Cliff’s Hit Album – CLIFF RICHARD*****

Move It/Living Doll/Travelin’ Light/A Voice In The Wilderness/Fall In Love With You/Please Don’t Tease/Nine Times Out Of Ten/I Love You/Theme For A Dream/A Girl Like You/When The Girl In Your Arms/The Young Ones/I’m Lookin’ Out The Window/Do You Want To Dance

The first compilation of hit singles from the UK's top 1960's pop vocalist, Cliff's Hit Album includes his biggest hits from the 1958-62 period. Needless to say it is crammed full of the timeless songs which launched Cliff's lengthy singing career. A fantastic album, taken mostly from the supposedly 'barren' period between the rock & roll and Beatles eras. Was The Young Ones his best ever single? (UK:2)

"The album remains the finest single summary of Richard's early years."

"Theme For A Dream is all lilting melody, subtle backing, and overwhelmingly chirpy girlie backing vocals - an oft-overlooked gem."

"A Voice In The Wilderness is deliciously desolate."

"It is to the compiler's credit that neither success nor popularity was allowed to stand in the way of creating a supremely well-rounded summary of the story so far."

"All of the biggest hits are included, of course, but some astonishing gems, too, are resurrected."

"The early rock & roll type songs - rhythmic, melodic and make you 'wanna dance' - unlike the junk you get in the charts nowadays - are above all fun."

"My only gripe about The Young Ones is that nothing like it will ever be recorded again."

"Move It was definitely ahead of its time."

The Concert Sinatra – FRANK SINATRA*****

I Have Dreamed/My Heart Stood Still/Lost In The Stars/Ol’ Man River/You’ll Never Walk Alone/Bewitched/This Nearly Was Mine/Soliloquy

The Concert Sinatra features the singer in front of a larger than normal orchestra under the direction of Nelson Riddle. A remarkable album from the world's top MOR vocalist. (US:6 UK:8)

"This was Frank Sinatra's most fulfilling album of his early Reprise career."

"The Concert Sinatra is a short, richly musical set of classic theatre songs, some of which were milestones in Sinatra's earlier career. Here arranger Nelson Riddle is allowed to work with a large symphony orchestra and the results once more are a textbook example of fine orchestration."

"Sinatra is in fine voice throughout; no evidence here of the increasingly rough delivery which came to characterise his '60s output."

"This is an amazing collection of endearing songs, made more fabulous by Frank Sinatra - a must have."

"This one of Sinatra's most ambitious. Nelson Riddle leads a full orchestra in lush, symphonic arrangements that showcase his powerful voice and emotional gravitas."

"His vocals do equal the strength and power of the orchestration. Any fan of slow tempos, detailed arrangements and emotional singing will want to attend Sinatra's concert."

"I now consider this to possibly be the greatest Frank record ever, which in my opinion would make it one of the greatest records by anyone ever."

"It is impossible to listen to this album and not be astounded by what you're hearing, from the strength of Frank's voice to the depth and drama of Nelson Riddle's arrangements, to the sheer beauty of the material itself. It is, from start to finish, a masterpiece in every sense of the word."

Call On Me – BOBBY BLAND***

Call On Me/The Feeling Is Gone/Honky Tonk/Cry Lover Cry/Wishing Well/Share Your Love With Me/That’s The Way Love Is/Care For Me/No Sweeter Girl/Bobby’s Blues/Ain’t It A Good Thing/Queen For A Day

Blues singer and guitarist Bobby 'Blue' Bland scored his only US top twenty album hit with Call On Me. Includes the minor US hits That's The Way Love Is and the title track. (US:11)

"A near-perfect collection of early-'60s sides documents the man at his best."

"His soulful voice was a touch of Otis Redding and a number of other soul singers."

"It is good for that time at a party when the moment comes to slow down."

"He sounded just as conversant on the soulful R & B rumba Call On Me as on the polished ballad That's The Way Love Is."

"Although the sticker on the album's package refers to Call On Me as a blues album, its really more of a soul-blues hybrid."

"Call On Me is a sure-fire success of an album, especially from an era that wasn't album-centric, and doesn't get nearly the recognition it should."

“That’s The Way Love Is makes me smile. Great memories - it totally soothes my soul."

“Nothing makes me feel better than Bobby Bland singing the blues."

The 12 Year Old Genius - STEVIE WONDER**

Fingertips/Soul Bongo/La La La La La/I’m Afraid (The Masquerade Is Over)/Hallelujah I Love Her So/Drown In My Own Tears/Don’t You Know

Soul legend Stevie Wonder's first album featured his live repertoire whilst still a child. It includes the US No. 1 single Fingertips Part 2. A lively performance from 'Little' Stevie, but this 'call and response' chanting drowns rather than reveals his musical talents. (US:1)

"Fingertips Part 2 is one of the greatest recording of live music anywhere. The emotion and chaos of that one track sums up pretty everything that is wonderful about live music - in particular live soul. It's the beat, the audience participation, the unpredictability."

"Full version of his first smash hit Fingertips, featuring that utterly identifiable harmonica solo."

"I love the harmonica and singing on the first track, and the truly electric atmosphere on both sides. Stevie and his audience really relate."

"I am still haunted by the emotiveness and vocal style of the boy genius on all singing tracks, especially Drown In My Own Tears."

"There is a call and response from Stevie and the audience. From there little Stevie explodes into his drumming."

"If it weren't that he was blind this wouldn't have been successful. I heard Fingertips Parts 1 & 2, and its just stupid. I feel that the public just overlooked the fact that there's nothing to this except for a lot of shouting, a few words repeated over and over again, and the harmonica thrown in to spoil the orchestra."

Themes For Young Lovers – PERCY FAITH****

I Will Follow You/The End Of The World/Rhythm Of The Rain/Go Away Little Girl/Amy/On Broadway/Up On The Roof/Can’t Get Used To Losing You/Our Day Will Come/All Alone Am I/My Colouring Book/Theme For Young Lovers

Canadian orchestra leader Percy Faith achieved his seventh and final US top twenty album appearance with Themes For Young Lovers. It showcases his highly melodic arrangements of recent pop hits. (US:12)

"Generously buoyed by tunes from the best known pop hit making teams of the late '50s and early '60s, this selection grooves along with a rhythmic bounce all its own."

"Mr. Faith was a master in violin-based arrangements and he was particularly inspired here on this 60s album."

"What magnificent orchestration and interpretation. It is simply matchless, and the introductory, rousing I Will Follow Him quickly prepares you for what is to come."

"Faith's gifts as an arranger are undeniable, and the melodic strength of some of these songs, particularly Rhythm Of The Rain and the title track, make them surprisingly satisfying in this style."

"What magnificent arrangements and arranger. Faith was among the best of all time. Great music, great musicians, great orchestra."

"Rhythm Of The Rain is another sentimental and highly moving masterpiece from this bygone era."

“When I was younger I had an attitude about this type of music; however, as I get older I appreciate it much more."

“Thanks to The Cascades for the lovely piece Rhythm Of The Rain that we all love. This arrangement by Percy Faith and his orchestra does full justice to it."

Tall Tales Legends & Nonsense – THE NEW CHRISTY MINSTRELS****

The Oldtimer/Billy’s Mule/Susianna/In The Hills Of Shiloh/Beaucatcher Mountain/Songs Of The Pious Itinerant/ The Cat/Down To Darby/Julianne/Jimmy Grove & Barbara Ellen/Treasury Of Nonsense

US folk group The New Christy Minstrels achieved their second US top twenty album success with Tall Tales Legends & Nonsense. The group was founded by Randy Sparks and featured an ever changing line up of singers and musicians. (US:20)

"The central component of The Minstrels' style is complicated vocal arrangements, featuring parts and counterparts juxtaposed against multiple lead singers."

"Some folk purists decried popularized versions of traditional songs, but The New Christy Minstrels' fashionable form of folk music was never intended for them."

"A generous sampling of the group's infectious harmony and complex choral arrangements, which serves as a fine introduction to popular folk music made at the height of the American folk revival."

"Making this album seems to have been fun for the group, and you can feel it when listening to it."

"Randy Sparks was continually able to create masterful re-workings and arrangements of tracks as disparate as Song Of The Pious Itinerant or The Old Timer."

“Jimmy Grove & Barbara Ellen is a real tear jerker. It's interesting how they weave several solos into this and yet bring out beautiful harmony in other places. These guys were talented."

Sukiyaki – KYU SAKAMOTO**

Sukiyaki/Tsun Tsun Bushi/Hitoribocchi No Futari/Kyu-Chan Ondo/Mo Hitorino Buku/Good Timing/Boku No Hoshi/ Kiminanka Kiminanka/Kyu-Chan No Zuntatta/Hige No Uta/Goodbye Joe/Anoko No Namaewa Nantenkana

Japanese vocalist Kyu Sakamoto achieved his only US top twenty album chart success with this collection of songs, mostly sung in Japanese. The delightful title track topped the US singles chart and reached No. 6 in the UK. An instrumental cover by Kenny Ball, which also made the UK top ten, can be strongly recommended. (US:14) "The song's earnestness and melodic beauty proved irresistible. Sound is very simple, uptempo and light. It is a lovely and catchy whistling song."

"Almost cried the first time I heard this song. Its so beautiful and transcends languages, there's something almost esoteric about it."

"The mood and the melody and the expressiveness of the singer say it all."

"Its such a sad and touching song. It really pulls at my heartstrings."

She Loves Me – BROADWAY CAST****

Good Morning Good Day/Sounds While Selling/Days Gone By/No More Candy/Three Letters/Tonight At Eight/I Don’t Know His Name/Perspective/Goodbye George/Will He Like Me/Ilona/I Resolve/A Romantic Atmosphere/ Tango Tragique/Dear Friend/Try Me/Where’s My Shoe/Ice Cream/She Loves Me/A Trip To The Library/Grand Knowing You/Twelve Days To Christmas

The Broadway musical She Loves Me starred Barbara Cook, Daniel Massey, and Barbara Baxley. It opened in April 1963 at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre and ran for 302 performances. Based on a romantic plot involves two shop assistants who can't stand one another but who are at the same time anonymous pen pals. Music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick. (US:15)

"Harnick and Bock have written a perfect little gem and this is the best recording. No other has Barbara Cook singing Ice Cream, one of Broadway's finest moments."

"The music is enchanting, the performances are dramatically and romantically brilliant, with special praise for Barbara Cook in her finest characterization."

"This is a brilliant show, beautifully and lovingly conceived, intimate and glowing with grace and beauty."

"She Loves Me is one of the most beautiful Broadway musicals ever to grace the stage. The gorgeous Sheldon Harnick-Jerry Bock score is filled with strong numbers, there's not a clunker in the bunch."

"The entire cast is strong and effective. I have said it many times; the Bock-Harnick score surpasses even their biggest hit, Fiddler On The Roof, and its such a crime that the musical isn't better known."

“Every song is delightful, and the cast couldn't be better."

"Hard to believe that this musical belongs to the same creators of Fiddler On The Roof. The singing is very good, but the songs are quite unappealing, and almost impossible to follow since melody is scarce and hard to catch."

Pipeline – THE CHANTAYS***

Pipeline/The Lonesome Road/Tragic Wind/Runaway/Blunderbus/Banzai/Sleepwalk/Night Theme/Wayward Nile/ El Conquistador/Riders In The Sky/Last Night

Pipeline was a collection of surf instrumentals from one hit wonders The Chantays, with the title track a US top five hit single. Guitar instrumentals would take a knocking following the British invasion. (US:26)

"Pipeline is an incredible single that still sounds as fresh today as the day it was recorded. Unfortunately for The Chantays, their initial success was never duplicated. One listen to this LP reminds you why they remained one hit wonders - a limited repertoire but great technique.”

“The Chantays were just a handful of kids when they recorded some of the best surf guitar licks of all time. The title track Pipeline is a legend for good reason, and theirs is probably the best recording ever of this often covered classic. There are other tracks on this that deserve equal recognition, including El Conquistador, and a great instrumental cover of the classic Riders In The Sky."

“Perhaps the most famous riff in surf music and one of the most perfect hit tunes.”

“A relatively typical, all instrumental, surf LP of it's vintage. The band is very tight, but their tender years show up as limited talent, and lack of imagination on many cuts. But everybody loves the title track, and the LP is worth it for that alone.”

“Pipeline the song is an undisputed classic, but Pipeline the album is an unheralded gem. I remember reading some time ago about how disposable the record is after the title track, but while nothing matches the magic of that peak, it's prime surf music all the way through. Blunderbus stands out for me, the aggressive rhythm guitar that makes Pipeline is showcased on almost every track.”

“Another of the classics of surf music. Besides the obvious hit title track, The Lonesome Road is another winner here. How could you not love those Strat's with full-on surf-a-licious reverb?”

“This is the origin of Pipeline - the most covered surf tune ever. Other tracks are not so great, but are still enjoyable and never annoying.”

Joe Brown Live! – JOE BROWN***

Hallelujah I Love Her So/Some Of These Days/Girls Girls Girls/El Relicario/Old Apache Squaw/Castin' My Spell/ What A Crazy World/Alley-Oop/Hava Nagila/The Sheik Of Araby/You Can't Lie To A Liar/Sweet Little Sixteen

Chirpy cockney pop vocalist and guitarist Joe Brown entered the UK album chart for the second time with this live set. None of his hit singles are included; instead the performance concentrates more on demonstrating his versatility as a musician. Joe had to wait a record 45 years before his next appearance on the UK album chart. (UK:14)

"Has some great tracks with a great live atmosphere."

"Joe Brown was generally regarded as one of the finest guitarists in the UK and his services were frequently in demand."

"A fantastic guitarist who has played with everybody from Johnny Cash to Billy Fury to The Beatles."

“Joe is one of the most talented musicians around, still brilliant."

“Brown and The Bruvvers were a loud, dexterous topflight band whose main problem was repertoire - when they weren't doing great songs like Picture Of You and It Only Took A Minute they wasted their time on silly novelty tunes. By the end of '63 Joe Brown was a novelty act, doing stage and screen, trying to be like Tommy Steele."

“What a brill time the 60s were, just starting and it was magic to live through."

Latin Rendezvous – MANTOVANI****

Malaguena/Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps/ Be Mine Tonight/Cielito Lindo/La Paloma/ Siboney/A Garden In Granada/Perfidia/Andalucia/La Golondrina/Maria Elena/Espana

In early 1963 Mantovani musical maestro asked his adoring public for suggestions on the contents of his next album and the Latin themed arrangements on Latin Rendezvous were the result. (US:10)

"Latin Rendezvous was the start of my 'easy-listening' enjoyment."

"Here's one of Mantovani's greatest albums."

"We need Mantovani more than ever in these troubled times with the decline of our cultural values."

"Instrumental music is almost a lost art form, but the arrangements and performance of these Latin pieces are simply magnificent."

"Its the beauty and originality of these Mantovani arrangements of Latin favourites that will be, like all great art, eternal."

"I do love Mantovani. His music was the epitome of easy-listening."

"At this stage of his recording career the maestro had the cream of peerless free-lance musicians to choose from, some thrilling orchestrations and an adoring public which recognised the maestro's feeling for his music."

"Some of the most beautiful melodies from the Latin songbook, conjuring up mood music perfection."

"La Paloma is music straight from Heaven. So relaxing, so beautiful."

“Grew up hearing Perfidia - the memories it brings. Wonderful melody."

Just For Fun – SOUNDTRACK***

All The Stars In The Sky/Go/My Bonnie Lies Over The Ocean/Little Boat/Up And Downs Of Love/Judy,Judy/Just For Fun/Vote For Me/Happy With You/Just Another Girl/The Night Has A Thousand Eyes/(All You Gotta Do Is) Touch Me/Let Her Go/What's The Name Of The Game/Which Way The Wind Blows/Kisses Can Lie/My Little Girl/Teardrops Fell Like Rain/Crazy Crazes/Monument/The Man From Nowhere/Hully Gully/Warm Summer Day/ Keep On Dancing/Everyone But You/Sweet Boy

The British teen film Just For Fun starred Mark Wynter and featured a collection of artists and groups from the era performing their recent numbers. Lacking a major star, and with a less than gripping plot, the film appears to have been quickly forgotten. Best tracks are All The Stars In The Sky by The Tornados, The Night Has A Thousand Eyes by Bobby Vee and My Little Girl by The Crickets, with Jet Harris's Man From Nowhere also worth a mention. (UK:20)

"All The Stars In The Sky is another great track from the early 1960s. Its a pity that Beatlemania sounded the death knell for these early groups and solo singers in Just For Fun."

"The film Just For Fun featured all the stars and a few no hit wonders from 1963."

"All The Stars In The Sky is yet another winner from The Tornados. They are simply the best."

Jazz Samba Encore – STAN GETZ****

Sambalero/So Danco Sambo/Insensatez/O Morro Nao Tem Vez/Samba De Duas Notas/Menina Flor/Mania De Maria/Suadade Vem Correndo/Um Abraco No Getz/Ebony Samba

Jazz Samba Encore was noticeably less successful that the 1962 chart topping Jazz Samba. On this occasion Stan Getz collaborated with Luiz Bonfa, and although not a notable commercial success the album nevertheless gained some critical plaudits. (US:88)

"Jazz Samba Encore is a more muted affair than its predecessor. Bonfa's songs 'lack' Jobim's pop instincts, favouring a restrained, more groove-based effect, which can be quietly intoxicating."

"Singer Maria Toledo strangely disembodied voice haunts the songs. She is rarely the focus, floating in and out of the background like a presiding ghost. Even in a song she clearly dominates, such as Insensatez, a phantasmagoric quality makes her vanish into the precious sadness of this song."

"Luiz Bonfa's playing is as beautiful as Stan Getz's playing is as good as Maria Toledo's singing. After several years I still can't get over how good these three are, and how beautiful is each arrangement."

"Both Stan Getz and Luiz Bonfa are masterful 'singers' of their instruments. Everything they play on this album is singable; guaranteed to give you goose bumps, make your eyes water and spine tingle. Maria Toledo's voice is one of a kind - powerful, with a dark but sensitive tone."

"Though I am very fond of the earlier album, Jazz Samba, over time this one has edged it out. The first venture sometimes seems like disconnected pieces assembled into an album, whereas Jazz Samba Encore has a sustained swing and drive that gives it an overall sense of direction and unity that Jazz Samba now lacks for me."

"This is an amazing album, and a must have. The music is wonderful, very gentle, extremely clear, and very sincere. Featured here is a haunting version of Sambalero to open up the gentle adventure, followed by nine more incredible tracks."

I Love You Because – AL MARTINO***

I Love You Because/Bouquet Of Roses/I Really Don’t Want To Know/Lonely Drifter/It’s A Sin/Losing You/Still/If I Never Get To Heaven/You Win Again/Merry-Go-Round/Just Call Me Lonesome/Take These Chains From My Heart

Romantic US vocalist Al Martino had to wait for well over a decade before cracking the US album charts. However, he did so convincingly with this collection of MOR standards. The title track was a No. 3 hit in the US. However, UK audiences will probably be more familiar with the Jim Reeves 1964 hit version. (US:7)

"There is no greater singer of love songs than Al Martino. These songs bring back some treasured memories."

"I Love You Because is an album of magnificent love songs all performed by the great Al Martino."

"Al's voice has true operatic qualities and he sings so well on this album."

"The song I Love You Because is very easy on the ear and the countrified arrangements work wonders for this ballad. Al never skips a beat and his excellent diction bolsters his performance even more."

“Al Martino, for several reasons beyond his control, will never be the giant as a Sinatra or a Bennett, but he's got a well deserved place in that hall of immortal Italian crooners.”

“Al goes country here, using many of the day's popular country and western songs and helping them crossover to a pop vein. I Love You Because was a hit for Al; the lyrics alone make it a classic, and Al's sensitive reading made lovebirds swoon from coast to coast. There is a heartfelt sound in Al's treatment of the classic Bouquet Of Roses that exceeds beautiful or melancholy; you just have to listen to believe it.”

Hobo Flats – JIMMY SMITH****

Hobo Flats/Blueberry Hill/Walk Right In/Trouble In Mind/The Preacher/Meditation/I Can’t Stop Loving You

Hobo Flats from jazz organist Jimmy Smith is noted for the introduction of orchestration by arranger Oliver Nelson, providing a change of direction to a big band sound. (US:11)

"Here, for the first time, the big band sound really gels with Jimmy's soulful groove."

"Arranger Oliver Nelson has altered the band's colouration to a bluer, gutsier tone that suits Jimmy down to a tee."

"This is the first full set of Jimmy-with-big-band tunes, which means not only more powerful and dynamic music but also, as no one else gets to solo, that space is taken up entirely by Jimmy."

"Hobo Flats is an immensely enjoyable LP in which Smith takes charge from the first bar."

“1963's Hobo Flats features big band arrangements by the great Oliver Nelson. As a counter to Smith's bluesy, funky style, Nelson's orchestrations exude sweeping, cinematic scope, giving the songs plenty of sentiment and drama."

"That Jimmy Smith swings has never been in dispute, but with this LP he seems to have added a new dimension, offsetting the power of his instrument against the mounting excitement of the orchestra."

Good ‘N’ Country – JIM REEVES*****

Don’t Let Me Cross Over/There’s A Heartache Following Me/Talking Walls/Little Ole Dime/World You Left Behind/I’ve Enjoyed As Much Of This As I Can Stand/Lonely Music/Bottle Take Effect/You Kept Me Awake Last Night/Before I Died

Considered by many to be Jim Reeves's best collection, Good 'N' Country peaked at No. 7 on the NME album chart. Contains the UK No. 6 hit There's A Heartache Following Me.

"The Good 'N' Country album contains ten of Jim's best ever recordings. Indeed, it is likely that Good 'N' Country would be voted favourite album by the majority of Jim Reeves fans. Originally released in the budget RCA Camden label and featuring mainly cover versions of contemporary country hits, this album shows Jim Reeves at his very best. He has taken hits by others and turned them into his own, and one of them There's A Heartache Following Me became a UK hit and a classic. He was at his very best when backed by a lighter country sound which allowed the warmth of his rich baritone voice to shine through."

"I own a very old copy on vinyl which is quite worn out. It is Jim Reeves at his best and we all know what he is capable of with that wonderful voice. Songs from my childhood and truly wonderful memories. Would recommend this to anyone who loves the true sound of country music."

"This is a magnificent country album which every collector of Jim Reeves songs should have and will, I am certain, treasure forever."

"This is my all time favourite album by Jim. It is a tragedy that so many of his 'country' songs were overdubbed with such overwhelming orchestration."

"Bottle Take Effect is my all time favourite 'unknown' Jim Reeves song, the best song he ever wrote in my opinion, and one of the best he ever recorded. Too bad only JR diehards even know that it exists. It's as 'down home look you in the eye' country as it gets."

"This is the best album Jim ever did. Three tracks on this album are on my top five records of all time."

The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan – BOB DYLAN*****

Blowin' In The Wind/Girl From The North Country/Masters Of War/Down The Highway/Bob Dylan’s Blues/A Hard Rain’s A Gonna Fall/Don’t Think Twice Its Alright/Bob Dylan’s Dream/Oxford Town/Talkin’ World War III Blues/Corrina Corrina/Honey Just Allow Me One More Chance/I Shall Be Free

Bob Dylan's second album The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan was a huge leap forward for this monumentally influential singer and musician. Comprising mostly self penned originals, it mixes protest songs with more gentle folk compositions. This groundbreaking album reached No. 1 in the UK during his 1965 British concert tour. (US:22 UK:1)

"Dylan's outstanding second album is a tremendous jump from its predecessor. Whereas the debut established him as a peerless interpreter of folk and country-blues classics, and a singer like none before, this follow up features some of the most pungent original songs of the '60s."

"More than any other album, Freewheelin' established Dylan as the voice of a generation. With this album Dylan emerged from the cloak of Woody Guthrie and proclaimed his own unique talent."

"I feel compelled to write a review about the brilliance of this record. Its the voice of Dylan that makes these songs so great. If you like the raw side of Bob Dylan and his distinctive blues sound then this is the record for you."

"Dylan captures what it is like to be young and carefree, but at the same time burdened by the guilt of knowledge and responsibility; he sings this all out beautifully, eloquently and simply."

"These songs take you back to the 60s, but the lyrics are as relevant as they could ever be. Sit on that couch, get a coffee and prepare yourself for a great hour of music that really changed the world."

"The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan is one of those albums that I think I could listen to and enjoy anytime, regardless of mood. It's just a wonderful classic album. This is a young, idealistic Dylan playing raw, stripped down folk music. To see the glorious roots of the best songwriter of the last 50 years there is no better place to start than here."

For Your Sweet Love – RICKY NELSON**

For Your Sweet Love/Gypsy Woman/You Don’t Love Me Anymore (And I Can Tell)/Everytime I See You Smiling/Pick Up The Pieces/String Along/One Boy Too Late/Everytime I Think About You/Let’s Talk The Whole Thing Over/I Got A Woman/What Come’s Next/I Will Follow You

For Your Sweet Love was Ricky Nelson’s first album release with Decca. Many pundits consider his Decca output to be inferior to the earlier recordings on the Imperial label. (US:20)

"Although Gypsy Woman and I Got A Woman stand up to the best of his early-'60s hits, the rest of the material is too average, and the execution too low-energy, to merit attention from anyone except fervid Nelson fans."

"Its among the best stuff that Nelson would record for the Decca label."

"Much of the material is either substandard pop or dusty Tin Pan Alley standards."

"When Ricky switched labels something was missing. Like most pop music in America at this time a lot of the songs here seem 'watered down' compared to the harder, more exciting material on his Imperial albums a few years before."

“As Ricky albums go, this one's pretty lean. The only song with any energy is a cover of Ray Charles' I Got A Woman."

Cleopatra – SOUNDTRACK****

Caesar & Cleopatra/A Gift For Caesar/The Fire Burns The Fire Burns/Taste Of Death/Cleopatra Enters Rome/ Caesar’s Assassination/Anthony & Cleopatra/Cleopatra’s Barge/Love & Hate/My Love Is My Master/Grant Me An Honourable Way To Die/Dying Is Less Than Love/Anthony Wait

The epic movie Cleopatra starred Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Rex Harrison. The highly acclaimed soundtrack music was composed and conducted by Eric North. (US:2)

"There are two main themes - Caesar & Cleopatra and Antony & Cleopatra that run throughout North's score like golden threads in a Flemish tapestry. This score is for young and old, a strikingly original, complex composition of the modern school that was constructed to evoke an ancient time."

"Alex North's score for Cleopatra, is one of Hollywood's true masterpieces. The 20th Century Fox Orchestra plays magnificently, as always, on this recording."

"Alex North's musical style can be appreciated by a wide spectrum of listeners. Whatever, this lyrical, beautifully orchestrated music is accessible to all."

"Alex North and his music occupy a rarefied position among the pantheon of men most widely considered to be the masters of film music. His peak is compositional intellect while exploring the deepest troves of musical emotion."

"The score manages to display both a convincing authenticity of the period - and North's distinctive gift for explosive, striking modernism. If you love the film Cleopatra then you will love the soundtrack. All the music tracks are as crisp as the day they were recorded."

"This music is far better than most scores composed today. It is full of glorious sounds and textures, and the overture and main titles are enough to buy it. The general atmosphere evoked by this music alternates between mysterious, exotic, romantic, dramatic and heroic."

“This is perhaps the finest movie soundtrack ever composed and produced. I have nothing but praise for it."

Chuck Berry – CHUCK BERRY****

Maybellene/Down The Road A Piece/Mad Lad/School Day(Ring Ring Goes The Bell)/Sweet Little Sixteen/ Confessin' The Blues/Back In The USA/Johnny B Goode/Oh Baby Doll/Come On/I Got To Find My Baby/Betty Jean/Round & Round/Almost Grown

It took eight years from his first hit for early rock & roller Chuck Berry to break into the UK album chart. This self titled album combines some singles with lesser known tracks. It uses the same cover as the US 1960 LP release Rockin’ At The Hops. Current compilations give a much more complete picture of Chuck Berry's enormous musical legacy. (UK:12)

"Immense importance as a rock & roll original."

"It is very likely that had it not been for Berry's wholly revolutionary synthesis of R & B and rockabilly, his infectious, propulsive songs, his flashy, rock & roll attitude, and his no-nonsense approach to electric guitar solos, popular music would not have developed as it did."

"Chuck Berry is the master and his unique guitar sound, his fabulous collection of rock 'n' roll and blues material, is as popular now as it ever was."

"Its the rhythms that get the feet tapping, the songs everyone knows a line or two of, just think Sweet Little Sixteen."

"Chuck was always a great lyric writer but its that rockin' beat that makes his stuff so catchy."

“Johnny B Goode is surely a timeless classic that will never get old."

“I consider Maybellene to be the first true rock 'n' roll song, written in 1955. Nothing at that time sounded like it."

“He was great, he had his own 'beat', and I just loved his music in the late 50s."

“Chuck Berry is rock and roll. He is the foundation of rock and roll."

The Wonderful World Of Love – ROBERT GOULET***

I’ll Take Romance/Then I’ll Be Happy/S’Posin/You’re Nobody ‘Til Somebody Loves You/Do It Again/No Moon At All/Mean To Me/All I Do Is Dream/Out Of This World/Life Is Just A Bowl Of Cherries/All Of Me/The Wonderful World Of Love

Robert Goulet’s The Wonderful World Of Love features a collection of romantic standards. He was very popular in the US during this period but his appeal would soon fade. (US:11)

"He makes the lyrics come alive when he sings, and his exquisite voice penetrates your heart, mind and spirit."

"Goulet's trademark is the slow, emotional ballad."

"You listen to Goulet with your heart as well as your ears."

"Robert Goulet is a master interpreter of music for the Broadway stage."

"Let Goulet's voice melt over you."

"Robert's strong voice, excellent diction and passionate deliveries made him an icon of the entertainment world."

The Night Has A Thousand Eyes – BOBBY VEE***

Go Away Little Girl/It Might As Well Rain Until September/It Couldn’t Happen To A Nicer Guy/Theme For A Dream/Silent Partner/The Night Has A Thousand Eyes/You Won’t Forget Me/Anonymous Phone Call/If She Were My Girl/Lover’s Goodbye/Dry You Eyes/What About Me

The Night Has A Thousand Eyes was Bobby Vee's final UK top twenty album of new material. The title track was a No. 3 hit in both the US and UK. Bobby charted three top twenty albums in the UK during 1963, but his future chart appearances would be very much more spaced apart. (US:102 UK:15)

"Riding on the success of the hit single The Night Has A Thousand Eyes, the 1963 album of the same name contained similar overlooked songs of equal enjoyment value."

"Bobby Vee had a unique voice that made his music so special to his fans. Those were the days."

"Bobby Vee had a magical voice that was truly original. May his songs live on forever."

"I'm a teenager who is proud to say I listen to this man, and other legends like him. Some kids need a lesson in what music is all about."

"The Night Has A Thousand Eyes is an absolutely wonderful song. Takes you back to a time when pop music was both melodic and sincere."

"Bobby Vee was one of the premier hit makers of this golden era. I can't believe how nostalgic I get when listening to these great songs."

"This is the type of music that will live on forever. Not like the stuff on the radio stations now. And this is coming from a teenager."

A Taste Of Honey – ACKER BILK***

A Taste Of Honey/Fancy Pants/Only You/Blue Derby/Underneath The Arches/Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair/Evening Shadows/Nature Boy/Lady Of The Lake/Stella By Starlight/La Vie En Rose/Always

Trad jazz clarinettist Acker Bilk achieved his sixth UK top twenty album success with A Taste Of Honey which includes many old standards. Acker would have to wait another 14 years for his next major album success. (UK:17)

"Bilk's performances came from an instinctive jazz musician of great talent."

"His glorious timing and relaxed phrasing let him play delicate and uncompromising jazz solos."

"The clarinet has never sounded better than when played by Acker."

"Provides a fine showcase for Acker's talents. If you like sixties instrumental music, you will surely enjoy this."

"Acker Bilk at his very best with the underrated Leon Young String Chorale."

How The West Was Won – SOUNDTRACK****

Overture (Medley)/How The West Was Won/Bereavement & Fulfilment/The River Pirates/Home In The Meadow/Cleve & The Mule/Raise A Ruckus Tonight/Come Share My Life/The Marriage Proposal/Entr’acte (Medley)/Cheyennes/He’s Linus’ Boy/Climb A Higher Hill/What Was Your Name In The States/No Goodbye/ Finale

The epic western How The West Was Won starred Gregory Peck, Henry Fonda, James Stewart and Debbie Reynolds. The stirring soundtrack was arranged and composed by Alfred Newman. (US:4)

"As a long time devotee of Alfred Newman's genius as a composer and conductor, I highly recommend to everyone the score to MGM's 1963 film, How The West Was Won."

"Original Newman meshes with traditional themes so seamlessly that they become a new entity, so much so that Newman's work enters that timeless realm from which spring such tunes as Shenandoah and Endless Prairie."

"Don't think that this is merely great Western music. This is a wonderful film score that boasts a power and beauty all its own."

"Excellent big orchestra music with some choir singing, and old west folk singing with modern beat. A wonderful score by Alfred Newman that matches the story. The music is arranged and played masterfully."

"Magnificent, a perfect combination of the MGM Studio Orchestra, the conductor Alfred Newman and his music."

"The main difference between this soundtrack, and most of the junk that is put out today, is that this soundtrack has all real instruments with real human beings playing them. There are no drum machines, fake strings, to cover up bad singing, no computer generated sounds, etc. It is all real. Combine that with stirring music and a great story, and you have the best soundtrack ever."

"Simply put, the main title theme as played on this original soundtrack recording is the most thrilling opening music cue in movie history."

Surfing – THE VENTURES****

Pipeline/Diamonds/Windy & Warm/Ten Over/Surf Rider/Changing Tides/The Ninth Wave/Party In Laguna/ Barefoot Venture/The Heavies/Cruncher/The Lonely Sea

The Americans call their 1960s instrumental groups 'surf bands' so it is appropriate that the most successful group performing in this genre should take advantage of the surfing craze by releasing this surf themed album. (US:30)

"The Ventures were never really a 'surf' band. They started out before the genre came into vogue and extended into surf music during its popularity."

"Their Surfing album was one of their best and this is a worthwhile purchase for any Ventures fan."

"They do covers of songs, but they reverse engineer and reinvent them, so what we hear is something different and more intensified."

"The premier instrumental band of the 60s and well worth a listen."

"The Ventures were never a 'surf band' as their style demonstrated through the years. However, this particular album shows the ability of the band to adapt itself to whatever music craze that came along."

"This is a terrific album with a definite surf theme and The Ventures went ‘all out’ in their effort to get the job done. This album is highly recommended for your Ventures music collection."

"Lead guitarist Nokie Edwards wrote perhaps the best-known song from the album, Surf Rider."

"These selections are some of the best guitar music ever played. Loud at parties for dancing, or low background for serious smooching, this album is tops."

Surfin’ USA – THE BEACH BOYS***

Surfin’ USA/Farmer’s Daughter/Misirlou/Stoked/Lonely Sea/Shut Down/Noble Surfer/Honky Tonk/Lana/Surf Jam/Let’s Go Trippin’/Finders Keepers

The Beach Boys follow up album Surfin' USA was a significant improvement on the group's first effort, and displays the first evidence of Brian Wilson's burgeoning songwriting skills. (US:2)

“Better than the debut. There are way more instrumentals here, but these songs just have a bit more depth than they did before and the harmonies are more developed. It's still not very good although there are a few highlights present. Misirlou is a surf rock must, I think every surf group recorded it. Their version isn't definitive but it's pretty good. Lonely Sea just might be Brian Wilson's first ballad and it's the highlight here.”

"This is quite an improvement from their previous shallow release, and what makes this better are the surf rock instrumentals. But this still doesn't mean that Surfin' USA can be taken seriously.”

“Surfin' USA is far from a perfect album, but it does have them going as far as they could go as primarily a surf rock band, with a myriad of surf instrumentals and a trademark smash hit of their own. The instrumentals make the flow somewhat uneven and the second side is admittedly weak, but the fuller production and vocals make this album a good step up from the slighter debut.”

“One interesting aspect of Surfin’ USA was the inclusion of five instrumental songs. Most surf groups at the time were basically instrumental artists. The Beach Boys took that California surf sound and built their vocals on top.”

"The album is really inconsistent, with just a few indicators of their genius for singing and crafting melodies. As you would expect, the singles are the best songs here."

"Surfin' USA both ensured the band's national appeal and testified to the rapid development of their harmonies on cuts such as Farmer's Daughter and Lana."

"Brian Wilson was learning fast, and though he was far from the peak of his abilities here, you could tell he was evolving quickly. This is a very fun record, with some very good material and nothing that is truly bad."

Streets I Have Walked – HARRY BELAFONTE***

Sit Down/Erev Shel Shoshanim/Waltzing Matilda/My Old Paint/Mangwene Mpulele/This Land Is Your Land/Tunga/Sakura/The Borning Day/This Wicked Race/Come Away Melinda

The King of Calypso Harry Belafonte achieved his last significant sales success for new material with Streets I Have Walked. The album contains tunes from around the globe and some have viewed it as a prototype for today's world music. (US:30)

"This is another of Belafonte's attempts to musically circumnavigate the globe, performing songs from a variety of world cultures."

"The album is geared more toward children than Belafonte's previous efforts. Included are such favourites as Woody Guthrie's This Land Is Your Land and the Australian classic Waltzing Matilda."

"Belafonte delivers a set of songs from around the world and makes them all belong together."

"I love Belafonte's music. It is an inspiration to hear him."

Half A Sixpence – LONDON CAST****

Overture/All In The Case Of Economy/Half A Sixpence/Money To Burn/The Oak And The Ash/She's Too Far Above Me/I'm Not Talking To You/If The Rain's Got To Fall/The Old Military Canal/The One Who's Run Away/ Long Ago/Flash Bang Wallop!/I Know What I Am/I'll Build A Palace/I Only Want A Little House/Finale

The London cast musical Half A Sixpence was specially created as a musical vehicle for its star Tommy Steele. It opened in March 1963 at the Cambridge Theatre and ran for 677 performances. Based on the H G Wells novel Kipps about the life of a draper's assistant. Music & lyrics by David Heneker. (UK:20)

"Half A Sixpence has a charming, tuneful score that relies heavily on the appeal of the show's star."

"Steele sold the material effectively, especially the title song and Flash Bang Wallop."

"While melodic and entertaining, the songs were easily forgotten outside the theatre."

"The songs are fun and joyful to listen to and as usual, Tommy Steele 'steals' the show."

"Tommy Steele plays an excellent character in Half A Sixpence. The music is amazing and the singing is brilliant."

"Half A Sixpence is that rare thing today, a musical with a show-stopping original score that has great songs you can remember, providing one with that seldom seen joy of leaving the theatre humming."

"Because this show was associated with its star, Tommy Steele, it has rarely been revived. But its score holds up well, and every song is a delight." "This kind of show gave audiences something to leave the theatre with - songs to remember."

Our Winter Love – FELIX SLATKIN***

Our Winter Love/I Left My Heart In San Francisco/Gina/Lollipops & Roses/Love Letters/What Kind Of Fool Am I/Meditation/Stranger On The Shore/The Twelfth Of Never/Days Of Wine & Roses/Fly Me To The Moon/Theme From Lawrence Of Arabia

Conductor and arranger Felix Slatkin's only US album chart success was with Our Winter Love. It comprises easy listening arrangements of recent MOR hits. Felix Slatkin is best remembered as conductor of the Hollywood Bowl and the principal arranger of Frank Sinatra's Capitol albums. (US:20)

"My favourite selections: Our Winter Love, Gina, Meditation and Lawrence Of Arabia. These are truly awesome arrangements."

"Everlasting music."

Johnny’s Newest Hits – JOHNNY MATHIS****

What Will Mary Say/Gina/Unaccustomed As I Am/Sweet Thursday/There You Are/Wasn’t The Summer Short/ That’s/The Way It Is/Marianna/I Love Her That’s Why/I’ll Never Be Lonely Again/One Look/Quiet Girl

This collection of Johnny Mathis's recent single releases stayed on the US album chart for almost a year. It includes the US top ten hits Gina and What Will Mary Say. (US:6)

"Johnny Mathis has that warm, smooth, mellow controlled voice."

"Johnny's voice is timeless like the songs."

"A man with a voice of pure honey."

"What a wonderful song is Gina from a time when the lyrics had meaning and the singers could really sing."

"Gina it certainly is one of his finest. He can certainly sing the romantic songs in a romantic way."

"Johnny's music fits into any time and any place. What Will Mary Say sounds great and made ever better with Johnny singing it."

It Happened At The World's Fair – ELVIS PRESLEY***

Beyond The Bend/Relax/Take Me To The Fair/They Remind Me Too Much Of You/One Broken Heart For Sale/I’m Falling In Love Tonight/Cotton Candy Land/World Of Our Own/How Would You Like To Be/Happy Ending

Elvis soundtrack album It Happened at the World's Fair includes the US No. 11 hit single One Broken Heart For Sale which stalled at No. 12 in the UK, after five consecutive chart toppers. Pundits at the time attributed its relatively poor showing to its short length, less than a minute and a half. (US:4 UK:4)

"The movie It Happened At The World's Fair is lightweight in the extreme, but as that's what it sets out to be, one can't be too harsh. However, Elvis is in stunning form, absolutely faultless. This is Elvis at his slickest and most polished."

"There is material for Elvis to exercise his talent on, even if not to stretch it. Beyond The Bend and Happy Ending are both fine lightweight pop efforts."

"They Remind Me Too Much Of You is a beautiful ballad and could not be sung any better."

"I'm Falling In Love Tonight is excellent, Elvis could really sing a song."

"One Broken Heart For Sale is bouncy, easy going rock & roll."

"One Broken Heart For Sale is a true masterpiece and it should be way better known than it actually is."

Days Of Wine & Roses – ANDY WILLIAMS****

Falling In Love With You/I Left My Heart In San Francisco/You Are My Sunshine/What Kind Of Fool Am I/When You’re Smiling/Days Of Wine & Roses/Its A Most Unusual Day/My Colouring Book/Can’t Get Used To Losing You/I Really Don’t Want To Know/Exactly Like You/May Each Day

Days Of Wine & Roses was a gigantic US hit for the perennial MOR vocalist Andy Williams, topping the US album chart for sixteen weeks. Includes the No. 2 hit single Can't Get Used To Losing You. Released as Can't Get Used To Losing You & Other Requests in the UK. (US:1)

"Andy Williams is more than an easy listening balladeer. Days Of Wine & Roses finds Williams adroitly tackling an array of musical styles showcased on his '60s NBC variety series."

"The melancholy title cut, number two hit single Can't Get Used To Losing You, and sentimental TV show closer, May Each Day, all became Williams standards."

"This album sailed the charts for more than a year, perched at the number one spot for four months in 1963."

"Most of the songs are a little overblown production numbers, culled from Williams' hugely successful variety TV show of the 60s - but remember, it's Andy Williams, and that's good music any time."

"Days of Wine & Roses is a rather uneven set but a highly enjoyable one."

"Days of Wine & Roses, written or co-written by the late great Henry Mancini sounds so beautiful."

"I really loved Can't Get Used To Losing You as a boy and I still do. It is catchy and I think I picked it up rather quickly. Anyway Mr. Williams does a perfect job every time. I love his voice even today."

"Can't Get Used To Losing You is the song that made me fall in love with Andy."

Bye Bye Birdie – SOUNDTRACK***

Bye Bye Birdie (Medley)/How Lovely To Be A Woman/The Telephone Hour/Put On A Happy Face/Honestly Sincere/Hymn For A Sunday Evening/One Last Kiss/One Boy/Kids/A Lot Of Livin’ To Do/Rosie (Medley)

The musical film Bye Bye Birdie starred Dick Van Dyke, Janet Leigh and Ann-Margret and was based on the Broadway stage show, but with some song changes. Music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Lee Adams. (US:2)

"For some, this early '60s Broadway musical turned Hollywood spectacle, epitomizes 'adult' culture's hatred of rock & roll."

"The original stage show didn't have the great title track that Ann-Margret sings in a way no one had ever sung a song before or since."

"The entire soundtrack is a collection of really enjoyable songs and music. The Telephone Hour is now a classic."

"My favourite tracks on the album, happen to be sung by Ann-Margret. Particularly great are the opening and closing renditions of her Bye Bye Birdie. Ann-Margret always had the knack of bringing real 'character' and 'personality' into her performances, and these tracks are no exception."

"Listening to this soundtrack took me back to my youth when Bye Bye Birdie was a hit movie. Great songs that are still as sing-able now as they were then."

"This has most of the songs from the Broadway soundtrack, but not all. Some of the performances on the album are not up to the Broadway version, either. If you have a choice, purchase the original Broadway cast version."

"Bye Bye Birdie is one of the most thoroughly entertaining and well-crafted of Broadway musical comedies, but you wouldn't know it from George Sidney's monstrously stupid film version, which drained all the satire and wit from the show."

“Bye Bye Birdie is one of the great film musical soundtracks of all time. It is one of those musical movies that outdo the play production. It brings you right back into the 1950s and the era of the great Elvis Presley. The music is all easy to listen to and one can hear and understand all of the words.”

Billy - BILLY FURY***

We Were Meant For Each Other/How Many Nights How Many Days/Willow Weep For Me/Bumble Bee/She Cried/Let Me Know/The Chapel On The Hill/Like I’ve Never Been Gone/A Million Miles From Nowhere/I’ll Show You/Our Day Will Come/All My Hopes/One Step From Heaven/One Kiss/Hard Times/ Broken Hearted

Sixties pop idol Billy Fury enjoyed his third UK album success with Billy which features the No. 3 hit single Like I've Never Been Gone. In the early sixties Billy was second only to Cliff Richard as the most popular UK male vocalist. His immense talent is best displayed in the many compilations of his timeless, beautifully crafted singles. (UK:6)

"Billy helps paint a fuller picture of Britain's number one rock and roller."

"Mainly of interest to Billy Fury fans rather than someone who wants to start to get to know his music."

"Billy's hottest period ran from 1961 to mid 1963, when his star faded as other Liverpool stars became more popular."

"Billy is still regarded as an important early British hit-maker."

"Many people sing, occasionally someone like Billy comes along, he had the 'magic dust' in his voice which few people have."

"Billy had it all. Super voice, distinctive style and the camera loved him."

"Like I’ve Never Been Gone is lovely song, don't make them like this anymore, I think I was born in the wrong era."

"Billy Fury what a talent, what a singer."

"Wonderful singer - I can understand why the UK loved him so much."

The Barbra Streisand Album – BARBRA STREISAND*****

Cry Me A River/My Honey's Lovin' Arms/I'll Tell The Man In The Street/A Taste Of Honey/Who's Afraid Of The Big Bad Wolf/Soon Its Gonna Rain/Happy Days Are Here Again/Keepin' Out Of Mischief Now/Much More/Come To The Supermarket In Old Peking/A Sleepin' Bee

Debut album from multi-talented musical phenomenon Barbra Streisand. The Barbra Streisand Album was both a critical and commercial success, and won three Grammy awards, most notably for Album of the Year. It contains her interpretations of eleven MOR standards, aimed squarely at the adult cabaret market, with no concessions to her beat music contemporaries. (US:8)

"Barbra simply sings the songs and allows the music to work with her instead of dominating the music. Its thrilling and refreshing all at once." "She has a voice and style unlike any other, highly original and impeccable choice of music and she clearly was a perfectionist. This album is a piece of musical history not to be ignored."

"A brilliant tour de force, gorgeous and moving and funny and startling, bristling with a talent so bright and so shining you'd think she could never top this premiere effort."

"The melting A Sleeping Bee and Soon It's Gonna Rain, and the tortured Cry Me A River, are all a testament to her artistry. Nothing here needs to be said about Barbra's voice. everyone knows it is one of the most astounding instruments in the world."

"Here on her very first album, Streisand performs the bulk of her best cabaret material. Her voice is full of youthful promise, a brash firebrand style which instantly appeals."

"Barbra Streisand's brilliance is apparent from the very first note of her sensational solo debut album. Culled from her night-club act, it displays an enormous talent which, even though untutored, raw and sometimes wayward, has a irresistible pull which suggests future greatness. Nowadays, the popular view of Streisand tends to be distorted by her monstrous ego, but here there is an engaging innocence which is impossible to ignore.”

Baby Workout – JACKIE WILSON***

Shake! Shake! Shake!/The Kickapoo/Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!/You Only Live Once/Say You Will/Baby Workout/Its All My Fault/Love Train/Now That I Want Her/(I Feel Like I’m In) Paradise/(So Many) Cute Little Girls/What Good Am I Without You

High energy R & B vocalist Jackie Wilson had a string of hit singles in both the US and UK. However, he was far less successful in the album stakes. Baby Workout was his highest placed album, the title track single doing rather better, peaking at No. 5 in the US. A collection of Jackie Wilson singles is a must for anyone interested in 1950s or 1960s popular music. (US:36)

"His sound is among the most exuberant we are blessed to hear, and we need to hear more of it."

"When you listen to his records now, you can hear his characteristic vocal trademark in almost all of them, a tendency to make his voice swoop towards his emotions."

"Among the greatest rock & roll singers ever, and maybe the most technically accomplished vocalist of the rock era. His sky-high range, intense emotionalism, and jaw-dropping stage presence have influenced nearly every significant R & B singer."

"Wilson's particular skill was blending an R & B edge with pop accessibility, and his supple, soaring tenor was well suited to ballads, mid-tempo shuffles, and sweaty, high-octane rave-ups alike."

"To rate Jackie Wilson as less than one of the very best of the early R & B vocalists is to do a terrible disservice to this genre of music." "Jackie Wilson, Mr. Excitement, what a great voice. Nobody could sing a ballad like that man."

"Jackie Wilson is another example of a star whose accomplishments have been forgotten or neglected by history. An aspiring opera singer, he was a man whose vocal range was remarkable. He was one of the few artists that charted on both the rhythm and blues and pop charts."

1963’s Early Hits - LAWRENCE WELK***

Our Winter Love/You’re The Reason I’m Living/What Will Mary Say/The End Of The World/All I Have To Do Is Dream/Walk Right In/Days Of Wine & Roses/Blame It On The Bossa Nova/Rhythm Of The Rain/They Remind Me Too Much Of You/I Really Don’t Want To Know Alice In Wonderland

Consistent US album chart regular Lawrence Welk and his 'champagne music' reached the US album chart top twenty with this collection of orchestral covers of recent pop hits. The somewhat uninspired title is not strictly accurate. (US:20)

"His music has an infectiously irresistible rhythm that has captured the hearts of millions."

"That touch of magic accompanied with the light and happy feel that Welk added to every one of his pieces."

"You can't beat a professional like Lawrence Welk."

"His orchestra is one of the best in the industry. They are absolutely the greatest."

Sarah Sings Soulfully – SARAH VAUGHAN****

A Taste Of Honey/What Kind Of Fool Am I/Guess I’ll Hang My Tears Out To Dry/Sermonette/In Love In Vain/ Gravy Waltz/The Good Life/Moanin’/’Round Midnight/Easy Street/Baby Won’t You Please Come Home/Midnight Sun

Sarah Sings Soulfully is another highly praised album from Sarah Vaughan during her time at the Roulette label when her vocal powers were considered to be at a peak.

“Sarah’s voice is highly versatile here, sometimes in a deep groovin' pitch, sometimes on a touching high timbre. The great arrangements are deep soaked in soul and blues, which fit perfectly Sarah’s soulful interpretations.”

“Sassy's years on the Roulette label have been called the legendary singer's finest hour, a time when Vaughan's musicality merged exquisitely with her unbridled vocal ardour to achieve the sublime. Sarah Sings Soulfully, recorded at the close of that period, stands as a stunning testament to this claim - a divine collection of tracks that reveal an artist staking her soul on the rendering of each and every note, as well as the silences between them. Seductively spare, luxuriously poignant, and achingly honest all at the same time, Vaughan's vocals career incandescently through the twelve standards presented here, swooping, sighing and soaring with an intensity that remains unparalleled to this day.”

“Unfortunately this record has not received the attention it deserves. Sarah's interpretations and performance on this set leaves no emotional door unopened, she simply breaks your heart with her subtle yet effective interpretation. Rarely has Sassy sounded so emotionally honest, not overpowering the material here. By this time, Sarah was listening to her critics and pulling back to let the lyrics and melody shine, instead of calling undue attention to the power of her majestic voice.”

“This recording really packs a punch. Soulfully is an understatement - but how else could you describe this recording? The phrasing, pauses, and drawn out notes, all coalesce with the beautiful musical arrangements.”

“Nobody could match the vocals from this peerless singer who is easily one of the greatest voices ever to grace the recording studio or concert stage. This great collection has the brilliant voice of Sarah Vaughan on display in all of its sublime soulful magnificence.”

Ruby Baby – DION**

Ruby Baby/End Of The World/Go Away Little Girl/ Gonna Make It Alone/Fever/My Mammy/Will Love Ever Come My Way/Loneliest Man In The World/You Made Me Love You/He’ll Only Hurt You/You’re Nobody ‘Til Somebody Loves You/Unloved Unwanted Me

Popular teen orientated vocalist Dion third and final US top twenty album success came with Ruby Baby. Alas, it demonstrates the weaknesses of many pop album releases during this period. It mixes the No. 2 smash hit title track with some very dubious MOR standards. The orthodoxy of the time was that being a teen pop idol was likely to be a very ephemeral occupation. Thus there was thought to be a need to quickly establish a singer's 'all round entertainer' credentials through more 'mature' album tracks. In reality this approach rarely satisfied either the teen or the more adult markets. (US:20)

"The title track was his first, and one of his best and gutsiest, hit singles, yet oddly little else on the record was as forceful or even too similar."

"There are unnecessary covers of contemporary hits, and vaguely jazzy/pop standard-ish numbers that indicated there were hopes to cross Dion over into Bobby Darin territory."

"Ruby Baby, his first Columbia album, was little different from the typical LP of a talented teen idol of the time with its unsatisfactory mix of approaches, apparently aimed at helping establish the singer's all round entertainer credentials."

"He opened his account with Columbia with the stunning Ruby Baby, and I expected the album to be more of the same. What a disappointment I got."

"Apart from three tracks, which are Ruby Baby, Gonna Make it Alone and Will Love Ever Come My Way, the rest of this album is either filler, or wimpy rubbish."

Kingston Trio 16 – THE KINGSTON TRIO****

Reverend Mr Black/Road To Freedom/River Run Down/Big Ball In Town/One More Round/Old Joe Hannah/Run The Ridges/Try To Remember/Mark Twain/Low Bridge/Ballad Of The Quiet Fighter/La Bamba

The US top selling folk group The Kingston Trio continued their string of top twenty albums with the unimaginatively titled No. 16. A solid collection of folk tunes, many self penned, it includes the US top ten hit single Reverend Mr Black. (US:4)

"This album became the soundtrack to my early memories. I've listened to a lot of Kingston Trio albums, and they are all great, but this is my favourite."

"You get the usual excellent mix of folk music styles on this one, which is arguably the last great album The Kingston Trio did for the Capitol label."

"The Kingston Trio #16 is one of our family's most treasured items, and is one of the greatest albums ever released. Every song was engrained in my head from my earliest memory."

"The Kingston Trio's version of One More Round and Run The Ridges is musical perfection, the high point of the album's incredible intensity of patriot and rebel spirit."

"As nostalgic as this music is for me, the truth is they sound even better today as I listen to them with a more experienced mind."

"For anyone interested in the most even, musically and compositionally interesting and well produced Stewart era Kingston Trio album, this is the one to buy. The Trio at the top of their game."

“Reverend Mr Black may not be a gospel song as such but it gives me chills every time I listen to it."

Jazz Workshop Revisited – CANNONBALL ADDERLEY SEXTET****

Primitivo/Jive Samba/Lillie/Jessica’s Birthday/Marney/Mello Bruno

Jazz saxophonist Cannonball Adderley made the US album chart top twenty for the first time with this spirited live recording from the Jazz Workshop in San Francisco. Featured musicians include his brother Nat Adderley on coronet and Yusef Lateef on flute and oboe. (US:11)

"The exotic, ominous one-chord vamp Primitivo makes effective use of Lateef's evocative flute and oboe touches. Another highlight is Jive Samba, a bossa nova based groove."

"Every track on this album is very good or better, and most are better. The music was recorded when Cannonball had expanded his group to a sextet by adding Yusef Lateef."

"Group made the most of their size by adopting a big band sound with horns playing figures under the soloist. Jive Samba is a classic and listening to Jessica's Birthday, you can feel the band swinging off the bandstand."

"Cannonball made many good LP's but this is absolutely the one I would start with."

"This is a jazz masterpiece. There is not a dull moment, everyone performs wonderfully."

"Out of the albums recorded by the Yusef enhanced line up of the Cannonball Adderley group, this one is probably the most popular, largely on the strength of the hit Jive Samba."

"Recorded in the lively, if noisy, Jazz Workshop of San Francisco, mecca to those of us who grew up musically in the Bay Area of the 60s. Jive Samba is the best-known cut, but Primitivo is not to be missed."

"Travel into a magic world, it brings tears into your eyes."

Jalousie – BOSTON POPS ORCHESTRA***

Jalousie/Le Cid/Il Guaranyla Sorella/Espana Cani/Brazilian Dance/Zacatesas/Jamaican Rhumba/Danze Pienmontesi

The Boston Pops Orchestra, conducted since 1930 by Arthur Fielder, enjoyed their highest US album chart placing with the Latin influenced collection Jalousie. (US:5)

"Jalousie was definitely one of Fiedler's finest works. The album theme Jalousie, based on a tango composed by Gade, is a work of art."

"I immediately realized Fiedler's Boston Pops version of this great classic Jalousie was absolutely the very best I have ever heard. This great album is complemented by other gorgeous classics."

"Maestro Arthur Fiedler will always be remembered by music fans as Mr. Boston Pops. I very highly recommend it. Do not miss this one."

"The title tune of Jalousie was originally recorded by Fiedler in the 1930s and became the first orchestral disc to sell over a million copies. It is a vivid tune with a fine arrangement and superb playing."

"The rest of the Jalousie LP is given over to light classics that are not often heard, with the exception of Arthur Benjamin's Jamaican Rhumba, and which fully deserve resuscitation."

I’m A Woman – PEGGY LEE****

The Alley Cat Song/Mama’s Gone Goodbye/I’m Walkin’/Come Rain Or Come Shine/There Ain’t No Sweet Man/I’m A Woman/Mack The Knife/You’re Nobody Till Somebody Loves You/I’ll Get By/I Left My Heart In San Francisco/A Taste Of Honey/One Note Samba

Renowned jazz singer Peggy Lee achieved her final US top twenty album chart entry with I'm A Woman. The title track has been much covered by other artists. (US:18)

"It's simply terrific. The songs are great, Peggy has never been in better voice and the arrangements are exquisite."

"Rather than competing with the subtle vocals, the backing complements perfectly, adding neat guitar and piano flourishes in pieces like Mack The Knife."

"Shows Peggy at the peak of her popularity in the early sixties, performing a mix of soft, romantic songs and sultry blues songs, though the dividing line between the two is not always clear-cut."

"A very impressive interpretation of Mack The Knife. You're sick of that song? Listen to Peggy's version - it makes it fresh and exciting."

"With I’m A Woman she has the right pitch with all the notes, and the personality to make it magic."

“Endless imitators have tried to capture her spirited strength and sensuous charisma, but there is no comparison to the one and only Peggy Lee."

“Peggy Lee is at her jazzy and sultry best throughout I'm A Woman purring out classic greats such as Mack The Knife, A Taste Of Honey and her standard I'm A Woman, which is still being sung by young jazz singing hopefuls in clubs across the country, but none quite as effective as the definitive and very sensual version found here."

“I'm A Woman is Peggy Lee's most accessible (and predictable) album, a sure-fire crowd pleaser that panders ever so slightly to its audience. She adapts nicely to the bossa nova fad, has the good taste to treat Tony Bennett's little aria intimately and slowly, and the title cut recapitulates an old familiar refrain in the Lee discography.”

Hail The Conquering Nero – PETER NERO***

Midnight In Moscow/When The World Was Young/My Bonnie Lies Over The Ocean/What Kind Of Fool Am I/ Continental Holiday/Granada/Never On Sunday/Londonderry Air/Anna/Strange Music/Gloomy Sunday/Mack The Knife

Acclaimed US pop-jazz pianist Peter Nero achieved his highest US album chart placing with the cleverly titled Hail The Conquering Nero. During the period 1961-72 he dented the lower reaches of the US album chart twenty times with his easy listening music. (US:5)

"Nero covers a wide range of familiar standards, gentle ballads and sophisticated interpretations of Broadway hits."

"One cannot help revelling in the artistry, genius and drama of Peter Nero."

"I must say unequivocally that he is, by far, the most talented pianist in the genre and one of the most influential of the last forty-five years."

"The performances here are without question some of the most moving, displaying resoundingly virtuosic genius, elegant and eloquent, at once, conveying a craft so involving that applauding them will seem natural."

"This album reveals why Peter Nero's talent and genius has lasted so long, and why the recordings are as vibrant and refreshing today as they were when they won him Best New Recording Artist."

"What a masterful work; a truly great mix of jazz-flavoured renditions as well a soft and mellow sounds. A truly great album."

The Cascading Voices – HUGO & LUIGI CHORUS**

Me & My Shadow/Fly Me To The Moon/Time On My Hands/All Alone/When You’re Smiling/Are You Lonesome Tonight/I Left My Heart In San Francisco/Autumn Leaves/April Showers/Seventeen/I’m Always Chasing Rainbows/Girl Of My Dreams

The RCA staff production duo Hugo Peretti and Luigi Creatore turned their hand to producing a series of vocal recordings as the Hugo and Luigi Chorus. The first of these being The Cascading Voices. Later releases were much less successful. Given the current unavailability of these recording it appears that this kind of old style choral work may now have only a limited market. (US:14)

"Can't tell you how much I love this sound. I can't get enough of it."

"Those cascading voices are so unique. Compared to them, all the other choral groups sound alike."

Broadway My Way – NANCY WILSON****

A Lot Of Livin’ To Do/You Can Have Him/Tonight/Make Someone Happy/I Believe In You/As Long As He Needs Me/Getting To Know You/My Ship/The Sweetest Sounds/Joey Joey Joey/Loads Of Love/I Know

Jazz inspired vocalist Nancy Wilson made her US album chart breakthrough as a solo artist with Broadway My Way. It showcases her interpretations of classic Broadway songs. (US:18)

"The theatricality associated with many of these tunes is undercut by Wilson's elegant, sensual delivery."

"Show tunes rarely sound this good."

"Sweet, smart, beautiful vocals from the Broadway songbook. This is a must-have Nancy Wilson album."

"The treatments of the songs gives a lot of familiar material new slants."

"Nancy Wilson is unquestionably one of the legends of vocal jazz."

"This was the first version of You Can Have Him I ever heard and after so many years it still packs a punch."

“Simple, warm, communicative, impeccably musical singing of mostly great songs. And Wilson makes the one or two that perhaps aren't great, sound great.”

“For someone who appreciates Broadway music, this album is an enjoyable listen. Her exceptional vocal artistry is at its finest singing some of the best tracks from this set.”

His Biggest Hits – LITTLE RICHARD*****

Rip It Up/Lucille/Jenny Jenny/All Around The World/Good Golly Miss Molly/Long Tall Sally/Slippin’ & Slidin’/Send Me Some Lovin’/Boo Hoo Hoo Hoo/True Fine Mama/Keep A Knockin’/Tutti Frutti

Pianist Little Richard was one of the most commercially successful rock & roll artists of the 1950s, best known for his energetic and exuberant vocals. His Biggest Hits is an excellent compilation of his best known tracks.

“This record really is what the title implies - Little Richard's biggest hits. Every song is a killer and a piece of rock 'n' roll history. There are so many Little Richard's best ofs around, so be sure to get the one with original Specialty recordings. This is rock & roll at its best and Little Richard is the king - nothing more, nothing less.”

“Half a century after budding blues singer Little Richard transformed himself into the prototype wild man rock 'n' roller, these seminal sides on Specialty retain every bit of their invention and abandon. Little Richard's best singles are as good as any rock 'n' roll records ever recorded. His outlandishly raw and seductive vocals stretched the microphones to their limits, just as his hammering on the piano often threatened to shake his instrument apart.”

"Starting with 1955's Tutti Frutti Richard waxed a string of scorching sides that included Long Tall Sally, Good Golly Miss Molly and Rip It Up, each invested with a level of vocal exuberance unmatched by his contemporaries.”

“Little Richard is one of the best rock 'n' roll artists of this era. This LP will have you rockin' your way through even the darkest of your days. His voice and energy will pull you off the couch and have you dancing through the house.”

“This was the beginning of rock and roll. It's a shame he never had the same success in the 1960s that he achieved in the 1950s. His music is timeless. This is a really good compilation of his best known songs.”

“Each and every track here will blow your socks off. The irrepressible Little Richard absolutely blasts these songs out and yet with exquisite lyricism. He shows an immaculate sense of timing and how he manages to get the words out so quickly is beyond me. His raw, screaming voice just grabs you and won't let go. From top speed tracks like Tutti Frutti, through to the slow ones like Send Me Some Lovin', all you'll want to do is turn up the volume and play them again and again.”

Blame It On The Bossa Nova – EYDIE GORME****

One Note Samba/Melodie D’amour/The Gift/The Sweetest Sounds/Dansero/Blame It On The Bossa Nova/ Desafinado/The Message/Almost Like Being In Love/Moon River/The Coffee Song/I Remember You

American MOR vocalist Eydie Gorme achieved her first US album placing in five years with Blame It On The Bossa Nova. It was no doubt helped by the title track hit, at No. 7 her highest charting single. (US:22)

"Its class pop music from one of America's classiest popular vocalists."

"I have loved Eydie singing ever since I first heard her on the radio back in the sixties on a song called Blame It On The Bossa Nova. I still love the song."

"The original LP was recorded at the beginning of the bossa nova craze, and while the 'fad’ may have ebbed, the style and the music has not faded by any means."

"Eydie's recordings hold up as classics, and sound as vibrant and relevant to today's musical ear as they did when she first laid down these tracks."

"One of my own personal favourites on the album is Eydie's take on Melodie D'Amour. I love the song, and I love Eydie's presentation of it."

"Every track is a most pleasant experience to listen to again and again."

"I'll never be 15 years old again hearing Blame It On The Bossa Nova for the first time on the radio: but I can relive that time again and again just by putting on this album."

"Eydie Gorme is a very underrated singer. As a vocalist she is just stunning. Her voice is one of the most delightful I've heard."

"I love this album. The bossa nova was an amazingly fun and exciting style and these songs are just swinging."