The general rule on releases from the Proper label is to go with the box sets for the most complete perspective (at a cheap price) but stay away from the single-disc Proper Introduction series, which often mislead neophytes on just what a "proper introduction" to most artists should be. The volume on Dinah Shore, however, is a solid look at her hit-making prime, which began early (for band singers, at least), in 1940, and found her ensconced in the Hit Parade throughout the next 15 years. Her biggest hits -- "Anniversary ...
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The general rule on releases from the Proper label is to go with the box sets for the most complete perspective (at a cheap price) but stay away from the single-disc Proper Introduction series, which often mislead neophytes on just what a "proper introduction" to most artists should be. The volume on Dinah Shore, however, is a solid look at her hit-making prime, which began early (for band singers, at least), in 1940, and found her ensconced in the Hit Parade throughout the next 15 years. Her biggest hits -- "Anniversary Song," "The Gypsy," "Buttons and Bows" "I'll Walk Alone" -- are all here, though they're sprinkled throughout the disc. Virtually all of her second-tier performances are also here, including "Shoo-Fly Pie and Apple-Pan Dowdy" and "Blues in the Night" (but, surprisingly, not "Dear Hearts and Gentle People"). The sound quality is good but not great, making Proper Introduction a solid compilation of Dinah Shore's early career. ~ John Bush, Rovi
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