(3-CD set) No words can describe this great second release from Complete 60s Records - because there are no words! This exciting new label from England is undertaking an unprecedented project to compile every single Billboard Hot 100 instrumental hit of the 1960s. Complete Pop Instrumental Hits of the Sixties, Vol. 2 - 1961 is the second in a series of releases that will definitively document the decade when the pop instrumental genre truly reached its zenith (Vol. 1 -1960 is still available).

Rock, rhythm 'n' blues, country, and orchestral instrumental singles all vied for a spot in the Hot 100 weekly charts. Hundreds of them earned that coveted spot in history, and when this project is complete you'll own them all in the order they peaked on the charts! That way, you can experience them the way the world did in 1961. You'll hear how surf music evolved, how rock combos and orchestral arrangers influenced each other, and how easy listening emerged as a distinct sound during this golden decade.

Bert Kaempfert, Al Caiola, Billy Vaughn, Sandy Nelson, The Ventures - these giants of the genre are all here on Complete Pop Instrumental Hits of the Sixties, Vol. 2 - 1961. But, so are The Viscounts, The Texans, The Don Shirley Trio & Jack Eubanks. Who, you ask? All of them scored instrumental hits in 1961, none of which have ever been on a CD before now. In fact, this 86-track, 3-CD set includes no less than 17 CD debuts and dozens of genuinely rare tracks - 50 in true stereo. That's nearly three & half hours of music!

The research team at Complete 60s combed the vaults for the best possible sources for these wordless wonders, making sure to locate the original hit versions in true stereo whenever possible. Then, no less than three sound engineers carefully remastered the original recordings until the twangy guitars, pounding drums, and soaring strings practically leap out of your speakers. You'll be speechless! Thank goodness, however, writer Greg Adams wasn't at a loss for words. His detailed, 28-page liner notes include biographies of all 53 artists, plus release notes and chart information for every track.

The same creative folks who lovingly compile those great Eric CDs in the States are working on this project, so you know there's the same commitment to high quality sound and an attention to detail missing from so many oldies collections. Why settle for less? Why take a chance with risky, off-brand, mediocre MP3 downloads of dubious origin? Simply put, if you love instrumentals (of any kind), Complete Pop Instrumental Hits of the Sixties is the final word!

ALL TRACKS STEREO UNLESS INDICATED