"Easy listening" isn't really an appropriate classification for Mark Wirtz; "instrumental pop" may suit him better. An EMI staff producer in the late '60s, Wirtz's most enduring contributions to contemporary music were as producer of Tomorrow, one of the finest overlooked British psychedelic groups (featuring guitarist Steve Howe in his pre-Yes days). (It's also been reported that Wirtz turned down a chance to work with Pink Floyd in the Syd Barrett days.) Wirtz also made some "mood music" albums on his own, the most ambitious of which was a "Teenage Opera" song cycle of sorts that he began working on in 1967. Tomorrow lead singer Keith West was enlisted as lyricist, and one piece developed into West's 1967 "Excerpt from a Teenage Opera" single. A grandiose, multi-part orchestrated narrative, it became an unexpectedly huge (number two) hit in Britain in the summer of 1967.
That's just the story until 1997. However, Lost Pets 2 is as far as i know the latest album by Mark Wirtz and it's a really strong one. A lot of different kind of pop songs and not one weak track in my opinion. I got my copy today around two hours ago and ripped it immediately. And it was only the second time i heard the album. I had it only heard once before by a friend. Believe me it's a real strong album by Mark Wirtz. Beatlesque melodies, Bubblegum, psychedelic things and always this particular sixties feel that i always hear in his music. To me this man is in a row with Brian Wilson, George Martin, Phil Spector of the great pop producers. As entire album this is the best work he have delivered in the last 30 years. In parts there is only ''The Fantastic Story Of Mark Wirtz...from year 2001 on this level.
Enjoy it
SB1 Flac part1 & Flac part2 - mp3@320
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