Jump, Jive & Wail: The History of Swing
1998, EMI Compilation album

Great compilation album by EMI Music Canada. This is the perfect starter CD for those of you just getting into swing. It features some of the greatest vintage tunes by the original artists: Louis Prima, Louis Jordan, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington & Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, Count Basie, Sam Butera and even the Stray Cats. EMI also throws in some of the newer bands such as Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Royal Crown Revue, The Amazing Royal Crowns and even a track from 8½ Souvenirs, a well known Austin, Texas swing band that is rarely heard around here (they have a saloon type sound - very unique). The jacket, unfortunately, is quite lame but it unfolds to provide you with a little bit of background history on each artist - nice touch. 18 tracks. A good album for dancing.

	Very bad. Everything about this sucks. Unless you're a DJ and absolutely have to own everything just for the sake of having it - PLEASE don't buy it!!!
	Not the bottom of the pile, but close. While there are some positive features - either sound quality, content, or the music itself are poor.
	Good recording. This falls under the category of CDs that you take out and dust off every once in a while for the few good tracks that are on it. You won't love it - but you won't hate it either.
	Very good selection. Music that falls under this category comes from a good sounding band(s), has good recording quality and arrangements. Lacks only a distinctive sound or energy to leap to the realm of greatness. This is a must have.
	Murderistic! Killa' Dilla'! This is a real stand-out recording by a stand- out band. This is a "should already have" for all of you hepcats out there. If you don't already have it - GET IT!!! Or you'll have to answer to Big Vic Vega!!!