How Do You Like It – GERRY & THE PACEMAKERS***

Shot Of Rhythm & Blues/Jambalaya/Where Have You Been All My Life/Here’s Hoping/Pretend/Maybellene/You’ll Never Walk Alone/The Wrong Yo-Yo/You’re The Reason/Chills/You Can’t Fool Me/Don’t You Ever/Summertime/Slow Down

How Do You Like It was the debut album from the Merseybeat group Gerry and The Pacemakers. Title is misleading as the group’s first two chart topping singles How Do You Do It and I Like It are omitted. However, their third chart topper You’ll Never Walk Alone is included. Spearheading the UK Merseybeat phenomenon, Gerry and the boys were enormously popular in the UK during 1963. A compilation CD, with all their hit singles, better demonstrates the full potential of their appeal. (UK:2)

"Brings out the raw power of the group's playing on the rockin' tracks, and the elegance of their approach on the ballads. No British 60s music collection would be complete without something from Gerry & The Pacemakers."

"Gerry Marsden had one of the clearest and distinct voices of any pop singer."

"Gerry & The Pacemakers have always been one of my favourite groups from the British Invasion. I never cared to compare them to The Beatles, simply because they sounded different and original enough to succeed on their own merits."

"They enjoyed phenomenal early success, which did not last because they failed to progress and innovate. They stayed firmly rooted in the American popular tradition, with smooth melodies and unadventurous lyrics. They remain an essential, and now underrated, major sixties band. Give them a listen. I wish we had original voices like these in today's music."

"How Do You Do It is a wonderful song. Love that voice and all those chord changes, an underrated band. If you listen to I Like It closely it has great lyrics and key changes, more than just a popsy tune."

Catch A Rising Star – JOHN GARY***

This Is All I Ask/Till The Birds Sing In The Morning/Your Cheatin’ Heart/Yellow Bird/Unchained Melody/Half As Much/More/The Possum Song/Somewhere Along The Way/Ebb Tide

This cleverly titled début album from the popular American MOR vocalist is filled with many familiar standards. His kind of music would become very unfashionable within a few years, which might explain why he is not better known today. (US:19)

"Catch A Rising Star seemed designed to showcase Gary's multi-octave voice, with its soaring tenor that crossed over into falsetto without any break."

"He displayed considerable versatility going from country tunes like Your Cheatin' Heart to the Caribbean style Yellow Bird."

"His individual approach was best appreciated on Unchained Melody, which he began with only an acoustic guitar for accompaniment and deliberately under sang, in contrast to the many over-the-top versions of the well-known song."

"His performances set Gary apart from his competitors on the supper club circuit and seemed to bode an important new figure in sophisticated pop singing."

"John's voice is as beautiful as the day he sang them, without echo chambers and 'manipulation' that is so common with the 'singers' of today."

"Catch A Rising Star was the first of John Gary's albums which, I think, still represents some of his finest work."

"In John Gary's hands a song becomes an experience and you find yourself getting caught up in the lyrics even if you've heard them dozens of times before. And he negotiates that three-octave range with such ease - rising from a warm bronzed baritone to a pure, natural tenor."

Bo Diddley’s Beach Party – BO DIDDLEY***

Memphis/Gunslinger/Hey! Bo Diddley/Old Smokey/Bo Diddley's Dog/I'm Alright/Mr Custer/Bo's Waltz/What's Buggin' You/Road Runner

This was guitar genius Bo Diddley's final entry on the UK album chart. Beach Party was recorded live in July 1963 at the Beach Club, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It ended a run of four chart albums which followed his 1963 UK tour. (UK:13)

"A blistering live album, especially in genuine mono and quite simply the finest live rock & roll album of its era, From the opening track (erroneously listed as Memphis and credited to Chuck Berry as composer) to the final note, this is some of the loudest, raunchiest guitar-based rock & roll ever preserved." "I didn't even know Bo was into ballad-land tunes until I heard What's Buggin' You and a great track to boot."

"Check this out all you garage punk fans, proof of what the man delivered live – a rawer kick than just about anyone."

"Diddley’s Beach Party is Bo at his most brazen and caustic. The sound quality lies somewhere below horrible, with vocals and instruments sliding in and out of earshot; even Diddley’s legendary rectangular guitar settles in the murk from time to time."

"What never sinks from centre stage is Bo’s barbed-wire presence. He never ventures from his unshakable boasts - Bo Diddley Is A Gunslinger, Hey Bo Diddley, Bo Diddley’s Dog and Bo’s Waltz suggest the relative breadth of his interests."

Any Number Can Win – JIMMY SMITH***

You Came A Long Way From St Louis/The Ape Woman/Georgia On My Mind/G’won Train/Theme From Any Number Can Win/What’d I Say/The Sermon/ Ruby/Tubs/Blues For C A

Jimmy Smith's third 1963 album chart entry Any Number Can Win heralded a more commercial approach for this dynamic organist. It spent nearly eight months on the US album chart. (US:28)

"Smith had only recently left the Blue Note label for Verve when he recorded these 1963 sessions, and the change brought a significant shift in direction. He applied his virtuoso keyboard skills and distinctive, blues-drenched approach to more commercial material, current pop tunes and movie themes."

"The material here suits him. Smith touches on funk, blues and gospel, and his expansive performances are matched with potent session bands."

"Had the 33 LP album years ago ... with scratches and static ... now the magic is back and better than ever."

"With a fat, dynamics-busting horns and woodwinds section utterly transforming the standard sound of Jimmy Smith's trio, Any Number Can Win may bear more of a resemblance to Henry Mancini than to the rootsy grooves one has come to expect from Smith."

"Smith's Hammond organ sound is oozy enough to liquefy bones, and his powerful, syncopation-addicted right hand intensifies the effect."

"While perhaps a bit too uber-groovy for jazz purists, those who are looking for instrumental a-go-gos in true swinging 60s style won't be disappointed in this release."

"Sessions like this are proof that Jimmy was one of the most fantastic organ players ever – as his work with large arrangements always seems to groove better than his work with small combos."

"His sound is impeccable, and he soars ahead of the rest of the orchestra with hard biting soulful solos that are just amazing."

When In Spain – CLIFF RICHARD***

Perfidia/Amor Amor Amor/Frenesi/Solamente Una Vez/Vaya Con Dios/Me Lo Dijo Adela/Maria No Mas/Tus Besos/Quizas Quizas Quizas/Te Quiero Dijiste/Cancion De Orfeo/Quien Sera

The relatively lowly position on the UK album chart for When In Spain is explained by Cliff singing all the songs in Spanish, which may have limited its appeal back home in Blighty. The Shadows provide backing on all tracks. (UK:8)

"British popster Cliff Richard expands his musical horizons on When In Spain, which finds the vocalist singing popular Spanish tunes in Spanish."

"This album features some of the most beautiful music (songs, playing and vocals) that I have ever heard."

"The authentically Spanish sounding, exotic, mesmerizing sound of The Shadows' guitar work (featuring the Norrie Paramor strings) blending to Cliff's smooth, rich, opulent sweet voice, is sheer bliss."

"While Cliff's evocative vocals remain flawlessly smooth, you get an insight at moments into how well Cliff can 'rock' as well as lusciously croon, which lends the songs an almost ethereal feel."

The Singing Nun – THE SINGING NUN**

Dominique/Soeur Adele/Fleur De Cactus/Complainte Pour Marie-Jaques/Je Voudrais/Tous Les Chemins/Plume De Radis/Mets Ton Joli Jupon/ Resurrection/Alleluia/J’ai Trouve Le Seineur/Entre Les Etoiles

The Singing Nun, the Belgian Soeur Sourire, enjoyed a most surprising mega hit with this collection of self composed folk tunes for children sung in French. It topped the US album chart for ten weeks. Includes Dominque a No. 1 hit single in the US, and No. 7 in the UK. However, her follow up US album and single releases stalled at No. 90 & No. 115 respectively. (US:1)

"Dominique, is her folksy tribute to the founder of her order, St. Dominic. With its lilting, repetitive chorus, her French-language song provided an upbeat antidote to a world rocked by the recent assassination of John F. Kennedy."

"There are twelve folk songs in all, the only accompaniment is the guitar, sparse backing vocals, and sometimes a few quick handclap percussive sounds."

"Dominique is far and away the best song on the album, which overall qualifies as a pleasant listening experience."

"This woman's voice was crisp, sincere, and innocent at a time when such virtue was becoming harder to find in the pop culture."

"The music is so light and cheery. The tunes are those that just easily stay in your head and run around your brain. Lifts my spirit every time I hear the beginning strum of the guitar to start each song."

"You don't need to know French to enjoy these songs. I can listen over and over again and leave with a perked up feeling."

"Began enjoying her pure and angelic voice long ago when this recording first came out. And it still represents for me such enjoyable little songs written by herself for children, fashioned and sung in a wonderful folk-like style."

Teen Scene – CHET ATKINS****

I Got A Woman/Rumpus/I Love How You Love Me/Alley Cat/Walk Right In/(Back Home Again In) Indiana/Teen Scene/Sweetie Baby/Little Evil/I Will/Bye Bye Birdie/Susie Q

Country guitar picker Chet Atkins reached No. 10 on the NME album chart with Teen Scene. At this time Chet had more success in the UK than in his home country. Aged nearly 40, he was old enough to be a father to the teen generation. (US:93)

"It sounds like the musicians are just getting into it and about to get a really good groove on when...it's over. That's my biggest gripe about these tracks. But if you enjoy some good finger-pickin' guitar, this is a good record."

"This is one of Chet's great albums from the early 60s. Teen Scene is varied in its range of songs and helps to recapture those past days of innocent excitement when the hit parade was full of good melodies. All of Chet's trademark playing styles are here from soulful to rippling fingerstyle, to duets with saxophone."

"This was back when dancin' music was dancin' music. I'm doin' the 'head nod' and 'foot tap' just sitting here. What really stands out about Chet's sense of song is his ability to lay back and let a few others take a ride on the tune as well."

"Not flashy in the conventional sense, not loud and boisterous like so many rockers who followed him, Atkins was the consummate musician, a master of subtlety and nuance, lightning fast and harmonically rich. He was the ultimate guitarist's guitarist."

"Guitar legend Chet Atkins had a legacy as one of the most accomplished guitar pickers in American popular music."

"This a great way to understand how Chet came to influence an entire music industry and style, and was able to do so by his instrumental virtuosity."

Sinatra’s Sinatra – FRANK SINATRA*****

I’ve Got You Under My Skin/In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning/The Second Time Around/Nancy/ Witchcraft/Young At Heart/All The Way/How Little We Know/Pocketful Of Miracles/Oh What It Seemed To Be/Call Me Irresponsible/Put Your Dreams Away

Sinatra's Sinatra comprises re-recordings, with the Nelson Riddle Orchestra, of some of the songs he made famous during his time with Capitol. Critical opinion is divided on whether they are an improvement on the originals. However, there is no denying the irresistible combination of Frank's voice and Nelson Riddle's arrangements. (US:6 UK:9)

"Frank Sinatra fans will not want to skip this LP - it's wonderful. I also recommend this for people who are just discovering the artistry of Frank Sinatra."

"It is a fascinating and artistically daring re-recording of Frank's classic standards from the 50s and 60s. Released in 1963, it features breathtaking new renditions of such timeless treasures as I've Got You Under My Skin and In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning."

"I think it is wonderful to be able to compare these newer versions with the original ones as a measuring tool to trace Sinatra's growth as an artist of the highest order. Frank's retelling of these aural tales are definitely worth the listen. He is in fine voice, and from one song to the next he conveys their heart and soul."

"Sinatra's Sinatra is an impressive recording where Frank Sinatra teams up with Nelson Riddle in a musical marriage of timeless beauty and perfection. Sinatra is the true essence of classy style of singing. His beguiling interpretations of a set of twelve standards on this LP have completely pleased my ears and won my heart."

"This 1963 release is unfairly criticized because it consists of re-recordings of already classic material. If you're tempted to do so, resist. This is in fact a very solid recording that gives these old favourites a whole new dimension and often equal or surpass their previous incarnations."

“This is a five-star album in every sense of the word. It is a fascinating and artistically daring re-recording of Frank's classic standards from the 50s and 60s. Sinatra is still very much at the top of his game. His baritone is slightly deeper which gives an ever fuller emotional context to the lyrics of these gorgeous ballads.”

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

Any Place I Hang My Hat Is Home/Right As The Rain/Down With Love/Who Will Buy/When The Sun Comes Out/ Gotta Move/My Colouring Book/I Don’t Care Much/Lover Come Back To Me/I Stayed Too Long At The Fair/Like A Straw In The Wind

Barbra Streisand quickly repeated the winning formula of her first album with this new collection of standards which includes seven show tunes. The Second Barbra Streisand Album consolidated her reputation as the hottest new act of 1963. (US:2)

"If I had to choose one definitive album that so completely catches the magic that was Streisand in the beginning, this album is it."

"From the first notes of Any Place I Hang My Hat Is Home to the moment when it is reprised again at the end of Like A Straw In the Wind Barbra's voice will hypnotize you. This is a better set of songs than even her first solo album."

"Barbra Streisand's follow up album, while not quite as creative or original as her first, is still a beautifully flowing recording, as well as perfectly sung. This time, however, Barbra sings in a more well-mannered and controlled way."

"These are Barbra's beginnings and you see her immense talent and the range, intensity, intimacy of her voice. It is also remarkable how good were her composers and lyricists, picked up from the musical theatre."

"Barbra Streisand's second album carries on seamlessly from her début disc. This time around, Streisand was able to approach newer material, while still including pieces from her nightclub act."

"The raw and youthful quality of Streisand's vocals is still very much apparent on this album. Her infectious charm will make it one you'll delight in revisiting time and again. Some may find the songs a bit dated. However, they provide a perfect forum, musically, for Barbra's miraculous talents both as a singer and an actress of song."

Got A Mind To Ramble – TOM RUSH***

Duncan & Brady/I Don’t Want Your Millions Mister/San Francisco Bay Blues/Mole’s Moan/Orphan’s Blues/Rye Whiskey/Big Fat Woman/Nine Pound Hammer/Diamond Joe/Just A Closer Walk With Thee/Mobile Texas Line/Joe Turner/Every Day In The Week

Got A Mind To Ramble was the début studio album from folk revival pioneer Tom Rush comprising traditional folk standards, mostly accompanied by only a guitar.

“Good album considering it's just a singer and his guitar, his playing is pretty gritty and you can hear he's into the songs. Not a fan of the slower stuff, but songs like San Francisco Bay Blues, Big Fat Woman and Every Day In The Week can put you into a happy mood. One of the more interesting 60s folk revival artists I've heard.”

“When someone inquires about traditional folk music from the sixties this album is one of my responses. This was in the day when white city blues artists performed in venues referred to as coffee-houses. Mostly armed with only a guitar they entertained by reconstructing traditional blues themes that were novelties to eager, mostly white, audiences. Tom Rush was one the leaders of this phenomenon.”

“Got A Mind To Ramble is an exquisite early album that is loaded with traditional standards like Duncan & Brady, Rye Whiskey and Joe Turner that benefit from Tom's interpretations. His guitar is not exceptionally flashy but blends well with expressive singing.”

“This recording belongs on anyone's list of the best folk music recordings ever made, preserving the best work of one of the folk revival's finest from the pioneer days in Boston in the early 60s.”

“What makes Rush so great is his tart delivery and his deep baritone voice. He sings with a twinkle in his eye and his tongue in his cheek.”

“Rush's beautiful guitar picking style and his deep voice are peerless. He won't win plaudits for originality or breaking moulds, but if you're tired of folk music full of nasal whines and sloppy finger-pricking, Tom is your man. Some people may find this twee or too easy-going, but to me it is perfect.”

“Rush mixes pathos with humour and plenty of other assorted moods and reveries.”

Painted Tainted Rose – AL MARTINO***

Painted Tainted Rose/You Always Hurt The One You Love/Till Then/ Ramona/Harbour Lights/ More/That’s The Way Its Got To Be/I Don’t See Me In Your Eyes Anymore/Have I Told You Lately That I Love You/There Must Be A Way/To Each His Own/I Love You Truly

Al Martino capitalised on his recent US album chart success with the rush release of Painted Tainted Rose, an assortment of romantic standards. The title track reached No. 15 on the US singles chart. (US:9)

"Al Martino is moving, brilliant and always more than satisfying. His voice is a work of art. Listening to Al is a beautiful experience."

"There is no one I would rather listen to for hours on end, that rich baritone voice can sooth and excite your senses. When you are in the mood for romance, no one fills the bill more than Al Martino."

"Painted Tainted Rose is wonderful poignant song. Tugs at the heart strings."

"Painted Tainted Rose is a delightful song. Well rendered by the great Al Martino."

On Stage – CHUCK BERRY**

Go Go Go/Memphis Tennessee/Maybellene/Surfin’ Steel/Rockin’ On The Railroad (Let It Rock)/Brown Eyed Handsome Man/Still Got The Blues/Sweet Little Sixteen/Jaguar & Thunderbird/I Just Want To Make Love To You/All Aboard/Trick Or Treat/The Man & The Donkey

Pundits are agreed that this is not a live recording but instead has had the 'audience' reaction dubbed in the recording studio. Thus, it can only be recommended for Berry completists. Surfin' USA, advertised on the cover, is omitted, but Sweet Little Sixteen, on which it is based, is included. (UK:6)

"Then something strange happened. A new generation of musicians became very successful: The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys, et cetera. And they played Chuck Berry music. And they told everyone that it was Chuck Berry music they played."

"Supposedly recorded live at the Tivoli Theatre in Chicago, this album sounds suspiciously like studio recordings with lots of applause and screaming added, the whole suffering from inferior sound due to the overdubbing."

Honey In The Horn – AL HIRT****

I Can't Get Started/Java/Man With A Horn/Tansy/Night Theme/Talkin' Bout That River/Fly Me To The Moon/To Be In Love/Al Di La/Malibu/Theme From A Dream/ I'm Movin' On

US trumpet virtuoso Al Hirt blasted his way to his highest US album chart spot with his Honey In The Horn LP, staying for two years. Features the US No. 4 hit single Java. (US:3)

"If you love soft, romantic jazz that will drift you away from your cares, if you want to feel rich and above all worries then you must have Al Hirt's Honey In The Horn sounds."

"Al Hirt really was the king of trumpet players. His classical training comes through in his clear, beautiful tone and in the skill with which he articulates his vast range and flexibility. Combining this marvellous style with soft voices and small ensemble accompaniment makes for a very enjoyable listening experience."

"Beautiful music. Al Hirt is a master at what he does. His trumpet is played so smoothly, with feeling and great ability."

"Al Hirt's teaming with co-producer Chet Atkins out of Nashville and the Anita Kerr singers as backing vocalists make Honey In The Horn arguably his best album."

"There are many trumpet players in the world, but there was only one king of the horn. If you are an aspiring brass player, please - come sit, listen and learn from the master. If you are a music lover, come and be entertained by royalty."

"Great playing, but drop the chorus. Can't believe how much the background singers take away from the music."

"The first album that Hirt recorded with vocals lacks Dixieland passion and jazz improvisation. All songs have been minimized in length, giving the album a pop-jazz feel. Not that that's a bad thing though, Hirt's trumpet playing is on point and the concise, no frills take on the album allows the form and metre of the songs to shine through."

Sing The Greatest Hits Volume 1 – THE CRYSTALS****

Da Doo Ron Ron/On Broadway/He’s A Rebel/Hot Pastrami/There’s No Other/The Wah-Watusi/Mashed Potato Time/He’s Sure The Boy I Love/Uptown/The Twist/Gee Whiz(Look At His Eyes)/Look In My Eyes

Girl group The Crystals were the most commercially successful of the artists produced by Phil Spector. This compilation combines their single releases with some R & B hits of the time. Unfortunately, it omits their highest placed UK single Then He Kissed Me. More comprehensive collections are currently available on CD.

"One of the legendary acts of the first girl group era. Founder members of Phil Spector's Wall Of Sound, The Crystals had ten hit singles between 1961 and 1964 including, He's A Rebel and Da Doo Ron Ron. The latter two tracks feature the lead voice of the incomparable La La Brooks, one of the forgotten voices of the rock era."

"You will find yourself permanently loading it into your car's CD player and blasting He's a Rebel, Da Doo Ron Ron and many other great Crystals' hits on a regular basis. And when you do, your mood is going to jump up too."

"These are timeless sounds from the 1960s by an enormously influential girl group."

"This Crystals LP is a must have. The songs are so sweet. Uptown is very nice to hear. The one I love the most is Look In My Eyes. I was almost 16 when I first heard it on the radio. It is so sweet."

"The Crystals are among the American girl groups that made it big during the early 1960's, the golden age of girl groups and Brill Building songsters. They had some big hits, He's A Rebel, He's Sure The Boy I Love and Da Doo Ron Ron all penned by those famous tenants in Broadway's Brill Building. And, for sure, the legendary bizarre composer/producer/impresario himself, Phil Spector, the man who invented the 'wall of sound', who created 'little symphonies for the kids' as he called them."

"Anyone who has listened to The Crystals understands one thing - Phil Spector changed lead singers for the group like a baseball manager changes pitchers."

"Of the various people singing lead, you can never tell which one it is; but you can always tell it's The Crystals though, and you can tell it's Phil Spector at the helm."

Elvis' Golden Records Volume 3 – ELVIS PRESLEY*****

Its Now Or Never/Stuck On You/Fame & Fortune/I Gotta Know/Surrender/I Feel So Bad/Are You Lonesome Tonight/(Marie’s The Name) His Latest Flame/Little Sister/Good Luck Charm/Anything’s That’s Part Of You/She’s Not You

This third volume of Elvis' hit singles contains most of Elvis' top hits released between his 1960 return from military service and early 1962. During this period Elvis was at the height of his popularity and musical creativity. The current CD release includes six bonus tracks making it even better value. (US:6 UK:3)

"It was during this period that Elvis last topped the charts consistently, soon the British invasion and a string of sub-par movie soundtracks would reduce both his stature and his record sales."

"This album is vintage Elvis from the early '60s, There is less of the primitive raw youth of the pre-army music, and more of the smooth polish of an experienced performer."

"The collection is a good cross-sample of Elvis at mid-career before he was trapped in the quagmire of the inferior mid-'60s movie soundtracks. An entertaining blend of finger snapping rock 'n' roll songs and the more subdued atmosphere of the ballads."

"The starting track, Its Now Or Never, is thrilling, timeless, and romantic as ever. Little Sister is downright nasty and a great rockin' song."

"Elvis shows in this compilation he still had that great singing talent after his return from the Army."

"Don't ask me why this is my favourite Elvis compilation, but its the one I couldn't do without. Probably because its the only place to find His Latest Flame and Little Sister on the same disc. It offers the more lyrical side of his music, when Elvis demonstrates his fine baritone voice in such numbers as Its Now Or Never and Are You Lonesome Tonight."

Fool Britannia - LONDON CAST

Whatever Happened To John & Marcia/Countess Interruptus/The House That Mac Built/Wry On The Rocks/ Than The Sword/The Common Market/The Secret Service/There’s No Business Like No Business/Vice Italian Style/They Only Fade Away/We Are Not Amused/Eugenius/Twelve Randy Men/There Goes That Song Again/ Two Old Ladies Locked In Conversation

Fool Britannia features Peters Sellers, Anthony Newley and Joan Collins, in this satirical piece that has an enjoyable poke at the 'stuffy' British Tory establishment of the time, then reeling from the aftershock of the Profumo affair from which it never recovered. More than likely to have raised quite a few guffaws from the young duffel coat brigade. No 'star rating' for this one as it is primarily a spoken performance, included for its period interest. It reached No. 10 on the NME album chart. Written and directed by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley.

"Fair game for satirists, and a bunch of them got together and recorded this fun if heavily dated evening of songs and sketches in front of a live audience." p> "Some of the sketches are pretty good, and Joan Collins does a fine job as the comedy totty."

"One star off because some of the material isn't all that good; another star off because this is very, very much of its time. To scholars of British comedy, its highly interesting. To anyone else, its a potentially amusing period piece."

Ella & Basie – ELLA FITZGERALD & COUNT BASIE****

Honeysuckle Rose/’Deed I Do/Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall/Them There Eyes/Dream A Little Dream Of Me/Tea For Two/Satin Doll/I’m Beginning To See The Light/Shiny Stockings/My Last Affair/Ain’t Misbehavin’/On The Sunny Side Of The Street

Ella & Basie featured a unique collaboration between in form jazz legends Ella Fitzgerald and Count Basie, backed up by the up and coming arranger Quincy Jones. (US:69)

“This 1963 session is a fine meeting of two great performers with a single-minded devotion to swing, a high point for both in the decade. The tunes are all familiar standards, many with roots in jazz, while the arrangements by Quincy Jones seem ideal. They're perfectly matched to Count Basie's idiom while providing a fine complement to Ella Fitzgerald's vocal leads. They may possibly be the best settings ever constructed for her scat singing.”

“A hot, swinging session, full of intense emotion, gleeful play, and ravishing talent. I have been in love with Ella ever since.”

“Absolutely priceless. Ella was always impressive when she had someone to impress, This 1963 studio date is certainly a winner. The scat exchange on Honeysuckle Rose shows that Ella is in a playful mood. Her phrasing throughout the album is inventive and she eloquently interprets many classic standards. Basically the entire album is like a big advertisement for the glory days of swing.”

“All the numbers have a really solid beat, as we are used to hearing from the Count, and a couple are uptempo, as we would probably expect. There's a little scat singing from Ella, but not that much. If you like big band music with vocals, this is a fine example.”

“Ella, Basie and Quincy; how can you go wrong? The band swings throughout, and Ella’s vocals are wonderful. The session done in '63 shows that the Basie band was still rompin’.”

“This album is pure magic. Ella is in great, great form, she swings more than ever with her clear, impeccable voice. Basie's accompaniment is solid and swinging as usual. Your feet or fingers will be tapping along unwittingly to the rhythm all the way and you'll be smiling all the while. A class act.”

The Best Of – TIMI YURO****

Hurt/The Love Of A Boy/I Apologise/If I Never Get To Love You/Just Say I Love Him/What’s A Matter Baby/ Smile/I’m Confessin’ (That I Love You)/I Ain’t Gonna Cry No More/Let Me Call You Sweetheart/She Really Loves You/Insult To Injury

The Best Of Timi Yuro is a compilation of her singles from the period 1961-63. She was a powerful emotional singer whose popularity never matched her talent.

“For those interested in experiencing a once in a lifetime brilliant singer, do not miss this stunning soulfully sung collection of masterful performances. Back in my early teens I remember hearing Timi's first big blockbuster hit Hurt and was completely mesmerized by this great voice with powerful emotion who stood out as a uniquely great original. Timi was great in any setting and came alive with What's A Matter Baby that has an incredibly rich and powerful vocal.”

“She represents one of the all time great female singers to emerge in the sixties. That's a remarkable feat in itself. Timi's talent as a vocalist and song stylist is truly unique. Not only did she have a rich soulful voice but also the ability to interpret the song within her own style. This talent is extremely rare.”

“How could a star shine so brightly and with so much promise practically disappear, after only a few years, behind the clouds? Timi with her dedication, energy, hard work and talent should have been a major headliner for years but sadly this wasn't the case. One of the reasons was the times. No one seriously thought female pop singers, for the most part, were capable of an extended career.”

“I find it very strange that Timi Yuro never got the acclaim that she deserved. From the very first single Hurt I collected her exquisite albums on vinyl and still have them. I marvel at the power and the surprising subtlety of her voice.”

“This LP captures the full, vibrant, dynamic richness of Timi's voice. She sings her songs from the heart and puts that extra feeling into them.”

“It is a travesty that so many people have never heard this wonderful voice. This entire LP is filled with songs that once heard cannot be forgotten. Her voice is one of the most powerful and soulful voices ever. This is a must for any fan of 60s soul and ballad singing.”

This Is All I Ask – TONY BENNETT***

Keep Smiling At Trouble/Autumn In Rome/True Blue Lou/The Way That I Feel/This Is All I Ask/The Moment Of Truth/Got Her Off My Hands/Sandy's Smile/Long About Now/Young And Foolish/Tricks/On The Other Side Of The Tracks

Tony Bennett's scored a second US album chart success in 1963 with This Is All I Ask. However, lacking a hit single, it stalled at an appreciably lower placing than his two previous releases. (US:24)

"Tony Bennett is an artist who moves the hearts and touches the souls of audiences. He’s not just the singer’s singer but also an international treasure."

"While his voice is sensational - it deepens into something beyond compare by the early 1960s."

"The guy always sounds like he's smiling into the microphone, and that happiness comes through."

"Tony Bennett is strongly recommended for the over thirty crowd looking for a change from the blaring noise usually heard in the top 40." "Tony has an enormous vocal range and excellent phrasing."

“If you hadn't heard Bennett's previous two albums, This Is All I Ask would sound like a varied, satisfying collection, but if you had, you recognized the formula and realized it had been done slightly better before."

Sunny Side! – THE KINGSTON TRIO***

Desert Pete/Marcelle Vahine/Sing Out/Ballad Of The Thresher/Blowin’ In The Wind/Goo Ga Gee/Jackson/Two-Ten Six-Eighteen/Those Brown Eyes/Those Who Are Wise/Rider

The Kingston Trio achieved yet another US top ten album chart hit with Sunny Side. Some pundits detected a falling off from the standards of previous releases. (US:7)

"The Kingston Trio played an important role in American music and this album is a big part of my own personal memories; they form part of the soundtrack to my life. This release has many of the finest pieces the boys' ever produced."

"Desert Pete from Sunny Side was a conscious attempt to emulate the success of Reverend Mr. Black."

"Possibly the finest one, in terms of vocals and instrumentals and just plain exuberance is Marcelle Vahine."

"My contention with Sunny Side relates to song selection. Goo Ga Gee, Marcelle Vahine and Those Brown Eyes leave me pretty cold."

"Sunny Side wasn't a critical success, but I don't feel the Trio, or anyone else, need apologize for the quality of their work on the album."

"Too many of the songs simply do not have the polish that you expect from this group."

"The only number on Sunny Side that has any roots in genuine American folk is Rider, which in its origin is a blues number that The Kingston Trio translate into uptempo. But the rest of the songs would not have been called 'folk' ten years before - they are pop songwriter tunes done with guitar and banjo."

Ramblin' – THE NEW CHRISTY MINSTRELS****

Ramblin’/Mighty Mississippi/Hi Jolly/A Travelin’ Man/Down The Ohio/The Drinking Gourd/Green Green/Rovin’ Gambler/Wagoner’s Song/My Dear Mary Anne/Ride Ride Ride/Last Farewell

The New Christy Minstrels reached the US album chart top twenty for the second time in 1963 with Ramblin'. Includes the US No. 14 single Green Green. The New Christy Minstrels were completely absent from the UK charts. (US:15)

"It captures the early 'folk' influences that we heard on the TV show Hootenanny. I consider it to be the quintessential NCM album."

"The New Christy Minstrels went beyond just being a folk group; they combined extraordinary musical talents and strong personalities such as Barry McGuire putting together songs of beauty, power, nostalgia and pure fun."

"This album has been a true a joy to listen to. A wonderful collection of songs."

"I foresee a time when we can tell our children's grandchildren that there was a time before sampling, and lip-syncing, when real musicians actually had to practice their instruments, and their vocal harmonization, to sound good."

"NCM were my favourites growing up, because they so heavily relied on the voices, rather than a show or the instruments."

"When you look into the combinations of harmony and the talents that sprang into other areas from this group - it is one of the foundations of today's music."

“The New Christy Minstrels were under appreciated: truly part of the origins of folk music."

The Patsy Cline Story – PATSY CLINE*****

Heartaches/She’s Got You/Walkin’ After Midnight/Strange/Leavin’ On Your Mind/South Of The Border/Foolin ‘Round/I Fall To Pieces/A Poor Man’s Roses/Tra Le La Le La Triangle/True Love/Imagine That/Back In Baby’s Arms/Crazy/You’re Stronger Than Me/Seven Lonely Days/Sweet Dreams (Of You)/Your Cheatin’ Heart/San Antonio Rose/Why Can’t He Be You/The Wayward Wind/So Wrong/I Love You So Much It Hurts/You Belong To Me

Story is the posthumous tribute to the greatest female country singer, the acclaimed Patsy Cline, who died in a plane crash in May 1963. This double album contains most of her best remembered tracks. At the time of her death few people in Britain had heard of her, but in the intervening years her stature has grown enormously. (US:74)

"The most haunting and lovely voice ever to come out of country music belonged to Patsy Cline, whose life was cut tragically short in 1963 by a plane crash. This collection captures Cline's spirit and breathtakingly beautiful voice."

"Patsy Cline is not your typical twang and twirl country gal. She had the most versatile voice in recorded music history. She could croon a country ballad, turn around and belt out a rockabilly tune, and then swoop a jazz song. In this collection, you get Patsy at her truest self. Its where she found her impeccable voice and put it with just the right material. Her records and voice are timeless." "Sheer enjoyment. A great talent captured here to be enjoyed over and over again. If only we could have comparable contemporary talent. The nuances and song interpretations are subtle, yet outstanding."

"If you can only buy one Patsy Cline album, this is it. All of her biggest hits are here, as well as a few of the minor (but no less important) ones. Patsy Cline was the best; this collection shows you why."

"I have never been a country and western fan, but I recently stumbled across this LP and was amazed at the clarity and fullness of Patsy Cline. She is a rare artist that transcends music genres. This Owen Bradley production surrounds her strong voice with lush instruments and horns, and lets you drown in the words and thoughts of many of country's best songwriters. This is an album you buy because you appreciate good music."

Night Beat –SAM COOKE****

Nobody Knows The Trouble I’ve Seen/Lost & Lookin’/Mean Old World/Please Don’t Drive Me Away/I Lost Everything/Get Yourself Another Fool/Little Red Rooster/Laughin’ & Clownin’/Trouble Blues/You Gotta Move/ Fools Paradise/Shake Rattle & Roll

Night Beat was soul legend Sam Cooke's most acclaimed album. It includes the US No. 11 hit Little Red Rooster, which The Rolling Stones would take to No. 1 in the UK the following year. (US:62)

"Cooke is backed by a small combo in a spare, tasteful manner. The overall musical feeling is also far removed from Cooke's poppier efforts, leaning strongly toward the jazzy blues end of the spectrum."

"This album is widely hailed as Sam Cooke's most intimate, soulful piece of work. It is miles apart from his pop-oriented, somewhat fluffy (but still wonderful in their own way) hits that most people would instantly recognize."

"Cooke's vocal performance is astounding technically and often deeply moving throughout. The songs are rock solid, and the performance captivating. It finds Cooke reaching deeper into himself than he did on any other album, expanding our notion of his depth and capabilities."

"Very hard to trundle out enough superlatives for this one. The spacious, full sound is warm and inviting, as well it should be. Cooke's singing is uncanny, not of this world in its beauty. This is, in short, a classic."

"A gem. It's one of those records that transcends genre categories, simply because of the calibre of the musicianship. Sheer artistry is the order of the day. From beginning to end, the architect of soul music is without equal in these 38 minutes of bitter-sweet agony. The listener is raptured up in this dismal, grey, dark, bitter, regretful, unforgiving, at times comical tornado of human emotion."

"His voice is raw and natural like molasses and just as sweet. When he sings of the pain of loneliness and love lost, I truly believe him and actually feel sorry for him. The evocation of such a response is just what a real soul singer is supposed to do."

Meet The Searchers - THE SEARCHERS***

Sweets For My Sweet/Alright/Love Potion No. 9/Farmer John/Stand By Me/ Money/Da Doo Ron Ron/Ain’t Gonna Kiss Ya/Since You Broke My Heart/Tricky Dicky/Where Have All The Flowers Gone/Twist & Shout

Merseybeat pop hit makers The Searchers rushed released this debut album to capitalize on the success of the UK No. 1 hit Sweets For My Sweet. It additionally features the US No. 3 hit single Love Potion No. 9. (UK:2)

"The music was as raw and basic a Liverpool sound as anything heard this side of the Beatles' debut album."

"The attributes that The Searchers would build on, spirited playing, good harmony singing, behind smooth lead vocals and crisply defined lead and rhythm guitars, are all present in as stripped-down a form as they would ever be heard."

"They quickly established a style of smooth haunting ballads with a double track sound that was unlike any other British group." "Meet The Searchers is loaded with excellent songs and lovely melodic guitar playing."

"No original compositions at all, just one cover for a hit single and then eleven more hastily recorded covers to fill 'er up."

"The eternal Beatles curse hits much harder when they're doing Money and Twist & Shout. These covers are absolutely useless when you have The Beatles' versions lying next to them."

“These guys are damn good, and have a long list of very good songs. They are a bit under-rated in my book."

Let’s Go – THE VENTURES***

Memphis/Let’s Go/More/El Watusi/Walk Right In/Sukiyaki/New Orleans/So Fine/Wipe Out/Hot Pastrami/ Runaway/Over The Mountain Across The Sea

Unlike their British counterparts The Shadows, who at this time released mostly original instrumental tracks, The Ventures suffered from a heavy dependency on covering recent chart hits. This is exemplified on the album Let's Go. (US:30)

"It contains all the native marvellous Ventures sounds."

"If you feel heavy, sad, low, depressed...play this LP, it will all disappear, taking you back to a better world."

"Let's Go lacks some of the lustre and sophistication this group would develop in later arrangements and material, coming more from the surf music era."

"The surf genre is of course served by the classic Wipe Out and the title track, not to mention a hardy Runaway. Walk Right In lacks a sense of swing, culminating in a kind of stiffness that permeates the lesser moments on this album."

"Let's Go is one of the band's best rock & roll albums, finding the group running through a number of rockers and enjoyable original filler."

Johnny - JOHNNY MATHIS****

Easy Does It/The Most Beautiful Girl In The World/Miracles/When The World Was Young/Never Never Land/Poor Butterfly/Jump For Joy/Joey Joey Joey/I Can’t Believe That You’re In Love With Me/I Love You/Weaver Of Dreams/No Man Can Stand Alone

Perennial hit maker Johnny Mathis charted again with Johnny, a blend of standards, show tunes and new compositions. It was his first album with arranger Don Costa. (US:20)

"With Costa’s arrangements fitting like a glove this is one of Johnny's best."

"No big hits on here, maybe, but a more solid track-by-track Johnny Mathis album you'd be hard pressed to find."

"Have loved his voice and choice of music since the late 1950s. He is still the best ballad singer of all time, in my opinion."

"There are absolutely no words that can adequately describe the purity, the mystical and the magic of Johnny's voice."

“There are many songs he has recorded such as Weaver Of Dreams that brought out the artistry of this great singer. The song just seemed tailor made for him. Also included on the album is Miracles, which didn't make it on the Billboard charts but is sung so beautifully by this legendary singer."

Ingredients In A Recipe For Soul – RAY CHARLES****

Busted/Where Can I Go/ Born To Be Blue/That Lucky Old Sun/Ol’ Man River/In The Evening (When The Sun Goes Down)/A Stranger In Town/Ol’ Man Time/Over The Rainbow/You’ll Never Walk Alone

Legendary R & B singer and pianist Ray Charles was at the peak of his popularity in the early 1960s. Ingredients In A Recipe For Soul includes the US No. 4 Busted and No. 20 That Lucky Old Sun. (US:2)

"Ingredients In A Recipe For Soul is full of bluesy, lonesome laments."

"He digs deep into a seemingly bottomless inner well of sorrow for the quietly despairing Born To Be Blue and brings out the inherent melancholy in Over The Rainbow."

"This record would typify the erratic nature of much of Charles' '60s output. Its too eclectic for its own good, encompassing pop standards, lowdown blues, Mel Tormé songs and after-hours ballads."

"Busted, the hit reworking of a composition by country songwriter Harlan Howard, is jazzy and tough, and one of his best early-'60s singles."

"Ray Charles stamped his unique approach on standards such as That Lucky Old Sun."

"Ray Charles covered so many genres that it's unfair just to label him as an R & B artist. Certainly this was where his roots originated, but he had the innate ability to take a wide range of material and put his own unmistakeable stamp on it."

"It is vintage Ray, when he had expanded the vision of his music with big band, chorus, string section, and as always, his beautiful soulful singing."

“Of all the versions of That Lucky Old Sun I have heard, this one has the most soul for me. This one really gets in there. The chords he chooses are perfect."

In Dreams – ROY ORBISON****

In Dreams/Lonely Wine/Shahdaroba/No One Will Ever Know/Sunset/House Without Windows/Dream/Blue Bayou/ (They Call You) Gigolette/All I Have To Do Is Dream/Beautiful Dreamer/My Prayer

The Big O's third Monument LP In Dreams contains the top ten hit singles Blue Bayou and the stirring title track. His singing style emphasised the dramatic and emotional. (US:35 UK:6)

"In Dreams remains one of Orbison's most perfectly executed albums, with his signature dreamy ballads and impeccable vocals standing out and sweeping the listener away into a bluesy pop dreamland."

"You can't help but be drawn and swept into his musical mini-dramas and unique operatic like vocal stylings. He simply pulls the right heart strings, hits every sensitive nerve and ultimate emotions in all of us with such ease."

"Each individual performance is a winner, thanks to Roy Orbison's unique and impeccable vocal delivery."

"The opening song, In Dreams, is one of Roy's best, one that everybody who's ever listened to a radio appreciates."

"There are many other fine songs here on yet another great Roy Orbison album for those who want to go beyond the A-side hits."

"I've got loads of Roy's albums, but this is by far the best. Can't stop playing it."

"In Dreams is a song that is so amazing. It needs no words to explain it."

"In Dreams is such a sad song somehow, there is a lot of melancholy in it. Its just so deep and it can really speak to you." "On Blue Bayou he had such a sweet, smooth voice. What a talented musician he was."

Hollywood - My Way – NANCY WILSON****

My Shining Hour/Days Of Wine & Roses/Moon River/Secret Love/Dearly Beloved/I’ll Never Stop Loving You/When Did You Leave/Almost In Your Arms(Love Song From Houseboat)/Wild Is The Wind/Second Time Around/Did I Remember/You’d Be So Nice To Come Home To

Nancy Wilson quickly followed up her successful Broadway album with this movie themed collection Hollywood My Way, with tracks dating from the 1930s to the 1960s. (US:11)

"In the early 60s Nancy Wilson was arising as the most prolific female singer Capitol Records had, and her voice went everywhere. Sensuous, lively and so tender she'd melt your heart in Alaska."

"Jimmy Jones' arrangements are Billy May-like, but also a smooth back up to Nancy Wilson's style - jazzy and intimate."

"Hollywood - My Way is filled with strong material, fine arrangements, and more than enough evidence of Wilson's considerable and elegant vocal talents."

"This collection of movie songs, ranging from 1931's When Did You Leave Heaven to 1962's Days Of Wine And Roses with stellar Jimmy Jones' arrangements, is one of Wilson's best."

"As usual she deftly works through a variety of tempi with aplomb."

“This type of music is like a drug to me, so beautiful."

“I've always enjoyed her voice. Very melodic, while distinctive."

Golden Hits – KENNY BALL*****

Midnight In Moscow/So Do I/March Of The Siamese Children/Someday/55 Days At Peking/The Pay Off/Rondo/ Sukiyaki/I Still Love You All/The Green Leaves Of Summer/Casablanca/Samantha

Trad jazz bandleader and trumpeter Kenny Ball had a string of UK top twenty hits in the early 1960s. Golden Hits includes them all with the exception of the then newly released Acapulco 1922, and naturally each track is pure gold. (UK:4)

"If you like good ensemble Dixieland with well-played, but short solos, give this music a try."

"His band tends to play authentic sounding Dixieland jazz, with banjo instead of guitar, and the songs tend to be lively, technically proficient, and have tasteful solos."

"Put this music on and dance. It's rich, endlessly varied, fresh and even a little sweet and packed with glorious energy."

"Kenny Ball released so many good records which were great trad jazz that had melodies, rhythm and, most of all, were good fun."

"His real achievement was to have made so many hit records of the trad jazz genre against all the odds when no one else could do it."

"Great collection of all Kenny's standards - they are really evocative and brought back great memories. Really catchy tunes that you'll be whistling for days afterwards."

"Wow! Absolutely fantastic jazz from the one and only Kenny Ball."

"Somewhere in between skiffle and Merseybeat, trad jazz became one of the UK's most popular music genres. One of its greatest exponents was Kenny Ball & His Jazzmen. This collection is the perfect nostalgia trip for trad jazz fans and features Ball's original hits from the early sixties, including the worldwide smash Midnight In Moscow."

Golden Hits – THE FOUR SEASONS****

Sherry/Big Girls Don’t Cry/Walk Like A Man/Ain’t That A Shame/Marlena/Candy Girl/Connie-O/Starmaker/Soon (I’ll Be Home Again)/Silver Wings/I’ve Cried Again/Peanuts

A change of label for the Four Seasons prompted Vee-Jay to release this somewhat premature greatest hits collection. Golden Hits contains the three US chart toppers Sherry, Big Girls Don't Cry and Walk Like A Man, plus the No. 3 hit Candy Girl, together with minor hits and B sides. (US:15)

"Given the tendency to throw albums together with a hit or two plus filler, this far more consistent compilation was the best of The Four Seasons' early LPs."

"The arrival of Bob Gaudio changed everything. He penned Sherry, their breakthrough hit, and was writer or co-writer of most of the subsequent hits."

"The Four Seasons were, perhaps, one of the most successful groups of the 60s and their legacy will live on in the annals of popular music. Distinctive, harmonic, falsetto filled, they were, and remain, an icon of popular music."

"There's no current music that comes close to the sound of The Four Seasons. Its real sing-a-long music."

"Sherry opens proceedings with an early rocking tune that has a doo wop twist. It was very popular when first released and even all these years later its not hard to understand why. They sing this to perfection and the beat is excellent. What a great song about young love."

"Big Girls Don't Cry is a very good number that rocks well and you can easily hear Frankie's voice just above the others. They all sing very well, of course, make no mistake about it."

"I really like Walk Like A Man about a youth who must be strong after his girlfriend dumps him. They harmonize so well, too."

Pickwick – LONDON CAST***

Like The Company Of Men/That's What I'd Like For Christmas/The Pickwickians/Bit Of A Character/There's Something About You/A Gentleman's Gentleman/You Never Met A Feller Like Me/I'll Never Be Lonely Again/ Fizkin & Pickwick/Very/If I Ruled The World/I'll Never Be Lonely Again(Reprise)/Talk/That's The Law/Damages/If I Ruled The World(Reprise)

The London cast musical Pickwick starred Harry Secombe. It opened at the Saville Theatre in July 1963 and ran for 694 performances. Based on the Charles Dickens novel The Pickwick Papers about the escapades of the portly Mr Pickwick and his chums. Includes the UK top twenty single If I Ruled The World. Music by Cyril Ornadel and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse. (UK:12)

"There isn't a jollier show anywhere than this musical version of The Pickwick Papers. It exactly catches the cheerful and goodhearted spirit of the gentleman with the bald head and round glasses who is its hero."

"The well-loved story, the tuneful music and witty lyrics provide a recipe that can't fail to delight audiences. The famous If I Ruled The World is just one of a host of strong numbers, and there is plenty of work for chorus and dancers."

Born Free – FRANK IFIELD***

My Kind Of Girl/He'll Have To Go/I Can't Get Enough Of Your Kisses/Cold Cold Heart/Daybreak/Love Songs Of The Waterfall/Wolverton Mountain/Cattle Call/Half As Much/Please/Funny How Time Slips Away/Riders In The Sky/I'd Be A Legend In My Time/Scarlet Ribbons (For Her Hair)

Frank Ifield made his second appearance on the UK album chart in 1963 with the country based Born Free, which again excludes his recent UK chart topping singles. (UK:3)

"Frank did much to improve the status of country music in Britain. He may have compromised his sound to appeal to pop music fans, but so have plenty of others."

"Ifield lacked the personality of say Andy Williams or Perry Como, and made little of his enormous success."

"All his hits were oldies and there's nothing wrong with that."

Wipe Out – THE SURFARIS***

Wipe Out/Wiggle Wobble/Torquay/You Can’t Sit Down/Green Onions/Tequila/Wild Weekend/Teen Beat/Yep/Memphis/Surfer Joe/Walk Don’t Run

Californian instrumental group The Surfaris achieved their only US album top twenty success with Wipe Out. The title track single was a top five hit in both the US and UK. The remainder of the album is mostly instrumental covers plus the minor hit Surfer Joe. (US:15)

"A great foray into the world of surfing sounds with a classic tune, Wipe Out. Pounding drums and reverb drives the tunes and makes for a great listening experience."

"There are several good tracks but the one that is the peak is Wipe Out. The way it starts with the driving guitar and the loud wipe out lyric has you climbing in the drapes, and the rendition of other hits are also really good."

"It is a great album for all who cherish the warmth and feel of beach, sand and water under their feet."

"Sadly, they just don't make fun music like this anymore. Awesome instrumental work and just plain cool."

"The music that The Surfaris made will never die. Ron Wilson's drum work and vocals cannot be compared."

"Awesome surf sounds, killer rod references, highly recommended for any one who has a street rod and loves to cruise."

So Much In Love – THE TYMES***

Alone/My Summer Love/Wonderful! Wonderful!/That Old Black Magic/Let’s Make Love Tonight/ Goodnight My Love/So Much In Love/You Asked Me To Be Yours/The Twelfth Of Never/Way Beyond Today/Summer Day/Autumn Leaves

R & B harmony group The Tymes from Philadelphia achieved their only US album top twenty success with So Much In Love. Includes the US chart topping title track and the No. 7 hit Wonderful Wonderful. Twelve years later The Tymes would also top the UK singles chart, this time with Ms Grace. (US:15)

"The Tymes have a wonderful sound. They remind me of The Platters and Johnny Mathis."

"What a wonderful group, so nice to hear that good old mellow music again."

"Simply put 'The Greatest Group'. Listen to So Much In Love, and tell me I'm wrong. Its harmony at it's best."

"The harmony is easy on the ear and George Williams' lead vocal is not intrusive but submissive."

"The title track is a very beautiful and romantic song from a wonderful time period. It is a shame they do not make songs like this anymore."

"So Much In Love is a great song. A reminder of when you could turn on the radio and hear some great harmony singing. In fact, group singing used to be such a part of soul and rock and roll. What happened?"

“What a lovely song is So Much In Love, as smooth as double cream."

Ring Of Fire – JOHNNY CASH****

Ring Of Fire/I’d Still Be There/What Do I Care/I Still Miss Someone/Forty Shades Of Green/Were You There When They Crucified My Lord/The Rebel Johnny Yuma/Bonanza/The Big Battle/Remember The Alamo/ Tennessee Flat Top Box/Peace In The Valley

Ring Of Fire, misleadingly subtitled the Best of Johnny Cash, spent over a year on the US album chart. It captures the legendary country influenced singer at the height of his talents. The title track single was a US No. 17 hit. (US:24)

"It offers a worthy sampling of Cash's far-ranging moods - dramatic saga songs, gospel hymns, love songs, honky-tonk weepers and folk ballads." "There are loads of Johnny Cash collections, but my advice is to get this one."

"This LP offers great insight into the vast talent of Johnny Cash and his work in the early sixties."

"These are such fine and welcome songs that a rarity in country music is achieved here, no filler, no throwaway, just twelve perfect Cash tunes from arguably the best time in his career."

"I dig where he was at in 1963. He hadn't become too earnest, which I think dogged some of his later recordings."

"This is my favourite of all of the Johnny Cash mixes. I have listened to it continually since I was six, and the passionate, soulful, raw lyrics still hit the right mood for me."

"I never get tired of listening to Cash's rich baritone and his special kind of diction. This is one of his earlier offerings and I recommend it highly."

“He's one of the few country rock pioneers whose songs convey that original essence that modern country lacks."

“While remaining one of Cash's most popular albums ever (but hardly really his ‘Best’), it serves as a true testament to Cash's being what he always was, a true original stylist in American music."

Mondo Cane – SOUNDTRACK****

Life Saver’s Girl/L’isola Maledetta/Ragazze E Marinai/Hong Kong Cha Cha Cha/ L’ultimo Volo/Dog Meat/China Tarantella/I Pescatori Di Ragjput Gli Squali/ More (Ti Guardero’ Nel Cuore)/Free Way/Casa Della Morte/Il Purgatorio/Repabhan Strausse/La Forcada/Cargo Cult-Finale

The film Mondo Cane explored some curious human activities from around the globe set to backing music composed by Riz Ortolani and Nino Oliviero. The Kai Winding version of the luscious theme tune More reached the US top ten. The sublime soundtrack is in sharp contrast to some of the elements in this disturbing 'documentary'. (US:15)

"Oliverio and Ortolani have a great melodic sense and a good sense of humour. More is an outstanding melody anyway you look at or listen. It may be simple but you won't forget that melody after the first listening."

"The music is somewhere between the classic Italian cinema score style of Nino Rota and what would today be called 'lounge' music. The best track is #9, which became the standard More."

"I have always considered More to be the most beautiful song that I have ever heard. The score from Mondo Cane has the most beautiful orchestration and arrangements of this song. I can't stop playing this LP. For me, music is one of the greatest gifts to mankind."

"The music held within is some of the most beautiful and unique I have ever heard. It is the sound one would expect to hear in heaven. No matter what music you're into, I guarantee that this purchase is well worth the money."

"Mondo Cane is, for me, one of the best, if not the best piece of music ever done. This music haunts my memory like no other. More takes me to another time and place."

"The score (including the Oscar-winning theme song More) blends kitschy lounge-jazz and soaring orchestrations in a way that perfectly matches the ever-shifting moods of the film."

The International Jim Reeves – JIM REEVES****

Auf Wiederseh’n Sweetheart/The Old Kalahari/The White Cliffs Of Dover/True/I’m Crying Again/Guilty/Blue Canadian Rockies/The Hawaiian Wedding Song/You Are My Love/Heartbreak In Silhouette/Tahiti/Golden Memories & Silver Tears

The tragic death of velvet voiced Jim Reeves resulted in many of his earlier albums charting in the UK posthumously. International Jim featured songs from many lands, including South Africa were he was very popular. (UK:11)

"I have really enjoyed listening to this album. It is truly a lover's treat. As a teenager several decades ago, I was and still am an ardent Jim Reeves fan."

"The musical orchestrations by the celebrated Chet Atkins for all of Jim Reeves songs are beautiful beyond description. This is a magnificent country album which every collector of Jim Reeves songs should have and will, I am certain, treasure forever."

"Buy a Jim Reeves album and you're almost certain of a very satisfying listening experience. His International is certainly one of these. My only (slight) regret is the tendency to over-orchestrate Jim's voice."

"This LP shows the versatility of one of the world's greatest singers. The International Jim Reeves is heavily - I think overly - orchestrated and contains WW2 classics such as White Cliffs Of Dover and Auf Weidersehen, as well as several Afrikaans songs which had been released earlier in South Africa. In this case, Jim has inserted some English lyrics into the songs."

"It seems that, at the time of his death, Jim was moving more towards the sound encapsulated in the International Jim Reeves album. I have become a huge Jim Reeves fan over the last few years. What a golden voice - smoother than butter."

"Guilty showcases his real voice, incredible depth and clarity. A truly touching song. Nobody does lyrics like this anymore. And we are poorer because of it. Nothing raunchy, no double meanings, nothing to suggest anything more than a guy in love with a girl so deeply that.... well that's all he's guilty of."

Blue Velvet – BOBBY VINTON***

Blue On Blue/Am I Blue/Blue Blue Day/Mr Blue/Blue Velvet/St Louis Blues/Blue Skies/Blue Hawaii/Blue Moon Little Miss Blue/Blueberry Hill/My Blue Heaven

US pop idol Bobby Vinton achieved his second US album chart success with Blue Velvet, boosted by the US chart topping title track and the US No. 3 Blue On Blue. The single Blue Velvet made no impression on the UK singles chart at the time, but reached No. 2 in 1990. All the songs on the album include the world blue. (US:10)

"Bobby Vinton made quite a career out of a very limited vocabulary of song titles, and worked within a fairly narrow prism of subjects and styles."

"Bobby sang with such passion that you were instinctively drawn in to listen to him sing; and he always gave his adoring audiences nothing short of his very best."

"Blue Velvet sounds as fresh and new today as it did the first time I ever heard it. The percussion and the chorus are great; but its Bobby who carries this song."

"Blue On Blue is beautifully performed; and the music perfectly complements Bobby as he sings the lyrics to this tune that is very pretty, even if the lyrics aren't all that happy."

"Bobby Vinton was the eternal baby face of the crooners after Pat Boone. His style was obviously determined by the warm side of the slender melodies, and he triumphed accordingly."

“Blue Velvet is one of my favourite songs. A fabulous singer, this man was created to croon."

Bassey Spectacular – SHIRLEY BASSEY****

From This Moment On/Kiss Me Honey Honey Kiss Me/You You Romeo/My Funny Valentine/How About You/As I Love You/Hands Across The Sea/Tonight She Is Crying/The Wayward Wind/If You Don't Love Me/Take My Love Take My Love/Puh-Leeze Mister Brown/Born To Sing The Blues/Basin Street Blues/Careless Love Blues/ Blues In The Night//Wasbash Blues/Birth Of The Blues/Burn My Candle/Night & Day/Crazy Rhythm/Banana Boat Song/The Gypsy In My Soul/Love For Sale.

The double LP Bassey Spectacular featured early recordings, from the 1950s, of Britain’s finest MOR female vocalist, Shirley Bassey. It was a discount release from her former record label Philips, and reached No. 7 on the NME album chart.

"Bassey's repertoire was always as versatile as her glorious, instantly recognisable voice."

"Bassey has a happy knack of choosing great songs upon which she has been able to put her own individual stamp."

"She is a sublime listening experience, sending shivers down your spine and making you laugh and cry."

"As I listened to her music I began to love her. Her voice is so powerful, she can really blast out a true masterpiece."

"Bassey was a stylish vocalist who lent her particular charm to the golden era of pop with her beautiful voice and her memorable ballads."

"Remarkable voice, incredible range, a certain cachet of her own with lyrics and melodies."

"If you love strong vocals, you can't miss with Shirley Bassey. This woman can really belt out a song."

"Shirley Bassey has a powerful voice which is incredibly rich and sensual."

Trini Lopez At PJ’s - TRINI LOPEZ****

A-Me-Ri-Ca/If I Had A Hammer/Bye Bye Blackbird/Cielito Lindo/This Land Is Your Land/What’d I Say/La Bamba/ Granada/Gotta Travel On (Medley)/Down By The Riverside/Marianne/When The Saints Go Marching In/Volare/ Unchain My Heart

Latin flavoured folk singer and guitarist Trini Lopez enjoyed his greatest album chart success with this live set, recorded in 1962 during one of his memorable performances at PJs in Texas. It includes the single If I Had A Hammer, complete with audience clapping, a top five hit in both the US & UK. (US:2 UK:7)

"With the release of this album Trini Lopez became one of the more unusual singing stars of the folk revival."

"The crown jewels of this recorded live performance are definitely the old time hit classics America and If I Had A Hammer."

"A-Me-Ri-Ca is a number that starts off the album with Trini Lopez squarely front and centre. This show tune from West Side Story really gets the royal treatment from Trini."

"You can tell the crowd really likes this - what a rapport Trini has with his audience."

"This Land Is Your Land continues the party atmosphere and Trini delivers this wonderfully. He really can sing folk songs very well. The slightly Latin flavour doesn't interfere with this song one bit; in fact it enhances it."

"Down By The Riverside is another timeless classic with a very catchy melody; and listen for Trini Lopez outdo even himself on Marianne."

"Trini Lopez fans will find this album to be an absolute must-have for their collections. Trini does these numbers up right and his excellent rapport with the crowd amazes me."

"Bye Bye Blackbird has Trini getting the audience to join in; and they're clearly having the time of their lives."

Mink Jazz – PEGGY LEE****

It’s A Big Wide Wonderful World/Whisper Not/My Silent Love/The Lady Is A Tramp/Days Of Wine & Roses/As Long As I Live/I Won’t Dance/Cloudy Morning/I Could Write A Book/I Never Had A Chance/Close Your Eyes/ Where Can I Go Without You

For these jazz numbers on Mink Jazz vocalist Peggy Lee eschews strings and big orchestrations in favour of a smaller ensemble, with the trumpet to the fore, backing up the ballads. (US:42)

“Mink Jazz is a mostly inconsequential, tongue in cheek take on jazz standards. As an album, it’s a bit too uneven to play from front to back, but the best songs are fantastic and obscure lounge jazz that are desperately in need of a revival. Lee is an undeniably great singer with a charismatic presence, and she has a natural sense of restraint. She never overwhelms the songs, but rather infuses them with her personality. Mink Jazz might not be her best album, but its highpoints make it a worthy addition to the collection of anyone who enjoys coffee house jazz.”

“This is an exquisite album. Not only Peggy's voice at her finest, both her swinging and sensuous ballads, but some of the finest West Coast jazz players backing her from any era. Most notably on this album is some of the tastiest trumpet playing of all time, with no wasted notes and all brilliant, melodic, captivating ideas.”

“The very title of the album suggests quality, and that's what you get here. Peggy was, of course, in her element on the slow, seductive songs which were her trademark, but what really makes this album sparkle is the variation in pace. The musicianship throughout the album is masterful, yet always secondary to Peggy's lovely voice. This is a classy album by a classy singer. If you haven't got any of Peggy's music, this is a great place to start. After hearing this, you will surely be tempted to buy more."

"On Mink Jazz Peggy Lee is simply matchless as she perfectly interprets great standards to superb jazz accompaniments. This is one of the great albums of all time and still sounds fresh and exciting. Don't miss it.”

“This LP of ever popular songs like The Lady Is A Tramp, Days Of Wine & Roses and many more is really a pleasure to listen to. The album provides an interesting selection of music for serious or easy listening, whether during cocktail or dinner respectively.”

The Shadows’ Greatest Hits – THE SHADOWS*****

Apache/Man Of Mystery/The Stranger/FBI/Midnight/The Frightened City/Kon-Tiki/36-24-36/The Savage/Peace Pipe/Wonderful Land/Stars Fell On Stockton/Guitar Tango/The Boys/Dance On

This was the first greatest hits package by Britain's premier instrumental group The Shadows. It includes all their hit singles from 1960-62 plus some B sides. Every track is a gem, but special mention should be given to the two outstanding chart toppers Apache and Wonderful Land. (UK:2)

"There is no denying the sheer brilliance of this early sequence. Perfectly formed examples of a lost world of guitar driven excitement and atmosphere."

"For a heady period of around two years from mid-1960 The Shadows delivered some brilliant and timeless music."

"The Shadows songs are the Holy Grail of instrumental guitar music of the 60s."

"Norrie Paramour was the man behind those fantastic string arrangements, and the clean, clear, lustrous presentation of them on the finished article."

"When Apache hit the airwaves in 1960, its sound was a revelation to British ears. Nobody then had ever heard the Fender Stratocaster twang done before, and what a record it was."

"The tunes on this LP are some of the crispest, cleanest, most powerful guitar sounds you will ever hear. Their tunes tend more toward the exotic and romantic side of this genre."

"Hank Marvin is in my opinion the most important guitarist in the history of British music."

"Apache is simply brilliant. One of the best instrumentals ever. It's catchy and hauntingly beautiful at the same time. And what a timeless great number Is Wonderful Land."

Uniquely Mancini – HENRY MANCINI****

Green Onions/Stairway To The Stars/Night Train/Lullaby Of Birdland/Chelsea Bridge/C Jam Blues/Banzai Pipeline/Rhapsody In Blue/Cheers/Lonesome/The Hot Canary/Moonlight Serenade

Top arranger Henry Mancini achieved his second high placed US album success in 1963 with Uniquely Mancini. It comprises arrangements of popular standards together with several of his own compositions. (US:5)

"A sweet set of early 60s work for RCA, done with a harder jazz style than some of his other work of the time."

"Many tunes are standards, but given a vibrant new swing here - and these are offset by a few especially nice Mancini originals such as Lonesome, Cheers and Banzai Pipeline."

"His composing encompassed the use of all kinds of instruments and arrangements. Some compositions are set to string arrangements, some to big band sounds."

"The beat of Banzai Pipeline is unique in all my personal experience. I've never heard anything else orchestrated quite that way before or since."

"This is one of the best Mancini albums. Nice smooth jazz. Pour yourself a drink, sit back and listen."

Those Lazy Hazy Crazy Days Of Summer - NAT KING COLE***

Those Lazy Hazy Crazy Days Of Summer/Get Out & Get Under The Moon/There Is A Tavern In The Town/On A Bicycle Built For Two/That Sunday That Summer/On The Sidewalks Of New York/Our Old Home Train/After The Ball Is Over/You Tell Me Your Dream/That’s What They Meant (By The Good Old Summertime/Don’t Forget/In The Good Old Summertime/Those Lazy Hazy Crazy Days Of Summer (Reprise)

Those Lazy Hazy Crazy Days Of Summer from legendary vocalist Nat King Cole, comprises a collection of old time songs and similar. It contains the US top twenty hit singles That Sunday That Summer and the title track. Nat purists were none too happy with this choice of material. (US:14)

"Most of the disc features significant and often-overpowering background vocals and the same general pace to the songs, but its a pleasing and jubilant album that can be thrown on any summer BBQ."

"Cole sounds obstinately blissful on the album, which fits the tone and pace of each track faultlessly. Is ideal for the scene found on the LP cover."

"The Lazy-Hazy album was a little corny here and there but still very enjoyable."

"It wasn't one of Cole's more inspired efforts, but he took to the concept with enthusiasm and produced a disc full of catchy, light-hearted performances in the same mood as the hit title track."

"The album is by and large held in low esteem by purists, it was a big hit all the same. Was the material worthy of the singer? Probably not, but Nat King Cole could make any song sound good."

"This is a collection of turn-of-the-20th century 'chestnuts' and newer material of a compatible spirit."

"Nat had a tenderness in his voice, completely flawless. He could never deliver a bad tune, his style and signature of making a song his own has never been duplicated."

This Time By Basie – COUNT BASIE****

This Could Be The Start Of Something Big/I Left My Heart In San Francisco/One Mint Julep/Swingin’ Shepherd Blues/I Can’t Stop Loving You/Moon River/In Other Words/What Kind Of Fool Am I/Walk Don’t Run/Nice ‘N’ Easy/Theme From The Apartment

Legendary jazz big band leader Count Basie enjoyed his only solo US top twenty album chart success with this collection of 1950s & 1960s tunes. Jazz purists decried this venture into 'pop music', but in reality nearly all of the arrangements are of MOR standards. (US:19)

"This eleven song release reveals a wonderful body of work, and deserves to be better known. For starters, This Time By Basie swings, smooth and easy but taut, or hot and heavy."

"Highlights amid all of this surprising splendour include Marshall Royal's alto sax on What Kind Of Fool Am I and Frank Foster's tenor sax on Something Big."

"This album from the sixties showcases the big band sound brilliantly and there are a good number of swinging tunes like Nice & Easy, Swinging Shepherd Blues and One Mint Julep which receive the Basie treatment. A good introduction for any newcomer to the Basie sound."

"If anyone wants to know what a big band should sound like, then this is the album for you. This is absolutely first rate is all respects."

"Great album by Basie with fine arrangements by Quincy Jones and Billy Byers. Includes the Grammy-winning song I Can't Stop Loving You."

"Decades after the fact, people looking at releases like This Time By Basie would tend to dismiss it as pandering Basie doing a 'pops' type outing."

"This is one of the best swingin' efforts he made. Do not feel discouraged that the material's origin is pop-oriented, the music is 100 per cent Basie."