Burt Bacharach – Hit Maker! (1965) 24-bit/96kHz Vinyl Rip

While living in London in the early ’60s, Bacharach recorded his first collection of Bacharach/David songs, aptly titled Hit Maker! (1965). As the package was issued under the Burt Bacharach moniker, many thought that the tunes would actually feature him singing and playing. Instead, the slightly updated arrangements are scored for a decidedly more discerning and mature ear. Although listeners would never know it by the practically ersatz interpretations, future Led Zeppelin members and mid-’60s London recording session musicians Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones were contributors to the likes of “Walk on By,” “Don’t Make Me Over,” “Blue on Blue,” “(There’s) Always Something There to Remind Me,” “Wives and Lovers,” and “Anyone Who Had a Heart.” In the context of those familiar melodies, some of the second-tier selections, such as “The Last One to Be Loved,” and “Saturday Sunshine” are among the most memorable. Hit Maker! became just that in the U.K., as the album rocketed into the Top Ten and the single “Trains and Boats and Planes” took off after being aired on BBC Radio, eventually spending 11 weeks on the charts. The unqualified success didn’t translate stateside, even though the package was reissued — with some slight modifications – twice. Lindsay Planer, Allmusic.

Track listing:

01. Don’t Make Me Over
02. Walk On By
03. Don’t Go Breaking My Heart
04. Blue On Blue
05. The Last One To Be Loved
06. (There’s) Always Something There To Remind Me

07. 24 Hours From Tulsa
08. Trains And Boats And Planes
09. Wives And Lovers
10. Saturday Sunshine
11. A House Is Not A Home
12. Anyone Who Had A Heart

Entire album composed by Burt Bacharach and Hal David.
Orchestra and Chorus directed by Burt Bacharach.
Produced and arranged by Burt Bacharach.
All tracks, except 10, recorded at Pye Studios, Marble Arch, London.