PAT BOONE
The Millennium Collection (MCA)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

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Sheesh I dinna know Pat was that old. Expecting a thousand years worth of tunes, I was relieved to find a much more manageable twelve track compilation that only dates back to 1955. I guess they're saving the rest for a box set. Anyhoo, Pat, it says here was a real swinger in the day, popping up all over the pop charts like Jiffy Pop popcorn. One listen to his version of "Ain't That a Shame" and ya know why. This guy's a classic boomer crooner, belting out a rock and roll classic like Bing Crosby yelling instructions, with just enough barber shop harmony to satisfy each and every listening age group. If Elvis was driving 'em crazy, then Pat was driving 'em home, with mom in the rumble seat to boot. And though the bobby sox set might have been jiving to Pat's uppity numbers, it's his bear hug slow ballads that work best. And that, as anyone privy to a school gym dance will tell you, is what life is all about.

© 2001 - John Sekerka