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A fascinating historical document...

Forrest D. Bryant | California | 07/13/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have encountered a number of people who are intrigued by this collection but reluctant to purchase it because of the distasteful subject matter. If you are one of these fence-sitters, let me reassure you. This set is well worth the investment, both as a serious exploration of popular culture's determination to survive in an age of repression, and as a collection of darned fine swing music.



The disc covering German swing bands during the war years should, for the most part, be consigned to the "historical curiosity" pile, as the music is middle of the road at best. Things get interesting with the second disc, devoted entirely to a single Nazi propaganda band, Charlie & His Orchestra. These sides are recordings of popular swing favorites such as "Stormy Weather" or "I'm Putting All My Eggs In One Basket," with the lyrics changed into "Tokyo Rose" style attacks on Allied morale, in English, for broadcast to the Western front. The music is competent but nothing special, while the vocals never fail to catch the listener off guard. Even so, the lyrical content is more bemusing than frightening.



The remaining two discs are a musical treasure trove, featuring music from German-occupied countries (mostly the Netherlands, Belgium, and France). A number of highly talented artists remained in these countries throughout the war, and managed to get their music on record, either through the backdoor influence of local offficials who secretly loved swing, or by changing their names (and the titles of songs) to bypass the banned lists. Here you'll find little-known gems by Django and Joseph Reinhardt, Gus Viseur, Svend Asmussen, Dick Willebrandt, and many other artists who were unjustly forgotten due to the unfortunate circumstance of war.



The booklet is lengthy and provides a wealth of information on the subject. The box set, like all of Proper's releases, is simple but elegant, and a steal at the low list price. Check this one out."

WW II Propaganda

Hank Shaw | St.Petersburg, Florida United States | 09/17/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"A Fine Example of the type of Propaganda that was prevalent during the war especially in Germany. The Music is clean and enjoyable to listen to,including the Parody Songs and stabs at Churchill.If you are a Vintage Music Collector this a must have Collection."

A Musical Anthology of Swing Under Nazi Occupation

Barry McCanna | Normandy, France | 07/20/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This 4-CD set is a musical anthology of World War Two dance music under Nazi occupation. Each CD has its own distinctive flavour, namely:-



German Swing, Dance and Jazz Bands 1937-1944

Charlie and his Orchestra (Nazi Propaganda Swing)

Swing in Belgium and France, 1940-1944

Swing in Occupied Europe, 1940-1944



Enjoyment of the generous 95 tracks is embellished by a 60-page illustrated booklet by Joop Visser, explaining how this "undesirable music" managed to survive despite official disapproval. In fact Charlie and his Orchestra featured as part of the broadcasts by William Joyce (Lord Haw-Haw), and provided revised lyrics aimed at subverting the Allies.



Django Reinhardt and brother Joseph are well represented on Disc 3, and The Ramblers are included on Disc 4, together with a rare Valaida Snow side. Recommended unreservedly to all those with an interest in this period of history."