Search - Various Artists :: Hard To Find 45s On CD, Volume 11 (Sugar Pop Classics)

Don't Ya Jes' Love It

Zub | Forks Twp., PA | 02/23/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Notwithstanding the music-listening public's embrace of lossy compression music files that have relegated the CD music format to near dinosaur status, a few companies continue to take the higher road. And, in spite of the additional challenge of having to license tracks from the rights owners in the domestic market, Eric Records charges ahead with two new volumes in their "Hard to Find 45's on CD" series.



This volume, number 11, subtitled "Sugar Pop Classics", gathers up a sampling of melodious heard-on-the-a.m.-radio tunes from the late 60's and early 70's. Some detractors may scowl at the saccharinity of these sometimes formula-driven ditties, but they offered a bright and tuneful alternative to the caustic rock side of the then pop music spectrum. And while every one of the 19 songs included here made the top 40 and would be familiar to pop radio listeners at the time, these are not now the stuff of many oldies stations' play lists nor are they readily available on other reissue CD's.



This refreshing new compilation CD offers a generous 19 tracks, all done with Eric's commitment to no-compromise sound quality. All tracks, save two (6 and 12) are presented in glorious wide-channel stereo, and one of these mono tracks is the original, uncensored version of Lou Christie's "Rhapsody in the Rain" as opposed to the "cleaned-up" stereo version that has made the rounds on other reissue CD's. Reliving the music here is the main purpose but if you ever wondered about the performers or the story behind the tune, Eric's extensive liner notes booklet offers lots of interesting reading with stuff few fans, if anyone, knew about even when these songs were populating the airwaves.



While many of these tracks enliven us, a few may bring a twinge of sadness, but they all are fun to listen to and sing along with. Kudos to Eric for offering us collectors and casual listeners alike another welcome volume in their outstanding series of 45's on CD. And if I may borrow from the equally amazing volume 12, "Keep the Ball Rollin'"!"

Surprise packet!

Alf Swanson | Australia | 03/04/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Must admit I really only bought this because of past experience with Eric's top quality releases. On paper the disc didn't look that enticing to me as a number of the records charted quite low or not at all in my country. However now that I have the collection, it's great! A terrific selection. A succession of records that blend very well together. Great sound. To name a couple of highlights I'd nominate "Sugar Baby Love" and "Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep", but it's a very even collection."

The Gold Standard for Pop Compilations!

Music Luvr | 02/28/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Eric Records continues to produce the very best various artist compilations in the Pop Music genre! Hard to Find 45s on CD, Vol. 11: Sugar Pop Classics gathers 19 sweet hits from the 60s and 70s, many of which most listeners will be quite familiar with, as well as some that "bubbled under" the top of the charts. As with all Eric Records CDs in the series, the song selection, sequencing, sound quality, and liner notes (which include photos) are all top notch! I especially appreciated the inclusion of "Early in the Morning" by Vanity Fare, "Will You Be Staying After Sunday" by The Peppermint Rainbow, "Shame, Shame" by Magic Lanterns, and "Baby Take Me In Your Arms" by Jefferson. You would be hard pressed to hear these great songs on most so-called oldies stations these days. This is what makes these Eric Records compilations so enjoyable... there are plenty of songs which you already love, as well as a nice helping of songs that you may have missed when they originally charted, which will become new favorites! We are fortunate that Eric Records helps to keep this music alive! This is one of those CDs that you will be proud to add to your collection and which you'll enjoy listening to time and time again!"