We continue our highly popular and successful America's Greatest Hits series as we work back through the 1950s, now reaching the point at the turn of the decade, this time with an expanded 4-CD edition to sit alongside the existing single CD 1950 edition (ACRCD176) originally released in 2006 before we introduced the 4-CD format in recent years. This great-value 104-track collection comprises every record which charted in the Top 15 of the Billboard Best Sellers and Honor Roll Of Hits and the Top 10 in the Cash Box chart during 1951. It omits certain records which peaked in 1951and which have already appeared in our America's Greatest Hits 1951 collection and some which were big hits in 1949, and had already peaked, so will appear in that collection. As with all these collections it features all the biggest hits of the year and all the biggest names in American pop of that era, at a time when the USA was emerging from post-war austerity into a more optimistic decade but was about to become embroiled in the Korean War, and it very much captures the spirit of the times. It also includes a number of lesser known records which are not heard very often and which have not been readily available on CD. As always, it includes a substantial 15,000-word booklet with a commentary on every track, and it's a must for collectors of our completist chart-based anthologies.
M**R
An amazing 4-CD collection you must own!
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.
T**S
The Best Overview Of A Single Year Ever!
The Best Overview Of A Single Year Ever! The title says it all. No other company has put out such a defiinitive collection on a single year and they keep doing it over and over again!!!! 100 or so hits from a year at a very reasonable price. In this particular case, the year is 1950.
W**N
Great music
Just lots of good music that in general are quite rare. Over 100 songs. Most haven't been on CD before.
T**I
it's what i ordered
i liked what i received
A**N
Sound Is Good; one CD is NOT enough!
This has ONE CD of 25 songs. This is NOT ENOUGH for the year 1950. I will wait for the EXPANDED version, or find other charting versions elsewhere.
B**E
great selection of songs
The sound quality was really good. I actually got this for my folks and they loved it. They sang along with every song and remembered all the words. My Mom even got choked up remembering how life was back then.
D**0
Surprising quality
Listening to this CD, it's hard to believe the songs are about 56 years old (in 2006). With the mixed quality of budget import CD's, especially for pre-R&R music, we often order expecting the worst. For a budget CD, this one is a surprise with great fidelity, again considering these songs were recorded long before hi-fi, much less stereo. A great bargain!
R**D
Four Stars
I hope Acrobat broadens this series by doing the same of the 1940s. Musically enlightening!
S**U
Very enjoyable
5-star. Very good quality. All tracks are accurate. Great detailed liner booklet. Very enjoyable
D**E
Great listening
Fanastic 1950's music (for me) glad I bought it
G**W
Great Series
Acrobat has done an amazing job with the sound quality of this, and others, in the America's Greatest Hits series. I spent years trying to complete the Billboard Top Tens of the fifties and this set had two very hard to find cuts, Johnson Rag by Jack Teter and Peter Cottontail by Merv Shiner. Only song missing was Carmen Cavallaro's Music! Music! Music!.
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