Customer Rating:      Summary: Another great surprising reissue Comment: Since 1966 I owned the original Stereo Tifton LP of this album, so while I was very glad to obtain it on CD I am disappointed that it is in mono.
It really did sound good in Stereo. I, of course, never knew who was truly on the recording (Dan and Dale reminds me of Dick Dale). Once again Amazon.com comes through.
Customer Rating:      Summary: Not Batman, but fun 60's music Comment: Be aware, this album has NOTHING to do with the "Batman" TV series or any of the movies. Aside from the cover art, a riff on the TV series theme song, and the song titles, there is nothing here that is related to the "Batman" franchise. That said - this is a true "flash from the past", music that you might have heard in numerous smaller clubs across the United States during the mid-1960's. While others have dismissed it, my fave cut is "Flight of the Batman" complete with the silly sound effects and the echo. C'mon, it's just plain FUN and so reminiscent of the "garage bands" I enjoyed locally. Bottom line - if you are looking for a TV or movie soundtrack, you will be disappointed. However, if you want some fun 1960s music, enjoy!
Customer Rating:      Summary: Credit Where Due Comment: Time to give credit where due! I heard this album over and over from about age 5 until maybe age 10 and, admittedly, it sunk in. However, to hear it now, in my forties, and as a self-described connoisseur of music, I'm quite impressed! I'm eclectic about my favorite tracks, but here goes:
"Batman and Robin Over the Roofs" has a real 'sixties funk sound that perhaps only someone from that era can relate to, but the groove is so engaging I think the song will capture anyone with a soul and perhaps a vivid imagination. As it goes for nearly seven minutes and fades, I think you'll beg for more of the same.
"Batmobile Wheels" is, alas, J. S. Bach(maybe!)-inspired, if you believe "Minuet in G Major" to be Bach's composition. The solo horn (perhaps french horn) is not credited on the album, but deserves kudos for originality with a mid-'sixties semi-comical ad-lib, reminiscent of TV series music of the time (e.g The Flintstones and other Hanna Barbera creations).
Finally, the track that literally takes my breath away is The Riddler's Retreat, with it's pseudo surf city trans-inducing riffs. That must be Marshall Allen on alto-sax. Sweet!! If you hear this one with your eyes closed, don't be surprised if black and white images of 'sixties beach scenes are conjured up. Oh, and let's not forget the guitar sound here. There's a bit of early Beatles sound, ala "She Loves You."
Overall, it's a great album for 'sixties instrumental music lovers who don't mind some classics sampling, such as the Bach sound mentioned earlier, some Hell's Angels theme heard in Batman's Baymorang (sic), and even some of Chopin's "Militaire", heard in Penguin's Umbrella. You might even love what Sun Ra & The Blues Project has done with these pieces from the distant past. Enjoy!
Customer Rating:      Summary: 3 stars for original concept! Comment: Alright, we know what this is, so here's a simple breakdown:
The title track is a classic rockin' R&B version of the Batman theme, "Batman and Robin Over the Roofs" is an excellent jam and "Robin's Theme" is smokin'!!
"Batman and Robin Swing" is the most interesting of the classically based pieces, "Batmobile Wheels" has fairly interesting classical brass hooks, "Riddler's Retreat" is a quite nice classical sax rendition.
"Penguin Chase" is an odd organ workout with a surf solo nearly ending like a sick Eugene Chadboune bit; while "Flight of the Batman" is uninspired R&B (about like a Boots Randolph cover band except with penny whistle, oddball sound effects, ghoulish laughter and a nice guitar solo!?); and "Joker Is Wild" starts as pedestrian Blues based Surf with a great harmonica, then gets in the groove when the bizarre effect laden Jews harp drops in!? These three fall into the fairly goofy novelty category, but if you're digging the mood of this album; essential.
"Penguin's Umbrella" is repetitive classical, and "The Bat Cave" is just standard blues riffage; and neither one is particularly worth keeping unless you've loved this album since elementary school.
For those who like the quirkyness of Sun Ra, or early electric caucasian Blues; this album would be of historic value to you. Admitedly, the concept of marrying these two bands together to do R&B meets Surf covering Classical is intriguing, and there's a good chance it will grow on you. If musical intellectualism and over-analysis ain't for you; it's straight-forward innocent fun too!
Customer Rating:      Summary: A Blast From The Past Comment: I still have the LP of this album and was very glad to get the CD. Although this is not the original TV theme music, it is very close and certainly has all the 60's feel of the original...
The Batman Theme is the main reason for most folks buying this album but my favorite piece is The Joker is Wild...and I didn't see this cut on any other Batman album.
If you're looking for great 60s, discoteque style music, this is a great album!
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