BWW CD Reviews: AUDIO WITH A G: SOUNDS OF A JERSEY BOY, THE MUSIC OF BOB GAUDIO is a Strong Collection of Favorites

This summer audiences finally got a chance to see the film adaption of JERSEY BOYS, and the Blu-Ray/DVD of the musical film is due out on November 11. But, if you just cannot get enough of the music of Bob Gaudio, Rhino Records has got you covered. This summer they released the 2 Disc set AUDIO WITH A G: SOUNDS OF A JERSEY BOY, THE MUSIC OF BOB GAUDIO, which features all of your favorites and the best renditions of the Bob Gaudio classics.

The two discs offer a total of 36 tracks and almost 2 full hours of infectious, unforgettable pop classics. The only detraction is that a handful of the tunes are repeated, as listeners are given multiple versions to enjoy. On the discs we are presented with "Sherry" sung both by Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons and JERSEY BOYS Original Broadway Cast, "Bye, Bye, Baby (Baby, Goodbye)" sung by both Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons and Bay City Rollers, "The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine (Anymore)" sung by both The Walker Brothers and Cher, "The Night" sung by both Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons and Lene Lovich, "Who Loves You" sung by both Frankie Vallie & The Four Seasons and JERSEY BOYS Original Broadway Cast, and "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" sung by Frankie Valli, Nancy Wilson, and The Boys Town Gang. In essence, these repeated songs show the breadth and scope of Bob Gaudio's reach, while letting listeners and not album producers determine who sang the song the best.

Listening to the two albums reminded me of driving around New Orleans, LA and Fairhope, AL with my mother's parents. They were fond of these tunes, and I can recall hearing almost all of them being played on the airwaves of the radio stations they enjoyed. I feel certain that the two discs will bring up all kinds of nostalgia and memories for many listeners. Whether "Short Shorts" makes you think of old Nair commercials or if "Walk Like a Man" causes you to mentally revisit scenes from Hearts and Souls, these songs have left an indelible impression on the world. It's hard to imagine any one not liking these songs. And for those of us who don't already own these tunes, that's what makes a collection like such as this a nice find.

In the long run, you know you love these songs. "Sherry," "Walk Like a Man," "Rag Doll," "Bye, Bye, Baby (Baby, Goodbye)," "Can't Take My Eyes Off You," "Who Loves You," "December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)," and more are sure to get your toes tapping and have you smiling. AUDIO WITH A G: SOUNDS OF A JERSEY BOY, THE MUSIC OF BOB GAUDIO is a strong collection of tried-and-true favorites. If you can't wait for Tuesday's Blu-Ray and DVD release of JERSEY BOYS, grab this album and put it on repeat.

Rhino Records physically and digitally released AUDIO WITH A G: SOUNDS OF A JERSEY BOY, THE MUSIC OF BOB GAUDIO on July 1, 2014. The album can be purchased from Amazon and elsewhere music is sold.

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