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It's all so old to me

Annie Van Auken | Planet Earth | 06/02/2010

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This single CD issued in 1992 by Canadian outfit INTERSOUND is available as part of a four disc, 40 track box set also called THE GREAT ENTERTAINERS.



The two pages of liner notes must be for that multi-disc set; artists who don't appear here are given equal mention to those who do. Also included are track times and recording dates.



Output level is high. Condition of source material varies. The oldest side here, Mae West's "My Old Flame" has the murkiness of a multi-generational dub. The King Cole Trio track contains a good deal of crackle. Bob Hope and Shirley Ross could've been dubbed from the film BIG BROADCAST OF 1938, instead this is transferred from a 78. Joan Crawford is also copied off a shellac platter. Bette Davis's performance may indeed be from celloloid, yet it's a bit lo-fi. "Java Jive" shows minor lathe in louder passages. All high end is filtered from the Kate Smith selection.



PROGRAM--

[2:53] It's Only a Paper Moon - King Cole Trio (1944)

[2:44] Oh, Johnny! Oh, Johnny! Oh! - The Andrews Sisters [11/9/39)

[3:17] Polka Dots and Moonbeams - Tommy Dorsey's orchestra, vocal: Frank Sinatra (3/4/40)

[2:45] It's All So New to Me - Joan Crawford with the MGM Studio orchestra (3/21/39)

[3:13] My Old Flame - Mae West with Duke Ellington's orchestra (3/34)

[3:04] Thanks For the Memory - Bob Hope & Shirley Ross (11/23/38)

[3:02] Java Jive - The Ink Spots (7/16/40)

[5:00] They're Either Too Young or Too Old - Bette Davis (1943)

[2:59] There! I've Said it Again - Vaughn Monroe with the Norton Sisters (1944)

[2:35] The Last Time I Saw Paris - Kate Smith (11/40)

TOTAL TIME: 31:31"