I missed that one (fortunately). Actually Leon Russell's arrangement is decent, and the musicians play well (possibly the Wrecking Crew again with Russell on organ?). Hideous vocal though.

Reminds me a little of Jody Miller's unnecessary answer to "King of the Road" ( except that Miller could sing).

Ambrose's singing is fine, but his version is way overproduced--makes no sense with his vocal style.

To my ear, the playing on "This Diamond Ring" sounds more like the Wrecking Crew than the Playboys. Gary Lewis may have laid down the basic track, but Russell probably emphasized the professional musicians in the mix.

At any rate, I always thought Lewis and the Playboys were listenable and had decent material (kind of like Herman's Hermits)--certainly an important part of pop music from that time.

Many thanks for this fascinating history.