Manhattan Moods (New York City): Moondog, Gordon Jenkins and Morton Gould (1953)

"The idea of this compilation was to combine three albums that "capture the strangeness of Manhattan" onto one CD. The three albums, all released in the early '50s, are by three entirely different artists, including Moondog's "Moondog On The Streets Of New York", Gordon Jenkins' "Manhattan Tower", and Morton Gould's "Manhattan Moods". It can be questioned if one-after-the-other listening will do, since they're so different. Most impressive is Moondog's album. In just over 20 minutes, the legendary street musician and composer offers haunting, heavily rhythmic pieces on a combination of then-exotic instruments, showing influences of jazz, Japanese music, Native American sounds, and avant-garde. In contrast, Jenkins' "Manhattan Tower" is a lushly orchestrated work bringing to mind the sweeping soundtracks to American post World War II films and life. Gould's "Manhattan Moods" is orchestral in arrangement and wholly instrumental. It has a somber dignity but a cinematic feel." (Richie Unterberger, Allmusic)

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