Classical Gassers

by Various Artists

At first glance the worlds of classical music and pop might seem diametrically opposed - the former signifying straight-backed refinement and the latter youthful rambunctiousness - but as these two dozen tracks attest, there are occasions when these unlikely bedfellows have resulted in a harmonious union. Focusing on the 1960s, 'Classical Gassers' explores this unlikely meeting of the twain with recordings ranging from rocked-up instrumentals to lush countrypolitan ballads. While some are unabashed in their use of the composer's original, others tread more lightly, giving the piece a new dimension entirely.