Search - Various Artists :: Runnin Wild: Sounds of the Jazz Age

Nice Compilation

04/09/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is a pretty good compilation of 1920's songs. However, some of these songs, particularly Maurice Chevalier's "You Brought a New Kind of Love to Me" were more poular in the 1930's than the 20's. However, this does include a wonderfullly wonderful Nick Lucas song, "How Many Times?" that I have not seen anywhere else, and I think this CD is worth the money for that song at least. As for the songs, you can buy most of them on other 1920's CDs for the particular artist who recorded them, if you are a serious collector of 20's music. If you are, don't bother buying this CD. However, if you enjoy 20's music and are not a big collector, and would like to hear some good songs from that period, I highly reccomend this CD to you. I also reccomend the "Charleston Era" CD, also from ASV, and the Chart-Toppers of the Twenties CD. All of these compiations, including the "Runnin' Wild" CD, contain great songs restored to a practically perfect condition.



The Charleston Era



Chart-Toppers of the Twenties"

Absolutely Essential

Samantha Kelley | USA | 08/19/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is difficult to find a lot of music from the 1920s and 30s both from a lack of interest by the public and because of how old it is. Many compilation CDs use the same tracks, making collecting somewhat frustrating. This CD is a refreshing break from those problems; it features many songs I've never found anywhere else before, and every song is great. The recordings included on this disk are clear and much louder than most tracks from the era. Outside of the technical aspects, the music is so much fun to listen to. If you ever want your toes tapping, pop in this CD. The bouncy music will consume you completely. It is impossible to listen and not be cheered up.



Many of the artists included are featured on other compilation disks, but Living Era was smart enough to pick songs that aren't commonly released. Instead of Annette Hanshaw singing "Body and Soul" or "Little White Lies," we get her singing "Lovable and Sweet." Al Jolson isn't proclaiming his love for his "Mammy" or desire for "Swannee;" he's getting smiles with "There's a Rainbow 'Round My Shoulder." Ruth Etting isn't warbling "Ten Cents a Dance," but the less-known "Me!" Gene Austin gets bluesy with "Without That Gal."



The only overplayed song here is the title track "Runnin' Wild," which can be found also on The Charleston Era. However, with such excellent other songs, this small drawback can be forgiven."