Best Of Polka

All of the material on this two-CD set is at least 30 years old, but the sound quality is a cut above some other similar re-releases on this label. It is almost worth the price just because of Ach du Lieber Augustin on disc two. That track, by Whoopee John Wilfahrt, originally appeared on a 45-rpm single around 1960. The tuba player is in top form, perhaps inspired by the lyrics, "Und vhen the tuba goes oompah so schweet, my heart will ahnswer with each oompah beat". I wish more of these 45's could be found, for it is rare these days for Whoopee John tracks to sound decent (most are taken from 78's recorded in the 1940s). Many of the other artists' contributions to this collection leave a lot to be desired. The Frankie Yankovic tracks are thin and distorted, compared to that artist's superb original releases, and some of the other polka bands are nothing to write home about to begin with. There are several serious dropouts beginning on track 16 of disc two. Maybe it's just my copy; if so, and if you get a good copy, it might be worth an additional half-star or so. Future re-releasers, please search for those Whoopee John 45's, like When Otto Plays a Polka, Starlight Waltz, Banjo Polka, When the Sun Comes Over the Brewery, etc. I miss those.

Fun, funny, upbeat

My best friend bought this for me 18 years ago; you can't be sad when you listen to a polka! I wore the set out. I was so thrilled when I could get another one after so long of a time. God bless you, Amazon, you keep us dancing and smiling!

I don't normally review something I haven't heard, but my mother asked me to post this for her. She's in her 80's, and she grew up on polka. She loves it, and would be just fine if polka were the only music she were able to listen to for the rest of her life. This cd, though, she hated--she said that many of the songs were just awful, and that she couldn't listen to them any more, after just one or two listens. Buyer beware!

I purchased this for my grandmother and she loves it. She says it takes her back to the good days.

My son love polka and square dance type music. But I even found some of the tune catchy. I am not what you would call a polka lover.

This set has some of the best polka bands from the 50's,60's and 70's. Great tune's, very danceable. Can get a good dance party started. Well worth buying to start your collection, or to add to an exhisting one. Very enjoyable.

The music is great. Best I HAVE HEARD.