Search - Various Artists :: Those Were Our Songs: Music of World War II

Good songs, but some later remakes

MusicFilm Fan | Wash., DC | 06/02/2006

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I don't want to rain on anyone's parade, if you're enjoying this collection -- I hope you'll continue to enjoy it.



But those who are thinking about purchasing this set should know that some of these recordings are not the original versions, but were recorded well after World War II. For example, the Andrews Sisters and Harry James, among the artists represented on this compilation issued by Capitol, were not on that label until after the war. The reason that the sound quality here is so good, at least on some songs, is that those recordings were made in stereo during the 1950s.



Even the usually reliable All Music Guide mistakenly assumed that Capitol created this good-sounding collection through cross-label licensing and 24-bit mastering. In reality, the label simply used its own later versions of some of the songs, rather than licensing the originals from other labels.



None of this is a reason not to enjoy this collection unless you're looking for recordings that were actually around during World War II -- if so, you'll need to keep searching. I give this collection only 2 stars because I think that Capitol may be trying to convince consumers that these are the original versions of the recordings, when they're not. (If Capitol had actually obtained those originals, this collection would deserve 5 stars easily.)"

Now THIS is the soundtrack to an era gone by...

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 04/30/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Those Were Our Songs: Music of World War II is an excellent two CD set that really showcases so many hits from the era of the Second World War. The sound quality is truly rather good and the artwork reflects good judgment.



The Andrews Sisters make a beautiful start to this CD set with a stunning rendition of "I'll Be With You In Apple Blossom Time." The Andrews Sisters sing this just right and they harmonize so well that number by them always charms me. Helen O'Connell sings "Green Eyes" with all her might; and "Green Eyes" gets the royal treatment from Helen O'Connell--she sure doesn't ever miss a beat! There's also Ella Mae Morse & Freddie Slack on "Cow-Cow Boogie;" "Cow-Cow Boogie" has a great `40s country flavor to it and Ella Mae Morse & Freddie Slack make this a highlight of this two CD set.



Helen Forrest sings "I Had The Craziest Dream" with all her heart and soul; she delves into this ballad to make this all the more beautiful; the overall effect is a very pretty melody. Tex Beneke & The Modernaires also pick up the pace very well with their swingin' "Jukebox Saturday Night;" "Jukebox Saturday Night" is one of my favorites from the `40s and Tex Beneke & The Modernaires do this one up right! In addition, The Andrews Sisters return to do a smash-up job with their "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy." "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" really swings and The Andrews Sisters were born to sing songs like this! Nat King Cole sings "Straighten Up And Fly Right" with an excellent piano arrangement; and Johnny Mercer's "G. I. Jive"



The second CD continues the hits. "Rum And Coca-Cola" by The Andrews Sisters has a great `40s era Latin beat that is absolutely perfect; and listen for "Dream" by The Pied Pipers. The Pied Pipers could really score a hit; and "Dream" is certainly no exception! Similarly "On The Atchison, Topeka & The Santa Fe" gets a smooth, jazzy arrangement by Johnny Mercer & The Pied Pipers. There's also "Waiting For The Train To Come In" by Peggy Lee; this number was so popular at the end of the Second World War when so many ladies were waiting for their men to return home from war. Kay Kyser also does a great rendition of a famous tune from the time called "Jingle, Jangle, Jingle." I love how they use handclapping as a type of percussion to help the melody along and even mark the beat!



Nat King Cole delivers "It's Only A Paper Moon" with panache and the music that accompanies him fits perfectly; and "It Might As Well Be Spring" by Dick Haymes sounds new and fresh every time I hear it. The second CD ends strong with Johnny Mercer & The Pied Pipers doing one last tune called "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive;" this is yet another swinging song so many people loved.



Overall, this two CD set gives us quite a few excellent tunes from the era of World War II. I highly recommend this for people who like music from those days; and people who appreciate classic pop vocals will love this two CD set as well.

"

Terrific Music

D. Garvey | Phoenix, AZ USA | 07/31/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I love this type of music, I always have. This is great to listen to while you are making dinner, or socializing with friends. It is fun, and classic. My parents loved this music, and it is nice to know that great music like this is still around for another generation to enjoy. Treat yourself, get this..."