****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
Let me start out by saying this is a review of the NEW EXPANDED EDITION 4-CD set from Acrobat that was released last week. And I am a verified purchaser.Now, as someone who has credentials in compiling and mastering over 150 projects for several U.S. record labels mainly of music from the ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s, I want to make some important points here.Comparing the sound quality on many of these same 1950 hits you may own on other CD’s, I guarantee they sound best on this 4-CD set hands down since the transfers were made directly from pristine or nearly pristine 78RPM discs. Kudos to Acrobat on a splendid job utilizing only the minimum amount of sound processing where it proved absolutely necessary.On most of these songs you will detect an amazing presence and clarity you can hear and feel especially on vocals and on many of the solo instruments. You almost believe you are in the studio or control room where the sessions were taking place. I have never heard most of these songs sound better anywhere else.This compilation features many songs otherwise unavailable on CD. Most of these are those which charted between #10 and #15 on the Billboard and Cash Box charts. It’s nice to finally have these on CD. And, additionally, we are treated to several charted versions of the same song. Back in the ‘40s and ‘50s, most major labels recorded competitive versions of the same songs hoping theirs would be the most successful one in terms of record sales. Now, as the purchaser of this set, you have the ability to compare versions of the same song and decide for yourself which one you like best and why!Lastly, Acrobat has not skimped on the printed booklets. They have elected to include a 48-page booklet which gives relevant chart information on each song as well as a very well researched and elaborate essay about the songwriters and often includes the names of the background singer ensembles, arrangers and conductors. For hardcore fans of this music, this is a real added treat. Booklets also include photos of some of the notable recording artists.I can’t say enough about just how good this set is on all counts. But oh yes, also the price. At roughly $20+ USD, this is a real bargain! So scoop this one up and if you like it, try some of the other expanded sets.
