GENE PITNEY was one of the most prolific and successful international artists of the 1960s, releasing some twenty-five albums (plus a further dozen or so "Greatest Hits" sets) and around thirty-five singles. However, over the decades - notably during the vinyl/cassette era - Gene's back catalogue was subject to some fairly cavalier repackaging, often with scant attention to content, chronology or sound quality. In the late 1990s, Sequel Records paired up Gene's original LPs as 2-on-1s, along with relevant bonus tracks wherever possible and all mastered from first-generation tapes. Pitney himself was delighted with the results, but time passes and sadly Gene died in 2006 whilst touring the UK, by which time these 2-on-1s had long been deleted. However, thanks to RPM, these well-regarded compilations are once again available. Released in May 1963 just as its predecessor was exiting the charts, Gene's third album Sings Just For You was built around his recent hit single 'Mecca' and comprised largely new material such as 'Aladdin's Lamp' and 'Cornflower Blue', both of which saw subsequent release as B-sides. Among the gems was 'Not Responsible', soon to be covered by UK teen thrush Helen Shapiro. Sings Just For You peaked at #87 at remained on the charts for nearly two months. Although released in various territories including Australasia and the US, Gene's fourth LP Sings World-Wide Winners was never issued in the UK. Boasting his first eight hit singles, this was essentially a "best of" package and became Gene's biggest-selling US album peaking at #41 and staying on the charts for 31 weeks. Along with Top 10 smashes such as 'Only Love Can Break A Heart', the set also included the self-penned 'Hello Mary Lou', the ever-popular 'Tower Tall' and a then-new recording 'Garden Of Love'.