As the title suggests, this budget-priced collection contains ten highlights from the {$Ross Bagdasarian} multi-media creation {$the Chipmunks}. Part actor, part songwriter, and 100 percent ingenious, {$Bagdasarian} created an empire around a trio of characters that he named after his concurrent bosses at the {@Liberty Records} label: {$Al Bennett} ({%Alvin}), {$Si Waronker} ({%Simon}), and the staff recording engineer/producer {$Ted Keep} ({%Theodore}). After scoring a chart-topper with {&"Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late),"} {$Bagdasarian} -- who provided all the voices -- began issuing thematic {\novelty} LPs such as {^Around the World With the Chipmunks} (1960) and the {^Chipmunks Sing the Beatles Hits} (1964). In fact, the latter title was done with the full cooperation and blessing of the Fab Four, who were enthusiasts of the concept. These tracks were gleaned from the first seven non-seasonal long players issued between 1959 and 1965, with three of the selections coming from the hard-to-find {^Chipmunks Sing With Children} (1965) album. Otherwise, the Top 40 hits {&"Ragtime Cowboy Joe,"} {&"Alvin's Harmonica,"} {&"Alvin's Orchestra,"} and {&"Witch Doctor"} are included, as well as {&"She Loves You"} from the aforementioned {^Chipmunks Sing the Beatles Hits} (1964). With a number of compilations from these critters available, {^The Very Best of the Chipmunks} is a good place to start, although collectors will probably want to locate {^Greatest Hits: Still Squeaky After All These Years} (1999) and {^Greatest Hits} (1992) for the one-off platters not contained on the other titles. Otherwise, this is a great compendium with a well-rounded track list at a reasonable price. ~ Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide