The Every Other Weekly

May 1st - May 14th

V/A - Ultra Lounge: Rock N' Roll Hits On The Rocks I & II (Capitol)

"Sit back, get mellow, enjoy a cocktail and take a listen to these groovy 'Ultra-Lounge' versions of your favorite rock tunes with a twist."

Just one look at the track listing on these compilation CD's will give you some indication of what you'll have in store when you give 'em a spin. Mel Torme doing Donovan & The Turtles, Peggy Lee doing The Beatles & Sly And The Family Stone, and the list goes on and on. However, the majority of the songs here are instrumental versions of classic sixties rock tunes. Perhaps the best of these is Martin Denny's version of Incense And Peppermints. David Rose, famous for composing The Stripper, contributes his version of Workin' On A Groovy Thing. The oddest moment has to be the infamous Mrs. Miller warbling her version of the Nancy Sinatra classic These Boots Are Made For Walkin'. You haven't experienced pain until you've heard this.

Each CD has 22 tracks (plus one bonus track) that will keep the kitsch factor high at your next gathering. As with the other Ultra-Lounge compilations from Capitol, these have extensive liner notes, vintage artwork, and detailed recording information. These are definitely eclectic compilations and may not appeal to some, but if you are looking for something fun to listen to, check 'em out.

Capitol Records has released thirteen other compilation CD's in their Ultra-Lounge series. Many focus on specific lounge themes, such as spy music, swingin' vocals, the mambo, cheesy organs, saxophone based instrumentals, and Christmas exotica. Capitol has a wealth of material in their vaults recorded between 1955 and 1965. This series, while fairly extensive, just scratches the surface of what could be released in the future. Enthusiasts will want to seek out Capitol's Jackie Gleason, Les Baxter, and Martin Denny compilations too.

For more information on these releases you can write to Capitol Records, 1750 Vine Street, Hollywood, CA 90028 or surf over to the Ultra-Lounge website at http://www.ultralounge.com.

Updated Oct. 30th, 1997 by Sean Berry (Logo Design by Rip of The Penetrators)

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