Film Albums: David Lloyd Orchestra - Film Hits (1966)

David Lloyd & His London Orchestra wasn't the most popular name in the instrumental field during the mid-century, but this album – Film Hits (1966) – has some great arrangements of popular film themes and it makes one wonder why he didn't become more popular than he was. Admittedly, he had twelve albums released in the decade including two more film theme albums and two spy-themed albums which we'll review later this year. 

This LP (from Polydor) includes popular themes from the mid-1960s including the ever-present "Lara's Theme" (from Doctor Schiwago as it is listed on the cover) and "The Shadow of Your Smile" from The Sandpiper (what, no "More" from Mondo Cane?) but they are arranged in such a unique way that they sound completely new. Lloyd uses a nice mixture of unusual instruments to lead some of these songs, including muted horns and an accordion for both "What's New, Pussycat?" and "Zorba the Greek". 

You can listen to the full album here on Youtube. 

Track Listing

Side One:

Lara's Theme from Doctor Zhivago

The Cincinnati Kid 

The Phoenix Love Theme (The Flight of the Pheonix)

The Shadow of Your Smile 

What's New, Pussycat? 

The Umbrellas of Cherbourg 

Zorba, The Greek

Side Two: 

Chim Chim Cheree (Mary Poppins)

Darling 

Girl Talk 

A Shot in the Dark 

Baby, The Rain Must Fall 

The Mechanical Pianos 

Juliet's Theme (From Juliet of the Spirits) 

Top Picks: The Cincinnati Kid, The Pheonix Love Theme, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, Chim Chim Cheree