Review: Ace UK -'Chartbusters USA, Vol. # 3'

Guys,

I purchased this disc last Thursday and I have now had the opportunity to give it a thorough listen. Here is my review:

1) I'm A Roadrunner - Junior Walker & the All-Stars (Stereo) [The Mono 45 mix is better]
2) The Letter - Boxtops (Stereo) [The Mono 45 mix is better]
3) Fun, Fun, Fun - Beach Boys (correct Mono 45 mix)
4) She's Not There - Zombies (Mono 45 mix)
5) Ode To Billie Joe - Bobbi Gentry (Stereo)
6) Along Comes Mary - Association (Stereo) [Mono 45 mix is better]
7) I Got You Babe - Sonny & Cher (Stereo)
8) Next Plane To London - Rose Garden (Stereo) [Mono 45 mix is better)
9) Down In The Boondocks - Billy Joe Royal (Stereo)
10) You Turn Me On (The Turn On Song) - Ian Whitcomb & Bluesville (Mono)
11) Guantanamara - Sandpipers (Stereo)
12) Goin' Out Of My Head - Little Anthony & the Imperials (Stereo)
13) I Do - Marvelows (Stereo)
14) I Heard It Though The Grapevine - Marvin Gaye (Stereo)
15) In The Midnight Hour - Wilson Pickett (Mono)
16) Gonna Send You Back To Georgia - Timmy Shaw (Mono)
17) Just Like Me - Paul Revere & the Raiders (Stereo)
18) The Pink Panther Theme - Henry Mancini (Stereo)
19) Going Up Country - Canned Heat (Stereo)
20) People Get Ready - Impressions (Stereo)
21) Soul Limbo - Booker T. & the MG's (Stereo)
22) Baby Scratch My Back - Slim Harpo (Mono)
23) Grazing In The Grass - Hugh Masekela (Stereo)
24) Little Bit Of Soul - Music Explosion (Stereo) [Mono 45 mix is much better]
25) Talk, Talk - Music Machine (Stereo)
26) We'll Sing In The Sunshine - Gale Garnett (Stereo)
27) Little Honda - Hondells (Stereo)
28) Born To Be Wild - Steppenwolf (Stereo)

Track Selection: This is a very enjoyable, listenable, fun set. I would have liked more of the original 45 mixes, however. Most are readily available. The Stereo mix of 'Little Bit Of Soul' is horrible and it should never be released as the 'hit' version. Fun to hear the Stereo mix of 'Talk, Talk' (a first for me). Bill Inglot assisted with the tape research.

Sound & Mastering: The set was mastered by the dependable Duncan Cowell. I rate him just below Steve and Dennis Drake when it comes to mastering vintage Top 40 hits. Generally, the sound is very pleasing and enjoyable. 'Fun, Fun, Fun' sounds better than any of the commercially available Mono 45 mixes of the track. 'You Turn Me On (The Turn On Song)' sounds better than any version in my collection. On this disc, it has more body and less harsh lower high end. 'In the Midnight Hour' sounds tight and it cooks! 'The Pink Panther Theme' sounds especially good. I would rate the 'Born To Be Wild' as second only to Steve's version on the Vintage series.

Liner Notes: As per usual with Ace, the liner notes are very well-done, detailed and complete.

Overall: * * * * [Out of 5 possible] If this set would have included more of the correct 45 mixes, I would have rated it at (5) stars. For Stereo and Oldies fans, this disc should be purchased. I recommend it!

Bob

 

Hi Mark,

I purchased mine locally, versus on-line, for $13.99. I am old-fashioned in that regard. I do believe that they can be purchased directly from Ace but, I suspect they will be cheaper here. My local store ordered it for me.

Good luck!

Bob