Search - Frank Crumit :: Gay Caballero

Not THIS Caballero, the OTHER Caballero!

K. Brown | Walnut, Ca USA | 10/21/2004

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Listening to a Frank Crumit is sheer enjoyment. If you have not discovered his calming yet playful vocals, you should pick up several of the fine compilations that are out there.



That said, this CD is NOT one of those fine compilations! The key example is in this particular recording of "Abdul Abulbul Amir." Frank Crumit really shines on the original Victrola recording of this song, with Crumit's soothing voice and guitar taking center stage. The take on this collection is a later recording, but without the Frank Crumit spirit. True, gone is that Victrola hiss, but this product is too polished, with too much emphasis on the xylophones, and Crumit's vocals are much too forceful. Crumit had a distinct voice that possessed immense charm, and it is lost on several of the tracks on this album.



There is another compilation under the same title, which is an excellent Frank Crumit CD to buy. (For quick reference, Abdul Abulbul Amir is track #5 on that "Caballero"). Another collection called "Frank Crumit Returns" is also a great pick.



Like I said, you owe yourself great tunes by Frank Crumit, but this is not the place to start."

A wonderful collection of old novelty tunes...

Joe Sixpack -- Slipcue.com | ...in Middle America | 01/31/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I dunno what the other reviewer is complaining about -- this is a wonderful record, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.



OK, maybe there's an earlier version of "Gay Caballero" out there, but so what? It wasn't Crumit's best song by a longshot (even if it was his biggest hit...) In general, the ethnic-stereotype novelty songs such as "Caballero" and "Abdul Abulbul Amir" are pretty boring and mildly offensive, whereas on straight-out comedy numbers, such as "I Married The Bootlegger's Daughter" and "Thanks For The Buggy Ride" (both included on this disc), Crumit is an absolute genius. This is great novelty material fromt he 1920s, and for the average listener (like me) it's super-fun and super-enjoyable. Plus, it's got the Hawaiian-themed "Ukulele Lady," which is simply one of the sweetest, cutest songs ever recorded. If you like Ike Edwards or George Formby, you ought to love Frank Crumit, and this is a very strong selection of his best work.



Highly recommended. The other, low-ranked rating is undeserved.

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