Roger King Mozian - Spectacular Percussion

Here's another gem I rescued from the HPB bargain bin. Two things caught my eye - the cover, and the word "percussion". I love anything percussion! There are some really great songs on this album, and lots of percussion - trap drums, conga drums, bongoes, tympani, wood blocks, cow bells, and much more. This is definitely worth a listen! (I couldn't find a year on this album, so if anyone knows, please let me know!)

Track listing for Roger King Mozian - Spectacular Percussion:

Side 1:
1. South of the Border
2. Crazy Rhythm
3. Carioca
4. I Got Rhythm
5. How High the Moon
6. Asia Minor

Side 2:
1. Repercussion
2. Tabu
3. Lullaby in Rhythm
4. Estacy
5. Bewitched
6. Percussive Blues

Andy Williams - To You Sweetheart, Aloha (1960)

In honor of Hawaii's 50th birthday as a state on Friday (August 21st), I decided that today's post would be an album of Hawaiian songs. I've already posted several Hawaiian music albums over the past three years, so be sure to take a look at those, too. But for today, I chose Andy Williams and this album of his on the Cadence label from 1960. As always, Andy's smooth voice is soothing and is perfect for singing these songs. While listening to this album, I can close my eyes and practically hear the surf and smell the ocean breeze - ahhh! (BTW, my birthday is also on Friday!)

Track listing for Andy Williams - To You Sweetheart, Aloha:

Side 1:
1. To You Sweetheart, Aloha
2. Blue Hawaii
3. I'll Weave a Lei of Stars for You
4. Sweet Leilani
5. The Moon of Manakoora
6. The Hawaiian Wedding Song

Side 2:
1. Song of the Islands
2. A Song of Old Hawaii
3. Love Song of Kalua
4. Beyond the Reef
5. Ka-Lu-A
6. Aloha Oe

On Sunday (August 23), be sure to catch the latest episode of my podcast at The Spin-O-Rama Hour. The episode will be all Hawaiian songs in honor of Hawaii's 50th birthday as a state!

Art Mooney - Cha Cha Cha

This is another gem I rescued from the HPB bargain bin and I bought it for both the cover and because I like cha cha music. If you like the latin ballroom dances, then this is a good record to dance to. I couldn't find the year that this album was produced (this one is on the Coronet label), but I'm guessing late 1950s or early 1960s.

Track listing for Art Mooney - Cha Cha Cha:

Side 1:
1. Who's Sorry Now
2. Ole Jamaica
3. I Let A Song Out of My Heart
4. Midnight Breeze
5. Hands Across the Table
6. Bwana

Side 2:
1. Caravan
2. Shine On Harvest Moon
3. Chi Chi Castenanto
4. Glow Worm
5. In the Shade of the Old Apple Tree

Robert Mitchum - That Man Robert Mitchum Sings (1967)

Robert Mitchum is probably my favorite actor of all time. I loved him in westerns, war movies, film noir (especially!), as the anti-hero, and as the villain. There was just something about him that was so... manly. His deep voice, bedroom eyes, bad-boy reputation... sigh. His movies are the kind that I can watch over and over again. I especially like "Night of the Hunter", "Cape Fear", "Out of the Past", and every film noir he did. I even looked forward to the commercials where he did the voice over - "Beef... it's what's for dinner." I recognized his voice the very first time I heard that commercial (I think Sam Elliott does it now). Anyway, I got this album on eBay a few years ago and I love it. Whereas his first album (Calyso Is Just Like So) was calypso style songs - even down to his accent - this album is more country. So grab a cold one and sit back to have a listen.

Track listing for That Man Robert Mitchum Sings:

Side 1:
1. You Deserve Each Other
2. Walker's Woods
3. Wheels (Keep A Rollin')
4. In My Place
5. Ballad of Thunder Road
6. That Man Right There

Side 2:
1. Little Ole Wine Drinker Me
2. Ricardo's Mountain
3. Sunny
4. Little White Lies
5. Whippoorwill
6. Gotta Travel On

Mrs. Miller - Mrs. Miller's Greatest Hits (1966)

Mrs.Miller. What can one say about Mrs.Elva Miller? When I first heard Mrs.Miller, I was speechless. I just couldn't believe what I was hearing. After the initial shock, I laughed so hard that tears ran down my face. Then I couldn't get enough. I have to say that Mrs.Miller is an acquired taste, and it is certainly not for those with sensitive hearing or weak stomachs. But I'm one of those folks who appreciates musicians such as Mrs.Miller, and I think you will, too, after you give her a listen. This was her debut album, although the title ("Greatest Hits") makes you think that there were other albums before this. She ended up recording several other albums and also appeared on some soundtracks. If you want to find out more about Mrs.Miller, I suggest you visit Mrs.Miller's World - and join the fan club (I did!)! Why do I listen to Mrs.Miller? Because she makes me smile and laugh when I'm feeling down. God bless Mrs.Miller.

Track listing for Mrs. Miller's Greatest Hits:

Side 1:
1. Downtown
2. The Shadow of Your Smile
3. A Hard Day's Night
4. Dear Heart
5. Chim Chim Cher-ee
6. These Boots Are Made for Walkin'

Side 2:
1. A Lover's Concerto
2. Let's Hang On
3. Catch a Falling Star
4. Gonna Be Like That
5. My Love

Here's a video clip of Mrs.Miller singing "Inky Dinky Do" with Jimmy Durante:

Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 (1966)

This is one of my all-time favorites (how many times have I said that?)! I've always loved the groovy sounds of Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 - the easy rhythms, light jazz, bossa nova, great vocals. Well, this is their debut album and it is a real treasure (rescued from the HPB bargain bin!). And, because my friend Bradley loves them so much, this post is dedicated to him.

Track listing for Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66:

Side 1:
1. Mais Que Nada
2. One Note Samba/Spanish Flea
3. The Joker
4. Going Out of My Head
5. Tim Dom Dom

Side 2:
1. Daytripper
2. Agua de Beber
3. Slow Hot Wind
4. O Pato
5. Berimbau

Johnny Mathis - Open Fire, Two Guitars (1959)

I think Johnny Mathis is absolutely dreamy... sigh! The first time I heard his beautiful voice was when I was watching the late night movie with my mom and he sang the theme song of the movie - "The Best of Everything". It's been a love affair ever since. This is an awesome album - so soothing and romantic (I've listened to it every Sunday for years now)! And Johnny is accompanied by some great musicians - Al Caiola and Tony Mottola on guitar, and Frank Carroll and Milt Hinton on bass. If you love Johnny Mathis and don't have this album, you really need to get it!

Track listing for Johnny Mathis - Open Fire, Two Guitars:

Side 1:
1. Tenderly
2. Open Fire
3. I Concentrate on You
4. In the Still of the Night
5. I'll Be Seeing You
6. I'm Just a Boy in Love

Side 2:
1. You'll Never Know
2. Please Be Kind
3. Embraceable You
4. My Funny Valentine
5. When I Fall in Love
6. Bye Bye Blackbird