siLLy puPPy HENRY MANCINI was really at the peak of his career in 1964 when he wrote the soundtrack for THE PINK PANTHER. He had just won countless awards for his other movie soundtrack scores such as “Breakfast At Tiffany's.” MANCINI will forever be known for his vast contributions to 20th century film music but if i had to pick one single track that sums it all up it would have to be “THE PINK PANTHER theme” which has that super sexy swinging 60s jazz meets lounge exotica groove that screams out “What's New Pussycat” even more than Burt Bacharach. The PINK PATHER theme in tandem with the animated character that graced the opening credits took on a symbiotic life of their own creating a cultural icon that would go on to permeate popular culture with countless animated series and other commercial endeavors. Although I have to admit I fell for the theme track by watching those cute little short cartoons as a kid instead of watching the film which I find oK but not outstanding, I have to admit that THE PINK PANTHER theme was probably one of those early introductions to jazz music that led to a deeper appreciation as I got older.

I would imagine that virtually everyone on the planet has heard the main theme save the rare uncontacted rainforest tribe but what about the rest of the soundtrack score? I have to admit that I have only discovered the rest of the music on this album recently and although this was the time when the music on the soundtrack actually appeared in the movie, it has been quite a while since I have seen the movie that revolves around a giant pink diamond that appears to have a panther in the middle. After listening to this for a while lately and listening more attentively to the music itself without the visual distractions, I must say that I find this a very worthy listen on its own out of the context of the movie in which it appears. It is quite true that the theme song steals the show for it is by far the best song to appear on this roster but it is only because of its absolute magnanimous stature of burrowing into your soul and perfectly representing an era gone-by in a golden age of cinematic history.

Although initially disappointed that no other tracks are as outstanding as the title track, after a few listens it is more obvious that the majority of the other tracks are quite brilliant as well. MANCINI was always known for his swinging lounge and exotic music and he delivers all of that on here quite well. The music is quite diverse ranging from tango inspired numbers like “It Had Better Be Tonight” to 50s rock n' roll in “The Tiber Twist.” Despite influences being varied the tracks have a swinging jazz finish to them. The slow ballads and piano tracks that bring one instantly to some exotic lounge scene of the early 60s are probably my least favorites here but they are effective in how they evoke a certain time and place. I get more excited with the more energetic tracks such as the Latin cha cha cha tinged track “Something For Sellers” and the ragtime meets oom pah polka track “Shades Of Sennett.” Overall this is a satisfying soundtrack that is much more than the ever so addictive theme track and one worthy of jazzy lounge exotica fans to discover beyond the theme song.