by Cub KodaThis collection compiles 16 tracks from several of Xavier Cugat's albums recorded for Decca Records in the mid-1960s. This marks a time in Cugat's career when he was largely chasing after trends (Herb Alpert's Tijuana Brass and Brasil '66) and recasting current pop tunes in an effort to regain entry into the pop mainstream. The track highlights include Sonny and Cher's "Bang Bang," "Theme From Zorba the Greek," "Moon Over Naples," "Charade" and "La Playa (Aruba-La Plage)" from the album Bang Bang; "Judith," "Thunderball," "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah," and "Adios" from Dance Party; "Jungle Rhumba," "Compadre Pedro Juan," "The Jewish Wedding Song," and "Music to Watch Girls By" from Today; and "Chim, Chim, Cher-ee" and "Goldfinger" from Feeling Good. Most of the tracks are making their CD debut with the release of this collection. These four albums were dismal sellers upon release, but in light of the current interest in Latin music, they now almost seem like guides to the changing face of the genre. No matter how seemingly incongruous the material at hand, all feature that distinctive Cugat touch: the touch of a true master.