Omnivore Recordings will reissue the late Rock and Roll Hall of Fame singer Bobby Darin’s collaboration with lyricist Johnny Mercer and arranger Billy May, Two of a Kind. The re-release of the 1961 album will contain seven previously unreleased tracks. The release date is set for March 24.
Mercer was one of the founders of Capitol Records, in addition to being the lyricist (and sometimes composer) of some of the most beloved and recognizable songs of the 20th century, and a singer himself. May took the songs of the day, many of which are now standards, and set them to arrangements for legends of the pop vocal era.
Two of a Kind was originally based on an idea from Darin’s long-time manager Steve Blauner (who also brought the world television series like Bewitched and The Monkees, and classic films like Five Easy Pieces and The Last Picture Show).
Related: When Bobby Darin’s “Mack the Knife” was banned from radio
The new edition of Two of a Kind features the original 13 tracks plus the seven previously unissued performances—five alternate takes, and two songs recorded for, but omitted from the original album. The reissue is newly remastered by Grammy-winning engineer Michael Graves.
Pre-order is available here.
Track Listing
Two of a Kind
Indiana
Bob White
Ace in the Hole
East of the Rockies
If I Had My Druthers
I Ain’t Gonna Give Nobody None of My Jellyroll
Lonesome Polecat
My Cutey’s Due at Two-To-Two Today
Medley: A) Paddlin’ Madelin’ Home B) Row Row Row
>Who Takes Care of the Caretaker’s Daughter
Mississippi Mud
Two of a Kind
Previously Unissued Bonus Tracks:
Cecilia (Take 4)
Lily of Laguna (Take 7)
Bob White (Take 17)
East of the Rockies (Take 6)
I Ain’t Gonna Give Nobody None of My Jellyroll (Take 5a)
My Cutey’s Due at Two-To-Two Today (Take 10)
Mississippi Mud (Alternate Take)
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