Various Artists - Great Moments of the 20th Century (CD)

All Music Guide

Rhino's extensive Great Moments of the 20th Century captures over 200 definitive soundbites of world history on three discs. From 1901's "Inventor Marconi Receives First Transatlantic Radio Transmission" to 1999's "The Celebration of New Year's Eve in Times Square," the set captures major cultural, philosophical, and technological landmarks that defined the century. Disc one (1901-1953) includes survivor's accounts of the Titanic, U.S. Census reports of the baby boom, and President Roosevelt's declaration of war on Japan; disc two features excerpts of Senator Joseph McCarthy at the Un-American Activities Committee hearings, Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Mountain Top" speech, and Mickey Mantle's farewell to his fans; disc three (1970-1999) includes the Supreme Court's decision to legalize abortion in Roe Vs. Wade, reports on the space shuttle Challenger disaster, and Diana, Princess of Wales' untimely death in a car crash. An ambitious time capsule, Great Moments of the 20th Century manages to be comprehensive yet diverse, making it a must for history buffs.

- Heather Phares, All Music Guide