ISLES OF HAPPINESS

Te Ao Hou, September 1966, Page 63

ISLES OF HAPPINESS The Pohutukawa Performers. Viking VP-158 12in 33⅓ LP There is something about this record which you will find appealing if you are an old square like this reviewer. It induces twinges of nostalgia for the old dance hall back home and the Saturday night hop with an orchestra which sets about its job, without any nonsense and plays music which you can sing. The disc features a combo (drums, trumpet, double bass, lead guitar) playing locally composed melodies with a South Sea Island flavour. Vocal backing is from a folk-singing quartet “The Four Corners” with Buddy Collins and Cynthia d'Ouglas taking the solo spots. It is all so pleasant and wholesome. In an era in which any self-respecting dance orchestra feels that blaring cacophony is de rigeur and that vocalists are only there to be drowned out, this record is refreshing indeed. The songs are most attractive, even if not startlingly original, and with tunes that you can hum. The rhythm sets your feet going, the singers are in tune and you can actually hear the lyrics. If you want a good party record, to which your guests can dance rather than perform acrobatics, then you should try “Isles of Happiness”. Our version was mono. There is a stereo version on which we cannot comment.