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The CD's arrived in a padded manila envelope, and of course the CD case was broken. I agree with all those who say the sound quality is not good - and if I can tell, it must be pretty bad. But my biggest problem was the shipping. Amazon has made numerous promises to replace it, and told me twice that a new case has been shipped. All I can say is that if it has shipped, it must be arriving by foot because I have yet to see it.
If the original masters were that bad, it's tragic for Mr. At times the quality is so poor that the recordings more closely resemble early 20's-30's 78's.
Perhaps the RCA/BMG managers of this asset imagine that listeners new to Perry Como will start here based solely on this collection's title. Other reviewers have touched on my misgivings with the selections put into this collection.
The arrangements border on trite or downright silly, and the audio quality, with a few exceptions ("Catch a Falling Star," "Round and Round" aren't bad) is distressingly inferior. If so, that foretaste may not lead to listeners dipping deeper into the Perry Como collection.
Como's voice deserves/deserved better. The album was produced by Paul Williams for House of Hits Productions, according to the jewelcase cover, with audio restoration by Bill Lacey.
Como, his family & descendants.
My wife wanted the song "More" and we found it on this 2-disk set. She's been playing it all the time and loves it.
"I'm Always Chasing Rainbows" is yet another highlight of this set; Perry croons this with all his heart and soul. "Maybe" has Perry doing a fine duet with the great Eddie Fisher; together these tow men harmonize wonderfully and it all works very well. "If" is another huge Perry Como hit; and the strings that accompany him make this a most charming ballad. "Temptation" is another ballad that shines equally bright when Perry delivers this so flawlessly--how impressive. The artwork is very nicely done, too.
Perry never misses a note and the arrangement is very beautiful. "Hoop-Dee-Doo" is polka music that is really very beautiful. Perry never sounded better--and the sound quality is excellent. Just one listen proves it.
"Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes" picks up the tempo quite a bit for this upbeat ballad that belies the anxiety Perry's character feels as he leaves and hopes his sweetheart will be faithful to him until he returns to her.The second CD continues the hits. "Patricia" is also a remarkably beautiful ballad. It amazes me whenever I hear this ballad. "When You Were Sweet Sixteen" has Perry singing an old fashioned ballad--but when he sings this, it truly sounds fresh and new. Wow."(There's No Place Like) Home For The Holidays" is one of the best Christmastime numbers ever recorded by any artist; and listen for "It's Impossible." "It's Impossible" was recorded in Perry's later years but he sounds so great you'd never know it.
Perry Como: Greatest Hits is a fabulous two CD set that is worth every penny you'll spend on it. "Wanted" is a stunning ballad that I always enjoy; Perry never misses a note. The melody is very pretty. Great. Similarly, "Some Enchanted Evening," from South Pacific, never sounded so beautiful as when Perry Como delivers this to perfection--and beyond. "For The Good Times" is yet another fine number that Perry infuses with so much grace and style it actually stuns me with its beauty; and this makes a great ending for the two CD set.Perry Como was one of the best crooners ever; and this two CD set shows us why. "Prisoner Of Love" is a charming ballad from Perry's earlier years in show business; and his voice is strong and full of masculine warmth.
This is a must-have for Perry Como fans; and people who like classic pop vocals and even the "oldies" will want this, too. I love it. In addition, "I'm Gonna Love That Gal (Like She's Never Been Loved Before)" is one of my very favorite Perry Como songs; the big band arrangement enhances the natural beauty of this tune and Perry makes this a masterpiece in his capable hands. "Catch A Falling Star" shines like silver and gold when Perry sings this; and "Papa Loves Mambo" is another tune Perry did to please his adoring audiences.
Other songs like "Tina-Marie" are quite "rockin" and other tunes like "Papa Loves Mambo" are alot of fun. It was music that your grandmother might listen to. During the years when I was growing up, Perry Como records were confined to the easy listening section. Even if you are not a Perry Como enthusiast, I think this CD may change your opinion. But this collection proves that Perry or "Mr.C" could swing and also sing with a feeling of color, warmth and even jazziness. Songs like "Wanted" are smooth and pure. The sound does seem to grow on a person. What gets me is the feeling of effortlessness.
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