Here is the most comprehensive collection to feature music from the late-'50s and 1960s novelty phenomenon, the
Chipmunks. The name was not a derivative of the popularity of
the Beatles, but rather a suggestion from the kids of multi-media mastermind
Ross Bagdasarian, whose rodent-related moniker dated back to his 1958 hit solo platter "Witch Doctor." The names of the primary characters, Alvin, Simon, and Theodore, were a nod to Liberty Records higher-ups Al Bennett (Alvin)
Si Waronker (Simon), and the label's recording engineer
Ted Keep (Theodore). Also mixed into the concept was a human in the form of
Dave Seville, who was bachelor father to the trio of adolescent, talking (and singing)
Chipmunks. Between 1958 and 1965 there were no less than ten LPs cut for Liberty Records -- three of which landed in the Top 40. Generally the LPs centered on a theme, such as
Around the World with the Chipmunks (1960),
Chipmunks Sing the Beatles Hits (1964), or the pair of
Christmas with the Chipmunks (1962/1963) volumes -- the latter of which have never gone out of print. After the untimely passing of
Bagdasarian in 1972, his son
Ross Jr. revived the trio and it was his effort that went into compiling this release. While there are numerous budget best-ofs available,
Ross Jr. wisely chose tunes that were not on a majority of those. The Top 40 hits "Ragtime Cowboy Joe," "Alvin's Harmonica," "Alvin's Orchestra," and the aforementioned "Witch Doctor" -- which was re-recorded with the
Chipmunks -- are included. Other key entries are "Alvin for President," issued to coincide with the 1960 elections. The only thing lacking would be sides from
Chipmunks a Go-Go (1965) with covers of
Bob Dylan ("Mr. Tambourine Man"),
the Beach Boys ("California Girls"), and even
George Jones ("Race Is On").