Mack The Knife - The Best Of Bobby Darin Volume Two
Best known for his early rock hits such as "Splish Splash," by the early '60s Bobby Darrin had pretty much abandoned rock and recast himself as something of a finger poppin', tuxedo wearing, youth-camp version of Sinatra. Surprisingly, it worked. While he lacks Frank's chops, the swinging "By the Sea" and "Mack The Knife" are two of the best latter-day Sinatra imitations, and there's no denying his light touch on "Lazy River." He even had the guts to take on "Guys and Dolls," a song identified with the Chairman. As good as this album is, it only gives a fraction of Darrin's talents. For a broader picture (including his late 60's transformation into a jeans wearing folkie), check out Rhino's Darrin box,As Long As I'm Singing.--Steven Mirkin