How self-serving can one musical genius be to have a label he co-founded release a collection of his best-loved songs? But this is not just any self-serving genius. This is the guy who brought the world
Dolores Ericson covered in shaving foam. This is the self-serving genius who scored the best
James Bond film that wasn't really a
James Bond film ever. This is the self-serving genius who set the music to elevators and waiting rooms around the world. This is
Herb Alpert. From the opening charge of
"The Lonely Bull" (complete with homesickness-inducing crowd noise) to the closing washes of
"Making Love in the Rain," this album chronicles one of the most prolific and constantly contemporary careers in the music industry. Taking his
Tijuana Brass in their jalopied
"Tijuana Taxi," Alpert blows from the
"Heat Wave"-inspiring
"Mexican Shuffle" to the bouzouki blitz of
"Zorba the Greek." Perhaps his most famous film-related song, however, is the
Burt Bacharach classic
"Casino Royale," a song that could inspire even
Woody Allen to take on the world's most dastardly criminals.
Bacharach also gave
Alpert one of his most famous
ballads, and one of
Alpert's peachiest vocal offerings, with
"This Guy's in Love With You." Alpert has a groovy thing going with
Nat Adderley's
"Work Song" as well. On this collection,
Alpert swings from the authentic Latin punch of
"Fandango" to the smooth American drive of
"Route 101," and from the funky crescendo of
"Rise" to the hip
pop hops of
"Diamonds" and
"Keep Your Eye On Me." Along the way,
Alpert offers delicious delights like the minor-keyed
rag "Whipped Cream," the sweet blooms of
"Lollipops and Roses," and a bee-utiful spin through
"A Taste of Honey." How sweet it is to have all his hits together at last. ~ Matthew Robinson
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