Search - Various Artists :: Lost Hits of 50's

Interesting collection of 50s rare hits

Zub | Forks Twp., PA | 01/19/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As part of EMI's "Lost Hits" series, this volume focuses on the decade of the 50s. Listening to these tunes, no one would ever know that the likes of Elvis or other rock stars of the later 50s ever existed as the music here is pure mainstream 50s pop. That being acknowledged, this does offer a generous collection (20 tracks) of hit records from the 50s that are not often found on other CD reissues. Although limited to the EMI family of labels, there is a fairly extensive net cast here over the pop music of that decade. Notable sides here include Tommy Leonetti of TV's "Your Hit Parade" with "Free", Sheriff Andy Taylor (ie., Andy Griffith's) comedy routine "Make Yourself Comfortable", Stan Freberg's last charting single "The Old Payola Roll Blues" and teenage sisters Patience and Prudence's saccharine "Gonna Get Along Without You Now". While there are a number of musically competent performances here, it does cause one to wonder about the criticism levied upon the emerging rock and roll of the era when considering some of the "acceptable" music that became hits. While generous in musical content, this piece is a no-frills offering with no liner notes to complement the performances. Sound quality is good considering the vintage of these recordings with all tracks in mono. With its eclectic repertoire, it offers a pleasing trip through the often not found elsewhere pop music of the 50s and is a worthwhile addition to any collection of music of the genre."