BWW CD Reviews: FRED ASTAIRE: THE EARLY YEARS AT RKO is Nostalgic Easy Listening

Iconic performer Fred Astaire has a lengthy and impressive discography and filmography. The legendary singer, dancer, and actor has many memorable moments - all of which are part of Sony Masterwork's most recent Fred Astaire collection, Fred Astaire: THE EARLY YEARS AT RKO.

The collection is the perfect chronology of the iconic performer's greatest early hits. The collection includes classic tracks like "Cheek to Cheek," "Top Hat, White Tie and Tails," and "Let's Call The Whole Thing Off." This collection is definitely perfect for big Astaire fans that are keen on hearing some of their favourite early tunes remastered for the first time.

The collection is heavy on Astaire's earlier moments, as reflected in the collection's title. Fans of Astaire's later works may miss the inclusion of some of his later iconic performance numbers but will be pleased with the songs included in the collection nevertheless. The collection definately allows fans to relive some of their favourite Astaire moments and will certainly provide incentive to look into his later works.

Most of the record's tracks will be recognizable to not only Astaire fans, but fans of the general crooner/show tune genre. Many will be pleased with the inclusion of tracks like "The Way You Look Tonight," a song bound to warm hearts. The iconic romantic number will steal your heart and make you lost in Astaire's sound. Whether it's sung by Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett or Fred Astaire, this song is always moving.

Still, "Top Hat, White Tie and Tails" and "Shall We Dance" are the two perfect examples of the classic nature of the collection. The beloved show tunes are well known to most fans of Astaire's noteworthy musicals of the time. You can almost hear Astaire's showmanship in the tracks. Hearing these classic tunes are bound to have people nostalgic and eager to relive their favourite movies where these tunes were born.

Beloved show tune "Nice Work If You Can Get It" is another stellar addition to the lengthy collection. The toe-tapping tune will have you singing along and maybe even tap-dancing.

The collection boasts 37 Astaire tracks that are bound to have you reminiscing and singing along. The record mostly features songs heard in the Astaire and Rogers musical films of the 1930's like Top Hat, Shall We Dance, and Swing Time. After listening to this lengthy record, listeners are bound to dig up their favourite old Astaire and Rogers musicals.

Fred Astaire: THE EARLY YEARS AT RKO does a good job of picking out Astaire's most energetic early tunes. While some tunes are more well known than others, listeners can look forward to some of their favourite tunes, and picking up some more favourite tracks along the way.

Fred Astaire: THE EARLY YEARS AT RKO is currently available for purchase on iTunes and at Amazon.

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