Norman Alexander Milne (1924-1963), as “Michael Holliday” earned the epithet “Britain’s Bing Crosby”. But he was more than that; in the late 50s and early 60s he was one of the UK’s best-known and best-loved entertainers, with a warm, mellow, light baritone that oozed relaxation. Sadly, that veneer masked a tormented soul (he committed suicide at the age of 38) but, through his recorded legacy, his golden voice can still ease all cares away.

Retrospective’s tribute offers 59 examples of his artistry, including all his chart successes, headed by the No.1s The Story of My Life and Starry Eyed. Enjoyable though his pop singles were, it is to songs from his five albums that we turn for his greatest skill: delivering stylish interpretations of evergreen standards, and while many were associated with his idol and friend, Bing, Michael Holliday always has something special to give. In such beautiful songs as Berlin’s Marrying For Love, or Carmichael’s Skylark, he is quite simply unsurpassed.

Contents:

CD 1 (1955-1959)
1. The Story Of My Life
2. The Yellow Rose Of Texas
3. Nothin’ To Do
4. Darlin’ Katie
5. Marrying For Love
6. Hot Diggity
7. The Gal With The Yaller Shoes
8. The Runaway Train
9. Ten Thousand Miles
10. I’m Old-Fashioned
11. The Lonesome Road
12. Just A-Wearyin’ For You
13. All Of You
14. Shenandoah
15. Old Cape Cod
16. The Skye Boat Song
17. Keep Your Heart
18. In Love
19. Stairway Of Love
20. May I?
21. I’ll Always Be In Love With You
22. She Was Only Seventeen
23. The Gay Vagabond
24. Tea For Two (with Edna Savage)
25. My Heart Is An Open Book
26. Strange Music
27. In The Good Old Summertime
28. Skylark
29. Love Is Just Around The Corner
30. A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square

CD 2 (1959-1962)
1. The Folks Who Live On The Hill
2. The Lamplighter’s Serenade
3. Did You Ever See A Dream Walking?
4. I’ll Be Seeing You
5. Starry Eyed
6. Little Boy Lost
7. Like Someone In Love
8. Amor
9. Long Ago And Far Away
10. Alexander’s Ragtime Band
11. I Wonder Who’s Kissing Her Now?
12. I Got Rhythm
13. Gone Fishin’
14. The Best Things In Life Are Free
15. I’ve Got The World On A String
16. Singin’ In The Rain
17. Lazy
18. Alabamy Bound
19. Dear Hearts And Gentle People
20. Moonlight Becomes You
21. Home Cookin’
22. Moonlight Cocktail
23. Swinging On A Star
24. Be Honest With Me
25. It’s Been A Long, Long Time
26. Can I Forget You?
27. I Don’t Want To Walk Without You
28. You Are My Sunshine
29. Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?