Essential Bobby Vee

While not quite as complete as 1990's "Legendary Masters" CD -- the last single-disc Bobby Vee greatest hits comp from EMI -- this new collection replicates most of the tracks, including all the hits, in newly-remastered sound.

Bobby Vee is one of those teen idols who fell through the cracks of pop history. A talented vocalist who got his start replacing Buddy Holly after the infamous Winter Dance Party tour of 1959 took Holly's life, Vee was an amiable early Sixties pop idol who had sharper taste and more range than most, as well as a better-than-average selection of songs by Brill Building songwriters. The best Bobby collection up 'til now was 1990's "Legendary Masters" comp, and this new CD replicates 20 of those 28 tracks, leaving off early singles that fizzled (like "What Do You Want") and covers designed to show off his range (like Holly's "Everyday" and the Burt Bacharach number "Be True To Yourself)." Gone too are his Bye Bye Birdie number and radio spot rarities.

So what's left? Only all his hits, from "Rubber Ball" and "Run To Him" and "Take Good Care Of My Baby" to his last gasp with "Come Back When You Grow Up" in 1967. Although there have been several compilations of Vee's work, most are knockoffs on questionable labels; this is the first official Capitol/EMI single-disc collection of his work in this decade, and as such benefits from recent advances in remastering technology. Bobby didn't have a distinctive sound of his own, so many oldies fans won't even remember just how many of these choice 45s to credit to him. However, hearing them all in one place begs a reassessment of his career. Or, at the very least, a chance to hear large sections of pre-Beatle pop at once.