The Pink Panther [Original recording remastered, Soundtrack, Import]

Here, you'll find great upbeat tunes such as "The Tiber Twist," "It Had Better Be Tonight," "Something for Sellers," and "Shades of Sennett." Not many of them come quite close to the liveliness of the *Breakfast at Tiffany's* soundtrack--opting instead for a more low-key, European style instead of the lively latin-esque style of many of *Tiffany's" pieces. Nevertheless, the slower style works perfectly here.

The other slower instrumentals here *do* surpass those of some of his other works, in my opinion. "Royal Blue," "Village Inn," and "Cortina" are all perfectly gentle, jazzy and altogether lovely.

I owned the cassette version of this soundtrack years ago. It did not include the four "bonus tracks" featured here from 1974's *Return of the Pink Panther,* which I'm not sure add much to this already great album. "Dreamy" and "The Return of the Pink Panther" seem to fit the atmostphere set by the other pieces well enough, but "The Greatest Gift" seems ridiculously airy and romantic in comparision to the others. "Here's Looking at You, Kid," although a great song, is practically disco. It sounds more like a song from the soundtrack of any '70s film with Pam Grier and seems very out of place in this otherwise jazzy, European-styled album.

Despite its new incongruities, this is still a great soundtrack--perfect for the Henry Mancini fan as well as any fan of the sounds of sixties films

It's actually very difficult to find music these days that is, simply put, easy to listen to and is capable of setting certain moods. Granted the music here doesn't require much from the listener but don't be fooled. The musicianship on these songs is impeccable and each tune is very well crafted and kept, how to say, "short but sweet". And for that alone Mr. Mancini deserves a Grammy. Subtlety is a rare art form these days!!

In ending, this may not be your cup of tea...but if you ever find yourself in the mood for something that is truly relaxing, something that enhances your senses and makes you feel oh so sophisticated than you may wish to purchase a copy.So break out a new bottle of wine and call an "old flame" and perhaps make some new memories. This cd will most definitely get you there! Enjoy....and Good Luck.