I’m sure you’ve either a) heard of or seen the musical play Jersey Boys b) heard of or seen the movie The Jersey Boys or c) heard music by the wonderful 60s-70s vocal group The Four Seasons, lead by Frankie Valli. Here, in commemorating the recently released movie is a collection of three, count ‘em, three releases of the music from that wonderful band and era.
Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons is an 18 disc set with the original albums in their collective sleeves. This encyclopedic set has all of their material from 1962 to 1992, when their collective voices actually changed. Yes, you’ve got all the wonderful hits like “Rag Doll,” “Sherry” and “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” but, just like with all artists, the big impression that they leave with you is how this band survived the onslaught of acid rock, progressive rock and disco. Class and harmony always endures
The eight disc set of Franki Valli’s Selected Solo Works also has recreations of the original albums of Valli’s days when he was season-less. The hit from the classic disco movie Grease is here, as is the wonderfully romantic and maudlin “My Eyes Adored You.” There are some real gems here such as Timeless and Closeup, and each song invites you to sing along with the Gumba.
The two disc Audio With A G is quite a trip. Subtitled Sounds of a Jersey, the Music of Bob Gaudio, the collection consists of songs that were penned by Gaudio that became mega hits. You’re going to recognize a TON of these tunes, such as “December 1963 (Oh, What A Night)” by the 4 Seasons, as well as hits by other people such as “Silence is Golden” by The Tremeloes and “Whatever You Want” by Gerry Butler. Even Sinatra, Diana Ross and The Temptations give some cameo appearances. What a hoot!
Rhino Records