Search - Ink Spots :: The Best of The Ink Spots: 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection

Why do you whisper, Elvis?

O. Buxton | Highgate, UK | 07/26/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I just bought this on spec because I discovered that the singing careers of two of the greatest entertainers of the twentieth century owe their foundation to these boys: Yes, it's true, World: without the Ink Spots, you may never have got to love the groundbreaking sounds of Elvis Presley nor the winsome duet of Don Estelle and Windsor Davies, from TV's "It ain't half hot, mum".This is great music, and in all seriousness it isn't hard to see its influence on the young E and his backing troupe, the equally legendary Jordannaires. Dreamy, perfect harmonies, vocals and arrangements (plinky guitars and plonky pianos, mostly, but all done in the best possible taste), the Ink Spots speak with an air of antiquity and to concerns which have long since become an artefact of the yesteryear we all hark for (but would all most likely loathe). Ironically so do Elvis' early records, listened to with a modern ear, although that hardly can have been how they sounded at the time. Somewhat amusingly, the introduction to each song is identical (an augmented acoustic guitar fill of the cowboy riding into the sunset singing to his horse variety), but even so (and maybe even because of it) I found this record a quite perfect way to unwind after a sod of a day in the office. Completely recommended."

In a class of their very own !

Carl Anthony | Mercersburg,PA. | 12/23/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Ink Spots may very well be the best and greatest vocal group in the history of recorded music-period. The Spots lead singer Bill Kenney- who was blessed with a voice of an angel from heaven- probably influenced more people in the History of Rock & Roll than any other singer. Elvis had Ink Spots records in his personal collection. In fact Elvis's whole ballad style is strictly based on the phrasing of the late Bill Kenney and that of the late Roy Hamilton.This is also the group that invented Doo Wop.They were just one incredible group.Everybody from Clyde McPhatter to Tommy Edwards to Smokey Robinson to Roy Orbison to Jackie Wilson to Michael Jackson to Elvis to countless lead singers of doo wop groups and vocal groups are all-"all" indebted to the sound that Bill Kenney forged in these oh so classic songs."

The Ink Spots: The Millenium Collection

O. Buxton | 06/17/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I was afraid that this collection would have one or two good cuts and that the rest would be either poor quality recordings or poor song selections. This CD is great. There is a very slight background hiss on some selections, but the general quality is very good. Ella Fitzgerald sings in a number these recordings. If you like the Ink Spots you cannot miss with this CD."