Growing numbers of Russians are consulting mystics and psychics. It's been a longstanding flirtation - most famously, a century ago, the country's last Royal family became reliant on a mystical faith healer called Rasputin. But now, 21st century Russians, faced with growing uncertainty and insecurity, are flocking to mystics for help. For Our World the BBC Russian Service's Olga Smirnova investigates the phenomenon.
16 Golden Classics is interesting enough for the excellent Top 20 hit "Hushabye" and early guest appearances by Paul Simon and Jay Traynor of Jay & the Americans, but this undeservedly obscure vocal quintet had a consistently enchanting sound and several very good songs. The tinkling xylophone and soft harmonies make the Mystics a real find, and the group's ability to put their stamp on well-worn material redeems even the most obvious covers ("A Sunday Kind of Love," "White Cliffs of Dover"). Golden Classics compiles practically everything the group recorded for Laurie Records from 1959-1961 and is a rewarding anthology for serious enthusiasts of white doo wop.