Part of the ASV "Living Era" series, "Apple Blossom Time" contains 25 favorites from the female group that will forever define the harmony sound of World War II. Hits such as "Rum and Cola," "Don't Fence Me In" (with Bing Crosby), "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" and the title track were standard issue back then, and Maxene, Laverne and Patricia captured the spirit of the nation. Their balmy, lilting style (reminiscent of the Boswell Sisters before them), can be saucy one moment ("Strip Polka," "Shoo, Shoo Baby") or sweetly romantic ("Near You," "Toolie Oolie Doolie") with equal charm. Accompanied, with the big band swing arrangements popular at the time, though on a few tracks - "Apple Blossom Time" in particular - the instruments are muted and almost insignificant. |
