by JT GriffithThe kitsch enthusiast or novelty seeker will get a kick out of Ray Conniff's I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing. Conniff was known primarily for orchestral versions of contemporary songs, and his recordings during the late '60s and early '70s as the Ray Conniff Singers included many straightforward recordings of pop hits. This 1972 collection includes songs by John Lennon, Bobby Vee, Donny Osmond, Cher, Three Dog Night, Melanie, and Bread (and of course there is the Coca Cola theme song). This is a fun easy listening record. It should be noted that while Ray Conniff's versions are slightly watered down and "safer," they are often more true to the originals than you'd expect. If you are going to revisit the Ray Conniff catalog, vinyl LP or eight-track are highly recommended.