This must be the only album that can advertise itself as containing all recordings that spent at least eight weeks each at number one in the charts, if only because records tended to stay at the top of the charts longer in the 1940s than they did subsequently. But British archival label ASV/Living Era's Chart-Toppers of the Forties really does live up to its name, containing the biggest hits of 1940-1947. And what happened to 1948 and 1949? Well, albums like this exist because European copyright law extends only 50 years ...
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This must be the only album that can advertise itself as containing all recordings that spent at least eight weeks each at number one in the charts, if only because records tended to stay at the top of the charts longer in the 1940s than they did subsequently. But British archival label ASV/Living Era's Chart-Toppers of the Forties really does live up to its name, containing the biggest hits of 1940-1947. And what happened to 1948 and 1949? Well, albums like this exist because European copyright law extends only 50 years for recordings, allowing labels like ASV/Living Era to remaster old 78s from major labels like Columbia, Decca, and RCA Victor and create collections like this without licensing and paying royalties. But they would have to have waited a little longer to get the last two years of the decade in. They do have to pay song publishing royalties, but differences in the law in Europe make it more economical to have 25 tracks on a disc than it is in the U.S. All of this must be seen as an end-run around American law, however, since this compilation, which consists entirely of American artists and is keyed to the American charts, is clearly intended for the American market, where it is readily available, even though those major labels claim copyright on this material at home. But then, why should an American fan complain when such a collection would be nearly impossible to assemble stateside? (Note that the recording of "I'll Never Smile Again" credited to Frank Sinatra is the hit version by Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra with Sinatra and the Pied Pipers on vocals, and that "Sentimental Journey," credited to Doris Day, is the hit version by Les Brown and His Orchestra with Day on vocals.) ~ William Ruhlmann, Rovi
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Seller's Description:
Fair. All our items come in the original case with artwork, though manuals and slipcovers are not always guaranteed to be included as these items are donated goods and will show some wear and tear from normal use. Jewel cases will be included but may be damaged and/or cracked. We typically resurface discs that are visibly scratched prior to shipping, but we do not test disc(s). Digital codes may not be included and have not been tested to be redeemable and/or active. Thank you for shopping with Goodwill Colorado! Orders shipped Monday through Friday. Safe and Secure Bubble Mailer! Your purchase helps put people to work and learn life skills to reach their full potential. Thank you!
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Seller's Description:
Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
