Recording information: Hollywood, CA (01/19/1931-11/23/1931); Los Angeles, CA (01/19/1931-11/23/1931).
While its title is somewhat of a misnomer--after all, it's impossible to reduce Bing Crosby's crucial recordings to a mere 12 tracks--THE ESSENTIALS does a fine job of presenting a concise collection of key tracks by the beloved crooner/actor. Backed by spry, lilting orchestral arrangements, Crosby shines on every song on the set, including "I Surrender, Dear," "Just a Gigolo," and "Sweet and Lovely," with his smooth vocals effortlessly gliding along atop the melodies. Crosby's early-20th-century charm is palpable on each tune, giving listeners a portal into a lovely bygone era, as best evidenced on the wonderfully dated "I Found a Million Dollar Baby (In the Five and Ten Cent Store)."
