GREAT NEW PETULA COLLECTIONby BBNJ

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February 03, 2009: I was very surprised that my local store that specializes in Oldie CDs had this new Petula Clark surprise this past Friday (based on CCM's own release). Representing more of Pet's 70s material that has been in the vaults, plus two new recordings from 2008, added with an unreleased track from those sessions for 2009 covers a lot of ground. I am so delighted that the compilation producer, Mr. Pierson found some English versions of French songs recorded in the 70s. SWISS VALLEY and THANK YOU MY LOVE were issued on the AZ label in France in 1974 (the latter song as "Thank You My Lord"). Hearing both in English for the first time is a joy. The new remasters of Wedding Song, a longer unreleased Serenade Of Love, an alternate vocal on C'est Ca Ma Chanson, and remaster of the delightful Silver Spoon are real treats. Though I've differed with the producer's work in the past, this delightful set is a must for every Petula fan. Mr. Pierson's other great accomplishment was getting issued the track "Fly Away" from the 1981 film "Never Never Land" on Pet's 2000 Anthology on Hip-O. If a second issue of Love Songs comes along via CCM, I hope it will include "Fly Away", several 80s Scotti Brothers tracks that have not made CD yet (Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain, After Glow) and the one remaining duet track with Sasha Distel of "Taking It On" released on Polydor in 1973. It's A-side (Lead Me On) is on DUETS, but need the B-side, which is the better song. We can only hope for more, and you will enjoy this 21 track serenade.