This shows the versatility this man had. One usually thinks of him as a crooner of love songs, but there seemed to be nothing the man couldn't sing and sing beautifully. He will always be a star and this shows it. N. Lacey

Another CD from the original run of Perry Como releases from Collectables in 2001. This CD is a pairing of 2 more of Perry's RCA Victor Albums: "Como Swings" [1959] and "For The Young At Heart" [1960].

The sources of this CD are somewhat mixed. There is use of 1st Generation Masters, Release Masters and Vinyl Records. "Como Swings" is completely sourced from Release Masters. "For The Young At Heart" on the other hand is sourced mainly from 1st Generation Masters (with no proper re-mixing) and Vinyl Records. The reason behind the mixed sources on the latter album is that the Release Masters could not be located at the time and neither could all of the 1st Generation Masters; so a Stereo copy of the LP was used where originals could not be located. They certainly do exist, but locating takes time and money in itself - Collectables were already stretching to the maximum of their budget. So, competent engineering and detailed Masters searches were out of the question.

What many failed to understand is that these 2001 Collectables CD releases of Perry Como, represented the best ever attempt made by this budget label. The sources were mainly Original Release Master Tapes. It is unfortunate that the tapes used were worn; but this is not a big concern because the 1st Generation Masters are fully intact in the vaults. It is these original masters which need to be digitally re-mixed and re-mastered. It is the fact that so many complained about the 2001 releases that clearly made Collectables go back to their old ways - using multi generational sources. We as consumers will determine the standard. If we happily except poor quality products without question or complaint, companies will continue to produce such releases. Collectables have little incentive to do better because their main market supports mediocrity, are unaware of sources or simply don't care.

This particular CD release has the most varied sources. This is unfortunate, but is to be expected from budget labels. It is a far more serious credibility issue when the original labels themself employ such sources and mastering.

The bottom line: we must get back to the 1st Generation Masters and have them properly re-mixed and re-mastered by competent engineers.

I just listened to this album today, and found the sound and songs OK for my ears. The instruments on the "swinging" portion are strong, but I feel that was the intent, and I do not feel Perry's voice is drowned out. One major reason I got the album was I wanted to hear how Perry handled 50s hits like "Too Young" and "Young Love"--very well in my book! (Though the thought that Tab Hunter and Perry both recorded "Young Love" does cause a little whiplash.) By the way, "Young Love" was one of the four songs not taken from master tapes, but I could discern very little degradation of quality on this or the other ones. A good album for Como lovers.

This compilation of two albums by the late Mr. C. is a document of his accomplishments as a singer, as his "pop" hits sometimes did not effectively show. He was after all a "band" singer first, during the thirties and early forties, and unlike most of them, including Sinatra and Crosby, Como could read music and play instruments. His fine musicianship and vocal technique show in these songs, accompanied expertly by Ayres and his orchestra and the Ray Charles Singers.

Unfortunately RCA/BMG did not choose to go to the best master sources for this disc. The sound duplicates the typical RCA Victor "LP" sound of the late 50's: shrill and bass-shy, with clumsy editing and "sweetening", more evident in the digital medium than they were on LP. There is clearly more in these masters than is evident here. This is the reason for a rating of only four stars. Otherwise, this disc is highly enjoyable to listen to.

If you can still get the Japanese Cd of "Como Swings" do so. The transfer on this Cd is "over produced", at times the "shrill sound" overpowers Perry! A most disappointing transfer. The second album "For The Young At Heart" is a better transfer, although a much lower volume sound??!! Why the use of 4 vinyl masters????? It seems quality is not the name of the game for "Collectables"!!!