Extended Play (Uk)

2014 collection from the British crooner. His unmistakable singing style had developed after years of hard graft as a dance-band vocalist, He became one of the stand out vocalists of the '50s and one of a small band of singers who can be identified immediately his voice is heard. Back in 1955 he was hailed as a thrilling new voice, and his velvety smoothness of tone, ease of diction, and impeccable phrasing was likened to the best work of Bing Crosby and Dean Martin. "The Story of My Life" sold more than half a million copies as a single and was included on the MELODY MIKE EP along with three other of his best numbers, bundling together four big tunes. On MIKE (AND THE OTHER FELLA) EP the tracks followed a popular routine he did on his BBC T.V. Relax with Michael Holliday series, where he would wander over to a tape recorder and harmonize with his previously recorded voice, so on these track we get two Mikes for the price of one. On another EP he performed ragtime versions of some classic favorites, the songs seeming tailor made to his easygoing style. And there is MEMORIES OF MIKE which features a showcase tribute by his record label who he recorded for from August 1955 until his last recording session exactly one week before his death on 29th October 1963. These EXTENDED PLAY sides will evoke nostalgic memories, not only from the music of the day but fond memories of the EP's they came from.