Naked City & The Untouchables [CD]

Two of TV’s most legendary crime series, ‘The Untouchables’ and ‘The Naked City,’ both inspired unusual concept albums to help promote their popularity and both are combined on CD for the first time in this new Jasmine Records release–and in their rare stereo versions.

For ‘The Naked City,’ composer George Duning and lyricist Ned Washington came up with a story idea set to original songs, similar to Gordon Jenkins’ ‘Manhattan Tower’ and Judy Garland’s ‘The Letter,’ performed here by James Darren and Jo Ann Greer as two young lovers who meet in New York City. John McIntire narrates the story, with music conducted by Morris Stoloff.

Columnist Walter Winchell, who narrated all episodes of ‘The Untouchables’ in his distinctive, clipped speech pattern, recorded ‘The Story of Murder, Inc.’ as if it were an episode of the show.

Also included as bonus tracks are five additional Jo Ann Greer vocals, all on CD for the first time. Nearly 80 minutes in all.