Unlike Ludwig, Herb's 9th wasn't his last
Annie Van Auken | Planet Earth | 05/05/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This Japanese import of HERB ALPERT'S NINTH (1967) reproduces the LP's playlist in original running order.
There are only two Tijuana Brass albums (other than a best of collection like FOURSIDER) where I love every single track. One is the 1965 concept piece WHIPPED CREAM AND OTHER DELIGHTS and the other is this set, which in fact has my all-time favorite TJB song, an "in memorium" number.
The melancholy "Bud" is dedicated to Ervan 'Bud' Coleman. He played guitar, mandolin and banjo with TJB (including here). Coleman died from surgical complications before this album was completed.
Except for that bittersweet digression and an energetic opera take-off, the tone of Herb's 9th is breezy and lilting. Their fine cover of "With a Little Help From My Friends" includes some Beatle-esque cello flourishes at the close. "The Love Nest" was the theme of the Burns & Allen Show, both on radio and TV.
"Flea Bag," was written by Julius Wechter (of Baja Marimba Band fame), and it's classic Tijuana Brass. So is the album opening "A Banda." This track includes a bright percussion intro. Herb's upbeat version of "The Happening" removes all the angst expressed by Diana Ross on the MOTOWN single. "The Trolley Song" is slowed down to a near lullabye.
"Cowboys and Indians" is by Herb's buddy, Sol Lake. He wrote a tune called "Twinkle Star" that Alpert, inspired by a mariachi band at a Mexican bullfight, adapted into his first hit single,"The Lonely Bull." The set-closing "Carmen" cleverly mixes Bizet with reminders of several earlier TJB hits: "Spanish Flea," "A Taste of Honey," "Whipped Cream," "What Now My Love," and "Zorba The Greek." The song ends with the honking finale of "Tijuana Taxi." It's a fine way to close out a wonderful album of pop music.
PROGRAM--
SIDE ONE
[2:10] A Banda
[2:00] My Heart Belongs to Daddy
[2:39] The Trolley Song
[2:26] The Happening
[3:38] 'Bud'
[2:14] So Fine
SIDE TWO
[1:59] The Love Nest
[2:38] With a Little Help From My Friends
[2:04] Flea Bag
[2:52] Cowboys and Indians
[3:39] Carmen
TOTAL TIME: 28:19"
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1