Search - Petula Clark :: Platinum & Gold Collection

FROM "DOWNTOWN" TO "DOWNTOWN 2004" . . . 40 YEARS LATER

Thomas C. Rizzo, Jr. | Largo, Florida | 01/26/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Yet another compilation of hits by incomparable British singer Petula Clark, bookended with two versions of her signature song - the original 1964 release of "Downtown" and an updated version, using Clark's vocals, fashioned by The OUTpsiDER from Australia. The former is a pop classic, the latter a lively dance version that could become a hit if given enough club play. In between the two are a number of Clark's notable chart hits mingled with a couple of cover versions of songs by others, "Games People Play" and - the collection's highlight - "I Want to Hold Your Hand." In Clark's hands, the raucous Beatles rocker becomes a plaintive love ballad that reveals the beauty of the lyrics and shows how she can take a tune and rework it to become completely her own. Rabid Clark fans already will have all the tracks here, but for others this CD is an outstanding cross-section of her various styles and a worthy addition to your shopping cart."