A US chart artist for more than 50 years, singer-songwriter-arranger-producer Ray Stevens is one of the best-remembered pop names of the late 60s and early 70s thanks to his continuous presence on the charts and regular TV appearances (including his own show). After early success with Mercury, Stevens recorded for Nashville’s Monument Records for nearly five years from late 1965 to early 1970. His tenure with the label provided a stepping stone to the worldwide success he would enjoy in the early 70s with hits ‘The Streak’, ‘Everything Is Beautiful’ and ‘Misty’. Six of the singles here made the US Hot 100, including the million-selling 1969 Top 10 hit ‘Gitarzan’. Stevens’ Monument singles offer a mixture of broad comedy and serious social commentary. As enjoyable as they are diverse, “Face The Music” marks the first occasion on which both sides of all 12 have appeared in the same collection. All 24 sides are illustrated in the booklet, along with extensive memorabilia and comprehensive annotation. track
