20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: Best Of The Ink Spots

The poor quality of the original recording shows what progress has been made in the music industry.

I purchased this CD as a gift for my son. He's a real music buff, likes just about all music. He has become an enthusiast of music from the '40's and requested an Ink Spots CD for Christmas. He says he is really enjoying this CD.

I love this disk, as one who wore out most of their original 78 rpm shellac disks in the company of my first love, this disk brings back many fond memories. On some cuts a female singer is heard, something I never heard on the original records. However it in no way detracts from the quality of the disk, if you like the Inkspots from the past, or are just now discovering their unique style, do not hesitate to add this disk to your collection.

The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame recognizes The Ink Spots as some of the greatest "forefathers" of modern day music. I agree with the reviewer who writes that The Ink Spots profoundly affected Elvis Presley's initial style with his original backup group The Jordannaires. This CD proves that The Ink Spots were very special.

The CD starts with the classic 'If I Didn't Care" written by Jack Lawrence for the group. "If I Didn't Care" marks the beginning of the road to true fame and fortune for The Ink Spots after years of struggling for recognition. "If I Didn't Care" is an affectionate ballad about how a man loves his woman. The vocal arrangement represents that "Ink Spots formula" which remains an important part of the trademark Ink Spots sound: Bill Kenny sings and Orville "Hoppy" Jones supplies the talking bass vocals. The next song, "My Prayer" is another touching ballad which expresses how a man wants nothing more than romantic time with his woman. "Java Jive" is a fun ballad that equates hot coffee with romance--excellent!

Although each song on this CD is truly flawless; some especially good songs here include "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" which reflects sadness because World War II required so much rationing that people couldn't enjoy life anymore; "I Don't Want To Set The World On Fire" which displays the desire a man feels for one woman and one woman alone; the romantic ballad "The Gypsy" and "I'll Get By (As Long As I Have You)."

Ink Spots fans will delight that Ella Fitzgerald, the First Lady Of Song, joins The Ink Spots for three numbers: "I'm Making Believe;" "Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall" and "I'm Beginning To See The Light."

The CD ends with "To Each His Own." This pensive song about how two people are meant to be a couple charms the listener and this ends the CD very well.

I must admit that I almost took off a star because the opening notes of each song are identical; but this remains a five star review because the overall quality of each song is perfect. The Ink Spots convey a soothing, pensive, loving tone that only they could deliver so well. Impressive!

I also wish that 20th Century Masters added two or three more songs to this CD. There is ample room for more entertainment on this album.

The liner notes include great black and white photos of The Ink Spots; and there is an essay about the history of the band written by Joseph F. Laredo. The liner notes also provide the recording dates and the song credits, too.

The Ink Spots will never be forgotten; they helped to launch rock and roll music. Their influence on Elvis Presley is unmistakable. The Ink Spots remain a special group who could convey deep emotions with great sensitivity. If you like this CD, I would suggest The Ink Spots CD entitled We Four: The Best of the Ink Spots as well as other CDs by The Ink Spots.

Enjoy!

This is a nice cross section of the Ink Spot's talents. Perhaps not a lot of wide variety, but a nice selection for the casual listener.