This must be the only album that can advertise itself as containing all recordings that spent at least eight weeks each at number one in the charts, if only because records tended to stay at the top of the charts longer in the 1940s than they did subsequently. But British archival label ASV/Living Era's Chart-Toppers of the Forties really does live up to its name, containing the biggest hits of 1940-1947. And what happened to 1948 and 1949? Well, albums like this exist because European copyright law extends only 50 years ...
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This must be the only album that can advertise itself as containing all recordings that spent at least eight weeks each at number one in the charts, if only because records tended to stay at the top of the charts longer in the 1940s than they did subsequently. But British archival label ASV/Living Era's Chart-Toppers of the Forties really does live up to its name, containing the biggest hits of 1940-1947. And what happened to 1948 and 1949? Well, albums like this exist because European copyright law extends only 50 years for recordings, allowing labels like ASV/Living Era to remaster old 78s from major labels like Columbia, Decca, and RCA Victor and create collections like this without licensing and paying royalties. But they would have to have waited a little longer to get the last two years of the decade in. They do have to pay song publishing royalties, but differences in the law in Europe make it more economical to have 25 tracks on a disc than it is in the U.S. All of this must be seen as an end-run around American law, however, since this compilation, which consists entirely of American artists and is keyed to the American charts, is clearly intended for the American market, where it is readily available, even though those major labels claim copyright on this material at home. But then, why should an American fan complain when such a collection would be nearly impossible to assemble stateside? (Note that the recording of "I'll Never Smile Again" credited to Frank Sinatra is the hit version by Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra with Sinatra and the Pied Pipers on vocals, and that "Sentimental Journey," credited to Doris Day, is the hit version by Les Brown and His Orchestra with Day on vocals.) ~ William Ruhlmann, Rovi
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Add this copy of Chart Toppers of 40'S to cart. $3.89, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Emerald rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 1999 by Asv Living Era.
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Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Chart Toppers of 40'S to cart. $5.99, very good condition, Sold by HPB Inc. rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 1999 by Asv Living Era.
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Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Chart Toppers of 40'S to cart. $12.97, like new condition, Sold by insomniacsonline rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from South Hackensack, NJ, UNITED STATES, published 1999 by Asv Living Era.
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Like New. Size: 5x4x0; Buy from insomniacs! We dont sleep until your order is shipped! Professional packaging, same day shipping on most orders. View our feedback and buy with confidence.
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