Search - Various Artists :: Hawaiian Eye

Exotic Islands

Robert M | Clawson, Michigan | 07/09/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"About fifteen years ago, I began collecting and studying Lounge. After amassing a collection of 800+ Lounge CD's and a equal number of LP's for things that have never been re-issued on CD, I was beginning to think I was getting at least a passing aquaintance with this fascinating genre as well as something close to a good collection. Then, out of the blue, from an almost forgotten TV show, comes this soundtrack, which makes most of my collection seem rather second rate, and all I can say is---Wow!



We are not just talking Lounge here, we a talking UltraLounge (pun intended). At only thirty-three minutes, I wish it were longer but the main reason I wish there were more of it is that it's all just so darn good. And to be fair, thirty-three minutes would have been a rather well filled LP for the early sixties when this was recorded. This is probably all that exists of it.



The title track contains some wonderful Lounge elements which are repeated perhaps once or twice too often. But after that, it' up, up and away into the sonic worlds of Martin Denny, Augie Colon, Frank Hunter, The Out Islanders, Authur Lyman, etc., with the occasional side trip into the territory of Nelson Riddle and Henry Mancini. And while it all sounds like these artists, all of it comes off as quite original and not derivative at all. In fact, "What is this thing called love?" is probably the best Lounge track I"ve found in years. The three vocal tracks, one each by Connie Stevens, Robert Conrad and Poncie Ponce continue in the vein of the instrumentals and all are charming. Stevens is a know quantity, Ponce a little less so, but even Robert Conrad, one of the leads of the show, reveals a handsome voice, well-trained at working around his rather limited range. The sound is clean, clear stereo, done in the W-i-d-E spread stereo that was prevalent at the time (so your neighbors would know that your new Magnavox console was the brand new Stereo Hi-Fi, and not just the old monophonic that they had), and every track on it is a gem. This is a major, major Lounge discovery.

"

Reiteration of Robert M

Desron 449 | residing in the hills of "flyover" country, upon w | 02/25/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This just really is great music.



I have to reiterate what Robert M posted, it is great "lounge" but is also just great "Hawaiian".... As to his reference to "Martin Denny"....yep.... references to all those great riffs are there....and more....



A little bit of "hard edge" in the Theme....but the rest of it....just takes you to Hawaii....



And, since I was there in that era.... I heard a lot of the "original" from which this was produced....



GREAT STUFF.......GET IT!!!

"

NOT the TV Show Title Song

Entertainment Fan | 04/09/2009

(2 out of 5 stars)

"While this is an entertaining CD, I'm wondering why no one other than myself has made mention of the fact that the title song is NOT the same as on the TV show. Isn't that what the title of this CD is leading you to believe? I have the shows on DVD and on every show the main title "Hawaiian Eye" song has complete words to them. That is the main reason I purchased it and was very disappointed. When I purchased this CD, the songs were not available to preview as they are now. So if you're looking for the TV soundtrack title song, "Hawaiian Eye"....this ISN'T it. The song is mostly instrumental with a few "Hawaiian Eye" vocal parts thrown in. It is very misleading."