Search - Various Artists :: The Very Best Of Red Bird / Blue Cat Records

Quality, not quantity

Zub | Forks Twp., PA | 11/15/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is the first high-quality compilation of tunes from Leiber/Stoller/Goldner's mid-60s Red Bird/Blue Cat labels. Many of these titles are available on other compilation CDs but this is the first time they have appeared in true stereo as opposed to the muddy mono of previous products. All the tracks save number 12 are in true stereo, having been taken from the original session masters. While many of these songs will be familiar, the sonic improvement is astonishing and is worth the purchase price alone. The only shortcoming (and the reason for only a four-star rating) is the relatively meager number of tracks for a full-price, from-the-vaults compilation. That point aside, this disc provides a quantum leap forward in enjoyment for anyone interested in these signature songs from the 60s. Included with the disc is an eight-page booklet with backround notes about the label and artists. Since the issue of this CD, Varese Vintage has come out with a Red Bird/Blue Cat girl group compilation (which see) that is also excellent. It contains more tracks with more rarities and, although it focuses on the girl groups, there is considerable overlap and is essentially an expanded version of this CD. For the basic Red Bird hits, though, this is an excellent choice."

The definitive collection - all true stereo for the 1st time

jfink1@nycap.rr.com | Albany, New York | 05/03/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Taragon has quietly been turning out quality discs for several years, and this is a proud addition. You've heard "Chapel Of Love" (Dixie Cups), "Boy From New York City" (Ad Libs) or "Leader of The Pack" (Shangri-La's)....but never in the spectacular quality presented here. 15 tracks in all - 14 in true stereo for the first time, from the original 4 track masters. A must have!"

A must have for '60s Girl Group fans

05/21/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Taragon has outdone themselves here in terms of sound quality. These songs have simply never sounded better. All of them are in true stereo, except track 12, New York's a Lonely Town. They all sound great, unlike a lot of the hollow or muddy sounding versions floating around out there."