REVIEW: Chipmunks, Here's Looking At Me!
- Bob Gajarsky
It was 1958 when Ross Bagdarsarian took his recorded voice and sped up the playback. Now, Alvin and the Chipmunks are back in a 35th anniversary compilation, Here's Looking at Me!
This release is designed to capitalize on revitalized Chipmunks events, including a network special late in 1994, new videos and book releases and the broadcast of classic and new Chipmunk epsiodes and new prime time specials on the USA Network.
Included here are the Chipmunks timeless classics, "Witch Doctor" and "The Chipmunk Song". The version of "Leader of the Pack" is also good for a laugh or two. Unfortunately, the novelty quickly wears thin. While some might say that Billy Ray Cyrus' "Achy Breaky Heart" sounds better in a high-pitched voice, it becomes difficult to listen to the entire album at one sitting. And, the Chipmunks songs which actually DID hit the charts (including "Alvin's Harmonica") are left off in favor of more recent tunes, such as "Beat It", "Uptown Girl", and "Express Yourself". This can only be in an attempt to garner younger "fans" of the Chipmunks at the expense of older ones.
In conclusion? With the revitalization of the Chipmunks on television, I'd only recommend the Chipmunks Here's Looking at Me to people who have children under the age of 10. It's sure to be a hit with the kids.
Track listing: "We're The Chipmunks", "Witch Doctor", "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun", "Let's Go", "Uptown Girl", "Beat It", "Wooly Bully", "Leader of the Pack", "The Chipmunk Song", "Express Yourself", "On The Road Again", "Achy Breaky Heart"
