I have to admit, I am not one for compilation albums. However, despite its name, the Benaud Trio’s newest release combining fine classical musicianship with pop hits from the 70s to 90s, is not your average mixtape.


We jump straight in with the group’s rendition of The Buggles’ Video Killed the Radio Star, presented in a beautiful arrangement by Nicholas Buc that boasts far more dynamism than its original, lending it a new tension and moments of tranquillity. It is thoroughly, and delightfully, surprising. Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel) is a standout, showcasing Amir Farid’s sensitive piano treatment and the similarly moving Lachlan Bramble and Ewen Bramble on strings. 80s Mixtape brings together a strangely dark Eye of the Tiger, while somehow managing to morph into other hits from Cyndi Lauper to Michael Jackson (who makes an appearance later in the album in Jacksomania!, a tribute to the Jackson 5). Other highlights are Shaken Not Stirred, which brings a new sound to those classic James Bond themes, and the final work, Ben Folds’ The Luckiest, which leaves us with a feeling of closure.

It’s likely you’ll have heard every song because as the Benaud Trio says...