The kitsch enthusiast or novelty seeker will get a kick out of
Ray Conniff's
I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing.
Conniff was known primarily for orchestral versions of contemporary songs, and his recordings during the late '60s and early '70s as
the Ray Conniff Singers included many straightforward recordings of pop hits. This 1972 collection includes songs by
John Lennon,
Bobby Vee,
Donny Osmond,
Cher,
Three Dog Night,
Melanie, and
Bread (and of course there is the Coca Cola theme song). This is a fun easy listening record. It should be noted that while
Ray Conniff's versions are slightly watered down and "safer," they are often more true to the originals than you'd expect. If you are going to revisit the
Ray Conniff catalog, vinyl LP or eight-track are highly recommended.