Ray Conniff & His Orchestra & Chorus – Memories Are Made Of This (1960)

Memories Are Made of This was one of Ray Conniff's most commercially successful albums -- and also one of his most distinctive. The songs are a typical assortment of hits from the previous decade, but Conniff remakes them in surprising and creative ways. The album is strictly instrumental in its approach, with Conniff's chorus confined to the wordless vocalizing for which it is famous. Subtle Latin beats and playful arrangements transform "Tammy" and "Three Coins in the Fountain" into minor masterpieces; the listener may recognize the melodies, but Conniff's interpretations are refreshingly new. The repertoire smartly ties together traditional and teen pop to create a broadly appealing program of songs ranging from "Love Me Tender" and "Love Letters in the Sand" to pop oldies like "No Other Love." Memories Are Made of This is simultaneously an infectiously fun album and an impressive display of inspired arrangements.~Greg Adams