Released 1961 (1961) Producer Simon Rady Release date 1961 | Recorded December 20–28, 1960 Genre Pop | |
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101 Gang Songs(1960) Holiday in Europe(1961) Label Marathon Media International Ltd. Similar Favorite Hawaiian Songs - V, Victor Herbert Melodies, Favorite Hawaiian Songs - V, On the Happy Side, Jack B Nimble – A Mother G | ||
101 Gang Songs is a long-playing vinyl album recorded in December 1960 by Bing Crosby for his own company, Project Records and distributed by Warner Bros. (W 2R-1401) and the RCA Victor Record Club in 1961 with lyric sheets to help the listener join in with the singing. Spread over two vinyl LPs, the album consists of twenty four medleys of old songs in a singalong format. Bing Crosby sings on all of the tracks except those marked with an asterisk. The chorus and orchestra accompaniment, arranged and conducted by Jack Halloran, was pre-recorded with Crosby over-dubbing his vocals.
Contents
This double LP was also released as two separate single LPs under the titles, Join Bing in a Gang Song Sing Along in September 1961 and Join Bing and Sing Along-51 Good Time Songs in January 1962.
The albums have not yet been released on CD.
Selected tracks from the albums and from the earlier Join Bing and Sing Along record were later re-dubbed over a children's chorus, arranged and conducted by Jack Halloran, which was recorded on 17-19 May 1961. It was issued later to children's camps as "Sing Along With Bing".
Reception
Variety magazine reviewed the album saying “Bing Crosby is slowly moving into Mitch Miller’s territory. Crosby’s first sing along package did quite well in the market and this compilation of 50 faves has a good chance to do even better. The formula is light and simple and with Crosby leading the way the songalog is easy to follow."
High Fidelity Magazine: "Mitch Miller may have started (or at least resurrected) the "sing-along" craze, but it has taken the Old Master to supply the definitive triumph of this genre. He's in his jauntiest form here, leading a usually robust chorus, backed by a vigorously steady rhythm section in performances which imperiously demand participation."
Track listing
*Non-Bing – orchestra and chorus only
Songs
1Shine On Harvest Moon / That's Where The Money Goes / Harrigan / Listen To The Mocking Bird3:46
2Flow Gently - Sweet Afton / Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms / Drink To Me Only With Thine Eyes3:55
3Sweet Rosie O'Grady / My Sweetheart's The Man In The Moon / Forty-Five Minutes From Broadway / Goodbye My Lover - Goodbye3:04