Various Artists - Billboard Top Pop Hits: 1963

tunes that make me wanna DANCE !!!

Billboard Top Pop Hits: 1963 is a very strong and enjoyable installment in this multi CD series of great pop hits from back in the day. The sound quality lacks nothing; it's very good. The artwork is nice and this will bring back so many good memories for the people who first heard these tunes on the radio!

The Rooftop Singers starts things right with their folk rock hit "Walk Right In;" this tune really has a great beat and the guitar arrangement is sublime! The Rooftop Singers sing this in perfect harmony and the overall effect is very warm and strong. I love it! Kyu Sakamoto continues the hits with his great "Sukiyaki." I don't understand what he's singing but this is a beautiful ballad that cannot be missed. I predict that you will enjoy "Sukiyaki" very much.

Listen also for Paul & Paula doing their smash hit, "Hey Paula." This adorable tune captures both the innocence and honesty of young true love in days when life seemed simpler. Paul & Paula make this a magical tune as they harmonize; the keyboards and percussion carry the bulk of the melody and it all works rather well.

The Cascades perform "Rhythm Of The Rain" with such style it amazes me; the percussion is cool and The Cascades sing this like the pros they always were! "Rhythm Of The Rain" is easily a major highlight of this album.

Bobby Vinton sings his hauntingly beautiful number entitled "Blue Velvet" without a superfluous note; and the musical arrangement lacks nothing--it's THAT good. Bobby has excellent diction and this makes his singing very special. In addition, there's also Dale & Grace performing "I'm Leaving It Up To You." "I'm Leaving It Up To You" has a country twist to it and this number shines just as fresh as it did the first time I ever heard it! The musical interlude, however brief, is very nicely done.

The album ends nicely with The Surfaris on "Wipe Out." This number benefits hugely from the clever use of the drums and the beat is infectiously catchy; you will enjoy "Wipe Out!" This is classic early `60s pop music.

Billboard Top Pop Hits: 1963 is chock full of great music. Whether you're new to this genre of music or an oldies lover from back in the day, you are bound to enjoy this album.
February 4, 2008

Great Collection of Songs

What a great collection of songs from 60s! I was looking for one song in particular, "Sukiyaki Song" which became a huge hit in Japan when was living there and also accompanied this singer in Tokyo. So I wanted to get a copy and finding this one with the singer. Other songs are great also. October 10, 2007

Great songs

This is a great CD with some harder to find songs that you don't often see on 1960's mixed CD's. September 10, 2007

awesome 1963

I love the music from the 60's and this show cases some of the best of it. August 24, 2007

Avoid

I bought this cd for one reason only- Kyu Sakamoto's "Sukiyaki". Unfortunately, this 1994 compilation cd has a tremendous amount of hiss which makes for an annoying listening experience. November 27, 2006

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