I was about to write that the Crystal Corporation (based out of “Nashville-New York”) was a Ronco/K-Tel predecessor who put out a fairly decent repackaging of hits in 1969 entitled, 20 Solid Gold Hits:
But then I noticed that the Peter Max-inspired album design was done by Ely Besalel — the same guy who did the rainbow-and-doves-coming-out-of-a-big-detergent-box cover for Ronco’s Do It Now. Could there be a connection? I’m not sure if that mystery will ever be solved.
Anyway, there are a few decent tunes on this hits mix amidst the usual suspects:
- “Ain’t Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore” – debut single by The Young Rascals
- Johnny Nash, ably supported by Lyn Taitt & the Jets, with #5 rocksteady hit, “Hold Me Tight“
- Bee Gees‘ great single, “To Love Somebody” – originally written at the request of their manager, Robert Stigwood, for Otis Redding who, alas, never had a chance to record it.
Interestingly, this album also includes a live track: a rousing version of Dionne Warwicke‘s big 1964 hit, “Walk On By” — check out how appreciative this audience is:
[Pssst: Click on triangle above to hear a live performance of “Walk On By” by Dionne Warwick]
Is this the same live performance?
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LINK to 20 Heavy Hits –