This instrumental version of sophisticated lady is unlike any other I have ever heard. The harp is used alongside some strange instrumentation and recording techniques to create a unique other worldly sound. There is also a Richard Maxwell trademark - an incongruous, rasping 50s style sax solo in the middle. He was a pretty interesting guy, all in all; his Decca albums pretty much all seem to be interesting.
An unusual take on this classic Burt Bacharach tune, more commonly heard sung by Sandie Shaw. This Swedish vocal group adds a musical phrase to the song which adds something to the atmosphere. The incredibly wide vocal range of the group is used to full effect. The result is a very appealing mixture of 60s pop and vocal jazz.
from Sing somethin for everyone (Fontana SRF67557)
21 Sep 01 ·tempted: Check out the brand new debut album, "Melody a.m." by a Norwegian act called Royksopp. On the track "So Easy" they sample "Blue on Blue" recorded by the Gals&Pals and use it absolutely beautifully to create a haunting masterpiece. 03 Oct 01 ·delicado: cool; I love their 'blue on blue', and will check it out, thanks. 29 Oct 01 ·daedalia: yup, Royksopp did it well which is why i am at this page. Stunning album. 29 Oct 01 ·daedalia: forgot: does anyone know where i can get blue on blue, what album?? 29 Oct 01 ·delicado: 'blue on blue' is on the same album, 'Sing somethin for everyone'; I believe (although I'll have to check) that it's also on the inexpensive Swedish compilation of Gals and Pals, 'Guldkorn'. 15 Jun 02 ·masayo: Wow...I was moved. Much more impressed than Sandie Shaw's version. I want to listen to the whole track. 24 Mar 03 ·tuktman: Bobby Vinton has a version of Blue on Blue, i think it might be his song, just found a 30second clip of it, between gals and pals and royksopp it's been changed a bit 13 Oct 06 ·ashie259: There's also a 1963 Dutch-language version of Blue On Blue by Rob de Nijs called Stil Verdriet. There's a short clip on YouTube of it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iP_PgEysRH4
A beautiful take on this tune, which sounds as if it were made for the group. The sound is typical of Sergio Mendes’s work - a strong driving bossa nova beat, a beautifully clean piano arrangement, and tasteful vocals.
A stunning soundtrack piece, 'the shark' opens with a catchy bass riff. Montenegro then uses an Ennio Morricone-style instrumentation with harpsichord and strings to build the theme. The tempo changes unsettlingly as the theme continues through an incredibly atmospheric three minutes.
from Lady in Cement available on CD - Ninfadelica (Irma)
A great take on the pop classic “sunny” - taken at a fast tempo with a bouncy piano style and a hip beat. A really great track, produced by Claus Ogerman, who really was one of the coolest arrangers; perfect for me anyway - able to perfect both lush and beat oriented 'now sound' type stuff.
from Motions and Emotions (MPS 21207137) available on CD - Snowflakes (Motor)
28 Jun 03 ·konsu: A really cool record. Also with a nice version of "Ode To Billy Joe" and Jobim's "Wave".
