This and That

AMG Review of This and That

Arthur Rowe
All Music Guide

This and That may not be the most intriguing album title around, but despite its lackluster appellation it does a good job in defining the complete singer that Pat Boone was back in 1960. And if, for the moment, we discount its last three tracks, it comes close to being one of his first-rate LPs. But what seems probable is a situation of running short of quality material and then having to include three lesser tunes at the end in order to reach the customary 12 tracks. "Happiness," "Spo-dee-o-dee" and "Jimmy Brown" obviate any chance of This and That being one of Boone's best undertakings. But the rest of the album, with its tempting variety of musical styles in which Pat Boone had found his groove, make this work amply worthwhile. He's in fine voice and excellent form throughout the first nine tracks and treats us to one musical delight after another. "Wait for Me Mary," the album's leadoff track, hooks you in quickly and has you coming back for more. Interestingly, Boone recorded four different versions of this song (all of which are on his Bear Family CD box set) with the 'mono' and 'stereo' releases of This and That using different versions. All four are good, but the 'mono' version is easily the best. "Many Dreams Ago" is a Pat Boone classic. Sung from the heart in his multi-faceted inflective style, this is the kind of pop ballad that must have been composed with Boone in mind. It's hard to imagine it being sung better by anybody else. "Remember Me" is of the same ilk and equally superb. The album also offers a rousing spiritual ("Didn't It Rain"), a teenage lament tune ("Blue Bobby Socks"), a classic blues number ("Stormy Monday") and much more. All in all, a musical testimonial to Pat Boone's versatility.