Stax o' Wax

Jerry Murad's Harmonicats - Fiesta! (1962)

2012-01-25T21:21:00.004-06:00

Who doesn't love some good harmonica music??? And the Harmonicats are awesome! It's kind of hard to believe that all the music on this album is just three guys - Jerry Murad, Al Fiore, and Don Les - playing their harmonicas. I grew up listening to most of these songs (performed by others), and these versions are just great! I would definitely play this album at my next fiesta themed dinner party!

Track listing for Jerry Murad's Harmonicats - Fiesta!:

Side 1:
1. Guadalajara
2. The Peanut Vendor (El Manisero)
3. Espana Cani
4. La Golondrina
5. Siboney
6. Adios Muchachos

Side 2:
1. Adios
2. Les Filles de Cadix (The Maids of Cadiz)
3. La Virgen de la Macarena
4. La Cumparsita
5. Mexican Hat Dance
6. Granada

Jackie Gleason - Music, Martinis, and Memories (1954)

2012-01-22T11:52:00.004-06:00

This is the last of my Jackie Gleason albums. The best way to describe it is by its liner notes:

Music, martinis, and memories... each creates a wonderfully soft, romantic haze. Put them all together and you have a very special effect - a mood whose warmth and tenderness are irresistibly appealing.
The memories and martinis should be yours, of course; the music may be provided by someone else - and nobody can do that more expertly than Jackie Gleason. His famous album presentations - lovely ballads richly orchestrated and featuring the lyric trumpet of Bobby Hackett - are remarkably conducive to that intriguing sentimental spell.
It's really quite possible, in fact, to omit the memories and martinis; but with or without them, you'll find this collection of Jackie Gleason interpretations to be romantic music at its very best, an ideal setting for your most delightful listening moments.

Track listing for Jackie Gleason - Music, Martinis, and Memories:

Side 1:
1. Once In a While
2. I Can't Get Started
3. I Got It Bad and That Ain't Good
4. My Ideal
5. Yesterdays
6. I Love You
7. Unforgettable
8. How High the Moon

Side 2:
1. I'll Be Seeing You
2. Shangri-La
3. I Remember You
4. It Could Happen to You
5. Somebody Loves Me
6. Time On My Hands (You in My Arms)
7. The Nearness of You
8. The Song is Ended

Fats and the Chessmen - Let's Twist (1962)

2012-01-18T21:20:00.004-06:00

I really didn't expect much from this album when I bought it, as I really only bought it for the cover art. But, boy, did I love it when I listened to it! This album was obviously recorded to capitalize on the popularity of the Twist dance craze, as there were many Twist records that came out around that time. And I have no idea who Fats and the Chessmen were (no, it's not THE "Fats"). But this album will certainly get you up and dancing! It's quite enjoyable and a fun one to play at your next dance party! If one of your new year's resolutions was to exercise more, then I suggest playing this record and dancing to it - a lot more fun than any of the Wii Fit exercise routines!

Track listing for Fats and the Chessmen - Let's Twist:

Side 1:
1. Twistin' U.S.A.
2. An Odd Twist
3. Lemon Twist
4. Ooh Poo Pa Doo
5. Organ Twist
6. Peppermint Twist

Side 2:
1. Let's Twist Again
2. Old MacDonald Had a Twist
3. Big Ben Twist
4. Insistin' On Twistin'
5. Honkin' the Twist
6. The Twist

The Everly Brothers - A Date with the Everly Brothers (1961)

2012-01-15T23:31:00.004-06:00

Today's offering is an album by those famous singing brothers, Phil and Don Everly (and, I am sorry to say that, to this day, I can't tell which is which). I think the first song by them that I remember hearing was "Bye Bye Love". And I remember that I liked all their big hits. So when I saw this album calling to me from the HPB bargain bin, I just had to rescue it! I also just really liked the cover and the nifty shirts that the brothers are wearing. This album also has their big hit, "Cathy's Clown", which I like a lot. So, I hope this takes some of you down memory lane!

Track listing for A Date with the Everly Brothers:

Side 1:
1. Made to Love
2. That's Just Too Much
3. Stick with Me Baby
4. Baby What You Want Me to Do
5. Sigh, Cry, Almost Die
6. Always It's You

Side 2:
1. Love Hurts
2. Lucille
3. So How Come (No One Loves Me)
4. Donna, Donna
5. A Change of Heart
6. Cathy's Clown

The "Sensational" Guitars of Dan & Dale - The Nearness of You

2012-01-11T21:28:00.005-06:00

Here's another great little gem that I rescued from the HPB bargain bin. It features some great old standards, and is great to play as background music while reading a book, eating dinner, or surfing through the internet! From what I've read, there was no "Dan & Dale", but if anyone out there knows any different or has more info, please let us know! There was also no date on this album, but I'm figuring it's from the 1960s. From the liner notes on this album, and from pictures of other D&D albums, the "Sensational" Guitars of Dan & Dale were previously known as the "Sleepwalk" Guitars of Dan & Dale. I'll try to keep an eye out for those albums next time I'm browsing through the HPB bargain bin.

Track listing for Dan & Dale - The Nearness of You:

Side 1:
1. The Nearness of You
2. Heart & Soul
3. Innamorata
4. Stella by Starlight
5. Only a Rose

Side 2:
1. I Don't Want to Walk Without You
2. Out of Nowhere
3. Call Me Irresponsible
4. Just One More Chance
5. In the Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening

Vikki Carr - Don't Break My Pretty Balloon (1968)

2012-01-08T12:06:00.004-06:00

I love, love, love Vikki Carr! I just can't seem to get enough of her beautiful voice lately! And I lucked out recently when I found three of her albums at my favorite little resale store down the street! I know she still performs and am hoping she'll make a trip to Dallas so that I can go see her (she went to San Antonio last year, so why not Dallas?). "With Pen in Hand" always puts a lump in my throat, especially since Vikki puts so much emotion into it. Well, that song is not on this album, but you'll find some familiar songs as Vikki does her covers of them. Plus, "Vikki Carr unveils 'Your Heart is Free Just Like the Wind,' 'She'll Be There' and other vocal delights."

Track listing for Vikki Carr - Don't Break My Pretty Balloon:

Side 1:
1. Don't Break My Pretty Balloon
2. Tears On My Pillow
3. It's Not Unusual
4. Happy Together
5. Just for You
6. Your Heart is Free Just Like the Wing

Side 2:
1. All My Love
2. She'll Be There
3. The Glory of Love
4. Nothing to Lose
5. The Magic of People
6. Honey

Pearl Bailey - The Best of Pearl Bailey (1961)

2012-01-04T21:23:00.006-06:00

This is a great album of some of Pearl Bailey's best songs, along with some of her humor thrown in. My favorite is "Ma, He's Making Eyes At Me" - a really fun song! This album also brings together for the first time on record Pearl with Louis Bellson, his drums and his orchestra. So, "here then is Pearlie Mae, as always, the irrepressible and delightfully irresistible performer and personality."

Track listing from The Best of Pearl Bailey:

Side 1:
1. Takes Two to Tango
2. That's Good Enough for Me
3. Row, Row, Row
4. Legalize My Name
5. Fifteen Years (And I'm Still Serving Time)
6. Old, Tired and Torn

Side 2:
1. St. Louis Blues
2. Tired
3. Ma (He's Making Eyes at Me)
4. Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive
5. Toot Toot Tootsie! (Goodbye)
6. Cherry's at the Top of the Tree

Rex Allen - Sings Melodies of the Plains (1962)

2012-01-01T15:47:00.005-06:00

Wishing everyone a very Happy and Prosperous New Year!

To start off the year, I chose this album by Rex Allen. After my dude ranch experience last year, I became quite the fan of "cowboy songs" and yodeling (well, I already liked yodeling). And today I was just in the yodeling mood. I really enjoyed this album, too! I am thinking about going back to the dude ranch this year and staying for a week instead of just three days. If I do go back, I will definitely ask for my favorite horse, Bob. I've got my boots ready...

Track listing for Rex Allen Sings Melodies of the Plains:

Side 1:
1. Melody of the Plains
2. My Dear Old Arizona Home
3. I'll Go Ridin' Down That Old Texas Trail
4. I Won't Need My Six Gun in Heaven
5. The Girl I Left Behind Me

Side 2:
1. Dreaming of the Western Plains
2. Cowpuncher's Blues
3. Cowboy's Heaven
4. A Cowboy's Story (Strawberry Roan)
5. Little Puncher

John Gary - The John Gary Christmas Album (1963)

2011-12-20T22:06:00.003-06:00

This is my final Christmas post, before I return with more vintage goodies in 2012. John Gary sang in movies, on Broadway, had his own TV show, appeared at Carnegie Hall, and was considered to be one of the best crooners of the time. He had a wide vocal range, which you can hear very well on this album. This is another one of those Christmas albums that is nice to hear on Christmas Eve when you are home with your family, sitting in front of the fireplace and sipping some hot cocoa.

May you all have a very Merry and Blessed Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Track listing for The John Gary Christmas Album:

Side 1:
1. The Christmas Song
2. Winter Wonderland
3. Little Snow Girl
4. Medley: The First Noel; O Come, All Ye Faithful; O Holy Night
5. Wintertime and Christmas Time
6. White Christmas

Side 2:
1. Do You Hear What I Hear
2. Sweet Little Jesus Boy
3. I'll Be Home for Christmas
4. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
5. Medley: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing; O Little Town of Bethlehem; Silent Night

Dennis Day - Sings Christmas is for the Family (1958)

2011-12-18T16:46:00.006-06:00

Here's an album I found in the HPB bargain bin. I never saw "The Jack Benny Show" or Dennis Day in any movie or TV show, but I had heard of him. And I loved the cover of this album, so I decided to buy it. Besides, I'm also a big fan of the "economy" record labels. This album has all the familiar favorites and is a nice album to play on Christmas Eve, when one is spending a quiet evening with the family before the fireplace, with Dad or Mom reading a favorite Christmas story. I hope you choose to make this album part of your Christmas Eve.

Track listing for Dennis Day - Sings Christmas is for the Family:

Side 1:
1. Jingle Bells
2. White Christmas
3. May Santa Fill Our Hearts
4. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
5. I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
6. Christmas is For the Family

Side 2:
1. Silent Night
2. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
3. O Little Town of Bethlehem
4. Oh Holy Night
5. Away in the Manger
6. Medley: Oh, Come All Ye Faithful; The First Noel; God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen

The Ray Conniff Singers - Christmas with Conniff (1959)

2011-12-14T20:12:00.003-06:00

Christmas wouldn't be complete without the Ray Conniff Singers, especially for a big fan like me! And this album is perfect when played on my big vintage Magnavox console stereo in my retro mid-century modern living room, while gazing at my aluminum Christmas tree (with color wheel)! This is definitely a must-have for any Christmas collection!

Track listing for The Ray Conniff Singers - Christmas with Conniff:

Side 1:
1. Here Comes Santa Claus
2. Winter Wonderland
3. Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer
4. Christmas Bride
5. Sleigh Ride
6. Greensleeves (What Child is This)

Side 2:
1. Jingle Bells
2. Silver Bells
3. Frosty the Snowman
4. White Christmas
5. Santa Claus is Comin' to Town
6. The Christmas Song

Cool Yule Tunes 2011 - A Stax o' Wax Compilation

2011-12-11T15:33:00.005-06:00

It's time for my annual Christmas compilation! I've picked some favorite Christmas songs for this year's Cool Yule Tunes 2011 as a little token of my appreciation to all of you for visiting my blog and sharing in my love of this type of music and the nostalgia of glorious vinyl. I haven't been as consistent in posting this year, but I plan to get back into it in 2012!

There's a little bit of everything here and I hope you enjoy the songs I've picked. And, if you don't already have them, click on the "Cool Yule Tunes" label to see the previous four Christmas compilations and download them to have a complete collection!

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and I hope you get to spend it with those you love. (I still have three more Christmas albums I plan to share this year before I take my Christmas holiday.)

Track listing for Cool Yule Tunes 2011:

1. We Wish You a Merry Christmas - The Mastertone Orchestra featuring The Don Janse Chorale
2. I'll Be Home for Christmas - Bing Crosby
3. Santa Claus is Coming to Town - The Mistletoe Disco Band
4. Winter Wonderland - Lena Horne
5. Jingle Bells - The Partridge Family
6. White Christmas - Vera Lynn
7. I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day - Johnny Cash
8. Hark the Herald Angels Sing - The Lennon Sisters
9. Sleigh Ride - Fred Waring & The Pennsylvanians
10. Do You Believe in Santa Claus - Billy May
11. Deck the Halls - Mirror Image
12. The Christmas Song - Esquivel
13. Christmas Dreaming (A Little Early This Year) - Lawrence Welk & His Champagne Music
14. Silver Bells - Jack Jones
15. O Little Town of Bethlehem - Helen O'Connell
16. Christmas Is - The Harry Simeone Chorale
17. Blue Christmas - Bobby Sherman
18. Silent Night - The Golddiggers
19. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus - Teresa Brewer
20. Merry Christmas, Baby - Lou Rawls
21. We Need a Little Christmas - The Muppets
22. What Child is This - Tijuana Voices with Brass
23. The Twelve Days of Christmas - Harry Belafonte
24. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen - The Three Suns
25. Joy to the World - Ed Ames
26. Frosty the Snowman - Ray Conniff
27. The Merry Christmas Polka - Freddy Martin
28. What Are You Doing New Year's Eve - Johnny Mathis

The Chipmunks - Christmas With the Chipmunks (1961)

2011-12-07T18:22:00.004-06:00

How many of you grew up listening to this record every Christmas? I remember getting this when I was very little and playing it every year - and I still do! My record is still in amazing shape considering how long I've had it and that my mother would also take it to school and play it for her students. Of course, my favorite is "The Chipmunk Song", and my favorite part is about the hula hoop! I remember that as a child I would skip over the "boring" songs that David Seville sang, and I'm afraid that I still tend to skip over those. Well, I hope this one brings back memories for many of you!

Track listing for Christmas With the Chipmunks:

Side 1:
1. Here Comes Santa Claus
2. Up On the House-Top
3. Silver Bells
4. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
5. Jingle Bells
6. Over the River and Through the Woods

Side 2:
1. Santa Claus is Comin' to Town
2. It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas
3. Frosty the Snowman
4. White Christmas
5. The Chipmunk Song
6. We Wish You a Merry Christmas

The Border Brass - Tijuana Christmas (1968)

2011-12-04T16:26:00.004-06:00

Christmas is almost here so it's time to share some of my Christmas records! I know this one has probably been shared a lot by others, but those of you who don't have it, here is one of my favorites. This record was obviously released to capitalize on the "Tijuana sound" popularized by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass and by the Baja Marimba Band. Since I like both those bands, I knew I would like this record, and I do find it quite enjoyable. The cover is so kitschy that I find it worth framing during this time of year. So, here's the Border Brass to help you get in the Christmas spirit!

Track listing for The Border Brass - Tijuana Christmas:

Side 1:
1. We Wish You a Merry Christmas
2. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
3. What Child is This
4. Deck the Halls
5. Jingle Bells

Side 2:
1. Tijuana Christmas
2. Jolly Old St. Nicholas
3. Christmas Bells
4. The First Noel
5. Silent Night

Xavier Cugat - Cugi's Cocktails (1963)

2011-10-16T17:12:00.005-05:00

Time to invite some friends over for cocktails and put on your dancing shoes! I have yet to find an album by Xavier Cugat that I didn't like. And I just love this one! The songs all have cocktail names and I guess my favorite (tonight, anyway) is "Zombie" (because tonight is the season premiere of the zombie TV show, "The Walking Dead"). The album cover is cool, too - definitely worth framing! So, mix yourself a few cocktails and dance a little!

Track listing for Xavier Cugat - Cugi's Cocktails:

Side 1:
1. Cuba Libre (Guaracha)
2. One Mint Julep (Cha-Cha Twist)
3. Old-Fashioned (Beguine)
4. Daiquiri (Bossa Nova)
5. Cocktails for Two (Cha-Cha)
6. Rum and Coca-Cola (Mambo)

Side 2:
1. Cugi's Cocktail (Hully Gully Cha-Cha)
2. Grasshopper (Rhumba)
3. Blue Champagne (Bossa Nova)
4. Zombie (Bolero)
5. Manhattan (Cha-Cha)
6. Singapore Sling (Rhumba)

Johnny Crawford - A Young Man's Fancy (1962)

2011-10-09T17:56:00.005-05:00

I remember watching Johnny Crawford on "The Rifleman" when I was a little girl. It was one of the TV shows that my father and I would watch together. I had a big crush on Chuck Connors, and really didn't pay much attention to Johnny. Other than this show, I never saw Johnny in anything else, and I don't remember ever hearing his big hit, "Cindy's Birthday", on the radio. I never even knew that he was a Mouseketeer until sometime in the 1990s, when I went to a vintage toy show and he was there signing autographs. Of course, I stopped by and got an autographed pic and talked to him a little bit (by then, I was into collecting the vintage LPs, and trying to find those in the "celebrity vocals" category). That's when I found out that he was now the leader of a big band orchestra. Now, I just love Johnny and love watching him on reruns of "The Rifleman", which are being aired on AMC and the Encore Westerns channels. The title of this album was also the title of one of the episodes of "The Rifleman", and features "Cindy's Birthday", which I hear pretty regularly now on a local "music legends" radio station. I cleaned it up as much as I could, but there are still clicks and pops, and some skips. (If anyone has a better rip, please do share!) Enjoy!

Track listing for Johnny Crawford - A Young Man's Fancy:

Side 1:
1. Cindy's Birthday
2. Sittin' and A Watchin'
3. Debbie
4. Something Special
5. I'm Walkin'
6. Your Nose is Gonna Grow

Side 2:
1. Mr. Blue
2. In the Wee Small Hours
3. Moon River
4. Little White Cloud
5. Young at Heart

Ray Conniff - Broadway in Rhythm (1958)

2011-10-02T16:45:00.003-05:00

Hello there! Sorry I haven't been keeping up on here - just had a lot going on. (But I do hope that in the meantime, y'all have been checking out my podcast The Spin-O-Rama Hour!) Well, I am going to try to do better and post more often on here, as I still have a lot of great vintage records that I would love to share!

To get back in the swing of things, I have this Ray Conniff gem from 1958. Ray, his orchestra and chorus, play selections from Broadway hits "Oklahoma!", "The King and I", "My Fair Lady", and "South Pacific". As always, it does not disappoint! Enjoy!

Track listing from Ray Conniff - Broadway in Rhythm:

Side 1:
1. Oklahoma!
2. People Will Say We're in Love
3. The Surrey With the Fringe on Top
4. Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'
5. Hello, Young Lovers
6. Getting to Know You; I Whistle a Happy Tune

Side 2:
1. On the Street Where You Live
2. I Could Have Danced All Night; I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face
3. A Wonderful Guy
4. Bali Ha'i
5. Younger Than Springtime
6. Some Enchanted Evening

Summer Compilation Vol.5 (2011)

2011-06-19T17:28:00.005-05:00

It's time for my annual summer songs compilation! The first day of summer is not for two days yet, but it's felt like summer for a few weeks already! It's already hit the three digit temperatures in Dallas, Texas! The hot temps don't bother me though, as summer is my very favorite season, and I am glad it's here! The first three summer compilations contained only songs with the word "summer" in the title, but last year I expanded the song choices to include the words "beach", "surf", and "sun". Please do post a comment with other summer song suggestions that I can use in future compilations. Hope you enjoy this!

Track listing for Summer Compilation Vol.5 (2011):

1. Theme from 'A Summer Place' - The Ventures
2. The Things We Did Last Summer - The Beach Boys
3. Summertime - Chet Atkins and Jerry Reed
4. It's a Sunshine Day - The Brady Bunch
5. Sun-Kissed Chicks - Jean-Jacques Debout
6. Miami Beach Rumba - Edmundo Ros & His Orchestra
7. The Green Leaves of Summer - The Ray Conniff Singers
8. Turn On the Sunshine - Sally Field
9. Twenty-Four Hours of Sunshine - Reg Owen & His Orchestra
10. Sunny Days - Lighthouse
11. Our Last Summer - ABBA
12. On the Beach At Waikiki - Les Paul and Mary Ford
13. Summer Mood - Skip Martin
14. One Summer Dream - Electric Light Orchestra
15. Sunshine - The Partridge Family
16. Good Day Sunshine - Claudine Longet
17. We'll Sing in the Sunshine - Helen Reddy
18. Hey Mr. Sun - Kurt Russell
19. Bustin' Surfboards - The Lively Ones
20. Summer Cruise - Syd Dale
21. Surf Scene - The Surfaris
22. Bossa No Praia (Beach Samba) - Walter Wanderley
23. Bikini Beach Party - Annette Funicello
24. The Long, Hot Summer - Jimmie Rodgers

If you haven't downloaded the first four volumes of my Summer compilations, click on the "summer" label to take you directly to those posts. Happy Summer!

Petula Clark - I Know A Place (1965)

2011-06-15T21:51:00.006-05:00

This is another of my recent purchases, although I can't remember if I got it from my v.o. instructor or from the HPB bargain bin. Either way, I'm glad I got it because I thoroughly enjoyed it. Petula Clark is one of those singers who transports me back to the 1960s just by the sound of her voice, and I really liked what I can remember of the 60s (my early childhood). There are some good songs on this album, and some of them are quite danceable! Enjoy!

Track listing for Petula Clark - I Know A Place:

Side 1:
1. Dancing In the Street
2. Strangers and Lovers
3. Everything In the Garden
4. The "In" Crowd
5. Heart
6. You're the One

Side 2:
1. A Foggy Day
2. Gotta Tell the World
3. Every Little Bit Hurts
4. Call Me
5. Goin' Out of My Head
6. I Know A Place

Here's an old clip of Pet singing the title song of this album (love the dancing!):

Boxcar Willie - King of the Road (1980)

2011-06-12T19:06:00.005-05:00

Here's an album that goes well with the Slim Whitman album! I remember the TV commercials for this album. I never would have thought that I would end up getting it! After I got the Slim Whitman album a few weeks ago, I went in search of the Boxcar Willie album, and I found it in the HPB bargain bin! There's no yodeling on this one, and Boxcar Willie doesn't have the nice hair that Slim Whitman has, but I enjoyed it. Also, Boxcar Willie was from Ellis County, Texas, which is just south of Dallas! I also found out that he was Tommy Lee Jones' first cousin. (Throwing in some trivia for you there.) I had a nice surprise when I heard the song "I Saw the Light" on this album. It brought back memories of being in choir at school from 7th through 9th grades. That was one of the songs we sang regularly, and I hadn't thought of it in a long time. Enjoy!

Track listing for Boxcar Willie - King of the Road:

Side 1:
1. King of the Road
2. Wabash Cannonball
3. You Are My Sunshine
4. Boxcar Blues
5. Don't Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes
6. Your Cheatin' Heart
7. I Saw the Light
8. Wreck of the Old '97
9. Hank and the Hobo
10. Peace in the Valley

Side 2:
1. Mule Train
2. Hey Good Lookin'
3. Kaw-Liga
4. Move It On Over
5. London Leaves
6. Rolling in My Sweet Baby's Arms
7. Divorce Me C.O.D.
8. Red River Valley
9. Heaven
10. San Antonio Rose

Slim Whitman - All My Best (1979)

2011-06-08T21:30:00.005-05:00

Here's another treasure that I got from my voice-over instructor! This is the record I was most excited about, too! I never thought I would be excited to get a Slim Whitman record. I think I've become a fan because it brings back good memories from my youth. I remember when his commercial came on TV where he advertised this album. Usually, it would come on late night when my mom and I were watching old movies. We always got a kick from the commercial, especially when they showed him singing "Vaya Con Dios". Neither one of us had ever heard of Slim Whitman, and we weren't fans of country music, so we just thought the commercial was funny. As the years have gone by, I have developed a very eclectic taste in music, and just LOVE Slim Whitman now! I especially like when he yodels (I've become a yodeling fan in the last year). I hadn't seen this album in years, and the first thing I asked my v.o. instructor was if he had any albums by Slim Whitman. He said no (but he obviously knew he did), and he was just tickled when he saw my reaction at finding the album in the stack. So, even though my mom and I never listened to Slim back in the day, this album brings back good memories of spending time with my mom. I hope you enjoy this as much as I do!

Track listing for Slim Whitman - All My Best:

Side 1:
1. Indian Love Call
2. Ramblin' Rose
3. My Happiness
4. Room Full Of Roses
5. Blue Eyes Cryin' In The Rain
6. When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again
7. Have I Told You Lately That I Love You
8. There Goes My Everything
9. My Heart Cries For You
10. Let Me Call You Sweetheart

Side 2:
1. Rose Marie
2. Vaya Con Dios
3. Roses Are Red
4. Somewhere My Love
5. I Love You Because
6. Una Paloma Blanca
7. I Can't Stop Loving You
8. Sail Along Silvery Moon
9. You Belong To My Heart
10. Red River Valley

Here is Slim singing "Indian Love Call":

Baja Marimba Band - For Animals Only (1965)

2011-06-05T19:21:00.005-05:00

This is one of the treasures I bought from my voice-over instructor. It's a cute album - all the songs have animals in them. I hadn't heard some of them before, but overall I was pleased. It's just a nice easy-listening record to listen to while having dinner or trying to relax. I hope you enjoy it!

Track listing for Baja Marimba Band - For Animals Only:

Side 1:
1. For Animals Only
2. Puff (The Magic Dragon)
3. Elephant Soul
4. Gnu Bossa Nova
5. Last of the Red Hot Llamas
6. La Cucaracha

Side 2:
1. How Much is That Doggie in the Window
2. Yellow Bird
3. Swan Waltz
4. A Partridge in a Pear Tree (The Twelve Days of Christmas)
5. El Gazelle
6. Las Mananitas

The 50 Guitars of Tommy Garrett - Visit Hawaii (1962)

2011-06-01T21:50:00.005-05:00

Just spent a little time meditating in my Hawaiian-themed guest room, which left me in a Hawaiian state of mind, so I decided to share this one with you today. I do love Tommy Garrett and this album is a delight (love the cover art, too!). It has the usual selection of Hawaiian songs, including my very favorite, "Hawaiian War Chant". I don't know what it is about that song that just makes me get up and dance! (I'm just grateful that no one is around to videotape me.) So, put on your Hawaiian skirt and dance like no one is watching!

Track listing for The 50 Guitars of Tommy Garrett Visit Hawaii:

Side 1:
1. Blue Hawaii
2. Hawaiian Wedding Song
3. Pagan Love Song
4. My Little Grass Shack
5. Now Is the Hour
6. Hawaiian War Chant

Side 2:
1. The Hukilau Song
2. Song of the Islands
3. Lovely Hula Hands
4. Sweet Leilani
5. Moon of Manakoora
6. Aloha Oe

Billy Vaughn - 12 Golden Hits from Latin America (1965)

2011-05-29T23:00:00.005-05:00

Sorry I haven't been regular in my posts lately - just have had a lot going on. I tell you, this having to work for a living just takes up too much of my time! :-)

I have been acquiring some new treasures for my record collection though. I got about fifteen albums the other day from my voice-over instructor, and got ten albums from the HPB bargain bin today (Memorial Day sale!). So, I'll try to get some of these digitized soon so that I can share them with you (and also include some of the songs on my podcast, The Spin-O-Rama Hour).

For today, I have Billy Vaughn bringing you twelve hits from Latin America. It's some nice easy-listening music that you can dance to or have as background music for your dinner party. Enjoy!

Track listing for Billy Vaughn - 12 Golden Hits from Latin America:

Side 1:
1. Perdoname Mi Vida
2. Noche de Ronda
3. Corazon de Melon
4. Adios, Mariquita Linda
5. Sabor a Mi
6. Contigo

Side 2:
1. Incertidumbre
2. Acercate Mas
3. Mambo Jambo
4. Quien Sera
5. El Dia
6. El Cumbanchero

Danny Thomas - An Evening with Danny Thomas (196?)

2011-03-20T22:00:00.006-05:00

Here's an album in my "celebrity vocal" category that I've had for quite awhile but just got around to digitizing. I couldn't find the release year on this one and my celebrity vocals book just says "196?", so that's all I know. There was an earlier 10" version of this album released in 1954 on MGM, but this is a 12" later release on Columbia which was a promotion by Post Cereals. Danny Thomas sings the songs, music is by the Spencer-Hagen Orchestra featuring Walter Popp at the piano, and Danny's TV family (Marjorie Lord, Rusty Hamer, and Angela Cartwright) are all on hand. I never saw "Make Room for Daddy" (the name of the show the first three years) or "The Danny Thomas Show", so I'm not familiar with any of the characters, but I know that Marjorie was "Kathy", Rusty was "Russ", and Angela was "Linda". So, I'm wondering who is the "Terry" that speaks at the beginning of "Daddy's Little Girl" - is it Danny's real-life daughter, Terry? And if it is, then why didn't Marlo participate in this record? Gosh, I hope these questions don't make me lose sleep tonight (because I'm the kind of person that would). Hope you like it!

Track listing for An Evening with Danny Thomas:

Side 1:
1. Danny Thomas Theme and My Blue Heaven - has a skip in it
2. Linda's Wedding Day
3. It All Depends on You
4. Daddy's Little Girl
5. But Beautiful
6. When the Red, Red Robin Comes Bob, Bob, Bobbin' Along

Side 2:
1. Glory of Love
2. September Song
3. My Funny Valentine - has a skip in it
4. You Make Me Feel So Young
5. Violets for Your Furs
6. Scarlet Ribbons
7. Love In A Home

The Serendipity Singers - The Many Sides of the Serendipity Singers (1964)

2011-03-06T22:08:00.006-06:00

I love the Serendipity Singers and this album! What fun it is! I just really like choral groups and this type of folk music. The melodies and harmonies are great, and the songs are just fun. I have three favorites on this album - "Let Me Fly", "Beans In My Ears", and "Movin' In My Heart". I think I really like that third one because the Osmonds performed it in a medley on their live album back in the 1970s (I had not heard that song until they performed it). All the songs are great and I think you'll enjoy this album! Plus - how can you not like an album with a banjo???

Track listing for The Many Sides of the Serendipity Singers:

Side 1:
1. Let Me Fly (Zion)
2. Beans In My Ears
3. Soon It's Gonna Rain
4. Mill Girls Don't Sing or Dance
5. Look Away Over Yondro
6. The New Frankie and Johnny Song

Side 2:
1. You Don't Know
2. Down Where the Winds Blow
3. Movin' In My Heart
4. Six Foot Six
5. Hi-Lili-Hi-Lo
6. Fast Freight

Here's a vintage clip of The Serendipity Singers on Hollywood-A-Go-Go:

Nelson Riddle - Sing a Song With Riddle (1959)

2011-02-20T21:54:00.005-06:00

Here's a treat for those of you who like karaoke. This album by Nelson Riddle has the background music for several hit songs from back in the day, and all it needs is your voice to sing along! The album itself even has the sheet music and lyrics for each of the songs. I tried to sing along but the songs are all in keys that are a little high for me (my vocal range is more like Diana Krall's), but maybe y'all will have better luck. I bought this many years ago and it's the hi-fi version. So, if anyone has the stereo version, I would love it if you shared it! I absolutely love Nelson Riddle!

Track listing for Sing a Song With Riddle:

Side 1:
1. Little White Lies
2. Darn That Dream
3. Near You
4. Day In-Day Out
5. The More I See You
6. My Baby Just Cares for Me

Side 2:
1. Everywhere You Go
2. I Had the Craziest Dream
3. Fools Rush In
4. You Make Me Feel So Young
5. It's a Sin to Tell a Lie
6. You're Driving Me Crazy

Patti Page - Patti Page's Greatest Hits (1966)

2011-02-13T21:51:00.005-06:00

I love the Singing Rage, Miss Patti Page! "How Much is That Doggie in the Window" was one of my favorite songs growing up. I've shared a couple of other records by Patti Page, so I'll try to not repeat myself as to what I say here. I generally stay away from greatest hits albums if I have all or most of the artist's albums. Usually I only buy them if I just want the most well-known songs by an artist. When I bought this album, I didn't have any other Patti Page records, so it was fine to have this one. But for those of you who are familiar with her recordings, you'll notice that these songs don't sound like the songs you've heard so many times. That's because Patti re-recorded them for this album, which is on the Columbia label (she was on the Mercury label when she had all those hits). Maybe Columbia just wanted a new "take" on the songs, since the arrangements are all different. "Tennessee Waltz" is quite different, so you may or may not like it. "Old Cape Cod" is my favorite (besides "Doggie"), and I like this version fine.

Track listing for Patti Page's Greatest Hits:

Side 1:
1. Mockin' Bird Hill
2. (How Much is That) Doggie in the Window
3. Cross Over the Bridge
4. Detour
5. Mister and Mississippi
6. Old Cape Cod

Side 2:
1. I Went to Your Wedding
2. Tennessee Waltz
3. With My Eyes Wide Open I'm Dreaming
4. Changing Partners
5. Allegheny Moon

Eddie Osborn - Fabulous Eddie, Vol. 2, at the Replica Wurlitzer

2011-02-09T21:12:00.004-06:00

I love organ music so when I saw this album last year I went ahead and bought it. I thought the artwork was pretty cute, too. Well, it's not exactly the kind of organ music I like (I was expecting more loungey stuff), but it's certainly very nostalgic. When I listen to it, I feel like I'm at a baseball game and someone should be coming around to sell me some peanuts. Or, that I should be at an old-time theatre watching a silent movie. It's that kind of organ music. Still, the history of the Replica Wurlitzer is quite interesting, and you can read about it here. You can see a cool picture of the organ on that page - very impressive. I couldn't find a release date on this record, but by reading about the Replica Wurlitzer ("made" around 1955) and that Replica Records was liquidated in the late 1950s, I'm guessing that this album was made in the late 1950s.

Track listing for Fabulous Eddie, Vol. 2, at the Replica Wurlitzer:

Side 1:
1. McNamera's Band March
2. Medley: September Song and September in the Rain
3. Sleepy Lagoon
4. Oh, You Beautiful Doll
5. In A Little Spanish Town
6. Five Foot Two
7. Pop Goes the Weasel

Side 2:
1. Waiting for the Robert E. Lee
2. You're the Cream in My Coffee
3. It All Depends on You
4. Moonglow
5. Smiles Medley
6. Toot, Toot, Tootsie
7. Tuxedo Junction

The Main St. Singers - Takin' the Shade

2011-02-06T15:20:00.005-06:00

I couldn't resist buying this album the other day at the little resale shop down the street - and I love it! I think it was the groovy outfits that they're all wearing - so 1970s! And those aren't really tuxes - they're jumpsuits over the ruffly tuxedo shirts. I remember that my dance instructors would wear outfits like that at my ballroom dance competitions. Not very flattering. I've never heard of this group and I think it was probably a group that played local hotels (label says Sacramento) and cruises (it says they composed "Greek Odyssey" for a European cruise). It says on the back that they recorded this album "for all their fans and friends". Oh, another big reason I bought this is that all the singers and musicians autographed the album on the back! Hey, this may be worth big bucks! There is no release year on this, but by the stylish outfits, I'm guessing early to mid 1970s. For those of you who are dying to know who these people are, they are: Betty Speegle, Lynn Elder, Robert Speegle, Fernando Rio, Rick Elder, Ted Skorman, Rich Leppanen, Don "Mult" Jones, and Scott Wilcox. (I think I have a crush on the guy standing under the tree between the two girls - wonder whatever happened to him.) You've heard all these songs, except for the two written by one of the members of the group and unfortunately, several of the songs have some skips. So, if anyone out there is lucky enough to have a copy of this record and it doesn't skip, please do share! :-) BTW, if anyone has any information on any of these musicians, I would love an update!

Track listing for Takin' the Shade with the Main St. Singers:

Side 1:
1. You've Got a Friend - Solos by Rick Elder and Lynn Elder (has a skip or two)
2. Easy Come, Easy Go - Solo by Robert Speegle
3. Yours - Solo by Fernando Rio
4. Have You Met "Mult" Jones - Trombone solos by Don "Mult" Jones
5. Impossible Dream - Solo by Rick Elder

Side 2:
1. For the Good Times - Solo by Rick Elder (has several skips)
2. Super Star - Trombone solo by Don Jones
3. Mama Gets High - Solo by Robert Speegle (has a skip or two)
4. Greek Odyssey
5. Tradition
6. Sabbeth Prayer (has a skip or two)

Herbie Lane & His Orchestra - Music to Remember You By (1955)

2011-02-02T21:20:00.005-06:00

I don't know what it is about the budget labels, but I just love buying the albums on those old budget labels! Most of the time, I find that the covers were just much more fun. You could almost always count on a pretty girl on the cover (the "cheesecake" covers), as this album illustrates, although this one is probably less "cheesecake" than others. This particular album is by Herbie Lane, with whom I am not familiar at all. But it's a pleasant enough record with all familiar pop standards. I think it was worth the 50 cents or $1 that I paid for it. :-)

Track listing for Herbie Lane - Music to Remember You By:

Side 1:
1. The Song Is You
2. Lisbon Antigua
3. Just One of Those Things
4. You Go to My Head
5. The Theme from Picnic
6. Moonlight Serenade

Side 2:
1. Yesterdays
2. Don't Get Around Much Anymore
3. Autumn Leaves
4. The Nearness of You
5. Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White

Wayne King - Our Language of Love (1965)

2011-01-30T21:15:00.005-06:00

If you like to ballroom dance, or would like to learn how, then any album by Wayne King should be in your collection. It seems that his albums were made for just that. I remember dancing to many songs by Wayne King when I was learning how to ballroom dance. Plus, every Friday we would have a dance for all the students, and the Wayne King songs were very popular. Not only are the songs familiar and pleasant, but the rhythm is very easy to dance to for beginners. This particular album has mostly fox trots, several waltzes, and a beguine (don't know what that is - didn't learn that one). So put on your dancing shoes and dance to the music of Wayne King!

Track listing for Wayne King - Our Language of Love:

Side 1:
1. Dear Heart - Waltz
2. Among My Souvenirs - Fox Trot
3. Our Language of Love - Beguine
4. Whispering - Fox Trot
5. San Antonio Rose - Fox Trot
6. Everybody Loves Somebody - Fox Trot

Side 2:
1. Emily - Waltz
2. Margie - Fox Trot
3. Embassy Waltz - Waltz
4. People - Fox Trot
5. Twelfth Street Rag - Fox Trot
6. Lazy River - Fox Trot

Jon Hall - Jon Hall Brings Music from Hawaii

2011-01-27T21:03:00.005-06:00

Here's another album from my Hawaiian category and celebrity category. It's in my celebrity category because Jon Hall was an actor - he starred in "The Hurricane" with Dorothy Lamour, and in the TV series, "Ramar of the Jungle". And it's obvious why it's in my Hawaiian category. Well, Jon Hall does not sing on this album. According to the liner notes, he went into a Hawaiian village pub, set up his own recording equipment, and recorded "a genuine Hawaiian Mardi Gras". So, it's a "live" album, but there's no credit given to the musicians anywhere on the record. It's also not like the other Hawaiian albums I have - it doesn't have the usual, typical songs on it. This one still has to grow on me - the jury is still out on this one. Oh, and I couldn't find a release date on this album.

Track listing for Jon Hall Brings Music from Hawaii:

Side 1:
1. Sweet Leilani (a skip at the end of the song)
2. Minoi Minoi E
3. Fish and Poi
4. Hawaiian Hospitality

Side 2:
1. My Little Grass Shack in Kealakekua Hawaii
2. Hula O Maki
3. Que Linda
4. Tematangi

Jackie Gleason - Music to Change Her Mind (1956)

2011-01-23T21:18:00.004-06:00

Here's another of my Jackie Gleason albums. As always, it's very pleasing mood music and the songs are all familiar. Add Bobby Hackett on trumpet and you can't miss. Enjoy!

Track listing for Jackie Gleason - Music to Change Her Mind:

Side 1:
1. You've Changed
2. Coquette
3. Did I Remember
4. Guilty
5. It's the Talk of the Town
6. My Sin
7. It Was So Beautiful
8. You're My Greatest Love

Side 2:
1. She's Funny That Way
2. All By Myself
3. I'm Glad There is You
4. You and the Night and the Music
5. Dancing In the Dark
6. You Call It Madness
7. Take Me In Your Arms

The Fantastic Strings of Felix Slatkin - Paradise Found (1960)

2011-01-19T21:11:00.005-06:00

It's cold here in Dallas and I just don't do well in cold weather (my hats off to those of you who live in really cold climates!). So, in order to make it a little more tolerable, I chose this lovely album of Hawaiian music. Ah, if only to be relaxing on a white sandy beach in Hawaii, listening to the roar of the waves, watching the surfers and sipping on a cold drink while someone plays the ukelele nearby... sigh. See? I feel warmer already!

Well, I found this little gem sometime late last year at the little resale shop down the street. Anytime I see a cover that says "Hawaii", I have to buy the record. I don't care if it's someone I never heard of, or if it's the same songs over and over again. I just have to have it! So, this cover definitely called to me, especially the cut-out and the pages inside. Unfortunately, the inside pages had some water damage and were stuck together, and when I went to pull them apart, they tore, even though I was doing it ever so slowly and carefully. :-( But, the record itself was in excellent condition and thoroughly enjoyable! Oh, and it was recorded in Hawaii!

Track listing for The Fantastic Strings of Felix Slatkin - Paradise Found:

Side 1:
1. Moon of Manakoora
2. My Little Grass Shack
3. My Isle of Golden Dreams
4. Hawaiian Wedding Song
5. The Hukilau Song
6. To You Sweetheart, Aloha

Side 2:
1. Sweet Leilani
2. Little Brown Gal
3. Paradise Found
4. Hiilawe
5. Beyond the Reef
6. Aloha Oe

Vincent Edwards - Sings (1962)

2011-01-16T21:58:00.006-06:00

Here's a record from my celebrity genre, which I found in the HPB bargain bin for only 50 cents. Vince Edwards recorded this during the height of his "Ben Casey" fame. I never saw the show, and I really don't remember Vince Edwards, although I'm sure I've seen him in some old movies or as a guest star on a TV show. Based on his dark rugged looks, I expected his voice to be deep, low, and maybe gruff; I did not expect to hear a tenor. And I think I read someplace that he was discovered by Bing Crosby. All in all, a pleasant record full of the familiar standards. Hmmm... I just realized that I've posted records by several TV doctors - Richard Chamberlain (Young Dr. Kildare), Chad Everett (Medical Center), and now Vince Edwards. I have to say that my favorite is Chad Everett (since he's the only one of the three I remember), but my favorite TV doctor of all time was... Marcus Welby! Too bad Robert Young didn't record an album.

Track listing for Vincent Edwards - Sings:

Side 1:
1. I'll Walk Alone
2. Don't Worry 'Bout Me
3. When I Fall In Love
4. I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)
5. Try a Little Tenderness
6. How Deep Is the Ocean (How High Is the Sky)

Side 2:
1. Lonesome Road
2. Stormy Weather (Keeps Rainin' All the Time)
3. As Time Goes By
4. And Now
5. Unchained Melody
6. Everybody's Got a Home But Me

Cliff Deegan and His Western Riders - Cowboy Favorites

2011-01-12T20:44:00.005-06:00

I love, love, LOVE this album cover! That is really the main reason I bought this album. I want a cowgirl outfit like the girl on the cover! I'm planning a dude ranch vacation this year and I think an outfit like that would make me very popular - maybe even catch me a rugged cowboy! I didn't really expect much from the album itself - figured it was just one of those low-budget so-so records. But I really enjoyed it and found myself singing along with the songs I knew. Unfortunately, the song I was really looking forward to hearing has some skips ("Pistol Packin' Mama"), but "A Cowboy Has to Sing" and "El Rancho Grande" make up for it. After listening to "A Cowboy Has to Sing", I just want to yodel. (Anyone have some good yodeling records to share?) And since I speak Spanish fluently and know the words to "El Rancho Grande", listening to this version just cracks me up. Oh, I couldn't find a release date on this, but I'm figuring late 1950s or early 1960s. Gosh, I just can't get enough of that cover! It is definitely going up on my wall - LOVE it! So, I hope you get as much enjoyment from this as I did! (BTW, if anyone can give me some recommendations of some good dude ranches, I'd appreciate it!)

Track listing for Cliff Deegan and His Western Riders - Cowboy Favorites:

Side 1:
1. When Payday Rolls Around
2. Ridin' Down the Canyon
3. Pistol Packin' Mama (contains several skips)
4. Cool Water
5. Tumbling Tumbleweeds
6. Deep In the Heart of Texas (a favorite, of course!)

Side 2:
1. Take Me Back to My Boots and Saddle
2. Home On the Range
3. Beside the Rio Grande
4. A Cowboy Has to Sing
5. Red River Valley
6. El Rancho Grande

The Ray Charles Singers - Something Special for Young Lovers (1964)

2011-01-09T20:49:00.007-06:00

Here's one of my favorite choral groups - the Ray Charles Singers. Lately I just haven't been able to get enough of the different choral groups - there just isn't enough time in the day to listen to all the records I want to hear! Besides the fact that this record is by the Ray Charles Singers, I bought it for the cover art, and because it's by Command Records. I don't have too many of the Command Records, but I find that I'm starting to look out for these more and more. One thing I did find puzzling about this particular record is that both the cover and the label say "Stereo", but when I recorded it I didn't see that there were two different tracks. And in some of the songs, the men's voices sound kind of "distant". I'm wondering if maybe the record could have been mislabeled. Odd. Anyway, I still enjoyed this album, especially "Quiet Nights", which is one of my all-time favorite songs. And any album that has "Dominique" on it is fine by me!

1/25/2011 UPDATE: I found the problem with one of my sound settings (don't know how I changed it) and rerecorded this album. It is now in stereo, the way it's supposed to be.

Track listing for Ray Charles Singers - Something Special for Young Lovers:

Side 1:
1. This Could Be the Start of Something
2. I Left My Heart in San Francisco
3. More
4. There! I've Said It Again
5. This Is All I Ask
6. Dominique

Side 2:
1. Hello, Dolly!
2. Quiet Nights
3. Love Me With All Your Heart
4. Charade
5. What Kind of Fool Am I? (contains a skip)
6. Sweet Little Mountain Bird

Herschel Bernardi - Sings Fiddler On the Roof (1966)

2011-01-06T21:40:00.005-06:00

"Fiddler On the Roof" is one of my favorite musicals. I have the movie (on VHS - need to burn it to DVD) and the movie soundtrack (will post at a later date). There are so many songs that I absolutely love - it's hard to pick just one favorite. I have never seen it on the stage, but hope to some day. When I found this record (at my favorite little resale shop down the street), I almost passed it over until I saw that it was Herschel Bernardi. I remember his TV show, "Arnie", and that he was the voice of Charlie the Tuna, but I did not know that he had played Tevye in the stage production. Since I love "celebrity" records, I had to buy this - and at 50 cents, how could I go wrong? Well, the record sounded great and I loved the songs. He introduces each song with a little monologue as "Tevye". Which is your favorite song?

Track listing from Herschel Bernardi - Sings Fiddler On the Roof:

Side 1:
1. Tradition
2. Matchmaker, Matchmaker
3. If I Were a Rich Man
4. Sabbath Prayer
5. Miracle of Miracles

Side 2:
1. To Life
2. Sunrise, Sunset
3. When Messiah Comes
4. Anatevka
5. Fiddler On the Roof

Steve Allen - Around the World (1959)

2011-01-03T21:03:00.006-06:00

Happy New Year, everyone! Here's wishing you a happy, prosperous, and healthy 2011!

One of my New Year resolutions is to get back to posting on a regular basis - twice a week (except when I'm on vacation). I had to work a lot of overtime (paid, thankfully) last year, so I was unable to post as much as I would have liked to, but my new job is great and seems like there will be overtime just once in awhile. So, I'm hoping to have more time to dedicate to digitizing my record collection, scanning tons of old negatives, and tending to all my other interests.

So, to start off 2011, I offer you this little gem that I bought last month at my favorite little resale shop down the street (I also bought two Christmas albums, which I'll share during the next Christmas season). It was the cover art that first grabbed my attention to this album (it'll be framed and hanging in my entryway in the next few days), but I also enjoy listening to Steve Allen. I've already posted my two other Steve Allen albums, and I find them very enjoyable and relaxing. Steve takes us on a trip around the world to places such as Mexico, Spain, France, Japan, Germany, and others. So, if you're already planning your vacation for 2011 (I am), give a listen to this album for some ideas as to where you'd like to go.

Track listing for Steve Allen - Around the World:

Side 1:
1. Adios (Mexico)
2. Madre (Spain)
3. When the World Was Young (France)
4. Fight for the Land (England)
5. Danny Boy (Ireland)
6. Auf Wiedersehn (Germany)

Side 2:
1. Holiday in Brussels (Belgium)
2. Non Dimenticar (Italy)
3. Song of India (India)
4. A Midsummer Night's Dream (Japan)
5. The Peanut Vendor (Cuba)
6. U.S.A. (The United States)

Cool Yule Tunes 2010 - A Stax o' Wax Compilation

2010-12-19T14:13:00.005-06:00

Have you all finished your Christmas shopping yet? Have you started? ;-)

I braved the crowds this last weekend before Christmas and did my shopping for my family. So, this is my last Christmas post for the year as I'll be visiting my family and friends back in my hometown for the Christmas holiday. But before I sign off for the year, I have to post my annual Christmas compilation! So, I've put together a compilation of some favorite Christmas songs for this year's Cool Yule Tunes 2010. This is just a little token of my appreciation to all of you for visiting my blog and sharing in my love of this type of music and the nostalgia of glorious vinyl.

There's a little bit of everything here and I hope you enjoy the songs I've picked. And, if you don't already have them, click on the "Cool Yule Tunes" label to see the previous three Christmas compilations and download them to have a complete collection!

I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and I hope you get to spend it with those you love. I also wish you a very Happy and Prosperous New Year! See you back here after the New Year!

Track listing for Cool Yule Tunes 2010 - A Stax o' Wax Compilation:

1. Christmas All Over the World - Jim Nabors
2. Santa Claus is Comin' to Town - The Three Suns
3. It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas - Kate Smith
4. Sleigh Ride - Al Caiola & Riz Ortolani
5. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! - Ed Ames
6. The Bell That Couldn't Jingle - Burt Bacharach
7. The Christmas Song - Carol Burnett
8. Winter Wonderland - Anne Murray
9. Joy to the World - Mannheim Steamroller
10. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer - Gene Autry
11. Santa's Got a Brand New Bag - The Hollyridge Strings
12. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing - Felix Slatkin
13. Christmas Island - Cyril Stapleton & His Orchestra with Children's Chorus
14. Mele Kalikimaka - Haleloke, featuring Arthur Godfrey on the ukelele
15. Holiday for Bells - Bert Kaempfert & His Orchestra
16. Frosty the Snow Man - Vaughan Monroe & His Orchestra
17. Merry, Merry Christmas Baby - Dodie Stevens
18. Deck the Halls - Danny Kaye
19. Silver Bells - Pat Boone
20. White Christmas - Lana Cantrell
21. The Christmas Waltz - Nancy Wilson
22. The Night Before Christmas Song - Gisele MacKenzie
23. Jingle Bells - Sammy Davis Jr.
24. Parade of the Wooden Soldiers - Freddy Martin & His Orchestra
25. Blue Christmas - Ernest Tubbs
26. We Wish You a Merry Christmas - Warner Brothers Stars
27. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Ramsey Lewis
28. Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus - Jimmy Osmond

Boots Randolph - Boots and Stockings (1969)

2010-12-15T20:01:00.004-06:00

I got this one from the HPB bargain bin either last year or the year before. I loved the title, "Boots and Stockings", and I also love the sax. I took up alto sax in the late 1980s, but had to quit when I got braces for the second time (I had them as a kid, then again as an adult). By the time I got the braces off, I had put the sax in storage (still haven't found it), so I don't play it anymore. Anyway, I do enjoy this album, and I hope you do, too!

Track listing for Boots Randolph - Boots and Stockings:

Side 1:
1. Medley: Santa Claus is Comin' to Town/ Jolly Old St. Nick/ Here Comes Santa Claus
2. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
3. Jingle Bells
4. Frosty the Snow Man
5. Sleigh Ride

Side 2:
1. White Christmas
2. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)
3. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
4. Silver Bells
5. I'll Be Home for Christmas
6. Greensleeves

Gisele MacKenzie - Christmas with Gisele (1959)

2010-12-12T15:04:00.006-06:00

I found this little gem last year at my favorite little resale store nearby. I bought it because I just loved the cover. I have never heard of Gisele MacKenzie, but one of my coworkers had and he liked her. I did like the album once I listened to it, and here are a few of the liner notes:

In this album, the Canadian-born songstress sings a collection of Christmas songs gathered from all parts of the world.... Gisele is a bewitching combination of gamin and grand lady.

I just love that description of Gisele! Now I have to find other albums by her!

Track listing for Gisele MacKenzie - Christmas with Gisele:

Side 1:
1. Silent Night; God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen; The Coventry Carol
2. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
3. Dans Cette Etable (In This Stable); Les Anges Dans Nos Campagnes (The Angels in Our Fields); La Marche Des Rois (The March of the Kings)
4. White Christmas
5. We Three Kings of Orient Are; Good King Wenceslas; Gesu Bambino
6. The Christmas Song

Side 2:
1. Santa Claus is Comin' to Town
2. Parade of the Wooden Soldiers
3. The Night Before Christmas Song
4. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
5. Too Fat for the Chimney
6. Jingle Bells

Click here to go see a video of Gisele singing "White Christmas"! (It wouldn't let me embed the video.)

Percy Faith - Music of Christmas (1959)

2010-12-08T21:14:00.006-06:00

Christmas just would not be Christmas without listening to one of my mom's Christmas albums. My mother was an elementary school teacher for 48 years (she retired in 1985) and was either in charge of or helped with her school's annual Christmas pageant. (Are public schools even allowed to have Christmas pageants anymore???) So, she had a nice collection of Christmas albums which she would use for the pageants. I only have one memory - and it's pretty vague - of one of the pageants and it is of a little girl lip-syncing to "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus". I was probably only 5 or 6 years old at the time, and I thought she was really singing and was very impressed. The only other thing I remember is that it was cold (December in South Texas can be 70 degrees or 50 degrees), and that my father and I had to stand at the back of the auditorium because there were no available chairs. Oh, and my mom also played the piano for some of the Christmas carols. Anyway, this is one of the few Christmas albums that I have that belonged to my mom because some were destroyed in Hurricane Beulah (1967) and some others were stolen from her classroom. I'm glad this one has survived all these years because it's by Percy Faith and his orchestra, which is probably the orchestra that most reminds me of my mom. Enjoy!

Track listing for Percy Faith - Music of Christmas:

Side 1:
1. Joy to the World
2. Silent Night, Holy Night
3. Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly
4. It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
5. Good King Wenceslas
6. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Side 2:
1. The First Noel
2. Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming; O Little Town of Bethlehem
3. O Holy Night
4. The Holly and The Ivy; Here We Go A-Caroling
5. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
6. O Come, All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fideles)

Bert Kaempfert - Christmas Wonderland (1963)

2010-12-05T19:03:00.005-06:00

Today's Christmas album is a thrift store find, bought for 50 cents at my favorite little resale/thrift store down the street. I think Bert Kaempfert's music is very danceable, and I think this album is great to play at your holiday party! Interesting cover, too. Enjoy!

Track listing for Bert Kaempfert - Christmas Wonderland:

Side 1:
1. The Little Drummer Boy
2. Santa Claus is Comin' to Town
3. I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
4. Holiday for Bells
5. Winter Wonderland
6. Children's Christmas Dream

Side 2:
1. Sleigh Ride
2. White Christmas
3. Toy Parade
4. Christmas Wonderland
5. Jingo Jango
6. Jumpin' Jiminy Christmas

The Ray Charles Singers - Winter Wonderland (1956)

2010-12-01T20:29:00.004-06:00

The second Christmas album offering this year is an album I found in the HPB bargain bin earlier this year - for only 50 cents! I bought it for two reasons - the cover and the Ray Charles Singers. I love choral groups like this, especially the vocal arrangements. This album has some of the usual holiday songs, plus a couple I had never heard before. Here's some info from the liner notes as to who the singers and musicians are:

The Ray Charles Singers heard in this recording are Lillian Clark, Kathleen Wallace, Lois Winter, Miriam Workman, Robert Bollinger, Jerry Duane, Edwin Lindstrom, Eugene Lowell, Arthur Malvin, Alan Sokoloff, Michael Stewart, and Eugene Steck. Mr.Charles himself is heard in the solo in WHEN WINTER COMES. The outstanding musicians who accompany the vocal group are Dick Hyman, piano (especially notable are his solos in WHEN WINTER COMES A-CALLIN' and SNOWFALL); Nick Perito, accordion; Tony Mottola, guitar; Robert Rosengarden, drums; John Zimmermann, bass; and Pearl Chertock, harp. (My note - I'm sure you see some familiar names there!)

Track listing for The Ray Charles Singers - Winter Wonderland:

Side 1:
1. Winter Wonderland
2. Button Up Your Overcoat
3. June in January
4. When Winter Comes
5. Snowfall
6. I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm

Side 2:
1. Winter & Theme for Indoor Sports
2. Moonlight in Vermont
3. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
4. When Winter Comes A-Callin'
5. Jingle Bells
6. By the Fireside

Andy Williams - Christmas Present (1974)

2010-11-28T16:13:00.005-06:00

Hi, all! Took a little hiatus due to my work schedule, but I started a new job (hoping for NO or very little overtime) and I'm ready to get back at sharing my love of music with you! So, as we approach another Christmas season, let's get this going!

I remember buying this album with my own money from my allowance back in 1974 or 1975. I had just seen Andy Williams' Christmas special titled "Christmas Present" and absolutely loved the show. I especially liked the version of "Christmas Bells" sung by Andy's wife, Claudine Longet, and their daughter, Noelle. When I saw the record at the store, I just had to have it, but I had to convince my mother to let me buy it because it was "expensive" - $4.58 was a lot for a kid to spend on a record back then. Well, when I got it home, I was disappointed in the record (but I didn't dare tell my mother) because I had expected it to be a soundtrack of the show, but it was just Andy singing all the songs from the show. Now, of course, I love this record and Andy's singing, but I would still love to have a copy of that Christmas special, especially to see Claudine and Noelle singing "Christmas Bells". (So, if anyone knows if this show is available on DVD, please let me know!) I hope this album gets you all in the Christmas spirit!

Track listing for Andy Williams - Christmas Present:

Side 1:
1. Christmas Present
2. Joy to the World
3. O Little Town of Bethlehem
4. Christmas Bells
5. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
6. Ave Maria (Schubert)

Side 2:
1. Oh Come All Ye Faithful
2. Angels We Have Heard On High
3. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
4. Ave Maria (Gounod)
5. What Child Is This
6. I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
7. The Lord's Prayer

Here's a public service announcement that Andy did around the time "Christmas Present" aired on TV:

The Arthur Murray TV Dance Orchestra - Arthur Murray's Music for Dancing (1958)

2010-10-03T21:05:00.005-05:00

Here's another record that I bought back during my ballroom dancing days. It's got some really great songs for dancing fox trots, waltzes, and some latin dances. They're not too fast so a beginner can easily keep the rhythm while learning to dance. And if you don't like or know how to dance, the songs are just great for listening!

Track listing for Arthur Murray's Music for Dancing:

Side 1:
1. I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm - Fox Trot
2. Deep Purple - Fox Trot
3. It's a Big Wide Wonderful World - Waltz
4. When My Dream Boat Come Home - Rock 'n' Roll
5. You're a Heavenly Thing - Rock 'n' Roll
6. When We Do the Cha Cha Cha - Cha Cha

Side 2:
1. Lisbon Antigua - Cha Cha
2. Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White - Rumba
3. The Fence (El Merengue Empaliza) - Merengue
4. Uno! (One More Kiss) - Tango
5. Sway (Quien Sera) - Mambo
6. Anna - Samba

Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 - Fool on the Hill (1968)

2010-09-26T21:36:00.005-05:00

I was listening to "When Summer Turns to Snow" the other day (now that summer is over and winter looms ahead), so I thought I'd share this album. LOVE the whole Brazilian sound that became popular in the mid-1960s. Something interesting about this album is that this is the second version of the band. Sergio Mendes got rid of all the original band members, with the exception of lead singer Lani Hall, for this album. I don't know what the reasoning behind that was, and if anybody is in the know, please do tell. Anyway, I do love the sound of this band, and Lani's voice is always a pleasure.

Track listing for Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 - Fool on the Hill:

Side 1:
1. Fool on the Hill
2. Festa
3. Casa Forte
4. Canto Triste
5. Upa, Neguinho

Side 2:
1. Lapinha
2. Scarborough Fair
3. When Summer Turns to Snow
4. Laia Ladaia (Reza)

Mantovani - Mantovani Film Encores Volume 1 (1957)

2010-09-23T21:09:00.005-05:00

This is one of my mom's albums that I listened to many a Saturday when growing up. My mom loved to play her records on her General Electric console stereo almost every Saturday while doing some house cleaning, or working on lesson plans, or making banners for our church. This was definitely one of her favorites. The album jacket is very worn - masking tape all around the edges, major scuffing, plus my mother's handwriting all over - so the picture above is one I found on the internet. But the album itself is in really good shape. My mom did try to take good care of (most of) her records (still trying to figure out what that clear red liquid was that she used to clean them). Anyway, both my mom and I really liked this record because they are all songs from movies. And besides a love of music, a love of movies is something else we shared. My mom's favorite from this album was "Theme from 'Limelight'".

Track listing for Mantovani Film Encores Volume 1:

Side 1:
1. My Foolish Heart
2. Unchained Melody
3. Over the Rainbow
4. Summertime in Venice
5. Intermezzo
6. Three Coins in the Fountain

Side 2:
1. Love is a Many Splendored Thing
2. Laura
3. High Noon
4. Hi-Lili, Hi-Lo
5. September Song
6. Theme from "Limelight"

Arthur Lyman - Yellow Bird (1960)

2010-09-19T17:16:00.006-05:00

It's a beautiful, lazy Sunday in Dallas, Texas, and this is the perfect album to go with it! So easy to listen to, to read by, to just sit on the porch sipping a cool one... ahhh! Arthur Lyman is truly one of the kings of exotica. If you're a long-time fan/collector of exotica, then you probably already have this one, but if you're just starting your collection, then you definitely need this one. Enjoy! (BTW, if you think some titles are misspelled, I just typed them the way they are listed on the back cover.)

Track listing for Arthur Lyman - Yellow Bird:

Side 1:
1. Havah Nagilah
2. Yellow Bird
3. Ravel's Bolero
4. Autumn Leaves
5. Arrive Derci Roma
6. Sweet and Lovely

Side 2:
1. Bamboo Tamboo
2. Andalusia
3. Adventures in Paradise
4. Granada
5. September Song
6. John Henry

Julie London - Julie Is Her Name Volume Two (1958)

2010-09-16T23:02:00.005-05:00

I was listening to this album the other day so I decided to go ahead and post it. I only have one or two more albums by Julie, and I'm sure I'll get around to posting those in time. Besides being a beautiful WWII pin-up girl, Julie was quite a talented singer and recorded around 40 albums. Her sultry voice is certainly pleasing to the ears and her albums make great mood music. Enjoy!

Track listing for Julie Is Her Name Volume Two (Link has been deleted. Go buy CD on Amazon.):

Side 1:
1. Blue Moon
2. What Is This Thing Called Love
3. How Long Has This Been Going On
4. Too Good to Be True
5. Spring Is Here
6. Goody Goody

Side 2:
1. The One I Love (Belongs to Somebody Else)
2. If I'm Lucky
3. Hot Toddy
4. Little White Lies
5. I Guess I'll Have to Change My Plan
6. I Got Lost in His Arms

The Keymen - Dance with Dick Clark Volume One (1958)

2010-09-12T15:47:00.006-05:00

Here's a little gem I picked up at my favorite resale store down the street from my house, and it was only 50 cents! Besides HPB, I find some real treasures at this little shop. They don't have very many records, but the ones they have are usually ones I don't see at HPB.

I have to say that the main reason I bought this was for the cover of a young Dick Clark. He's a legend for all of us baby-boomers! How many of us grew up watching "American Bandstand" every Saturday morning (that's when it showed in my hometown) and learning new dance steps? Then of course, we started ringing in the New Year with Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve (and left our parents to watch the Guy Lombardo New Year's show). This cover will definitely be hanging on my wall. The album itself is very nostalgic. I thought it was going to be a compilation album with the songs performed by the original artists, but when I got home I saw that it was actually the songs played as instrumentals by the Keymen. Lots of sax and twangy guitars - which I love. And they definitely "have a beat and you can dance to them"!

Track listing for The Keymen - Dance with Dick Clark Volume One:

Side 1:
1. Willie and the Hand Jive
2. Drifting and Dreaming
3. Gazackstahagen
4. Short Fat Fanny
5. Dawn
6. Love is Strange

Side 2:
1. Isle of Capri
2. Miss You
3. Goggles
4. Sentimental Journey
5. Like Help Man
6. Long Tall Sally

Jackie Gleason - Music for the Love Hours (1957)

2010-08-01T17:37:00.005-05:00

Hey there! Been super busy with work so haven't posted as often as I'd like. And I had this one ready to post last month but didn't get a chance. So, as we start out my favorite month of the year - August - I offer you one of my Jackie Gleason albums. Always great for some "mood" music, Jackie Gleason albums don't disappoint. I find them so soothing after a hard day of work. They also provide great background music if I have to work from home on the computer. So, without further ado... enjoy!

Track listing for Jackie Gleason - Music for the Love Hours:

Side 1:
1. Darn That Dream
2. Poor Butterfly
3. Serenade In Blue
4. How Did She Look
5. Moonlight Becomes You
6. Just One More Chance
7. I Love You Much Too Much
8. Hold Me

Side 2:
1. Get Out of Town
2. Our Love
3. Just a Memory
4. If I Could Be With You
5. Ghost of a Chance
6. I've Got You Under My Skin
7. Lover Come Back To Me
8. The House is Haunted

Xavier Cugat - Viva Cugat! (1961)

2010-07-14T21:33:00.004-05:00

Here's one I've had for quite awhile, since the late 1980s when I was doing the ballroom dance thing. This is a really good record - has great songs that are very danceable. I like most anything by Xavier Cugat, and I even have an album that has four 78rpm records (can't remember off-hand what the name of the album is). If I ever finish unpacking (I moved in this house 2 years ago) and find my 78s, I'll record that one. Anyway, my favorites on this one are "Siboney" and "Isle of Capri". Enjoy this one!

Track listing for Xavier Cugat - Viva Cugat!:

Side 1:
1. Jungle Concerto
2. The Peanut Vendor
3. Isle of Capri
4. Tropical Merengue
5. Nightingale
6. Perfidia

Side 2:
1. Siboney
2. Jungle Drums
3. Anna
4. Maria Elena
5. Poinciana
6. Say Si Si

The Ray Conniff Singers - Young At Heart (1960)

2010-07-11T15:00:00.005-05:00

Well, I posted another Ray Conniff Singers album (So Much in Love) before and thought that was the first one where the Singers got top billing, but this one was released before, in 1960. Anyway, it really doesn't matter because they're both great! Just hearing the Ray Conniff Singers sing makes me smile! :-) The songs are always so cheerful and melodic - perfect to make anyone feel better. Enjoy!

Track listing for Ray Conniff Singers - Young At Heart:

Side 1:
1. Remember
2. You'll Never Know
3. Dancing With Tears In My Eyes
4. I'm In the Mood For Love
5. I'll Be Seeing You
6. It's Dark On Observatory Hill

Side 2:
1. These Foolish Things
2. Ma, He's Making Eyes At Me
3. Young At Heart
4. If I Loved You
5. Harbor Lights
6. I'll See You In My Dreams

David Cassidy - Cherish (1972)

2010-06-27T21:15:00.006-05:00

Wow... can you believe this album was released 38 years ago??? I don't know about you, but I still feel like the little girl whose heart went all aflutter whenever David Cassidy was on TV or the radio. Oh, I still love other "teen idols" from back in the day, but David Cassidy will always be my first love! Just look how absolutely dreamy he is on the cover! And even though this album is 38 years old, I think it still holds up. My favorite song used to be the title cover song, "Cherish", but now it's "My First Night Alone Without You". Does that mean I've grown up? Gee, I hope not.

Track listing for David Cassidy - Cherish:

Side 1:
1. Being Together
2. I Just Wanna Make You Happy
3. Could It Be Forever
4. Blind Hope
5. I Lost My Chance
6. My First Night Alone Without You

Side 2:
1. We Could Never Be Friends ('Cause We've Been Lovers Too Long)
2. Where Is the Morning
3. I Am a Clown
4. Cherish
5. Ricky's Tune

Pat Boone - Stardust (1958)

2010-06-23T21:41:00.006-05:00

Well, this is the last of my Pat Boone records. I've had this one for some time - bought it sometime in the late 1980s when I discovered my favorite local radio station, KAAM. Pat Boone is played regularly on that station. Anyway, I've always loved his smooth voice and his choice of songs. I've also seen a few of his movies - "Bernardine", "State Fair", and "The Cross and the Switchblade". I saw the last one as an extra credit assignment for my ninth grade religion class (I went to Catholic school for 12 years) in the 1970s (it also featured a young Erik Estrada as a young punk). Well, this is a great album and it's full of lovely familiar standards. And Pat sings them all beautifully. Also, the orchestra is conducted by Billy Vaughn! Enjoy!

Track listing for Pat Boone - Stardust:

Side 1:
1. Stardust
2. Blueberry Hill
3. Ebb Tide
4. Little White Lies
5. To Each His Own
6. Cold, Cold Heart
7. Deep Purple

Side 2:
1. Autumn Leaves
2. St. Louis Blues
3. Solitude
4. Anniversary Song
5. Heartaches
6. I'll Walk Alone
7. September Song

Summer Compilation Vol.4 (2010)

2010-06-20T13:50:00.005-05:00

Happy First Day of Summer tomorrow! Summer is my very favorite season, and I am glad it has arrived! The heat doesn't bother me at all, and I like the longer days. Summer holds lots of wonderful memories for me, so, in celebration of the First Day of Summer, I offer you my annual summer songs compilation. The previous three summer compilations have contained only songs with the word "summer" in the title. Well, I'm running out of those songs, so this year I've expanded the song choices to include the words "beach", "surf", and "sun". Hope you enjoy this!

Track listing for Summer Compilation Vol.4 (2010):

1. Summertime Blues - Alan Jackson
2. Surf Beat - The Lively Ones
3. A Hot Summer Day - It's a Beautiful Day
4. Summer of '42 - 101 Strings
5. A Summer Place - Andy Williams
6. Last Summer - The Golddiggers
7. Fun in the Sun - Walter Scott
8. The Green Leaves of Summer - Frankie Laine
9. Summertime - Don Ralke
10. Surfing Drums - The Surfaris
11. Surfboard - Esquivel
12. White Sandy Beach of Hawai'i - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
13. Summer Breeze - The Brady Bunch
14. Soft as a Summer Shower - David Cassidy
15. Surfin' Craze - James Darren
16. Surfin' Senorita - Herb Alpert's Tijuana Brass
17. A Summer Song - Kurt Russell
18. Your Summer Dream - The Beach Boys
19. Beautiful Girls and Sunshine - Hawaiian Islanders
20. Miami Beach Rumba - Freddy Martin & his Orchestra
21. Summer Days Alone - The Brothers Four
22. The Things We Did Last Summer - Dean Martin
23. Surf Fiesta - The Surf Mariachis
24. Beach Party Tonight - Annette Funicello
25. Hey, Mister Sun - Bobby Sherman
26. On the Beach at Waikiki - Les Adams & his Fabulous Hawaiians

If you haven't downloaded the first three volumes of my Summer compilations, click on the "summer" label to take you directly to those posts. Happy Summer!

Aaron Bell Orchestra - Music from 77 Sunset Strip (1959)

2010-06-16T21:23:00.007-05:00

Here's a gem I picked up a couple or so months ago at my favorite supplier of old records, Half-Price Books. I already posted an album of music from the TV series "77 Sunset Strip" by Frankie Ortega and Sy Oliver, and I downloaded the one by the Warren Barker Orchestra, so I guess you could say that I really love the music from that show! I just love "crime" jazz in general - too cool! Well, the sound quality on this one isn't the best, but it's still listenable (is that a word?) and just overall fun! I was reading up on Aaron Bell and he recorded other albums along these lines ("Peter Gunn" and others), so if anyone has any to share, please do!

Track listing for Aaron Bell Orchestra - Music from 77 Sunset Strip:

Side 1:
1. 77 Sunset Strip (Vocal)
2. 77 Sunset Strip Jazz
3. 77 Sunset Strip Blues

Side 2:
1. Swingin' On the Strip
2. Stu Bailey Blues
3. Caper At the Coffee House
4. Kookie's Caper

Herb Alpert's Tijuana Brass - South of the Border (1964)

2010-06-13T21:46:00.004-05:00

This was the third album by Herb Alpert and his Tijuana Brass, and one of my mom's favorites, although I don't remember her playing this one as much as a couple of the later ones. Several cover songs on this album, but my favorite song is "Mexican Shuffle". Kinda hard to believe Herb is 75 years old, but his music is ageless!

Track listing for Herb Alpert's Tijuana Brass - South of the Border:

Side 1:
1. South of the Border
2. The Girl from Ipanema
3. Hello, Dolly!
4. I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face
5. Up Cherry Street
6. Mexican Shuffle

Side 2:
1. El Presidente
2. All My Loving
3. Angelito
4. Salud, Amor y Dinero
5. Numero Cinco
6. Adios, Mi Corazon

Eddie Albert - The Eddie Albert Album (1966)

2010-06-09T21:51:00.005-05:00

Here's another celebrity vocal album. I got this at a music memorabilia show at the end of January, thanks to my friend, Dan, who pointed it out to me. We were both swooning over the young Edward Albert (Eddie's son) on the cover - wasn't he a dreamboat? Anyway, Eddie Albert recorded this album during his "Green Acres" fame, and sings that song on the album, but it's a little different from the version sung on the TV show (no Eva Gabor and some of the lyrics are different). Eddie was really a very talented entertainer - an Academy Award nominated actor, a singer, dancer, circus performer -go read about him on Wikipedia if you want to know more. And this album is a fun album. I like his version of Simon and Garfunkel's "Homeward Bound", and even "Guantanamera" (which I've always thought to be a boring song). But the one I really love is "Feeling Good" - it just cracks me up the way he says "Feeling gooooooood"! Hope you enjoy this!

Track listing for Eddie Albert - The Eddie Albert Album:

Side 1:
1. A Smile is Just a Frown (Turned Upside Down)
2. Don't Think Twice, It's All Right
3. Guantanamera
4. Colors
5. Feeling Good
6. Green Acres

Side 2:
1. Homeward Bound
2. Blowin' in the Wind
3. For Lovin' Me
4. Mr. Clown
5. Pass the Plate of Happiness Around

Walter Brennan - Old Rivers (1962)

2010-05-13T21:47:00.005-05:00

Time for some Walter Brennan. As I've mentioned in some previous posts, I absolutely love Walter Brennan - from watching him in westerns, Disney movies, and TV shows (westerns, of course). I think this album speaks for itself. The song "Old Rivers" gets me every time... (sniff). "Boll Weevil" is fun - has a beat and you can dance to it!

Track listing for Walter Brennan - Old Rivers:

Side 1:
1. Old Rivers
2. The Old Kelly Place
3. Conversation With a Mule
4. The Farmer and the Lord
5. Happy Birthday Old Folk

Side 2:
1. It Takes a Heap of Living
2. Boll Weevil
3. Steal Away
4. Pickin' Time
5. Old Rivers' Trunk

Mrs. Miller - Will Success Spoil Mrs. Miller?! (1966)

2010-05-09T21:34:00.006-05:00

Earlier this week one of my cats attacked me when I started singing "I Could Have Danced All Night" in my best Mrs. Miller voice (everyone's a critic). So, I thought today would be a good day to post one of my Mrs. Miller albums. How can anyone not love Mrs. Miller? I only wish that I had been aware of her back in her hey-day (I only found out about her a few years ago and quickly snatched up all her albums via eBay and HPB). If I had seen her on Ed Sullivan or one of those shows, I think I would have remembered her. Anyway, I love Mrs. Miller and listening to her albums. If I'm feeling down, I know that one of her records will chase the blues away. I know they chase my cats away. (And my cat-inflicted wounds are healing nicely, thank you.)

Track listing for Mrs. Miller - Will Success Spoil Mrs. Miller?!:

Side 1:
1. Strangers in the Night
2. Bill Bailey, Won't You Please Come Home?
3. Somewhere, My Love
4. A Groovy Kind of Love
5. Melody
6. The Girl from Ipanema

Side 2:
1. Yellow Submarine
2. Every Little Movement
3. Moon River
4. Second Hand Rose
5. Sweet Pea
6. Monday, Monday

Elvis Presley - Paradise, Hawaiian Style (1966)

2010-05-05T21:36:00.005-05:00

Sorry I haven't been consistent lately in posting my albums. My goal is to post one on Sunday and one on Wednesday, but I've just been swamped with other stuff. I'll try to do better!

Last weekend I went to a friend's yard sale and found a couple of gems, one of which was this Elvis soundtrack. I do love Elvis but I have not seen all his movies nor do I have all his albums (I only have about 3 or 4). I didn't even know he made another Hawaii movie besides "Blue Hawaii". I know... where have I been? Anyway, I thank my friend Donna for setting this album aside for me. Now I have to go find a DVD of the movie so that I can watch it!

Track listing for Elvis Presley - Paradise, Hawaiian Style:

Side 1:
1. Paradise, Hawaiian Style
2. Queenie Wahine's Papaya
3. Scratch My Back
4. Drums of the Islands
5. Datin'

Side 2:
1. A Dog's Life
2. House of Sand
3. Stop Where You Are
4. This is My Heaven
5. Sand Castles

Lawrence Welk and His Champagne Music - Play the Music of Walt Disney (1956)

2010-04-25T21:35:00.006-05:00

Thanks to Crichton72 for sending me this to post on my blog! He appreciates Lawrence Welk as much as I do! Please leave a comment and thank Crichton72 for this share!

If you love Lawrence Welk and you also love Walt Disney, then this is the album for you! Lawrence Welk and members of his musical family circa 1956 - the Lennon Sisters, Dick Dale, Alice Lon, Larry Hooper, Bob Lido, the Sparklers - sing favorite songs from several Walt Disney movies! This will certainly take you down memory lane - enjoy!

Track listing for Lawrence Welk - Play the Music of Walt Disney:

Side 1:
1. Whistle While You Work
2. When You Wish Upon a Star
3. Mickey Mouse Mambo
4. Some Day My Prince Will Come
5. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo
6. Zip-a-Dee-Do-Dah

Side 2:
1. Ballad of Davy Crockett
2. Hi! to You
3. That's What Uncle Remus Said
4. The Siamese Cat Song
5. A Whale of a Tale
6. Heigh-Ho

The Electronic Concept Orchestra - Moog Groove (1969)

2010-04-14T20:53:00.006-05:00

I found this little gem for 50 cents at this little resale shop near my house! Like many times before, it was the cover that caught my eye, then the word "moog", and finally the songs. I'm really getting into the moog sound lately - really groovy! Makes me wish I had some orange or green shag carpet and big throw pillows all over the floor. I'm definitely going to have to look for more albums with the moog sound!

Track listing for Electronic Concept Orchestra - Moog Groove:

Side 1:
1. Aquarius
2. Oh Happy Day
3. Hey Jude
4. Both Sides Now
5. Grazing in the Grass

Side 2:
1. Feelin' Alright
2. Penny Lane
3. Atlantis
4. Rock Me
5. Windmills of Your Mind

Percy Faith - Mucho Gusto! (1961)

2010-04-08T16:25:00.006-05:00

Yesterday (April 7) would have been Percy Faith's birthday. And today would have been my mother's birthday. So, because my mother loved Percy Faith so much (I don't think she knew his birthday was the day before hers), I decided to post this Percy Faith album to honor them both (but mostly for my mom). As I listen to this album, I am once again transported back to my childhood and memories of my mom listening to her records. This album also reminds me of the annual Charro Days, which are celebrated in my hometown of Brownsville, Texas, and the parades that I went to as a child. My mother was a school teacher and she often marched in the parades with her school (each school presents a dance to a traditional Mexican song, and the school bands would play, too). Those were good times, and I cherish the memories.

Track listing for Percy Faith - Mucho Gusto!:

Side 1:
1. Mucho Gusto
2. Besame Mucho
3. La Negra
4. Maria Elena
5. Huapango
6. Las Mananitas

Side 2:
1. Las Altenitas
2. Perfidia
3. Cielito Lindo
4. Adios Mariquita Linda
5. Cocula
6. La Chaparrita

Here's a picture of my mom marching in one of the Charro Days parades circa 1958 (before my time). So, now y'all have a face to put to my beloved mother that I often mention:

Martin Denny - Exotica Volume II (1958)

2010-03-31T21:56:00.003-05:00

Gotta love that exotica! After Martin Denny's success with the album "Exotica", it was inevitable that there would be another one to follow. So the following year there was "Exotica Volume II"! (There's also an "Exotica III", but I don't have that one.) If anyone has the third one, please share! I really don't think I need to say anything about Martin Denny - you all are quite familiar with his records! So... enjoy!

Track listing for Martin Denny - Exotica Volume II:

Side 1:
1. Soshu Night Serenade
2. Island of Dreams
3. Japanese Farewell Song (Sayonara)
4. Singing Bamboos
5. The Queen Chant (E Lili Ua E)
6. Wedding Song (Ke Kali Ne Au)

Side 2:
1. Escales
2. When First I Love
3. August Bells
4. Bacoa
5. Ebb Tide
6. Rush Hour in Hong Kong

The Ray Conniff Singers - So Much in Love (1961)

2010-03-28T14:26:00.003-05:00

Just as much as she loved anything Percy Faith, my mother loved anything Ray Conniff - and I inherited that. This album is by the Ray Conniff Singers, which was the chorus that often accompanied the orchestra on the other Ray Conniff albums. I think this was the first album that the Singers got top billing (please correct me if I'm wrong), because the liner notes say "This time, the Ray Conniff singers step out from the orchestra..." There are actually twelve songs, but they are sung as six medleys of two songs each. "Each medley tells a musical story about people who are 'so much in love'." I love albums by choral groups like this! This album was supervised by Frank De Vol, and the Conniff cover girl is Linda De Vol - his daughter perhaps?

Track listing for Ray Conniff Singers - So Much in Love:

Side 1:
1. Autumn Leaves; Just Walking in the Rain
2. I Fall in Love Too Easily; My Heart Stood Still
3. Dancing On the Ceiling; Dancing in the Dark

Side 2:
1. I Wish I Didn't Love You So; Bewitched
2. Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera); True Love
3. Chances Are; It's Not for Me to Say

Baja Marimba Band - Rides Again (1965)

2010-03-24T16:59:00.005-05:00

I can't believe my mother never bought any albums by the Baja Marimba Band, especially since she liked Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass so much, and it kind of goes along those lines. To tell you the truth, I had never really listened to any of their albums either until I bought this one sometime last year at my favorite supplier of used records, Half-Price Books. And I really like this album! I will definitely be buying more of their albums next time I go to HPB or to a flea market or estate sale. I've decided that I like almost any music from A&M Records during that time - Herb Alpert, Baja Marimba Band, Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66... all those folks! Herb knew how to pick the artists for his label! Well, all I can say about this album is that it is delightful! Enjoy!

Track listing for Baja Marimba Band - Rides Again:

Side 1:
1. Brasilia
2. Walk On By
3. Guacamole
4. More
5. Dear Heart
6. Majorca

Side 2:
1. Red Roses for a Blue Lady
2. Hecho En Mexico (Made in Mexico)
3. The Woody Woodpecker Song
4. A Spanish Rose
5. Juarez
6. Goin' Out the Side Door

Here they are playing "Brasilia":

Louise Akeo and Her Royal Hawaiian Girls - Authentic Music from the Kodak Hula Show (1956)

2010-03-17T21:41:00.006-05:00

Oh, how I wish I could be in Hawaii right now! Sigh... But, since I can't be there right now, I'll have to console myself by listening to one of my Hawaiian music albums. This album is "Authentic Music from the Kodak Hula Show". The Kodak Hula Show was a free show sponsored by Kodak that ran for many, many years in Waikiki. Unfortunately, Kodak pulled out its sponsorship in 1999 due to rising costs (it cost around $400,000 to $500,000 a year to put on this free show). A private family trust took it over for another three years or so, but they pulled their sponsorship as well due to the cost. I went to Hawaii in 1997 to participate in the Honolulu Marathon, and if I had known about the Kodak Hula Show I most definitely would have gone. Oh, well. Anyway, since I am so in love with all things Hawaii, I had to buy this album when I saw it in the HPB bargain bin. The first side is by Louise Akeo and her Royal Hawaiian Girls, but the second side just says "Instrumental Music for Your Hawaiian Pictures and Parties". So, at least you now have background music to play when you show your friends your pictures from your Hawaiian vacation - because that's what the record says.

Track listing for Louise Akeo - Authentic Music from the Kodak Hula Show:

Side 1:
1. Hilo E
2. Hoonanea
3. Haole Hula
4. E Liliu E
5. Nani Wale Na Hala
6. Ula Noweo
7. Lovely Hula Hands
8. I Alii No Oe
9. Thus Pounds the Poi
10. Cockeyed Mayor of Kaunakakai
11. Kawika
12. Hanohano Hanalei

Side 2:
1. Song of the Islands, "Na Lei O Hawaii"
2. Dargie Hula
3. Moana Chimes
4. The Wedding Song, "Ke Kali Nei Au"
5. Farewell Song, "Aloha Oe"

Mame OST (1974)

2010-03-14T15:51:00.005-05:00

When I was growing up, we first got cable TV in my hometown in the mid-1970s. At that time, it was called Casa Cinema and consisted of two channels, one of which was a movie channel and the other was a Spanish channel (I think). I loved the movie channel because they showed movies in their entirety without commercials, including R-rated movies (which was a big deal for a 12 or 13-year-old) - movies that they just didn't show on the late movie on the three networks. Being a major movie buff, I watched as many as I could even though there weren't many choices. I think they showed maybe four movies a month and they were repeated all month long. But those were simpler times and we were all happy to have that cable movie channel. Well, one of the first movies I saw on Casa Cinema was "Mame" from 1974 starring Lucille Ball. I don't remember this showing at the movie theatre at all, and I think I would've gone to see it because it was a musical and I loved musicals. Well, I loved it. In fact, I think I saw it every time it was shown on Casa Cinema that month. Even though she couldn't really sing, Lucille Ball was always one of my favorites so I didn't care. I do have to laugh a little today as I remember how every close-up of Lucy was with a filter to "soften" the aging star. Anyway, I bought the soundtrack as a cut-out when I came across it a few years after seeing the movie. I still think it's a fun movie, even if the critics hated it, and the musical did spawn a couple of favorite songs that have been recorded by several people. I think you'll know which songs I mean when you listen to the album!

Track listing for Mame OST:

Side 1:
1. Main Title... including 'St. Bridget' - Jane Connell
2. It's Today - Lucille Ball and Chorus
3. Open a New Window - Lucille Ball and Kirby Furlong
4. The Man in the Moon - Beatrice Arthur and Chorus
5. My Best Girl -Lucille Ball and Kirby Furlong
6. We Need a Little Christmas - Lucille Ball and Cast
7. Mame - Robert Preston and Chorus

Side 2:
1. Loving You - Robert Preston
2. The Letter - Kirby Furlong and Bruce Davison
3. Bosom Buddies - Lucille Ball and Beatrice Arthur
4. Gooch's Song - Jane Connell
5. If He Walked Into My Life - Lucille Ball
6. Finale - Lucille Ball and Chorus

The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra starring Warren Covington - Tea for Two Cha Chas (1960)

2010-02-28T15:33:00.005-06:00

This is an album I've had for awhile - bought it in the late 1980s when I first started ballroom dancing. I noticed that I bought a lot of cha cha albums back then - probably because it was my favorite of the dances that I was doing. When I bought this one, the only thing I saw was "Tommy Dorsey", who I knew about because of my mother's big band influence on me. Then I saw that Tommy Dorsey himself was no longer around and that his orchestra was being conducted by someone else. So I was disappointed when I found that out but I thought I'd listen to the album anyway. I loved it! I had heard "Tea for Two Cha Cha" on the radio, but I never knew who played it - until I bought the record. So I was very pleased with my purchase after all and thoroughly enjoyed all the songs on this album. It was just perfect for practicing my cha cha at home, and it remains one of my favorites to this day.

Track listing for The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra starring Warren Covington - Tea for Two Cha Chas:

Side 1:
1. Tea for Two Cha Cha
2. Por Favor
3. Patricia
4. I Still Get Jealous Cha Cha
5. Corazon de Melon
6. Dardanella Cha Cha

Side 2:
1. Rico Vacilon
2. I Want to Be Happy Cha Cha
3. Together 1-2-3
4. Trumpet Cha Cha Cha
5. Dinah Cha Cha
6. Cha Cha for Gia

Frank Sinatra - Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim (1967)

2010-02-21T15:17:00.006-06:00

I have long been a fan of Frank Sinatra, thanks to my mother. He was her absolute favorite singer and she would get all giddy like a schoolgirl while listening to his records or if one of his movies was on TV. But this album is not one of hers. I bought it about 20 or so years ago and played it for her but she didn't really like it that much. To be honest, it had to grow on me, too. I love the music of Antonio Carlos Jobim, especially the bossa nova tunes, but I guess I just wasn't used to Frank singing like this. I was lucky enough to see Ol' Blue Eyes in concert here in Dallas in the late 1980s (and the orchestra was conducted by Frank Jr.!), but I don't recall him singing any of these songs. But with time, I have come to really like this album. It's definitely worth a listen.

Track listing for Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim:

Side 1:
1. The Girl from Ipanema
2. Dindi
3. Change Partners
4. Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars
5. Meditation

Side 2:
1. If You Never Come to Me
2. How Insensitive
3. I Concentrate on You
4. Baubles, Bangles and Beads
5. Once I Loved

Here's a video clip of Frank Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim:

KAAM Most Requested - A Stax o' Wax Compilation (2009)

2010-02-11T07:35:00.005-06:00

As I have mentioned on several occasions, I am an avid listener of a local Dallas radio station, KAAM 770. I started listening to it in 1987 quite by accident. I had a radio on my desk at work and had been out one day (jury duty, if I remember correctly). The next day, when I returned to work, I turned on my radio and thought it was weird that they were playing "How Much is That Doggie in the Window" by Patti Page. That wasn't the kind of music I listened to! Then I noticed that my radio station had been changed and was a bit put off. But I realized that I loved that song and that I hadn't heard it since I was a little girl. So I left the station on and really liked what I was hearing. That has been my favorite radio station since that day (except for a short period when the station went "dark"). The station has moved around a couple of times to different frequencies and it's been sold a couple of times, but it looks like the current owners intend to keep it around for awhile. I have won several contests through the years (free ballroom dance lessons - that's how I got started on that, autographed CD from Bobby Sherman, free tickets to see Patti Page) and have discovered a lot of wonderful music through this station. When my mother would come visit me in Dallas, she enjoyed the station, too, and often commented how she wished there was a similar type station back home. She even got to go with me to a couple of station sponsored events - tea dances and such. "Old" music and "classic" movies were something that my mother and I had in common and enjoyed sharing.

Well, a couple or so years ago, KAAM listed their most requested songs on their website. I copied the list and started compiling the songs. I finally finished putting it all together (I get sidetracked sometimes) so here it is. Every song is familiar and a classic. Check out KAAM on the internet and listen to it online!

Track listing for KAAM Most Requested:

1. My Way - Frank Sinatra
2. In the Mood - Glenn Miller and his Orchestra
3. Somewhere My Love - Ray Conniff
4. I Left My Heart in San Francisco - Tony Bennett
5. Moon River - Henry Mancini
6. Spanish Eyes - Al Martino
7. Theme from "A Summer Place" - Percy Faith and his Orchestra
8. Unforgettable - Nat King Cole
9. It's Impossible - Perry Como
10. Downtown - Petula Clark
11. Sugartime - McGuire Sisters
12. A Man Without Love - Engelbert Humperdinck
13. A Certain Smile - Johnny Mathis
14. Love is Blue - Paul Mauriat
15. On a Clear Day - Robert Goulet
16. Welcome to My World - Jim Reeves
17. Tammy - Debbie Reynolds
18. I've Gotta Be Me - Sammy Davis Jr.
19. Tea for Two Cha Cha - Tommy Dorsey Orchestra conducted by Warren Covington
20. Georgia On My Mind - Ray Charles
21. Cast Your Fate to the Wind - Sounds Orchestral
22. I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm - Les Brown and his Band of Reknown
23. Rainy Night in Georgia - Brook Benton
24. Music, Music, Music - Teresa Brewer
25. Love is a Many Splendored Thing - Four Aces
26. Make the World Go Away - Eddy Arnold
27. Strangers in the Night - Frank Sinatra
28. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes - The Platters
29. Today - New Christy Minstrels
30. Don't Be That Way - Benny Goodman and his Orchestra

David Cassidy - Cassidy Live! (1974)

2010-02-07T14:26:00.005-06:00

Well, last night was a dream come true for me! After 40 years of waiting to see him in concert, I finally got to see David Cassidy perform!!! He and Davy Jones both performed in Dallas (actually, Grand Prairie) last night and it was just wonderful! Davy Jones was on first, and he sang lots of Monkees hits, his own singles, and a song from "Oliver!" He was very entertaining and full of jokes - just adorable! After a brief intermission, David Cassidy came on and he took us on his "musical journey", singing songs that inspired him when he was a boy, some Partridge Family songs, and some of his own singles. Of course, there weren't any girls fainting and it was all quite civilized - after all, most of the audience was made up of middle-aged women. But, some women did run up to the stage and tried to touch them, and a couple even got David to sign some stuff. Yours truly was not even close to the stage, but I did have a good view and was enthralled just the same. So, since I am still floating on Cloud Nine from finally seeing David Cassidy, I thought I'd post his live album from 1974 in Great Britain. I actually recorded this about a year ago as a request for someone, but did not post it then, but here it is now!

Track listing for David Cassidy - Cassidy Live!:

Side 1:
1. It's Preying On My Mind
2. Some Kind of a Summer
3. Breaking Up is Hard to Do
4. Bali Ha'i/Mae
5. I Am a Clown
6. Delta Lady

Side 2:
1. Please Please Me
2. Daydreamer
3. How Can I Be Sure
4. For What It's Worth
5. C. C. Rider Blues/Jenny Jenny
6. Rock Medley: Blue Suede Shoes, (We're Gonna) Rock Around the Clock, Jailhouse Rock, Rock and Roll Music, Rock Me Baby

Edmundo Ros - Rhythms of the South (1957)

2010-01-31T14:35:00.005-06:00

Wow! What a great album this is! But then again, I have yet to be disappointed in an album by Edmundo Ros and his orchestra. And what a great cover, too - suitable for framing! I bought this at my favorite store, Half-Price Books, and I am grateful to Ed Basden, the former owner of this record (his name is on the back cover), for unloading it at HPB so that I could enjoy it. I'm quite familiar with all the songs on this album, and if you've listened to any latin dance music from back in the day, then these will all be familiar to you, too. There's a variety of dances and the back cover lists the appropriate dance with each song - and I've included that in parentheses by each song. Even if you don't know the particular dance steps, just get up and do your own little dance to the songs. You'll have lots of fun and get a good workout, too! As the saying goes, "Dance as if no one is watching!"

Track listing for Edmundo Ros - Rhythms of the South:

Side 1:
1. Spanish Gypsy Dance (Pasodoble)
2. The Blue Danube (Valse Creole)
3. Barcarolle (Baiao)
4. La Maxixe (Marcha)
5. Capullito de Aleli (Son Rumba)
6. Siboney (Mambo)

Side 2:
1. Isle of Capri (Cha-Cha-Cha) - has a small skip
2. Colonel Bogey (Merengue)
3. Elizabeth (Samba)
4. Caminito (Tango) - has a small skip
5. Marta (Bolero)
6. Cachita (Guaracha)

Sam Makia and the Makapuu Beach Boys - Hawaii: The Fabulous Fiftieth State (1959)

2010-01-27T19:01:00.006-06:00

As we get ready for another cold spell to hit Dallas in a day or so, my mind drifts away to Hawaii, where I hope to live one day. Sigh. So, I took this album off the wall (I have it framed) of my Hawaii room (the guest room in my house) and decided to share it with you. This is another rescue from the HPB bargain bin, and I immediately fell in love with the cover! I have three Hawaiian music albums hanging on the wall in that room, and I change out the other two, but this one stays because I just love the statue of King Kamehameha. I've only been to Hawaii once - in 1997, when I participated in the Honolulu Marathon - and I did get to see the statue "in person" during one of my sight-seeing tours. Just that one visit to Hawaii was enough to know that I want to live there. One day... So, join me right now and go on a little trip to Hawaii.

Track listing for Sam Makia and the Makapuu Beach Boys - Hawaii: The Fiftieth State:

Side 1:
1. Sweet Leilani
2. The Hawaiian Wedding Song (Ke Kali Nei Au)
3. Maui Chimes-Hilo March
4. Blue Hawaii
5. Waipio
6. King Kamehameha (The Conqueror of the Islands)
7. To You Sweetheart, Aloha

Side 2:
1. Across the Sea; Mai Poina Oe I'au
2. Hawaiian War Chant; Hana Lei
3. Kuu Ipo Ika Hee Pue One
4. Lovely Hula Hands; Anapau
5. Kaimana Hila-Kalena Kai
6. Aloha Oe

Peggy Lee - Latin ala Lee! (1960)

2010-01-24T12:50:00.005-06:00

Sorry I didn't get around to posting last Wednesday. I try to post on Sundays and Wednesdays, but I've been swamped at work and doing overtime, so I just ran out of time.

But today I have some Peggy Lee for you! What can I say about Peggy Lee? She was absolutely WONDERFUL! I bought this album during my ballroom dancing days and immediately loved it! All the songs are familiar because they are "Broadway hits styled with an Afro-Cuban beat". The back of the album says it best, "Here's Manhattan with a twist of Latin as Peggy Lee swings through hit songs from the Great White Way, accompanied by authentic Afro-Cuban rhythms." It's hard to pick a favorite from this album, but if I had to pick just one then I pick "Heart."

Track listing for Peggy Lee - Latin ala Lee! (link has been deleted - go buy CD on Amazon):

Side 1:
1. Heart ("Damn Yankees")
2. On the Street Where You Live ("My Fair Lady")
3. Till There Was You ("The Music Man")
4. I Am in Love ("Can-Can")
5. Hey There ("The Pajama Game")
6. I Could Have Danced All Night ("My Fair Lady")

Side 2:
1. The Surrey With the Fringe On Top ("Oklahoma!")
2. The Party's Over ("Bells Are Ringing")
3. Dance Only With Me ("Say Darling")
4. Wish You Were Here ("Wish You Were Here")
5. C'est Magnifique ("Can-Can")
6. I Enjoy Being a Girl ("Flower Drum Song")

Jackie Gleason - Lonesome Echo (1955)

2010-01-17T15:43:00.005-06:00

This is probably one of the more famous album covers since it was by Salvador Dali. This was the first Jackie Gleason album that I bought and it was because of the Dali cover. Now, I really don't know much about art and famous painters, but I knew enough that Dali was famous, and I had seen that one painting with the weird clocks. So I bought this album for the sole purpose of framing it and hanging it on my wall. What a pleasant surprise it was when I actually listened to it! So, I ended up buying several more of Jackie Gleason's albums, two of which I've already shared. I just find listening to these albums so relaxing and soothing. They're great to play while reading a book, doing some paperwork, or as background music while having a nice dinner with guests or that special someone. So, kick back and treat yourself to some relaxing music.

Track listing for Jackie Gleason - Lonesome Echo:

Side 1:
1. There Must Be a Way
2. I Don't Know Why (I Just Do)
3. Deep Purple
4. Mad About the Boy
5. Someday I'll Find You
6. Come Rain or Come Shine
7. The Thrill is Gone
8. I Wished On the Moon

Side 2:
1. How Deep is the Ocean
2. Remember
3. Speak Low
4. I Still Get a Thrill
5. Darling, Je Vous Aime Beaucoup
6. I'm Always Chasing Rainbows
7. A Garden in the Rain
8. Dancing On the Ceiling

The Percy Faith Strings - Bouquet (1959)

2010-01-13T20:28:00.005-06:00

As I've mentioned before, I inherited my mother's records after she passed away in 1993, and I credit her for instilling the love of music in me. This particular record is one that really brings back a flood of memories. As I listen to it, I can see my mother sitting at the dining room table working on lesson plans (she was a teacher) on a Saturday afternoon while playing this album on her console stereo. Or, I can see her on a summer day sitting on a short stool, barefoot and wearing her "pedal pushers" (who remembers those?) while she cleaned her records with some red liquid. (I've never seen that red liquid since my childhood, so if anybody knows what it is, please tell me.) Percy Faith was one of her absolute favorites and "Bouquet" is probably one of the first albums I remember ever being played at our house. And after all these years, it still holds up. The lush strings, the beautiful melodies... but most of all, the vivid memory of my mother humming along and wearing those pedal pushers.

Track listing for The Percy Faith Strings - Bouquet:

Side 1:
1. Bouquet
2. Tenderly
3. Laura
4. The Song from Moulin Rouge
5. Beyond the Sea
6. Autumn Leaves

Side 2:
1. Speak Low
2. Solitude
3. Deep Purple
4. Intermezzo
5. Ebb Tide
6. Fascination

Ray Conniff - Dance the Bop! (1957)

2010-01-10T14:00:00.006-06:00

This is an album I bought a number of years ago at HPB, and it was the cover that caught my eye. I'm a major cat lover so I couldn't resist this album when I saw the Siamese cat on the cover. Of course, the fact that this is an album by Ray Conniff is a major plus, too! I don't know how to dance the bop and, unfortunately, the instruction booklet was not in the album when I bought it used. I hope the previous owner put the booklet to good use and learned to excel at the bop. A curious bit of trivia I found out is that Ray Conniff did not want to record this album. His record company came to him and told him of this "new" teenage dance rage and to come up with some songs and record them. For those of you who were teenagers in 1957, was the bop really the teenage rage? Just wondering.

Track listing for Ray Conniff - Dance the Bop!:

Side 1:
1. Walkin' the Bop
2. The Drop
3. Just Boppin'
4. Doin' the Twister
5. The Flea Hop
6. Cross Over

Side 2:
1. Walkin' the Bop Again
2. Swingin' the Bop
3. Hand Around
4. Play a Guitar Solo
5. The Spinner
6. Honky-Tonk Rock-Around

The Brothers Four - Song Book (1961)

2010-01-06T21:35:00.006-06:00

I hope you like folk music and great harmonies, because that's what this album is about. It is great! I first heard the Brothers Four on my local AM radio station, KAAM, and they soon became a favorite. As a kid, I never really listened to folk music since my mother never played it. I think she thought it was the kind of music that "those long-haired hippies" listened to (remember, my mother was from the big-band and crooners era). And even as I grew older, I didn't listen to it because I was more into the rock and disco of the 70s and the punk and new wave of the 80s (yes, I was a punker - who knew?). So it wasn't until I started listening to KAAM that I really became exposed to folk music and found that I liked it. So when I came across this album in the HPB bargain bin, I had to buy it. It's really a cool album because the inside has a song book! It has the lyrics for each song plus easy-to-play guitar chords, which I plan to learn if I ever find time to practice my guitar again! And even more cool - the inside is autographed by the Brothers Four!!! This album used to belong to a guy named Dave, so it says "To Dave" right above their signatures. Pretty cool, huh?

Track listing for The Brothers Four - Song Book:

Side 1:
1. Rock Island Line
2. Goodnight, Irene
3. The Tavern Song
4. Lady Greensleeves
5. The Drillers' Song
6. Nobody Knows

Side 2:
1. Viva La Compagnie
2. Ole Smokey
3. Tarrytown
4. Come for to Carry Me Home
5. Summer Days Alone
6. Frogg No. 2

Ernesto Aquino - Latin Goes Percussive Cha Cha Cha's (1960)

2010-01-03T15:33:00.005-06:00

Happy New Year! I wish you all a year full of good health, prosperity, love, peace, and happiness!

Here's an album that I bought when I was doing the ballroom dance thing. It seemed that I was always dancing the cha cha so I bought every cha cha album that caught my eye. This one caught my eye because of the album art - simple yet colorful and worthy of hanging on my wall. Besides cha cha's, you will also find some merengues on this album. If you've never danced either and would like to learn, I recommend signing up for a ballroom dance class at your local community college. They're relatively inexpensive (versus at a dance studio) so if you end up not liking it, you're not out a lot of money. But ballroom dancing is a lot of fun and a great way to get in shape - it beats going to the gym and sweating it out on the treadmill! So, turn up the volume and "dance as if no one is watching!"

Track listing for Ernesto Aquino - Latin Goes Percussive Cha Cha Cha's:

Side 1:
1. Take My Hand Cha Cha
2. Simon Says Cha Cha
3. Merengue Moderne
4. Festival Merengue
5. Siamese Cha Cha

Side 2:
1. Manhattan Merengue
2. Iberic Cha Cha
3. Cuba Calls
4. Havana Cha Cha
5. Latin Lover

Cool Yule Tunes 2009 - A Stax o' Wax Compilation

2009-12-20T13:19:00.007-06:00

This is my last Christmas post for the year as I'll be visiting my family and friends back in my hometown for the Christmas holiday. And, as has become my tradition, I've put together a compilation of some favorite Christmas songs for this year's Cool Yule Tunes 2009. This is just my little way of saying thanks to all of you for visiting my blog and sharing in my love of this type of music and the nostalgia of glorious vinyl.

Some of these songs are old favorites from my growing-up years, and there are a couple that are newer, and there are some that I'd never heard before until I heard them played on a local radio station. There's a little bit of everything here. And, if you don't already have them, click on the "Cool Yule Tunes" label to see the previous two Christmas compilations and download them to have a complete collection!

I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and I hope you get to spend it with those you love. I also wish you a very Happy and Prosperous New Year! See you back here after the New Year!

Track listing for Cool Yule Tunes 2009 - A Stax o' Wax Compilation:

1. It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas - Johnny Mathis
2. Let Me Be the First (To Wish You a Merry Christmas) - Steve Lawrence
3. Deck the Halls - The Johnny Mann Singers
4. Frosty the Snow Man - Esquivel
5. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! - Dorothy Provine
6. Pretty Snowflakes - Patti Page
7. Sleigh Ride - Andy Williams
8. White Christmas - The Ray Conniff Singers
9. Home for the Holidays - Jerry Vale
10. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus - Jackson 5
11. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen - Brothers Four
12. O Come All Ye Faithful - Mormon Tabernacle Choir
13. The Birthday of a King - Judy Garland
14. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing; Angels We Have Heard on High - Andre Kostelanetz
15. And the Bells Rang - Glenn Miller Singers
16. Jingle Bells - Jimmy Dean
17. Ring Those Christmas Bells - Fred Waring and The Pennsylvanians
18. Jingle Bell Rock - Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass
19. (Everybody's Waitin' for) The Man with the Bag - Brian Setzer Orchestra
20. Mister Santa - Amy Grant
21. The Chipmunk Song - The Chipmunks with David Seville
22. Nuttin' for Christmas - Barry Gordon
23. All I Want for Christmas (Is My Two Front Teeth) - King Cole Trio
24. Toyland - Doris Day
25. My Grown-Up Christmas List - Donny Osmond
26. Blue Christmas - The Partridge Family
27. Christmas in Killarney - Bing Crosby
28. Yah, Das Ist Ein Christmas Tree - Mel Blanc

True Value Happy Holidays Volume 18 (1983)

2009-12-16T19:22:00.005-06:00

I got this album at my favorite little resale store down the street from my house. I was very familiar with the Christmas albums put out by Goodyear and Firestone back in the day, but I didn't know about the True Value ones since we didn't have any True Value stores in my hometown. This is volume 18 from 1983, but I would like to find the early volumes, especially from the 1960s. If anyone out there has any other True Value albums, please do share!

Track listing for True Value Happy Holidays Volume 18:

Side 1:
1. Christmas Is... - Jack Jones
2. Winter Wonderland - Anne Murray
3. Sleigh Ride - Arthur Fiedler, Boston Pops Orchestra
4. The Twelve Days of Christmas - Harry Belafonte
5. If Every Day Was Like Christmas - Elvis Presley with The Jordanaires

Side 2:
1. Christmas is Here Again - Roger Whittaker
2. The Little Drummer Boy - Harry Simeone Chorale
3. O Holy Night - Nat King Cole
4. Christmas is the Warmest Time of the Year - Ed Ames
5. I Wish It Could Be Christmas Forever - Perry Como

Lawrence Welk - Merry Christmas from Lawrence Welk and His Champagne Music (1956)

2009-12-13T14:44:00.006-06:00

Todays Christmas album is dedicated to the memory of my parents, who loved watching "The Lawrence Welk Show" and who passed the love of this kind of music to me. I grew up watching Lawrence Welk on Saturday evenings after we would come home from Saturday evening Mass, but this album came out years before I became a fan of Mr. Wunnerful. I found this album in pristine condition at an estate sale. As you can see from the photo, it still has the original cellophane wrap with the K-Mart price sticker! I love finding treasures like this! This is definitely an album worth playing on Christmas morning as you open up all your presents!

Track listing for Merry Christmas from Lawrence Welk and His Champagne Music:

Side 1:
1. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! - Instrument Fox Trot
2. I Wanna Do More Than Whistle (Under the Mistletoe) - Vocal by The Sparklers and Alice Lon
3. White Christmas - Vocal by The Sparklers
4. Christmas Island - Vocal by The Sparklers
5. The Christmas Toy - Vocal by The Lennon Sisters
6. Santa Claus is Comin' to Town - Instrumental

Side 2:
1. Winter Wonderland - With Larry, Dick and Curt
2. Christmas Dreaming (A Little Early This Year) - Vocal by Dick Dale
3. Christmas Comes But Once a Year - Vocal by Larry, Dean and The Sparklers
4. Thanks for Christmas - Vocal by Alice Lon and The Sparklers
5. Twelve Gifts of Christmas - Vocal by Larry, Dean and The Sparklers
6. High on the House Top - Vocal by Larry Hooper

Here's a clip from the 1958 Lawrence Welk Christmas show:

The Three Suns - The Sounds of Christmas (1955)

2009-12-09T19:23:00.003-06:00

This is yet another gem I rescued from the HPB bargain bin - for only 50 cents!!! And once again, it was the album art that caught my eye. Of course, the fact that this is by the Three Suns is also great, plus they perform with a string orchestra conducted by Marty Gold and Sid Ramin! You just can't go wrong with this record!

Track listing for The Three Suns - The Sounds of Christmas:

Side 1:
1. Adeste Fideles
2. The First Noel
3. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
4. Oh Holy Night
5. The Monastery Bells
6. Greensleeves
7. Winter Wonderland
8. Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly
9. White Christmas
10. Joy to the World

Side 2:
1. Jingle Bells
2. Oh Little Town of Bethlehem
3. Carol of the Birds
4. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
5. Silent Night
6. Der Tannenbaum (Christmas Tree)
7. Santa Claus is Comin' to Town
8. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
9. Carol of the Bells
10. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Cyril Stapleton and his Orchestra with Children's Chorus - Children's Christmas Album (1959)

2009-12-06T15:49:00.004-06:00

I couldn't resist buying this record when I saw it in the HPB bargain bin - love the artwork! If you listen closely to the songs, you'll be able to hear the children's British accents - either that, or they have impeccable diction. Billboard Magazine gave this album three stars in its November 16, 1959 issue, and gave this review, "Good low-price Xmas buy. Stapleton's ork plays material suitable for the holiday season. Much charm contributed by the children's chorus. 'Christmas Alphabet', 'Rudolph' and 'Greensleeves' are typical." I'm not exactly sure what they mean by 'typical'...hmmm. I was a little surprised by the choice of songs on this album - most of them aren't exactly what I consider children's songs. But maybe back in 1959 they were considered just that ('Christmas Island' a children's song?). Anyway, I do like this album - hope you do too!

Track listing for Cyril Stapleton - Children's Christmas Album:

Side 1:
1. Christmas Alphabet
2. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
3. Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer
4. Christmas Island
5. White Christmas

Side 2:
1. I Saw Three Ships
2. Once in Royal David's City
3. Greensleeves
4. The Holly and the Ivy
5. Silent Night

Perry Como - Sings Merry Christmas Music (1956)

2009-12-02T21:05:00.005-06:00

Today's Christmas album is by Perry Como. What a smooth voice he had! I don't remember ever watching his TV show, but I do remember catching a couple of his Christmas specials - the last one being one he did in San Antonio (where I went to college). Well, this album is a must-have for your Christmas collection. It has some songs for the kiddies, some songs of faith, and a couple I'd never heard before - something for everyone. The back cover notes that the songs on side 1, Perry performs with Mitchell Ayres and his orchestra, and side 2 is with Russ Case and his orchestra. Enjoy!

Track listing for Perry Como - Sings Merry Christmas Music:

Side 1:
1. 'Twas the Night Before Christmas
2. The Twelve Days of Christmas
3. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
4. C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S
5. Joy to the World
6. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
7. Frosty the Snow Man
8. The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You)

Side 2:
1. That Christmas Feeling
2. I'll Be Home for Christmas
3. Silent Night
4. O Come, All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fideles)
5. Jingle Bells
6. White Christmas
7. Santa Claus is Comin' to Town
8. Winter Wonderland

Pat Boone - White Christmas (1959)

2009-11-29T15:13:00.009-06:00

Hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving holiday! So, today I begin my posts of Christmas records. I've already got the six albums picked out for this year, plus I'm currently working on my Cool Yule Tunes 2009 compilation, which I will post on the Sunday before Christmas. At the bottom of this post, I've included some pictures of my decorated vintage aluminum Christmas tree, which I just put up yesterday. I also switched out the framed record albums for some of my Christmas albums. You'll see in the pictures just a few of my Christmas albums, some of which I've posted on here, and some which I haven't posted yet.

But first, here is my first offering of this Christmas season - Pat Boone. And I dedicate this to my friend Vince. :-)

Track listing for Pat Boone - White Christmas:

Side 1:
1. White Christmas
2. Jingle Bells (with The Foley Sisters)
3. Adeste Fideles
4. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
5. O Little Town of Bethlehem
6. Silver Bells
7. Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Side 2:
1. Silent Night
2. Oh Holy Night
3. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
4. The First Noel
5. I'll Be Home for Christmas
6. Joy to the World
7. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
8. Here Comes Santa Claus (with The Foley Sisters) (this song is not listed on the back cover but is on the record)

My vintage aluminum tree with color wheel.

The albums hanging in the entry way.

These are hanging on the living room wall (that's my cat's tail you see).

These are hanging in my den. I had the lights on and those are reflected.

Walter Brennan - The Country Heart of Walter Brennan (1966)

2009-11-22T16:17:00.005-06:00

Been in a Walter Brennan mood lately, so I thought I'd share this album. Love him. Love his movies, TV shows, and the way he "spoke" on his albums. He spoke with such emotion that listening to his albums always brings a tear to my eye. "Scarlet Ribbons" does it for me on this album. Here's some of what the liner notes say:

Somewhere between outer space and the inner man stands Walter Brennan. There's a bit of earth and heaven in the way he reaches into all of us with a sprightly tug at the heart, a friendly chuckle or the shedding of a warm tear now and then. ... Walter Brennan is all of us put together as he tells us many things that we already know, but perhaps have neglected to ponder on for some time.

Track listing for The Country Heart of Walter Brennan:

Side 1:
1. Keep A Movin' Old Man
2. Cotton-Eyed Joe
3. Old Courthouse
4. Detroit City
5. Waiting for a Train

Side 2:
1. Moon Wanderer
2. Don't Go Near the Indians
3. Scarlet Ribbons
4. The Sound of Silence
5. Tennessee Stud

Johnny Mercer Tribute Compilation (2009)

2009-11-18T19:47:00.005-06:00

Today is the centennial celebration of Johnny Mercer's birth. Johnny Mercer (1909 - 1976) was a singer and songwriter. As a songwriter, he was mostly known as a lyricist but he also wrote music. He wrote over 1000 songs, many of which are in the Great American Songbook. He received nineteen Academy Award nominations, and won four. He also recorded many of his songs, as well as songs written by others. I put together this compilation of thirty-four songs in his honor and hope you enjoy them as much as I. He sings five of the songs on this compilation, three of which he didn't write (marked with ^). He wrote the lyrics for all the other songs that I've included, and also wrote the music for five of them (marked with *). The last song I've included was recorded after his death. Johnny's widow gave some unfinished lyrics to Barry Manilow, and Barry then wrote the music for "When October Goes." Enjoy!

Track listing for Johnny Mercer Tribute Compilation:

1. Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive - Johnny Mercer
2. Goody Goody - Paul Petersen *
3. Too Marvelous for Words - Anthony Perkins
4. You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby - Perry Como
5. And the Angels Sing - Benny Goodman & His Orchestra
6. Day In, Day Out - Gene Barry
7. Fools Rush In - Tony Martin
8. Love of My Life - Shirley Jones & Jack Cassidy
9. Blues in the Night - Julie London
10. I Remember You - Doris Day
11. Baby, It's Cold Outside - Margaret Whiting & Johnny Mercer ^
12. Tangerine - Jimmy Dorsey & His Orchestra
13. Hit the Road to Dreamland - Betty Hutton
14. That Old Black Magic - Louis Prima & Keely Smith
15. Skylark - Linda Ronstadt
16. Dearly Beloved - Dinah Shore with Paul Weston & His Orchestra
17. Strip Polka - Myron Floren *
18. One for My Baby (And One More for the Road) - Eydie Gorme
19. Dream - Steve Allen *
20. G.I. Jive - Johnny Mercer *
21. Laura - Johnny Mathis
22. I Lost My Sugar in Salt Lake City - Johnny Mercer ^
23. On the Atchison Topeka and the Santa Fe - Woody Herman & His Orchestra
24. Autumn Leaves - George Chakiris
25. Something's Gotta Give - Lorne Greene *
26. Moon River - Andy Williams
27. Days of Wine and Roses - Wayne Newton
28. Drinking Again - Dinah Washington
29. Charade - Bobby Darin
30. Emily - Andy Williams
31. Summer Wind - Frank Sinatra
32. Whistling Away the Dark - Henry Mancini
33. San Fernando Valley - Johnny Mercer with The Berries ^
34. When October Goes - Barry Manilow

Pat Boone - Sings Irving Berlin (1957)

2009-11-15T16:02:00.005-06:00

Here's another of my Pat Boone albums, a gem I rescued from the HPB bargain bin. I love Irving Berlin songs and I love Pat Boone's smooth voice, so the combination is absolutely wonderful. There's even an endorsement on the back of the album by Irving Berlin himself, "Pat Boone sings these ballads the way I like to hear them sung." What better praise than from the composer?

Track listing for Pat Boone - Sings Irving Berlin:

Side 1:
1. All Alone
2. How Deep is the Ocean
3. Say It with Music
4. Always
5. Be Careful, It's My Heart
6. Soft Lights and Sweet Music
7. Remember

Side 2:
1. A Pretty Girl is Like a Melody
2. What'll I Do
3. All By Myself
4. The Girl That I Marry
5. Say It Isn't So
6. They Say It's Wonderful
7. Count Your Blessings

Herb Alpert's Tijuana Brass - Volume 2 (1963)

2009-11-08T17:46:00.005-06:00

This is a request. It's one of the first albums I digitized when I first learned how, so it's a lower bitrate than my usual posts. I also usually don't post the Herb Alpert albums (I have the first eleven) because most of them are available on CD, but I wanted to go ahead and fill the request I received. Anyway, this is the second album by Herb Alpert's Tijuana Brass (the way they were first called before changing to Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass). There are some very familiar tunes on it and it's quite enjoyable. I don't much care for the album cover though - give me the "Whipped Cream" cover any day! Enjoy!

Track listing for Herb Alpert's Tijuana Brass - Volume 2:

Side 1:
1. The Great Manolete (La Virgen de la Macarena)
2. Spanish Harlem
3. Swinger from Seville
4. Winds of Barcelona
5. Green Leaves of Summer
6. More

Side 2:
1. America
2. Surfin' Senorita
3. Marching Thru Madrid
4. Crea Mi Amor
5. Mexican Corn
6. Milord

Let's Bacardi Party (1964)

2009-10-25T21:43:00.007-05:00

Here's a real treasure that belonged to my mother. I don't remember her playing this one, but I love the cover (picture courtesy of the internet - my cover is very worn and scribbled over by my mother) and the fact that it's a promotion for Bacardi rum! According to the notes in the back, the album was supposed to come with "several" recipe booklets. Well, I still have one of them! I don't know what happened to the rest (I don't know how many "several" were), but they probably just got worn out and thrown away over the years. The one recipe booklet that survived is really cool - has recipes for drinks, desserts (my mom made rum balls every Christmas), and party foods. I haven't tried to make any of the recipes, but I think I might try to make the Bacardi party chili now that chillier weather is coming. Oh, and although the album itself doesn't show a date anywhere (at least, I couldn't find one), my mother wrote "1964" on the back (as she used to always date her albums), so that's the year I'm assuming this came out. All in all, it's a fun album - good artists and good songs - and definitely one to play at your next Bacardi party. Hmmm.... I'm having a hard time picturing my mother going to a liquor store and buying a bottle of rum (she probably sent my dad).

Track listing for Let's Bacardi Party:

Side 1:
1. This Could Be the Start of Something Big - Jack Jones
2. Fly Me to the Moon - Laurindo Almeida
3. Charade - Ray Anthony
4. On the Street Where You Live - Jonah Jones
5. Woodchopper's Ball - Woody Herman

Side 2:
1. The Girl from Ipanema - Four Freshmen
2. September Song - George Shearing
3. Painted, Tainted Rose - Al Martino
4. End of a Love Affair - Stan Kenton
5. Fools Rush In - Keely Smith
6. Cherry - Harry James

By popular demand, here are some scans of the one Bacardi recipe booklet that has survived the years:

The booklet cover

Some drink recipes

Some appetizer recipes

Rene Touzet and his Orchestra - Cha Cha Cha for Lovers (1957)

2009-10-18T15:48:00.006-05:00

This is one of the albums I bought back in my ballroom dancing days. We used this one quite a bit at the dance studio because the beat of the songs was just right (not too fast) for students. So, if any of y'all are taking cha cha cha lessons, or just learning it on your own, I think you'll be happy with this album. My personal favorite is the "Ticklish Mambo" - the first time I heard it I was cracking up! I think I also have another version of it; if I find it, I'll post it. There was a lot of surface noise on this album, and I tried to clean it up as best I could, but you'll still hear some clicks, pops, and noise (sorry). If anyone has a cleaner copy, please share!

Track listing for Rene Touzet - Cha Cha Cha for Lovers:

Side 1:
1. Lover's Cha Cha Cha
2. "Moon Over Miami"
3. Mambo Inn
4. Pedazo De Mi Zida
5. Danza Negra

Side 2:
1. Besame Mucho
2. Manuel (Levantate Manuel)
3. Ticklish Mambo ("Cosquillita")
4. Desconfianza
5. Oye Lo Que Tiene El Mambo
6. "Lover's Lullaby"

The Three Suns - Warm and Tender (1962)

2009-10-11T22:14:00.005-05:00

Here's another album I bought for the cover - how could I resist?! Of course, I also happen to like the Three Suns. I like all the songs on this record, but I think my favorite is the title tune, "Warm and Tender". But really, all the songs are great, and it's great music to listen to while you're reading, working on the computer, or just relaxing. And it's great to have playing at your weekly cocktail party, too (and be sure to display the record cover prominently). I just love the whole combination of accordion, organ, and guitar - wonderful! And the first line of the liner notes is just perfect... "Warm and tender - that's the way most men prefer their women... and their music." Doesn't that line alone make you want to buy this record?

Track listing for The Three Suns - Warm and Tender:

Side 1:
1. There Goes My Heart
2. Fly Me to the Moon
3. Unchained Melody
4. Love is Like a Violin
5. Just Say I Love Her
6. Warm and Tender

Side 2:
1. Poor Butterfly
2. Portofino Amour
3. I'm Always Chasing Rainbows
4. C'est Si Bon
5. The Lamp is Low
6. A Touch of Tenderness

Carl Stevens - "Skin" and Bones (1958)

2009-10-04T14:05:00.005-05:00

This is another gem I rescued from the HPB bargain bin. And, once again, it was the cover that caught my eye. I'd never heard of Carl Stevens, but when I listened to the album, I really liked it! I did find a little information on Carl on Space Age Pop - seems his name was really Chuck Sagle.

Track listing for Carl Stevens - "Skin" and Bones:

Side 1:
1. Love for Sale
2. Walkin' Shoes
3. How Long Has This Been Going On
4. Long Ago and Far Away
5. Fascinating Rhythm

Side 2:
1. The Moon Was Yellow
2. It Had to Be You
3. Winter Dreams
4. Soon
5. Imagination
6. All of You