Big Hits actually is a powerhouse anthology: the first definitive, stereo collection of mambo hits. All were re-recorded for stereo in "new arrangements" as the jacket advertises. A couple originally were recorded in stereo, e.g., "Patricia" and "Why Wait," but were not available in stereo, even as late as 1960. The most desirable selections are "Guaglione" and "Paris"; the latter may have been non-LP until this (
Francis Bay covered it to even greater effect). Overall, the presentation is not as strong as it could be. A later issue has the tunes in different order and with the trademark organ mixed higher. Still,
Big Hits is easy to find and very worthwhile.