When this CD landed in my inbox my initial reaction was ‘ooh a compilation from 1956, the year that changed music forever’. But I was also a bit cautious, prior knowledge of some compilations of oldies have left me cold with bad quality versions of the hits of the day.
Compiled by Dave McAleer, who is an expert in music of the 50’s and 60’s, Then 1956 also looks at the events of the year which are documented in the sleeve notes. The song choices are great, featuring some the better known tracks of the year from Elvis Presley, Dean Martin and of course, Bill Haley & The Comets to lesser known tracks like Teresa Brewers’ ‘A Sweet Old Fashioned Girl’.
What was most important for me though was pressing play and hearing these songs in great quality. The tracks are not dull and don’t sound like they were recorded in the bottom of a well. Score!
Whether a music lover or a newbie to the era, Then 1956 is a really introduction not only to the music of the year but its also really interesting to listen to these tracks and see how music has changed.
As for the title of the series ‘Then 1956′ instead of the ‘Now‘ series, pure genius.
Then 1956 is out on November 12th on FutureNoiseMusic