Search - Various Artists :: Reverb Oldies

A classic mix of nostalgic romance...........

Jon | Scotland | 03/23/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The one thing I find appealing about the golden rock n' roll era is the naivety and innocence displayed in the music. Whereas nowadays a 'love' song means nothing without reference towards sex, back in the 50s (and early 60s), just to sing a song about being in 'love' made a song so special. "Reverb Oldies" is a fantastic reminder of that period featuring some of the greatest love songs ever recorded. There's many well-known classics found here, plus a few not-so-familiar tracks. Still, if it's nostalgic romance you're after, this is a must-have CD.The album begins with, "Sleepwalk" by Santos & Johnny. With the exception of (possibly) Percy Faith's, "Theme from a Summer Place", this is *undoubtedley* one of the most beautiful instrumentals from the rock n' roll era. You can't help but lose yourself in a sea of tranquility while listening to the dominant, yet relaxing steel guitar and the ever-so subtle backing. Definitely THE highlight of the album, and one you'll no doubt play the most. Ritchie Valens - a very talented young man who sadly died along with Buddy Holly in 1959 - appears with his classic, "Donna" - a track (allegedly) written for his then-girlfriend. If the story behind the song is indeed true, then there's no better way to express your feelings for the one you love than writing a song of this calibre. "I'm You're Puppet" performed by James and Bobby Purify is a favourite on any 'oldies' radio station, but it just happens to be one of the weaker inclusions found on "Reverb Oldies". Doo-Wop features predominantly on the CD, and the choice cuts used rank amongst the best ever. "Duke Of Earl", "Sixteen Candles" and "My True Story" have all stood the test of time, but none are as beautiful or as thought-provoking as "Since I Don't Have You" sung to perfection by The Skyliners. If I had to list my all-time favourite top ten songs, this one - covered by such artists as diverse as Art Garfunkel and Guns N' Roses - would certainley appear in the upper echelons of that list.Billy Stewart's, "Sitting In The Park" and The Shirelles', "Dedicated To The One I Love" are the original versions of two classic songs made popular in the late 60s (by Georgie Fame and The Mamas & Papas respectively) and "Those Oldies But Goodies (Remind Me Of You)" has been covered several times by different artists since this Little Caesar original found on this CD. There's other fine songs too, and I must mention "When We Get Married" by The Dream Lovers, and "Dry Your Eyes" by Brenda and The Tabulati(?) - two groups I've never even heard of before, but these are two songs I love. There's also one or two pretty lame tracks but I never expected this to be the best album I've ever bought. Also, Aaron Neville's, "Tell It Like It Is", *may* be a classic song - and one I also like - but wasn't this recorded in the early 70s? If it was recorded earlier, it still seems too 'modern' for this collection of, let's say 'vintage oldies'. Rather an odd insertion I think.There's countless albums like "Reverb Oldies" on the market - some, in all honesty, are even better. Still, if you want to experiment a little and discover what the 'true' meaning of a love song actually is, make this CD your next purchase..."

Not The Version You're Looking For!!!!

Adam Meyer | Tucson, AZ | 07/09/2006

(1 out of 5 stars)

"These are great oldies with the charm, grit and sonic inflection brought by the years old vintage analog recording equiptment. So why did the producers of this album see the need to destroy the integrity of these recordings by ADDING INSANE AMOUNTS OF REVERB that was not on the originals. Almost every of these songs I have on vinyl 45s AND cd compilation reissues. After two seconds of listening to this I can tell you these are absolutely RUN THROUGH A HEAVY REVERB EFFECT during the recording/remastering phase of this crappy cd. It's almost unlistenable and it's so over the top that it's laughable. To make Aaron Neville's late 1960's "Tell It Like It Is" with it's rather dry and tight horn and tremolo guitar section (a signature sound of Down South Muscle Shoals R&B at the time)sound as though it was being recorded in a mid 50's high school gymnasium was frickin nauseating. Double that for "Angel Baby" by Rosie and the Originals. This actually was recorded with NATURAL reverb in the early 1960's, so the need to even tamper with that one to make it sound dated is beyond my comprehension. The whole thing sounds like Phil Spector with a muffled bullhorn playing at the bottom of Grand Canyon. Why?WHYYYYY???????"