Search - Various Artists :: Cruisin 1968

Ahh, when radio was real...

k4jc | Florida, U.S.A.! | 03/20/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I grew up in Baltimore listening to Johnny Dark on Radio 60 WCAO. To me, Johnny Dark WAS radio; the smooth, unerring voice that always said just the right thing at just the right time. So I guess maybe I'm a little biased in reviewing this CD, but what the heck - this ain't Rolling Stone! When I listen to Cruisin' 1968, it reminds me of the way radio should be, fun and exciting. I spent 20 years in the radio business, and I am proud to count Johnny among my early mentors. Although WCAO has undergone several format changes over the years (they currently air a Black Gospel format), Johnny still plays those great oldies on Saturday nights on WBIG-FM in Washington. Rock on, Johnny Dark!"

Fun, but tame top 40 radio show from 60s

Alexander Wells | Los Angeles, CA United States | 10/17/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I have collected this series since it first came out on vinyl in the 70s. Note, the vinyl editions are vastly superior to the adulterated CD versions. Many of the songs have been swapped out - no doubt due to expired licensing agreements - and this affects the flow and integrity of the original, meticulously recorded original re-creations of the old top 40 shows.



This 1968 show is decent - some of the songs sound as if they were recorded from 45 rpms - so there is that gritty sound - but I don't remember top 40 stations in 1968 playing so many songs in slightly worn out condition. Not a big deal, but a curious choice by the producer.



The commercials are great on this CD, so are all the jingles and songs. Johnny Dark is very good, but I would have liked to hear some more creative stuff from him. I suspect we're not getting his best stuff. I don't have the vinyl version of this so I don't know how much was changed.



The best-produced Cruisin' series albums are from 1955 to 1966. Overall though, the Cruisin series is an excellent tribute to top 40 radio during its peak years on the AM band."