Ray Conniff brought his chorus into the foreground for the first time on Its the Talk of the Town, and credited the album to the Ray Conniff Singers. Conniffs chorus is bright and cheery, unlike the immense-sounding Norman Luboff Choir or the comparatively stodgy Robert Shaw Chorale. But despite the high level of energy and enthusiasm, the choral format gives the album a throwback feel that is only amplified by material like Zip-a-dee-doo-dah and the Gene Autry favorite Buttons and Bows, although the latter is, admittedly, very good. The increased focus on the chorus comes at the expense of the instrumental arrangements, which are relegated to a supporting role well behind the voices. Its the Talk of the Town, more than any of Conniffs other vocal albums, treads a little too close to Mitch Miller territory for comfort. ~ Greg Adams
Rovi