Ray Ellis Plays The Top 20

I Just Don't Understand

Ray Ellis Plays The Top 20
Ray Ellis Orchestra and Chorus
Produced by George Avakian and Ray Ellis
Recorded in RCA Victor's Studio A, New York City
Recording Engineer: Ray Hall
RCA Victor LPM-2400
1961

From the back cover: When Ray joined RCA in March 1961, he brought his hit habit with him, scoring with his first single issued under his own star billing – the haunting, provocative title theme from the controversial (just try to get a ticket) Italian film "La Doice Vita."

"So," you might ask, "how come Ray isn't rich?" Well, frankly, he is.

This album is a bit of a switch for Ray. This time he has selected 20 of the current top hits, most of which originated with other artists and arrangers, and has reinterpreted them. In doing so, he has retained the hit-making essence of the original, but he has added to this a rich measure of typical Ellisian elegance. Too many of our today's favorites fade quickly. Dr. Ellis' treatment guarantees their longer life expectancy. It's the nicest thing that could happen to today's (or any day's) Top 20!

From Billboard - September 25, 1961: Arranger-conductor Ray Ellis has managed to capture much of the original hit flavor of such tunes as "Michael," "Little Sister," "Hurt," "The Mountain's High," and 16 other recent hits of other artists. At the same time, the arrangements which occasionally use vocals but are mostly instrumental, quality as fine mood and background wax for both stations and living rooms. Tasteful cover lends more sales appeal.

Michael
You Don't Know What You've Got (Until You Lose It)
As If I Didn't Know
School Is Out
Pretty Little Angel
Little Sister
Let The Four Winds Blow
One Summer Night
I Just Don't Understand
Last Night
Does Your Chewing Gum Lose Its Flavor (On The Bedpost Overnight)
Who Put The Bomb (In The Bomp, Bomp, Bomp)
Wooden Heart
Crying
Take Good Care Of My Baby
Without You
Hurt
The Mountain's High
Don't Bet Money, Honey
Amor