Broadway Musicals of 1939

Somewhat confusingly, Broadway Musicals of 1939 doesn't feature 1939 recordings from Broadway shows; instead, it offers performances of songs from that year's shows by a contemporary cast. Though it doesn't have as much vintage factor in its favor as actual 1939 recordings would, this is a fine collection of the year's show tune highlights, including Set to Music's "Mad About the Boy" and "Never Again," Very Warm for May's "All the Things You Are," and Du Barry Was a Lady's "Well, Did You Evah?" and "Friendship." Sing for Your Supper, Too Many Girls, and The Hot Mikado are some of the other 1939 musicals represented here. The cast does a fine job with the songs; overall, this is a strong collection, and perhaps the next best thing to listening to the era's original recordings.