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A two CD set that shows us how great The Andrews Sisters tru

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 04/30/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Andrews Sisters started performing after their father's business was wiped out in the Great Depression; but they were so good and successful that once they began to sing they never looked back. They relatively quickly found their way into Radioland; and from there into movies with their flawless harmonizing and acting talents. This two CD set showcases perfectly their sweet sounds of The Andrews Sisters.



On the two CDs you get many standards that are frequently associated with The Andrews Sisters: "Bei Mir Bist Du Schön" which was their first big hit in 1938; "Hold Tight (Want Some Sea Food, Mama);" the playful and hip number "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" with its references to military life during World War Two and "Rum And Coca-Cola" which lets them sing of great fun in the warm Caribbean sun. Awesome!



In addition, we get many excellent songs that bear the unique interpretations of The Andrews Sisters. "Yes, My Darling Daughter" is an Americanized version of an old Yiddish tune; and the three sisters handle this with great skill. You will enjoy this number. "Lullaby Of Broadway" gets a swinging musical arrangement as The Andrews Sisters belt this number out with so much panache and such excitement that they make the tune positively infectious. Excellent!



"The Donkey Serenade" gets great treatment from the three singers as they harmonize to perfection with a big band arrangement; and "Rhumboogie" lets them sing about the latest Harlem jazz dance craze. "South America, Take It Away" is another hit that you will love, too.



This collection also includes two polkas that were rather popular at the time: We get "Beer Barrel Polka (Roll Out The Barrel)" and "Pennsylvania Polka." The sisters sing these numbers without a superfluous note all the while proving that they could perform a wide variety of songs with great ease.



Unfortunately, these tracks don't sound as if they were digitally remastered. If they have been remastered whoever did it did not do a very good job; therefore I must take off one star to make this a four star review. Some of the numbers have a distinctly "tinny" sound to them that disappoints me.



The liner notes include an essay about the sisters and you get the song credits, too. You even get their filmography! That impresses me.



The Andrews Sisters were such a powerful force that they could never be truly forgotten. They brought happiness to world weary Americans during the stressful war years of World War Two; and they could harmonize to perfection quite easily. Many of their songs remain charming numbers to this day and if you want to get acquainted with their artistry this two CD set is a great place to start. I also recommend this for fans of classic pop vocals. Fans of The Andrews Sisters will consider this two CD set to be a "must-have" for their collections.



Enjoy!

"