Like its predecessor, this album is less an insight into the musical sensibilities of
David McCallum than an array of superb
David Axelrod arrangements, again encompassing the hits of the day ("Batman Theme," "Michelle," "Call Me," "Five O'Clock World," "The Shadow of Your Smile," etc.), the variety of which is fairly dazzling. There is also one track each credited to
McCallum and
Axelrod as composers, respectively, which aren't bad at all -- again because of
Axelrod's arrangements. "Far Away Blue," with its vivid brass and reed parts and driving beat, and the flute-dominated "The Edge," which sounds like a brilliant piece of film music in search of a movie, are both well worth hearing, and hold up at least as well as any of the established pop pieces. ~ Bruce Eder