Best of the Big Bands is a solid 16-track collection that contains a smattering of
Goodman's familiar work, including "Riffin' the Scotch," "I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)," "Serenade in Blue," "It's Only a Paper Moon," "Symphony," "Blue Skies" and "A Gal in Calico." Despite the high quality of the music, many of his biggest hits are missing, and that's why it isn't necessarily a starting point, but it remains an excellent look at his big-band recordings. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine