Raven Run Hike Lexington KY

Reb and I hiked Raven Run just outside of Lexington Sunday Aug 4, 2013. The hike was mostly covered which was nice. There were some great views of the Kentucky River. There were a few muddy spots but tennis shoes would work pretty good. The paths were very rocky so expect a good work out on the knees. To do the entire loop took about 2 hours. You could probably do it faster and some hikers were even running. It was hilly so expect to go down the hill, then back up. There is a nature center there as well. I was really impressed. From Lexington it was about a 20 minute drive. Will definitely do this hike again.

Dick Contino: An Accordion in Paris

Accordion music from the 60s. French flair. This record has it all. Sweeping strings. The song choices are great and make a fantastic smooth sounding record that just screams for lovers to kiss. I like it.

Two Loves Have I (J'Ai Deux Amours)  2:15  
Mam'Selle  2:59  
The Petite Waltz  2:15  
Comme Ci Comme Ca  2:40  
My Man  2:12  
The Song From Moulin Rouge (Where Is Your Heart)  2:45  
Beyond The Sea (La Mer)  2:55  
Under The Bridges Of Paris  2:23  
Symphony  2:46  
Domino  2:43

Here is some interesting Dick Contino trivia. He was drafted during the Korean War. He ended up fleeing his post at Fort Ord and got labled as a draft dodger. He was jailed but ended up serving in the Air Force and finally getting honorably discharged.
He was born in January 1930 and as far as I know is still living in Las Vegas.

Andre Kostelanetz and his Orchestra: Today's Golden Hits

Originally released 1966. Another fantastic symphonic arranged pop record. This record features Michelle (Beatles) Yesterday (Beatles) Help (Beatles) Unchained Melody (Nat King Cole) A taste of Honey (Herb Alpert) and more.
The weirdest rendition is Unchained Melody. The beat is strange and it features odd instrument choices like marching toms and a balalaika.
Overall this is a great little snap shot of hit songs arranged with 60s orchestras.

Andre Kostelanetz and his Orchestra: I Wish You Love

Pop strings. Cake. Champagne Music. Whatever you want to call it this stuff is sugary goodness. Andre Kostelanetz was a Russian orchestral conductor / arranger with the gift of converting pop hits of the day into orchestral pieces. I Wish You Love came out in 1964 and features many hits like Blue Velvet (originally Bobby Vinton), I will Follow Him ( Little Peggy March) I Wish You Love (Nat King Cole) Fools Rush In (Elvis).

Chances are you won't find this on iTunes or Rhapsody because they are symphonic covers to popular 60s songs. Licensing for the originals are hard enough in this digital age, so a cover is just going to get lost in the mix. That is what makes this record so fantastic.