Alvin & the Chipmunks - Greatest Hits (CD)

All Music Guide

This tentrack compilation includes tunes from the Ross Bagdasarian creation the Chipmunks. He forged a multimedia empire with a string of novelty LPs and the classic The Alvin Show television series. The program had a great impact on the distinctive look and subsequent persona that the Chipmunks' would continue with for decades to follow. Before the TV show, Alvin, Simon, and Theodore were visually represented by realistic looking puppets and drawings. Their animation makeover created a kinder and gentler image for the trio, who were named after Liberty Records' Al Bennett (Alvin), Si Waronker (Simon), and the staff recording engineer/producer Ted Keep (Theodore). One of the key elements of the successful formula was the interaction with the Dave Seville character, who was rearing three adolescent, talking (and singing) Chipmunks. This sort of interaction between the species stood out as unique in any form of animation. The same is equally true when considering that it was Bagdasarian ...who provided the voices for all four characters. The LPs from which these sides are derived contain thematic links to the music, such as Chipmunks Sing the Beatles Hits (1964) and Around the World With the Chipmunks (1960). As the title suggests, Greatest Hits (1992) highlights the bestknown material, including all of their nonseasonal Top 40 hits: "Ragtime Cowboy Joe," "Alvin's Harmonica," "Alvin's Orchestra," and "The Alvin Twist." There is also the holiday classic "Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)" and no less than onefourth of the Chipmunks Sing the Beatles Hits (1964) LP. This is a great compendium for hits seekers and those looking for a wellrounded budget collection. Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide Read more Less