Greatest Hits

by The Chipmunks

Product Description:

Originally recordings from "Let's All Sing With The Chipmunks" (1961) and "The Chipmunks Sing The Beatles Hits" (1964).

Personnel includes: Ross Bagdasarian.

Includes liner notes by Don Ovens.

David Seville (real name: Ross Bagdasarian) had a big hit in 1958 with "Witch Doctor," which featured a single taped vocal played back at a faster speed. Experimenting further, this time with three sped-up voices, he was reminded of chipmunks and voila!--an American musical institution was born. Christened--what else?--The Chipmunks, the fictional group's first hit, the aptly named "The Chipmunk Song," was released in time for the Christmas season (also in '58) and was an immediate sensation.

The faux furry trio was named Alvin, Theodore, and Simon, after executives at Liberty Records, and they've prospered well into the '90s (the franchise continues in the hands of Bagdasarian's son). GREATEST HITS, however, cuts off around 1965. Standout tracks include the still amusing original "Chipmunk Song" and its less well known follow-up "Alvin's Harmonica," plus an original ("Alvin's Twist") cashing on the then-current dance craze, and covers of early Beatles songs.