Candace Scott | Lake Arrowhead, CA, USA | 07/26/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Most Bing fans will have all of these songs already on other CD collections, but this set has truly outstanding sound quality. These are remastered takes and the difference clearly shows. When Bing hits the final high note (singing the word "lullaby") on Too Ra Loo Ra Loo Ral, it's never sounded more crisp, clear and beautiful. There is absolutely no superfluous background noise or hiss on any of these wonderful recordings. My favorite is Bing's version of Danny Boy, which is darn near definitive. Many people prefer a tenor's version to this song, ala Dennis Day, but Bing's baritone owns this song. When Irish Eyes Are Smiling is another gem and the phrasing on this quiet song is exquisite.Another highlight is the somber, haunting Galway Bay. Again, no one sings this song like Crosby. I highly recommend this CD for novice Crosby fans and even for long-time Bing followers. You will be astounded as the high quality sound. It sounds as if der Bingle is sitting in your living room, singing directly to you. Now that's a fine idea!"
Classic Crosby with a nice mix.
Sue Horn | Atlanta, GA | 09/12/1998
(4 out of 5 stars)
"For all who know and love his music, Crosby's Irish songs are some of the best. This selection does not dissappoint, and Bing is in fine voice on the lot. A few songs are missing, and hopefully they will turn up on future collections, but this one is a winner."
No One Better Than Himself!
Alice Kane | North-Central IL | 09/08/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Well, this is the best of the best of Irish music! Sure, and who better than Himself to sing these wonderful old classics! Bing was in top form as he sang each of these songs. Not a disappointment in the whole lot! A few I'd never heard before, and it's that glad I am to have them NOW! This 24 songs collection is a real bargan at such a low price. I couldn't believe the price! All you Bing Crosby fans out there who don't own this CD by now......well, all I can say is, it's ashamed ye should be! Bye it now and start enjoying the Irish side of Bing. His dear ole mother came from Ireland. County Cork it was. Only an Irishman could sing these Irish classics so convincingly. Thank you,
Alice B. Kane"
Who Better Than Himself
Alice Kane | North-Central IL | 09/08/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The songs in this collection are Irish classics. Bing Crosby is an Irish American classic. His dear old mother's family came from County Cork, Ireland. Who better than Himself to sing of the Emerald Isle? Bing's rendition of When Irish Eyes Are Smiling couldn't be better. And I guess everyone is familiar with his Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral, from the movie, Going My Way. A treasure if ever there was one!I don't think anyone ever sang I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen any better than the Old Groaner.And Two Shillelagh O'Sullivan makes me laugh out loud every time I hear it. What a wonderful Irish drinking song! I can just imagine being in a pub in Ireland, listening to THIS one!How happy I was to finally hear the words to The Isle Of Innisfree! I had only ever heard it in the movie The Quiet Man, and never even knew there were words to it! This is my favorite song in the whole collection. And right now, as I write this, I keep hearing Did Your Mother Come From Ireland? over and over in my head. It keeps playing, gently, gently....No problem-I love it. There are 24 great songs in this collection and the price is unbelievably low! This is a must for all Bing Crosby fans. If you don't already have it, get it soon. Sure and you'll be that happy that you did.Thank you,
Alice B. Kane"
Timeless Irish ballads from the great Bing Crosby
Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 04/13/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Top O' the Morning: His Irish Collection is a fine Bing Crosby CD that features timeless Irish songs all given that magical Bing Crosby touch. Bing wove magic whenever he handled a tune; just one listen to these great songs proves it. He was also able to infuse his songs with a great deal of emotion and that's grand. The quality of the sound on this CD is pretty good overall and I like that artwork as well.
The CD starts with a glorious rendition of the classic "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling." "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling" gets a most sensitive treatment from Bing Crosby and I really like this number. It's truly beautiful and I could never tire of hearing Bing perform this song. "MacNamara's Band" has a very spirited melody with a lush musical arrangement that is also quite strong--how's about that brass? Bing never skips a beat; and this makes "MacNamara's Band" a winner! In addition, "Top O' The Morning" is relentlessly happy and this tune charms me with its beauty. Terrific!
"How Can You Buy Killarney?" puts Bing Crosby squarely front and center--and that's quite all right by me! Bing never falters; he delivers this with panache and I'm very impressed. "How Can You Buy Killarney?" is easily a major highlight of this album. "Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral (That's An Irish Lullaby)" is one of my very favorite Irish ballads; Bing sings this with grace and style; what a balladeer he was! "Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral (That's An Irish Lullaby)" also gets a fine musical arrangement; but they never steal the show from Bing--he remains front and center while the music enhances his performance.
"Dear Old Donegal" is very pretty; and of course "Danny Boy" is a huge highlight of this album. "Danny Boy" is another timeless classic that could never truly go out of style and when you hear Bing Crosby sing this it's pure heaven. I could swear I'm listening to pure silk! "I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen" uses the strings to great advantage while Bing croons this faultlessly. I also like "Where The River Shannon Flows." "Where The River Shannon Flows" really lets Bing show off his chops and the music fits perfectly along with his vocals.
"Eileen" is another pretty tune; and "My Girl's An Irish Girl" is a most touching, sweet ballad that gets the royal treatment from Bing and the musicians. I love it! "My Girl's An Irish Girl" is one of my favorite songs on this CD. There's also a gem in "The Isle Of Innisfree;" "The Isle Of Innisfree" has quite a full, pretty melody that is easy on the ear and Bing Crosby sings this with all his heart.
"Who Threw The Overalls In Mrs. Murphy's Chowder?" is a fun tune that is somewhat of a novelty song; Bing tackles this well as he proves he can handle this type of number without singing a superfluous note. "Did Your Mother Come From Ireland?" may have some surface noise but Bing is very easy to hear and he delivers this like the champ he always was and still remains! The CD ends strong with Bing Crosby performing another rendition of "Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral (That's An Irish Lullaby)." What a great ending for this album!
Bing Crosby fans will want this for their music collections; and anyone who enjoys classic Irish ballads will not be disappointed.
Track Listings (24) - Disc #1
