Hits Of '25 - The Roaring '20s 'Yes Sir, that's My Baby'

Living Era's year-by-year compilations of hit recordings from the Roaring Twenties are well worth investigating. This volume, focusing upon the year 1925, is much better than the hideous cover photo suggests. Although the people posing artlessly with gaping smiles look positively idiotic (the hem of the woman's flapper dress still has pins holding it together), the music within provides an overview of recordings that sold well in their day. Gene Austin's amazingly funny vocal technique makes the title track a veritable masterpiece of silliness. Small wonder this one is referenced as a number one hit. Aside from arresting performances like Al Jolson's cloyingly sentimental "All Alone" and Vernon Dalhart's austere "The Prisoner's Song" (it sold seven million copies!), much of what's reissued here is either campy comedy or lively, upbeat dance music. (AllMusic)