The 1920s evoke an era of gangsters, flappers, bootleg gin, and a nation gone jazz crazy right down to the raccoon coats. This second entry in RCA's
Nipper's Greatest Hits series evokes that era in a big way on this 20-track compilation. While there were jazz recordings by the carload from the '20s, it's the pop tunes that drove the decade, and kicking off with the triple punch of
Irving Aaronson & His Commanders' "Let's Misbehave,"
Gene Austin's "My Blue Heaven," and
Fred Waring & His Pennsylvanians' "Collegiate" sets both the mood and ambience for this set. Other highlights in this excellent collection include
Maurice Chevalier's "Louise,"
Eddie Cantor's "Makin' Whoopee,"
Paul Whiteman's "Whispering" and "Charleston,"
Fanny Brice's "My Man,"
George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue," and
Duke Ellington's "Black and Tan Fantasy." But ultimately it's the one-off novelties, like the Coon-Sanders Nighthawks' "Little Orphan Annie,"
Nat Shilkret's "Lucky Lindy," and George Olsen's "The Varsity Drag" that make this compilation such a wonderful listening experience. While the transfers are moderately clean (given that few real masters of any kind exist), everything on here is 70 years old or older, so don't expect modern recording miracles -- just a nice ride back in time. ~ Cub Koda