AMG Review of EMI Years, Vol. 2: 1961

Richie Unterberger
All Music Guide

A collection of 28 pop recordings that Barry made in 1961, under the billings of the John Barry Seven, the John Barry Orchestra, and Michael Angelo and his Orchestra. This is an odd mix of instrumental rock and pop, prominently featuring a twangy guitar -- at times it sounds like a combination of the Ventures and an easy-listening orchestra. Barry's future as a film composer is foreshadowed in his versions of "The Magnificent Seven" and "Rocco's Theme"; some tracks also prefigure the zany pop of British producer Joe Meek with their prominent use of Clavioline (an early electronic keyboard that would be spotlighted on the Meek-produced "Telstar," by the Tornados).