois
Not all originals, but still a great collection - As reviewers have already noted, these are not all original recordings, however, this does not make it a bad collection. The Capitol versions of songs like Hold Tight and Rum and Coca Cola don t have the same charm as the originals, but they are still great to listen to. There are also some wonderful original Captitol recordings like Crazy Arms, By His Word, and One Mistake.If you are looking to buy your first Andrews Sisters CD, I would suggest something else, like the 20th Century Masters collection. But if you already own the original recordings, this is a good CD to buy.