Search - Bing Crosby :: Going Hollywood, Vol. 2: 1936-1939 [ORIGINAL RECORDINGS REMASTERED]

A Collector's Dream

04/12/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This series, put out by the Jasmine label, is a dream come true for serious Crosby collectors. Here we have all the tunes (featuring Bing) from his films made between 1936 and 1939. Most are direct from the films, as opposed to the studio versions made at the same time. This is the only place you'll hear the rousing, jazzy version of I'm An Old Cowhand which features Louis Prima and a young Roy Rogers. Also hear Bing's astounding, emotional readings of Empty Saddles and Round-Up Lullaby(those interested in more of Bing's dreamy, twilight tinged western tunes should consult the album I'm An Old Cowhand). Several of the versions here are superior to their studio counterparts. Bing seemed to let loose a little more when it came to films, as witnessed here on the zany, manic duet, You're The Top.Those brand new to Crosby would do best to get hold of some studio material first. The quality of these recordings is very high considering the sources, and Jasmine has cleaned them up lovingly, but they are best suited for the initiated. Remember, most of these come directly from film soundtracks, and the audio quality, despite careful transfer to disc, reflects this. If you are new to Bing, why not check out the low priced 4-cd box It's Easy To Remember, or the higher-end Bing! His Legendary Years set. A great single disc introduction is Bing Crosby And Jazz Friends.Those of you familiar with Bing and looking for these tunes should rest assured that this is the best, and perhaps ONLY place to get these versions. Also check out volumes 1 and 3, and expect more to follow. You will not be disappointed."

Beware: not the studio versions!

Candace Scott | Lake Arrowhead, CA, USA | 07/12/2003

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I have been pleased by all of the Jasmine catalogue of Crosby's film hits, but this volume deviates from the others in one crucial respect. The songs included on this disc are, for the most part, not the studio recordings of the songs, but taken directly from the film soundtrack. The main problem with this is that the sound quality is dreadful on some tracks and in no case superior to the better-known (and superior) studio versions.A prime example is on the classic Bing track, "Moonburn." The studio version of this song is an irrefutible masterpiece, with Bing bantering with his jazziest intonations. The version of "Moonburn" here is the movie cut and is dreary and deadly in comparison. There are countless other examples of inferior movie versions being included, as opposed to the better quality Decca standards.If you are a particular fan of the specialized movie versions of these songs, then by all means, this is your baby. But be forewarned about the poor sound quality here and know in advance that the Decca versions sound leagues better than the material included on these CD's."