Rating: - A great collection of Depression-era novelty songs
This appears to be a truncated version of a collection originally out on the ProArte label... All the songs on this version are great, but it is a shame Naxos cut out the four other songs, particularly Crumit's version of "Frankie And Johnny," which is a real gem.

Still... this is highly recommended!

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Rating: - This version of "Caballero" is the One to Buy!
There is another Frank Crumit compilation with the same title floating around. If you want to get the prime Frank Crumit recordings, this is The Caballero you want to buy! The majority of the tunes here are his recordings from the 1920s through the early 30s, with the latest date being one tune from 1935.

What makes this CD superior over the other Crumit compilation is that these earlier recordings best capture his style and charm. There is that "78 Victrola Hiss" present in many of ... Read More

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Rating: - Wonderful
There's nothing like a bit of old fashioned musichall to get the party jumping. And what could be better than this compilation of Frank Crumit's timeless tunes? All the favourites are there for a good old family sing-along. There's The Gay Caballero of course, as well as A Bum-Bandit's Ballad and Look at that Swish Flounce!

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Rating: - Some fun from old-time radio
Naxos has begun a most welcome new series called "Nostalgia Naxos," the first two of which entries I have heard and love! Both have great similarities and both exhibit the triumph of style over vocal ability.

Although this is the webpage for Crumit, I have to mention the companion piece by way of comparison.

<"Sing As We Go": Gracie Fields, Vol. 1> (8.120503) gives us 18 examples of the English musical hall/film star who was idolized by millions, mostly in her own country. ... Read More