Amazon.co.uk Review
The late-1990s rediscovery and re-evaluation of Burt Bacharach as a pop-culture icon has resulted in a dramatic increase in Burt-themed albums--surely more than our humble planet can bear. Sure, he was on top form again when teaming up with
Elvis Costello on
Painted From Memory and appearing in both
Austin Powers films did wonders for his popularity (and the crucial "recognition amongst under-25s" factor). But an entire album of instrumental Bacharach? Burt himself would probably agree that he did his best work with a lyricist (Hal David, Elvis Costello) and his songs have become standards in any number of singers' personal repertoires: (
Tom Jones and
Dionne Warwick). Without the lyrics they sound, well, like Muzak. That's not to say that guitar and flute-led renditions of "I'll Never Fall In Love Again" and "The Look Of Love" are not without their charms. However, one can't help but hear the faint clattering of shopping trolleys in the background.
--Robert Burrow