Guantanamera/The Sandpipers

There is an undeniable charm in the whimsy and subdued kitsch of these affably mellow melodies. This two-fer from gathers the ' 1966 release , as well as their self-titled follow-up from 1967. These were the highest charting long-players that the trio -- consisting of vocalists , , and -- issued, reaching number 13 and number 53 respectively on the album charts. In addition to including the title track from their LP -- the South American standard -- this disc also highlights some remarkably fresh sounding covers, as well as other songs from around the globe. While is their debut album, the members of had previously worked together for several years. Initially, the three met as members of before seceding to perform as , and later . Enter the "A" of records -- -- who first signed them to his label, and, second, placed their talents into the careful supervision of staff producer and musical arrangers and . Indeed, the inobtrusive sound that the team came up with was strikingly similar in approach to that of 's own and their percussive cousins, the -led . The trio's blithe vocals -- which are often enhanced by an uncredited female lead -- are ideally suited to the equally carefree and often lush instrumentals, producing some interesting and quite unexpected results. On one end of the spectrum are the somewhat conventional interpretations of music standards A harpsichord-laced and Latin-tinged as well as the languid rhythms featured on the arrangements of staples are innocuous nods to the music scene -- replete with a slight echoplex and wide stereo production -- that not only send the senses reeling, but have also remained surprisingly fresh and even modern. A related highlight includes the ethereal which reveals the beauty of the composition in a unique light. From the decelerated tempo to the emphasis placed on chord and key changes, this arrangement bristles with innovation. Likewise, it ranks among the finest -- and equally as original -- cover versions of any track. Unfortunately, their spins on fall short in comparison. Although the CD occasionally reveals surface noise from the vinyl transcription during quieter passages, those incidences are few and never detract from the listening experience. ~ Lindsay Planer