Gene Pitney

This Gene Pitney import includes several of the singer's best EPs from his hitmaking prime (1961-1966). Many of Pitney's chart-toppers are present, including the Bacharach and David hits "Twenty Four Hours From Tulsa" and "True Love Never Runs Smooth" and the "young love against world" anthem "Town Without Pity." While these hits exemplify the kind of well-produced teen pop that was Pitney's stock-in-trade, the "B-sides" here show off his savvy with unexpected styles, like country ("The Boss's Daughter") and Italian pop ("Lei Mi Aspetta"). Pitney also dives directly into some of his favored wall-of-sound technique on the Phil Spector-produced "Every Breath I Take" and shows his hipster card on one of the earliest Stones covers, "That Girl Belongs to Yesterday." Along with some excellent arrangements and quality sound, this unique collection of Pitney material provides a fine introduction to the singer's catalog. ~ Stephen Cook, All Music Guide