THE KINGS OF ELEVATOR MUSIC

Ray Conniff was big during the late fifties through the seventies. He formed the Ray Conniff's Singers with 13 women and 12 men and recorded current hits of the day with his special arrangement. Usually I don't like cover versions, especially of current hits. But Ray Conniff was a rarities 'cos he recorded it with his special touch and sometimes his version are arguably even better than the originals. He is not called the King of elevator music for nothing. He composed occasionally. I remembered he did a medley of 'Killing Me Softly With His Song with one of his original entitled ' There Was A Girl'. That song was stunning to say the least and until today I can't get my hand on it. Burt Bacharach was no couch either when it came to composing classics. He have tons of those in the sixties as the CD below will testified.

RAY CONNIFF'S HAWAIIAN ALBUM : It wasn't my intention to get this album. Actually I've exchanged it from an earlier CD that I've bought which I don't like. And because the shop don't have anything that I like, I took this. I took this partly because I've listened to this CD before and partly because I just love his version of 'Pearly Shells' and 'One Paddle, Two Paddle'. Two of the songs, 'Blue Hawaii' and 'The Hawaiian Wedding Song' were covered by Elvis Presley. At this day and age, 11 tracks on a single CD is way too short.. I wouldn't have bought nor exchanged for this CD if I have my way though. DOP : 10th May 2005.

TRIBUTE TO RAY CONNIFF : THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION : I got this next one at a discount too. Nothing special except to add more varieties to my collection. All are covers and although he made his name and fortune doing covers, I would much prefer some of his original works in this collection. As of now, I am eyeing his "The Essential Collection" , a double CD which probably I will be adding to my collection soon. DOP : 13th February 2003.

LEGENDS : BURT BACHARACH : Band leader and composer Burt Bacharach is a legend and don't let anybody tell you othewise. During the 60's, he just came out with hits after hits and they were all memorable too. 'Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head', 'The Look Of Love', I'll Never Fall In Love Again', 'Do You Know The Way To San Jose ?'. Honestly I could go on and on. Thought most of these are hits for other artists, Burt Bacharach's own version does have a special charm to it. I've always wanted to get one of his collection and this came along just nicely and on budget price too. He even gave a rare vocal on 'Make It Easy On Yourself'.  Missing is 'Trains And Boats And Plants'  DOP : 11th March 2006.

THE VERY BEST OF SERGIO MENDES & BRASIL '66 :  I first became aware of Sergia Mendes was through their version of  The Beatles' 'The Fool On The Hill' which I thought were one of those Beatles' songs that were actually done much better than then the original. There are two other Beatles' songs here, 'With A Little Help From My Friends' and 'Norwegian Wood'. The hit here however was the Burt Bacharach classic 'The Look Of Love' which even eclipsed the Dusty Springfield's version from the movie "Casino Royale" I got this CD on discount by the way. DOP : 5th September 2010.