An interesting eclectic mix of early 1900s and 1960s songs
03/25/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I first got this record 30 years ago in a bargain bin. It was a gem that deserved a lot more respect. I'm glad to see it available on CD. Whitcomb is a music historian, author and performer, and this record bundled the music he was REALLY interested in with his pop hit (You Really Turn Me On) and a few songs from the early 1960s. The performances are not all good, but the mix of songs is interesting. With a CD player, you can skip the tracks that you don't consider worth hearing a third or fourth time.I especially liked the early 1900s material -- although I haven't heard this album for more than 20 years, some of the songs still play through my head. I can't say that for many other tunes from that period.This album was the first of a series--and they seem to get better with each new one. If you're interested in music history and, as the title clearly states, Music Hall music -- the kind of stuff your great grandparents may have listened to if they lived in the US or UK around the turn of the century, you'll probably be happy with this CD."
'Bluesville' Ireland 1964-66
Jonathan Ryan | County Wicklow, Ireland | 01/04/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"While a student at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, Ian sang and played Piano with a band called BLUESVILLE in the mid 1960s. With Barry Richardson Vocals and Harmonica; Mick Molloy (Lead Guitar); 'Deke'O'Brien (Rhythm Guitar) (I'll never forget those two Gibson ES335s!); Peter Adler (Son of Larry) on Saxophone; Ian McGarry on Drums and a Bass player whose name I forget. 'You Turn Me On'; 'Poor But Honest'; 'Fizz'; 'This Sporting Life'; 'Too Many Cars on the Road' and, as far as I know, the other tracks on this album were recorded by this band in 1964. They were brilliant 'Live'! .. Ian was a true showman! Their stage appearance and funky humourous R&B style just blew us all away! As far as I recall 'You Turn Me On' hit #4 in the US Hot 100. A true collectors item .. this album is a little piece of history! Hope you're still rockin' Ian, you certainly did then!"
The Best Of The Old
Sally Atman | Redondo Beach, CA United States | 03/21/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This compilation of Ian's two most popular 1960s albums contains his most well-known pop music as well as some "real" Ian work: Bawdy pub-like songs, ragtime, and wonderful offbeat ballads. A must for fans of the British Invasion!"
Track Listings (27) - Disc #1