Ok, this is weird. Out of over 16,000 songs in my iTunes library, on random play I hit two orchestral versions of well-known songs, and they both blew me away.

The first was Paul McCartney's "Thrillington" versh of Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey; the second was The Classic Metropolitan Orchestra's version of Raspberry Beret, from their "Plays Prince" CD.

I couldn't believe how great Raspberry Beret was; and then 1999 - it's orchestral, and then voices low in the mix, lusty, so full of life. The guitars! I don't know who this outfit is - I think they'r based in the UK, or at least it seems the CD was only released in the UK.

It shouldn't work, but it does. It's got soul. It's exquisitely orchestrated. It's involving. Blindingly brilliant. Brings a smile to your face and a bounce to your step. It'll make you want to dance. Maybe it's really Prince, as Thrillington was Paul?

[Edited 7/12/15 20:55pm]

I have that CD and especially like Pop Life. Melody Cool has an inspirational flavor to it too.

Listan at the 1:52 mark of Kiss = WOW!

The two tracks that don't impress me are Diamond & Pearls (generic) and Thieves in the Temple (too upbeat, no desperation with those instruments).

I wish there were another release with many more tracks.

Nothing can beat this, though: http://www.discogs.com/Ke...se/6442300

databank said:

Nothing can beat this, though: http://www.discogs.com/Ke...se/6442300

Oh lord. That looked familiar and I just found it on my shelf.

lust said:

databank said:

Nothing can beat this, though: http://www.discogs.com/Ke...se/6442300

Oh lord. That looked familiar and I just found it on my shelf.

It was soooooo bad that I want to hear it again just for the laugh but un4tunately I got rid of my cassette of this 15+ years ago