There are a couple of new releases in the world of oldies but goodies reissues.

In the late 1980′s and early 1990′s there was a relatively steady stream of oldies but goodies reissue CD’s being released. Major players in the reissue industry, such as Rhino, ACE UK and others were putting out CD’s with digitally remastered oldies music to the tune of, perhaps, several a month.

In the past few years, though, reissue compilations have subsided considerably. The market for oldies is most definitely still there. People are searching for new releases of their favorite oldies constantly. But the oldies material itself is getting harder to find, at least in a condition that warrants the licensing and the work that goes into remastering and restoring.

But the reissue labels are still diligently working to find and restore those treasures from our youth – that great baby boomer stuff so many of us grew up with (or grew up to). One of those reissue labels is Hit Parade in Canada. They have become one of the newer major players in the marketplace, and have gained a reputation as being a true audiophile quality reissue label.

Hit Parade just released two new collections in their series of Hard To Find Jukebox Classics, this time covering the year 1959. These two releases are pretty spectacular. Obviously, considerable time and effort were expended in putting them together. They are worth a look, especially for collectors.

First up is Hard-to-Find Jukebox Classics 1959: Pop Gold, which features a full 27 tracks, all but five of which are in True Stereo. Of those, a couple are making their stereo debut on CD, most notably the spectacular rendition of The Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s “Battle Hymn Of The Republic.” This is the original single version rather than the more commonly available LP version(s). Audio quality is superb throughout, as should be expected from one of the premier reissue labels around today. Highly recommended – a worthy investment.

Next comes Hard-to-Find Jukebox Classics 1959: Teen Pop Gold – the perfect companion piece to the Pop Gold collection above. Another 27 tracks from the “teen idol” side of the 1959 pop music scene. Again, some are making their debut on CD, and a couple are making their first CD appearance in True Stereo. Review the track listing and I’m sure you’ll find a buried treasure or two.