Andrews Sisters : 20th Century Masters

Review:

Songlist: Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen (Means You're Grand), Hold Tight (Want Some Sea Food), Beat Me Daddy, Eight To The Bar, I'll Be With You In Apple Blossom Time, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree (With Anyone Else But Me), Shoo-Shoo Baby, Rum And Coca-Cola, Near You, I Wanna Be Loved, Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive, I Can Dream, Can't I

Andrews Sisters : Apple Blossom Time

Review: 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.

Songlist: I'll Be With You In Apple Blossom Time, Joseph, Joseph!, Ti-Pi-Tin, Begin the Beguine, Oh Johnny, Oh Johnny, Oh!, Say "Si, Si" (Para Vigo Me Voy), The Woodpecker Song, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, The Shrine of St Cecilia, Three Little Sisters, Strip Polka, Pistol Packin' Mama, Shoo, Shoo, Baby, Straighten Up and Fly Right, Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby?, Don't Fence Me In, Rum and Coca-Cola, Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive, Along the Navajo Trail, South America, Take It Away, Near You, Civilization (Bongo Bongo Bongo), Toolie Oolie Doolie (the Yodel Polka), Underneath the Arches

Andrews Sisters : Beat Me Daddy Eight To The Bar ('37-'40)

Review: The Andrews Sisters have recorded so many songs and sold so many records (75 million) that to say they were the Queens of Pop in the 1930's and 1940's is practically an understatement. This recording is special because it encompasses their early years, 1937-1940; of course it includes "Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen," which established their reputation and went to number #1, but also wonderful nostalgia such as "Ciribiribin," with Bing Crosby on lead, "I Love You Too Much," "Pagan Love Song" and so many more - twenty-two songs in all, too many to describe here. Many are accompanied by Vic Schoen, their longtime bandleader and arranger. The quality is still terrific and hasn't tarnished with age in the least.

Songlist: Beat Me Dadd Eight to the Bar, The Cock-Eyed Mayor of Kaunakakai, Beer Barrel Polka, Bei Mir Bist Du Shon, Pennsylvania 6-5000, Rhumboogie, I Love You Too Much, The Ferryboat Serenade, Well All Right, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Ciribiribin (with Bing Crosby), One Two Three O'Leary, Why Talk About Love, You Don't Know How Much You Can Suffer, From the Land of the Sky Blue Water, Pagan Love Song, Hold Tight, Long Time No See, OOOOO-Oh Boom, Short'nin' Bread, Let's Have Another One, I Want My Mama

Andrews Sisters : Music Lessons with

Review: Patty, Maxine and Laverne, the Andrews Sisters from Minneapolis, started their career at a young age, hitting the entertainment industry with what appeared to be overnight success, becoming the first female harmony group to sell a million-selling disc with "Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen in 1938. By the mid-1950s the sisters had recorded over 400 songs, including 6 chart toppers countless gold discs, and had appeared in numerous films. They also recorded with stars like Bing Crosby, Al Jolsen, Danny Kaye and many others. The light-hearted, energetic style of the Sisters, that helped entertain troops and cheer a nation through the dark days of WWII, is well-represented here: "The Telephone Song," "A Rainy Night in Rio," "Some Sunny Day," "I Want To Go Back To Michigan," "Baby Blues," "Dimple and Cherry Cheeks," "My Isles Of Golden Dreams" and the Hawaiian tunes "Nalani" and "Malihini Mele." There's a number of cuts by the Sisters that we've never heard before, like "I Had A Hat," "The Windmill Song," "I Ought To Know More About You," "I'm On A Seasaw Of Love," "Where Is Your Wandering Mother Tonight," the title tune and many others. All swing-band accompanied. "Music Lessons" is a fun, sassy, cleanly-remastered time capsule of one of the great female vocal swing groups of all time, singing 25 of their wonderful, little-known and rarely heard hits!

Songlist: A Rainy Night In Rio, On the Avenue, Some Sunny Day, I Want To Go Back To Michigan, I Had A Hat, The Windmill Song, Can't We Talk it Over, I Ought to Know More About You, The Telephone Song, If I Were A Bell, Where Is Your Wandering Mother Tonight, Unless You're Free, Baby Blues, Dimples And Cherry Cheeks, Love Is Here To Stay, It's All Over But The Memories, Play Me A Hurtin' Tune, I'm On A Seesaw Of Love, Music Lessons, I'll Walk Alone, That's The Chance You Get, My Isle Of Golden Dreams, Nalani, Malihini Mele

Andrews Sisters / McGuire Sisters : Sing The Big Hits - Back to Back

Review: Certainly the two best-known and best-loved "sister" groups of the 1940s and 50s, the Andrews and McGuire Sisters just kept cranking out the top-40 hits. And what hits they were - what can you say about a song like "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy," other than that they should have given the Andrews Sisters heavy gold medals for helping win World War II with it? And "Beat Me Daddy Eight to the Bar," one of the most quintessential and definitive songs of the Swing era. If you're looking for songs that define the glamorous, innocent romanticism of the 1950s, wouldn't the McGuire's "Sincerely," "Sugartime," "Something's Got to Give" and "May You Always" be at or near the top of your list? Ten hits (all band accompanied): "Well All Right (Tonight's the Night)," "Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen," "I'll Be With You In Apple Blossom Time," "Muskrat Ramble" - these songs were huge, and they're all here for you to remember and enjoy!

Songlist: Sincerely, Sugartime, Somethings Gotta Give, May You Always, Beat Me Daddy Eight To The Bar, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Well All Right, Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen, I'll Be With You In Apple Blossom Time, Muskrat Ramble

Andrews Sisters and Bing Crosby : A Merry Christmas

Review: As Christmas time nears you will undoubtedly begin hearing once again the familiar sounds of Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters. It was back in the 40's and 50's when Bing and the sisters got together and recorded 6 Christmas songs for Decca records, which historically have become some of the most celebrated holiday recordings of all time. Most of the songs will ring a familiar bell, but there are some very cute recordings that didn't quite receive the recognition deserved. This 20 track release includes; "Happy Holidays", "Twelve Days Of Christmas", "I'd Like To Hitch A Ride With Santa Claus", "You're All I Want For Christmas", "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town", "Winter Wonderland", "Mele Kalikimaka", and "Here Comes Santa Claus". Like a cracklin fire, this is great music to bring warmth to your home this Christmas season.

Songlist: Happy Holiday, Jing-A-Ling, Jing-A-Ling, Twelve Days Of Christmas, The First Snowfall, I'd Like to Hitch A Ride With Santa Claus, Poppa Santa Claus, You're All I Want For Christmas, The Christmas Tree Angel, Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town, O Fir Tree Dark, Christmas Candles, Jingle Bells, Christmas In Killarney, Winter Wonderland, Here Comes Santa Claus, Looks Like A Cold, Cold Winter, Merry Christmas Polka, Mele Kalikimaka, Is Christmas Only A Tree, Christmas Island

Boswell Sisters : Syncopating Harmonists From New Orleans

Review: Rarely reissued commercial cuts and unissued selections from circa 1930 radio shows. From these flashes, it seems likely that the Bosewell Sisters could have "trended" with the times for a good many years. Trended in the sense that they always did: drawing selectively upon developments and refinements in jazz and popular music, shaping and honing the music of their time - or any time - with the consummate good taste and musical integrity that was the Boswells' hallmark.

Songlist: I'm In Training For You, When The Little Red Roses Get The Blues For You, Does My Baby Love?, Song Of The Dawn, Liza Lee, Rarin' To Go, There' A Wah-Wah Gal In Agua Calliente, I'm On A Diet Of Love, The One I Love Just Can't Be Bothered With Me, Swanee Mammy, If It Ain't Love, Putting It On, Don't Let Your Love Go Wrong, It's Written All Over Your Face, Why Don't You Practice What You Preach, Every Little Moment, Way Back Home, The Object Of My Affection, I'll Never Say "Never Again" Again, Lullaby Of Broadway

Chordettes : Born To Be With You

Review: Anyone who appreciates fine harmony singing will find pleasure and treasure in this new budget priced collection by the Chordettes, America's top female group of the 50s. With their imaginative vocal arrangements, their pure a cappella barbershop versions of standards and their surprisingly effective teen-orientated rock'n'roll, the Chordettes' often breath-taking harmonies lines still have the power to entrance.

Songlist: Born To Be With You, Lollipop, Mister Sandman, Eddie My Love, True Love Goes On And On, Just Between You And Me, Lonely Lips, Photographs, In The Deep Blue Sea, No Wheels, Lay Down Your Arms, A Girls Work Is Never Done, Humming Bird, Lonely Boy, Tall Paul, To Know Him Is To Love Him, Baby Come A Back A, No Other Arms, No Other Lips, Love Is A Two Way Street, Teenage Goodnight

Chordettes : Fabulous Chordettes

Review: The Chordettes were one of the most successful female groups of the vintage era. After their selection, in 1949, for the Arthur Godfrey talent program, they recorded a series of albums, first for Columbia, and then for Cadence. "The Fabulous Chordettes" is a selection from this later period ('54-'61), and includes their first big hit, "Mr. Sandman,", "Lollipops," "Just Between You And Me," and nine others (accompanied, but reticently). Their vocal style and arrangements, though not strictly vertical, were definitely influenced by barbershop theory. Many of the cuts are mono - the digital master was transferred from the original analog recordings.

Songlist: Lollipop, Born To Be With You, Eddie My Love, The Wedding, Mister Sandman, Teenage Goodnight, Just Between You And Me, Soft Sands, Zorro, No Other Arms, No Other Lips, Lay Down Your Arms, Never On Sunday

Chordettes : Greatest Hits

Review: All the big hits at a budget price.

Songlist: Mr Sandman, Lollipop, Born To Be With You, Just Between You and Me, Never On Sunday, Eddie My Love, Lay Down Your Arms, Zorro, No Other Arms, No Other Lips, Teenage Goodnight

Chordettes : Harmony Encores / Your Requests

Review: As this is another two-LPs for the price of one CD, we can hear you say, "Let me guess, they'll love this one too." Bingo! The Chordettes, who we think of as the first great Sweet Adelines group, pioneered women's barbershop singing when there was no such thing, and they did it with class, professionalism and style. "Harmony Encores" was released by Columbia in 1952, and "Sing Your Requests" in 1954, and they contain 23 classics of harmony and arrangement. While finding the original LPs in any kind of condition to play is unlikely, here you get the original master recordings on a CD with pictures of the four women, the original album covers and the original liner notes. From the opening cut, "Carolina Moon," to "Drifting and Dreaming," "Kentucky Babe," "The Anniversary Waltz," "Wait 'Til the Sun Shines, Nellie," "I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now," "Hello! Ma Baby" and the final cut "Darkness On The Delta," this is Entertainment!

Songlist: Carolina Moon, Basin Street Blues, Floatin' Down To Cotton Town, Drifting And Dreaming, Garden In The Rain, S'posin', The Sweetheart Of Sigma Chi, Kentucky Babe, In The Sweet Long Ago, I'm Drifting Back To Dreamland, Angry, A Little Street Where Old Friends Meet, The Anniversary Waltz, Sentimental Journey, Wait 'Till The Sun Shines, Nellie, They Say It's Wonderful, I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now, For Me And My Gal, I Believe, Down Among The Sheltering Palms, Hello! Ma Baby, Wonderful One, (When It's) Darkness On The Delta

Chordettes : Harmony Time Vol 1 & 2

Review: "Harmony Time, Vol. I & II" is a very generous slice of pre-Sweet Adelines history. By generous we mean two LPs (16 cuts) of the Chordettes by themselves, plus 8 songs with Arthur Godfrey and one with Bill Lawrence. It was 1946 in Sheboygan, WI, and four young women were singing together, working out some intricate harmonies that sounded pretty good. They named themselves the Chordettes. Encouraged by an early SPEBSQSA, they appeared in an all-male Sheboygan barbershop parade, then auditioned for Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts, which they won easily. After that they joined the talented Godfrey troupe. We can't call them Sweet Adelines Champs, as SA hadn't been formed yet, so how about pre-Champs? The pioneering intricate, soaring harmonies the Chordettes worked out themselves are a revelation for lovers of pure barbershop of any gender. Favorites? "Moonlight Bay," "Carry Me Back to Old Virginny," "Ballin' The Jack," "Shine on Harvest Moon," "Moonlight on the Ganges," "Love's Old Sweet Song" and "Alice Blue Gown." We also liked the Godfrey tunes, but they are accompanied (sometimes by Godfrey on piano), and feature Godfrey more than the Chordettes, who frankly could sing rings around him. In any case, this CD is a joy on many levels!

Songlist: When You Were Sweet Sixteen, Moonlight Bay, Carry Me Back To Old Virginny, Ballin' The Jack, Shine On Harvest Moon, Tell Me Why, I'd Love To Live In Loveland (With A Girl Like You), When Day Is Done, Runnin' Wild, Love Me And The World Is Mine, Moonlight On The Ganges, The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise, Love's Old Sweet Song, Let The Rest Of The World Go By, Lonesome- That's All, Alice Blue Gown, Candy And Cake, If It Wasn't For Your Father, Hawaii, O Joe, Down By The Old Mill Stream, Time Out For Tears, Can't Be Seem To Laugh Anymore, Love Is The Reason, Dance Me Loose

Clark Sisters : Swing Again/A Salute To The Great Singing Groups

Review: The Clark Sisters (Ann, Jean, Peggy and Mary) recorded these songs in 1959 and 1962. Formerly known as the "Sentimentalists," they sang with Tommy Dorsey and had several chart hits. What sets them apart as special is their ability to mimic instruments with uncanny accuracy, such as on "Sugar Blues," where they capture every nuance of the trumpet sound, muted and open. The "Salute" album gave the sisters the opportunity to select their favorite numbers from groups such as the Mills Bros. ("Paper Doll"), the McGuire Sisters ("Sugartime"), the Pied Pipers ("Dream") and the Modernaires ("I've Got A Girl In Kalamazoo"), among many others. Listen to them cut loose on "Bei Mir Bist Du Schon," where they trade licks with the band!

Songlist: My Blue Heaven, Until The Real Thing Comes Along, Bei Mir Bist Du Schon, Paper Doll, I'll Get By, I've Got A Gal In Kalamazoo, Dream, Sugartime, I'm Getting Sentimental Over You, Undecided, I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles, When I Take My Sugar To Tea, St. Louis Blues March, Hot Toddy, Song Of India, I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm, I Can't Get Started, Trumpet Blues, In The Mood, When Day Is Done, The Mole, Take the 'A' Train, Sugar Blues, One O'Clock Jump

de Castro Sisters : Teach Me Tonight

Review: Most popular in the 50s, the de Castros began a decade earlier as a Latin act, which they virtually dropped when they were signed by the otherwise hillbilly-oriented Abbott label. Besides 31 (big band accompanied) period hits, "Teach Me" includes a thick photo album with the history of these 3 Cuban rich girls who shared an amazing musical career stretching from the 1940s to the present day (at least as of 1999, when the CD was released), from Miami to Hollywood to New York City. Sneaking off from their gig at Miami's Clover Club to sing (and record) with Tito Puente's band, being invited to Hollywood by Walt Disney to sing background vocals on "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah"-it's an amazing musical story. The title tune was on the flip side of the supposed-to-be hit "It's Love." A Cleveland disc jockey turned it over, played it and got bags of mail. The "suggestive" tune became the Sisters' biggest hit. Novelty and pop tunes like "Boom Boom Boomerang," "Cuckoo In The Clock," "Rockin' and Rollin' In Hawaii," "Cowboys Don't Cry," "Don't Call Me Sweetie," "Old Timer's Tune" the upbeat "Biddle-Dee Bop" and "You Take Of Me (I'll Take Care of You;" torch songs like "No One to Blame But You," "Give Me Time," "If I Ever Fall In Love," "It's Yours," and the country tune "That Little Word Called Love" - we've never heard most of these songs, but we like them. They are as full of energy, spirit and innocence as the 1950s, and the improbable de Castro Sisters!

Songlist: It's Love, Boom Boom Boomerang, To Say You're Mine, The Wedding Song, If I Ever Fall In Love, I'm Bewildered, Teach Me Tonight, Give Me Time, Too Late Now, Cry Baby Blues, Let Your Love Walk In, Cuckoo In The Clock, Cuban Love Song, I Can't Escape From You, Rockin' and Rollin' In Hawaii, No One To Blame But You, Cowboys Don't Cry, It's Yours, I Never Meant To Hurt You, I Hear A Melody, Don't Call Me Sweetie, Flowers On The Hillside, I Know Plenty, Blue And Broken-Hearted, Where Have You Been My Love, That Little Word Called Love, Old Timer's Tune, Biddle-Dee Bop, What A Relief (Hoop Ah Hoop Ah, Bah Dah Dah), You Take Care of Me (I'll Take Care Of You), and more

DeJohn Sisters : Complete DeJohn Sisters

Review: Julie and Dux DeGiovanni were born in the early 1930s in Chester, PA, and worked in their teens at Sears and their parents' dry cleaning business while singing and performing around town, trying to break into the music business. Their big break came when local group the Four Aces were signed by RCA and left town, vacating the stage at the Ukrainian Club, which was filled by the Sisters. This attracted a following and a visit by a talent scout from Epic Records. The Sisters wrote many of their own tunes, including their first single, 1953's "The Angel Passed By." "Should I Run," "All Present But One," "I Took Him from You" and "Juke Box Polka," were recorded for Epic in early 1954. Later that year they co-wrote their best-known hit, "(My Baby Don't Love Me) No More." The Sisters' smooth, high sound (similar to the McGuire Sisters) scored a lot of airplay with "D'Ja Hear What I Say," "Pass the Plate of Happiness Around," "C'est La Vie," "Don't Promise Me (The Can Can Song)," "Where Would I Be" and "Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder," recorded for Columbia, Mercury and UA, These 28 songs, every one recorded for Columbia/Epic, show highlight the Sisters' writing talents, but most of all their bright, upbeat sound. Pure, fun, toe-tapping entertainment from the mid-1950s! All songs orchestrally-accompanied.

Songlist: The Angel Passed By (Bob Shaeffer), Should I Run (Bob Shaeffer), Newver Since School (Bob Shaeffer), All Present But One (Bob Shaeffer), I Took Him From You (Ned Fairchild), A Kiss and a Rose (Tommie Connor), The Crazy Song of India (Dux DeJohn), Mandolino (Les Paul), Theresa- The Little Flower (Bickley Reichner), Lover's Slang (Dux DeJohn), My Baby Don't Love Me No More (Julie DeJohn), D'Ja Hear What I Say? (Julie DeJohn), A Present For Bob (Julie DeJohn), Pass The Plate of Happiness Around (Grace Lane), He Loves Me (Jeri Sullivan), Love Is The Tender Trap (Sammy Cahn), I'm Learnin' The Charleston (Earl Shuman), C'Est La Vie (Mack Wolfson), The Man With The Blue Guitar (Dion McGregor), Uninvited Love (Carolyn Leigh), Hotta Chocolotta (Milton Drake), In My Innocence (Diane Lambert), Big "D" (Frank Loesser), He's Got Time (Bob Merril, Mu-Cha-Cha (Betty Comden), Mah Little Baby- Shortnin' Bread), Don't Promise Me- The Can Can Song (Ray Passman)

DeMarco Sisters : It's Been A Long, Long Time

Review: The 5 DeMarco Sisters became a show business staple from 1945-55. Their sound was always consistent - a lush, sweeping harmony that was very popular with audiences. They did it all, appearing on leading radio shows, and in several films including "Skirts Ahoy" with Esther Williams. They sang regularly on Ed Sullivan, Kate Smith and Jackie Gleason TV broadcasts. They toured the country with Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis and made appearances with Nat "King" Cole and Frank Sinatra. This 29 track collection brings to listeners nearly all their major recordings, and some obscure ones. Most of these titles have not been available since their original issue 50 or more years ago.

Songlist: It's Been A Long, Long Time, Chico Chico (From Puerto Rico), Hop, Skip And Jump, Flat river, Missouri, Blue, Sweet I've Gotten On You (The Pennsylvania Dutch Song), One-zy Two-zy (I Love You-zy), I Fall In Love With You Every Day, How Cute Can You Be?, Doin' What Comes Naturally, That Wonderful Worrisome Feeling, Under The Bamboo Tree, Time Didn't Change A Thing, At The Close Of A Long Day, Long Day, I'm Never Satisfied, Bouillibase, Pretty Baby, Watermelon Weather, Auf Wiederseh'n Sweetheart, Love Me, Just A Girl That men Forget, This Love Of Mine, Mumbo Is The Word, Dreamboat, Two Hearts, Two Kisses (Make One Love), Sailor Boys Have To Talk To Me In English, The Hot Barcolle, Five Little Misses, I'm Through With Love

Dinning Sisters : Back In Country Style

Review: Although the Dinning Sisters found commercial fame in the 1940s as a close harmony trio in the style of the Andrews Sisters, their roots lay in the developing Country music of the 30's-not surprising as the girls were raised in rural Wichita, KS. "Back" has 26 tunes, many of them featuring George Barnes on guitar, all fairly lightly accompanied. This is upbeat music, falling into the general category of the 1920's Western Swing of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys ("San Antonio Rose," cut #19), and 1950's and 60's Rockabilly music. "Turn Your Radio On," Gene Autry's "You'll Be Sorry," "Gospel Cannonball," the jazzy "Oh! Monah," "Louisiana Hayride," "Sweethearts or Strangers - this is a generous helping of authentic, fun stuff from the sweet harmonied Dinnings. Recommended!

Songlist: Turn Your Radio On, Thanks for the Buggy Ride, You'll Be Sorry, You Are Me Sunshine, Farther Along, Trouble In My Mind, Gospel Cannonball, Bury Me Not on the Lone Prairie, I'm Sorry Now, I Wonder Where You Are Tonight, Let's Draw Straws, I Only Want A Buddy Not A Sweetheart, The Last Thing I Want Is Your Pity, Home on the Range, Oh! Monah, I Called But Nobody Answered, Louisiana Hayride, Ridin' Down the Canyohn, San Antonio Rose, Morning On the Farm, In the Pines, Sweethearts or Strangers, The Traiil of the Lonesome Pine, When the Bloom is on the Sage, No Letter Today, Till We Meet Again

Four King Cousins : Introducing...

Review: From the original 1969 Capitol Records bio, we learn that The Four King Cousins are daughters of the famous King Sisters and members of the equally famous King Family. The four young women, all pretty blondes in their early 20s, first appeared on TV on John Davidson's "Kraft Summer Music Hall." Then they were signed to a Capitol recording contract, appeared on top shows like Jonathan Winters and Johnny Carson, and in concert with Buddy Rich, Buddy Greco and Stan Getz. "Introducing" is their debut album, 11 heavily-accompanied pop covers, including a pair by Bert Bacharach, "This Girl's In Love With You" and "Walk On By," a pair by Lennon/McCartney, "Good Day Sunshine" and "Here, There and Everywhere;" Brian Wilson's "God Only Knows," pop hits "Califonia Nights," "It's All In The Game," "I Wanna Be Free" "Love So Fine and others. Innocent, schmaltzy, nostalgic, top-40 fun from the late 60s!

Songlist: This Girl's In Love, It's All In The Game, Walk On By, California Nights, Let's Get Away From It All, I Wanna Be Free, Good Day Sunshine, God Only Knows, Love So Fine, Here, There And Everywhere, I Fell

King Sisters : Queens Of Song

Review: The lovely King Sisters, hailing from Utah, were six in number, though the group usually featured four at a time, allowing for flexibility as family commitments encroached. Having been influenced by the Boswell Sisters, they sought fame and fortune in the early thirties, and began singing with bandleader Horace Heidt. Their success continued into the forties and fifties, as contemporaries of the Andrews and McGuire Sisters, and even into the 1960's, when they had their own television program, "The King Family Show." With their orchestra, conducted by Frank DeVol, the girls produced a slew of close harmony classics, from the wistful ballad, as in "The Day You Came Along" and "I Don't Know Why," to the cheerful "Cielito Linda," "You Made Me Love You" and "Pagan Love Song"; and who could forget "When The Swallows Came Back To Capistrano"? What a trip down memory lane!

Songlist: Memories of You, It's Easy to Remember, When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano, I May Be Wrong, Pagan Love Song, Miss Otis Regrets, I Don't Know Why, Cielito Linda, Basin Street Blues, The Day You Came Along, An Old Guitar and an Old Refrain, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Why Should I Cry Over You, You Made Me Love You, St. Louis Blues, I've Had My Moments, Stars Fell On Alabama, East of the Sun, By the River Sainte Marie, All Of Me, Love is the Thing, Don't Worry 'Bout Me, Stomping at TheSavoy

Lennon Sisters : Best Loved Melodies

Review: No review yet

Songlist: My Favorite Things, Greensleeves, I Will Wait For You, Goin' Out Of My Head, Scarborough Fair, Fascination, Ave Maria, You'll Never Walk Alone, Sentimental Journey

Lennon Sisters : Favorite Songs From the Lennon Sisters Hour Vol 1

Review: From their first 1955 appearance on the Lawrence Welk Show as 9- (Janet) to 16-year olds (Dee Dee) singing an a cappella "He," America fell in love with the 4 Lennon Sisters. For 13 years of Saturday nights, they appeared on the Welk show before, as grown women, they finally broke with him to do their own "The Lennon Sisters Hour" from 1969 to 1970. "Favorite" is the first of 4 CDs of "best of" songs from this show there are 10 songs, and a lot of warm memories for Lennon fans here. "May We Wish You Well," the show's theme song, the sweet "Simple Life," "Softly," "Love In A Home," "Can't Take That Away From Me," and "Bless This House." We particularly liked the production medley "One Way Ticket/Grass Is Always Greener," the jazzy "Pennies from Heaven," "Let Go," and "Walt Disney Medley" (the Sisters' "Hi to You" and "Mickey Mouse Mambo," from a guest spot on the Mickey Mouse Club, was their first recording). America's Angels in top form!

Songlist: May We Wish You Well, Simple Life, Softly, One Way Ticket / Grass is Always Greener, Pennies from Heaven, Love In A Home, Can't Take That Away From Me, Let Go, Walt Disney Medley, Bless This House

Lennon Sisters : Favorite Songs From the Lennon Sisters Hour Vol 2

Review: Review pending

Songlist: Wonderful, Wonderful, They Say It's Wonderful, Love Is Just Around The Corner, My Cup Runneth Over, Feelin' Good, Medley (Far Away Places), Where Or When, Watch What Happens, Smile, If My Friends Could See Me Now

Lennon Sisters : Favorite Songs From the Lennon Sisters Hour Vol 3

Review: More classic songs.

Songlist: This A Lovely Way, Finian's Rainbow Medley, Look For The Silver Lining / I'm Always Chasing Rainbows, Taste of Honey, The Spiritual Medley, Ain't Misbehavin', That's All, S'Wonderful, Windmills of my Mind, May We Wish You Well

Lennon Sisters : Favorite Songs From the Lennon Sisters Hour Vol 4

Review:

Songlist: Baubles, Bangles and Beads, Easy to Remember, Meetin' Here Tonight, Hey Mr. Banjo, Paper Moon, More, Breezin' Along With The Breeze, Heather On The Hill, Pass Me By, Medley: The Very Thought of You/I'm Glad There Is You, This Is My Lucky Day

Lennon Sisters : Favorite Songs From the Lennon Sisters Hour Vol V

Review: Review pending

Songlist: Pick Yourself Up, Miami Medley, Love Is A Very Light Thing, Kentucky Babe, Ain't We Got Fun, You Go To My Head, Canadian Sunset, In The Still Of The Night, Walk Right In, I Can Dream Can't I & I'll See You In My Dreams, You're Undecided Now

Lennon Sisters : Songs Of Faith and Inspiration

Review: When the Lawrence Welk Show was no longer on prime time, The Lennon Sisters didn't stop singing, or, judging by the cover of this "22 Songs," looking beautiful! This is another of those wonderful compilations, where you get 2 albums worth of songs on a single regular-priced CD, issued on Ranwood Records, "A Welk Music Group Company," in the early 80s. The butter-smooth, sweet-harmonied sound of the Sisters hasn't faded a bit on these 22 lightly piano-accompanied songs. "Walk With Me," "Softly and Tenderly," "How Great Thou Art" (a personal favorite), "Ave Maria," "You'll Never Walk Alone," "The Old Rugged Cross," "Battle Hymn of the Republic," "Holy, Holy, Holy," "Faith of Our Fathers"--each song is a perfect gem, sung by the legendary Lennon Sisters. Enjoy and be inspired!

Songlist: Walk With Me, Softly And Tenderly, How Great Thou Art, I Believe, Ave Maria, Were You There?, You'll Never Walk Alone, Wedding Song, Jesus You Are My Friend, The Old Rugged Cross, Battle Hymn Of The Republic, My Tribute, Soul Of My Savior, Holy, Holy, Holy, Let Us Break Bread, In This Very Room, Amazing Grace, Unfailing Love, Old Time Religion, Eternal Life, Faith Of Our Fathers, The Lord's Prayer

Lennon Sisters : Yesterday & Today

Review: The smooth, blended harmonies of the Lennon Sisters, their discovery by Lawrence Welk and their many appearances on his show and Andy Williams', all these things you know. Well, here are 18 (accompanied) songs, the "best of " the Lennon Sisters. Smooth and sweet, slightly jazzy at times - this is happy music, slow-dancing music. Included are several wonderful 50s pictures of the girls, in costume and with Welk, and sweet little remembrances about each song by Kathy Lennon. "Sentimental Journey," "Anniversary Song," "You Made Me Love You," "Scarlet Ribbons," "Fascination" and a personal favorite, "Theme From 'A Summer Place." You get the picture - the Sisters harmonize even sweeter than you remember or could imagine!

Songlist: Sentimental Journey, Anniversary Song, You Made Me Love You, Scarlet Ribbons, Vaya Con Dios, When I Fall In Love, There I've Said It Again, Greensleeves, Now Is The Hour, Melody of Love, This Is My Song, Fascination, Theme From a Summer Place, You Are So Beautiful, Can't Help Falling In Love, Scarborough Fair, Autumn Leaves, You'll Never Walk Alone

McGuire Sisters : Do You Remember When?/While The Lights Are Low

Review: The McGuire Sisters (Phyllis, Dorothy and Christine) got their big break on the Arthur Godfrey Talent Show, where they replaced the Chordettes and remained for six years. They generated many hits throughout the 1950's and well into the next decade, and so popular were they that, as representatives for Coca-Cola, they received the highest fee in advertising history up to that time. These 24 romantic melodies just inspire harmony, and the orchestrations are brilliant as well. "Tiptoe Through The Tulips" uses imitation among the horn and string sections to reinforce the vocal line, while "Them There Eyes" is punctuated by percussion and horn accents and a half-time coda. The three voices, very similar in tone color and generally having a low tessitura in the female range, blend easily, and their vocal style is natural and without artifice. It's wonderful stuff.

Songlist: Do You Remember When?, Sometimes I'm Happy, June Night, All By Myself, Tiptoe Through The Tulips With Me, Them There Eyes, Mississippi Mud, Cuddle Up A Little Closer, Lovey Mine, Does Your Heart Beat For Me?, Somebody Loves Me, S'wonderful, Blue Skies, I'm In The Mood For Love, Don't Take Your Love From Me, My Darling, My Darling, Moonglow, Tenderly, I Hadn't Anyone 'Till You, If You Were Only Mine, Wonderful One, I'm Confessin', Moon Song, Love Is Here To Stay, Think Of Me Kindly

McGuire Sisters : Greatest Hits

Review: The three sisters McGuire indeed have a unity of blend hard to match among the many famous sibling groups. Their popularity was immense, and their cover versions of songs such as "Sincerely" and "Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight," (both originally sung by the Moonglows and Spaniels, respectively) placed higher on the charts than those of their progenitors; the McGuire's sound and image was considered more acceptable to white audiences. While some of the songs, like "He," don't hold up as well over time - the lyrics and orchestrations seem a bit precious - the vivacious delivery is so unabashed, the apparently innate tunefulness so exact, and the arrangements so creative that "Muskrat Ramble" and "Sugartime" leave no doubt as to why the McGuires were loved by so many.

Songlist: Sincerely, Something's Gotta Give, HE, Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight, Picnic, Muskrat Ramble, Ev'ry Day Of My Life, Sugartime, It May Sound Silly, Christmas Alphabet, May You Always, Just For Old Time's Sake

McGuire Sisters : May You Always

Review: "May You Always" is an all-accompanied "best of" compilation of hits by sisters Christine, Dorothy and Phyllis of Middletown, Ohio, from the albums "May You Always" and "Sugartime," released on Coral Records in 1959 and 1960. The sisters grew up in Miamisburg, OH, where their mother was an ordained minister of the First Church of Christ. They sang in church in their teen years, then in military bases and church functions, auditioned on the Arthur Godfrey show, where they were a resident attraction for seven years. Exposure on the Kate Smith Show led to a record contract with Decca/Brunswick/Coral. There are 28 songs here, most of them well-known 50s pop hits: "Since You Went Away to School," "Volare," "Ding Dong," "Summer Dreams," "Sweetie Pie," "Peace," "I'll Think of You," "One Fine Day," "Banana Split," "Forgive Me," "Kiss Them For Me," "Lovers Lullaby," "The Last Dance," "Anniversary Song," "I Love You" and "Shuffle Off to Buffalo." The sisters' voices are perfectly matched harmonically, and the songs as inspirational, funny, silly and schmaltzy as you can imagine! This is a rich, enjoyable collection from Sepia Records with beautiful album cover pix and photos of the immaculately coifed and fashion-coordinated, sweetly smiling McGuire

Songlist: May You Always, That's A Plenty, Since You Went Away To School, Do You Love Me Like You Kiss Me (Scapricciatiello), Volare (Nel Blu, Dipinto Di Blu), Ding Dong, Summer Dreams, Sweetie Pie, Peace, Achoo- Cha Cha (Gesundheit), I'll Think Of You, One Fine Day, Sugartime, Around The World, Weary Blues, Banana Split, Interlude, Forgive Me, In The Alps In The Alps In The Alps, Kiss Them For Me, Shame, Livin' Dangerously, Lovers Lullaby, The Last Dance, Nine O'Clock, Anniversary Song, I Love You, Shuffle Off To Buffalo

Andrews Sisters : Hidden Gems

Review: It's 1943 and the war news on the radio isn't great, so you fiddle with the dial on the huge RCA Victor radio, and there are the Andrews Sisters, singing "I'm Getting Corns for My Country," a song about the painful joys of dancing at the USO. You chuckle and start tapping your feet, and think that a country that could produce a group like the plucky Sisters might win this war after all. "Now Is The Time" is a rare, 2-CD for the price of one collection of Andrews Sisters classics, many of which have not been heard since the end of the war. There are 23 songs, not in total but on each CD! Joining the Sisters are stars like Carmen Miranda on two Samba songs, Danny Kaye on three songs, Bing Crosby on two songs, Burl Ives, Nat King Cole, Dick Hayme, Ernest Tubb and Dan Dailey. All songs are swing band accompanied. Picking favorites isn't easy - all the songs are hip, swinging, and funny and/or poignant: "The Turntable Song," "The Wedding Samba," "He Rides The Range For Republic," "Gimme Some Skin, My Friend," "Choo'n Gum," "Amelia Cordelia McHugh-McWho?" and "Big Brass Band from Brazil" with Danny Kaye, and "Too Fat Polka." Of course you've heard "Beat Me Daddy, Eight to the Bar" on all the other Andrews recordings, but have you heard "Bounce Me Brother With A Solid Four?" If you love the AS, swing music, American history or musical humor, this CD is for you!

Songlist: The Turntable Song, Nobody's Darling But Mine, On The Avenue, The Wedding Samba w. Carmen Miranda, He Rides The Range (For Republic), Muskrat Ramble, Monkey Is The Root Of All Evil, I See, I See w. Carmen Miranda, Now! Now! Now! Is The Time, Malaguena, Walk With A Wiggle, Down In The Valley, You Can Call Everybody Darling, Underneath The Arches, Any Bonds Tonight?, (I'm Getting) Corns For My Country, It's A Quite Town w. Danny Kaye, Bounce Me Brother With A Solid Four, Gimme Some Skin, My Friend, You're Off To See The World, Hula Ba Luau, His Feet Too Big For De Bed, Choo'n Gum, The Carioca, I'm Going Down The Road w. Burl Ives, Heartbreaker, Let A Smile Be Your Umbrella, Amelia Cordelia McHugh- McWho? w. Danny Kaye, Take Me Out To The Ball Game w. Dan Dailey, Longtime, No See, and more

Andrews Sisters with the Glenn Miller Orchestra : The Chesterfield Broadcasts

Review: Andrews Sisters with the Glenn Miller Orchestra: The Chesterfield BroadcastsAt the time of these live radio broadcasts from New York City (Dec. 1939-March 1940, Miller's band was #1 in the US, and the Andrews Sisters were the #1 singing group. New York City, hosting the fabulous 1939 World's Fair, was the hottest place to be, and this is big band Swing music at its best. 18 cuts, from "Oh, Johnny, Oh, Johnny, Oh!" the Disney tune "I've Got No Strings," and "Begin the Beguine," to "In The Mood," "The Donkey Serenade" and "Hold Tight, Hold Tight," these are stone hits. Big, fat liner notes booklet with history and photos. Double CD What a treat!

Songlist: Introduction, Oh Johnny, Oh Johnny, Oh!, I've Got No Strings, Begin the Beguine, Indian Summer, Chico's Love Song (Ma-La-Ja Fah-La Pas-Ka Lah-Tah), Bei Mir Bist Du Schon (Means that You're Grand), Beer Barrel Polka (Roll Out The Barrel), In The Mood, I Love You Much Too Much, The Donkey Serenade, Tuxedo Junction, Say "Si Si" (In Spain They Say "Si Si"), The Rumba Jumps!, Hold Tight-Hold Tight (Want Some Sea Food Mama), Yodelin' Jive, One O'Clock Jump, Closing Announcements, Introduction Wabc, The Little Red Fox, Verbal Introduction/Ciribiribin, South of the Border, It's a Blue World, The Woodpecker Song (Reginella Campagnola), Well, All Right (Tonight's the Night), South America Way, Little Brown Jug, Little Sally Waters, I Want My Mama (Mama Yo Quiero), Three O'Clock in the Morning, and more

Dinning Sisters : Almost Sweet And Gentle

Review: When we think of "sister" groups, the Boswells in the 30s, Andrews in the 40s and McGuires in the 50s are the best known, but of all the others the Dinnings were the next best-known and loved. Farmer and Mrs. John Dinning of Wichita, OK, raised 9 children, all but one of which went into a music career. Twins Jean and Ginger and older sister Lou began their career in 1935 performing with brother Ace's orchestra, and continued in one form or another up into the 1960s. Their biggest hit was "Buttons and Bows" from the Bob Hope and Jane Russell movie "Paleface." Buddy Clark, Perry Como, Kate Smith, Ozzie Nelson, Tennessee Ernie Ford and many others appeared with or recorded with the girls. This is a 2-CD set, and prolific is not a strong enough word: 24 hits on the first disc and 28 on the second (all big band accompanied). It's fascinating to listen to the Sisters turn a chestnut like "Sentimental Gentleman From Georgia" into their own love story, or apply their bright, cheery, sexy sound to might-have-been hits like "Lolita Lopez" and "Love On A Greyhound Bus." On every level the Dinnings deliver sheer entertainment with the best of them, and the hits just keep on coming - highly recommended!

Songlist: DISC ONE, (He's Just A) Sentimental Gentleman From Georgia, Beg Your Pardon, Harlem Sandman, Buttons And Bows, Where Or When - Version One, Aunt Hagar's Childern Blues, I Love My Love, Please Don't Talk about Me When I'm Gone, Brazil, Lolita Lopez, Your A Character, Dear, Love On A Greyhound Bus, My Adobe Hacienda, San Antonio Rose, Oh Mohah, Do You Love Me?, Fun And Fancy Free, The Iggity Song, The Bride And The Groom Polka, Wave To Me My Lady, Years And Years Ago, Melancholy, The Way You Look Tonight, If I Had My Life To Live Over, DISC TWO, They Just Chopped Down The Old Apple Tree, A Pretty Girl Milking Her Cow, Pig Foot Pete, Down In The Diving Bell, and more

Fontane Sisters : Till Then

Review: It was the mid-1950s, the early days of Rock and Roll, Bill Haley & the Comets, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis were exploding on the charts. The Fontane Sisters, backed by a skilled combo of rock musicians led by Billy Vaughn, was one of the few acts to transition successfully into the new energy-charged medium. First singing backup with Perry Como on a number of popular hits, were offered their own contract with RCA based on that success. In the early 50s they recorded some novelty songs like "If I knew you were comin' I'd've Baked A Cake," and country songs like "The Tennessee Waltz," "Walkin' The Floor Over You," "Cold, Cold Heart" and "Handsome Stranger" with the Sons of the Pioneers. "Till Then" in 1954 was their last recording for RCA, and they really hit their stride on Dot Records, with a cover of The Charms' "Hearts of Stone," which was #1 on the charts for 3 weeks. A succession of major hit records, many of them covers from the rhythm and blues charts dominated the airwaves and jukeboxes throughout the remainder of the 50s, the Sisters fading from view in the new decade. Some more favorites are "Mexican Joe," "Mississippi Mud," "Makin' Like a Train," "the Popcorn Song" (featuring Howdy Doody), "Alabama Jubilee," "The Cinderella Work Song," "The Fortune Teller Song," "The Bumpity Bus," "Down Home Rag," "The Turtle Song" "I Get the Blues When It Rains," and "Rhumba Boogie," but we could go on. There are 60, all band-accompanied songs on this 2 CD set, silly, schmaltzy, country, rock, pop, blues-it all adds up to tremendous fun stuff from the crazy 1950s! Extensive, interesting liner notes with pix and history.

Songlist: Till Then, The Baion, Cold, Cold, Heart, Handsome Stranger, Grasshopper Heart, Can't We Talk It Over, Three Little Rings, Down Home Rag, The Turtle Song, I'm A Little Cuckoo, Moon - June - Spoon, If You Would Only Be Mine, Rhumba Boogie, Silver Bells, Jing - A - Ling Jing - A - Ling, I Guess I'll Have To Dream The Rest, The Fifth Wheel On The Wagon, The Fortune Teller Song, There's Doubt I My Mind, Winter's Here Again, That Lonesome Road, I Didn't Know What Time It Was, Kissing Bridge, Makin' Like A Train, What Did I Do, Bouncy Bouncy Bally, Hurry Home To Me, Walkin' The Floor Over You, Grand Central Station, I Grabbed For The Engine, and more

McGuire Sisters : Sincerely

Review: The McGuire Sisters were stars of radio and television and were the most popular sister group of the 1950's. This huge 59 track 2CD set compilation covers many of the McGuire sisters' biggest hits. The majority of the McGuire Sisters' hit recordings are included here, together with several titles that are debuting on CD. Some tracks have not been available since their original single release dates. 'Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight' was the first of their recordings to change into the Top Ten in 1954, followed by the spirited 'Muskrat Ramble' four months later. The following year brought even greater record sales. Their recording of the rhythm-and-blues-oriented 'Sincerely' shot to #1 on the charts, becoming one of their greatest hits, earning gold records for all three sisters. This collection is not to miss!

Songlist: Something's Gotta Give, Heavenly Feeling, Not As A Stranger, Muscrat Ramble, One Two Three, Tip Toe Through The Tulips, In The Alps, Be good To Me, Weary Blues, Cuddle Up A Little Closer Lovey Mine, Frosty The Snowman, Thank You Day, Blue Skies, Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight, Missing, Picking Sweethearts, Hey Mr. CottonPicker, Tell Us Where The Godimes Are, All By Myself, Melody Of Love, Open Your Heart, Hearts Of Stone, The Naughty Lady Of Shady, Sometimes I'm Happy, Give Me Your Heart For Christmas, Christmas Alphabet, Doesn't Anybody Love Me, Delilah Jones, June Night, Pcnic, and more

Andrews Sisters : The Golden Age - Box Set

Review: The three beautiful, talented Andrews Sisters had the sound, look and attitude that defined the Swing Era, in our minds one of the most entertaining and creative periods in American music. Jasmine Records obviously agreed with us, and set out to put together a comprehensive collection of every song the prolific Sisters ever recorded, an amazing 101 tunes on 4, (yes, 4!) CDs. The first two contain all the American charts hits, and the other two contain many rarely heard songs which have never been reissued on CD. 13 tunes sung with Bing Crosby, like "Yodelin' Jive," "Victory Polka," "Don't Fence Me In," "The Three Caballeros" and "South America Take It Away;" 3 with Danny Kaye, like "Civilisation-Bongo, Bongo, Bongo" and "Put 'Em in a Box, Tie 'Em with a Ribbon;" "Yipsee-I-O" with Carmen Miranda, 4 with Dick Haymes, and others like Dan Dailey and Red Foley. We found the previously unreleased stuff like "A Zoot Suit (for my Sunday Gal)" and "The Mambo Man" particularly wonderful and fascinating. A gorgeous, generous, monumental, always entertaining collection! A must for every collector and a great gift for any fan of this legendary group whose music is still popular, for good reason, all these years later.

Songlist: Disc One:, Bei Mir Bist Du Schon, Tu-Li-Tulip Time, Lullaby To A Little Jitterbug, Hold Tight, Hold Tight, The Beer Barrel Polka (Roll Out The Barrel), Well, All Right, Yodelin' Jive w/ Bing Crosby, Say Si Si, The Woodpecker Song, Ferryboat Serenade, Beat Me Daddy, Eight To The Bar, Scrub Me Mama, With A Boogie Beat, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, I'll Be With You In Apple Blossom Time, Aurora, The Shrine of St. Cecilia, Three Little Sisters, Strip Polka, Pistol Pakin' Mama w/ Bing Crosby, Victory Polka w/ Bing Crosby, Shoo-Shoo Baby, Straighten Up And Fly Right, Is You Is, Or Is You Ain't My Baby? w/ Bing Crosby, (There'll Be A) Hot Time In The Town Of Berlin w/ Bing Crosby, Don't Fence Me In w/ Bing Crosby, Disc Two:, Rum And Coca-Cola, Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive w/ Bing Crosby, The Three Caballeros w/ Bing Crosby, and more

Mac Huff : One Fine Day

Review: The poodle skirts and malt shops are long gone, but the golden era of the girl groups lives on in this 1963 pop classic from the Chiffons! Available: SSA, ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 2:30.

Sheet Music Available: SSA

As Performed by: Chiffons