Bing Crosby – Centennial Anthology

Bing Crosby
Artist: Bing Crosby
Title: Centennial Anthology
Label: MCA
Rating: 6/10

Company Line: Bing Crosby recorded exclusively for Decca Records from 1934-1955. Centennial Anthology has been compiled into eleven categories: “Early Hits,” “Country and Western,” “Songs of the Islands,” “Irish Favorites,” “Bing’s Duets,” “Swing With Bing,” “Film Favorites,” “Bing and the Instrumentalists,” “Americana,” “The Voice of Christmas,” and “Around the World.”

The Good:
Each Christmas song is a classic from “White Christmas” to “Jingle Bells” to “Silent Night”
“Star Dust” – A shimmering dreamy track.
“Don’t Fence Me In” and “San Antonio Rose” – Even though I’m not the biggest fan of his country tracks it is undeniable just how good these songs are.
“Pennies From Heaven” – One of Bing’s biggest hits early in his career and you can hear why.
“Swinging On A Star” – “Or would you rather be a fish?”

The Marginal:
“Blue Hawaii” – Not a highlight.

The Ugly:
Bing didn’t do anything the wrong way.

Frankly: Bing Crosby is one of the greatest vocalist in our history. There is a reason he has been called the “Voice Of The Century”. Even when a song lacks in a wonderful melody Bing has a way of making the song work regardless. The only problem with the album is that you have to contend with hiss and a rough remaster.

+ charlie craine


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