The Hawaiian Islanders - Hawaii Tattoo and Other Hawaiian Favorites (1964)

Rain, rain, rain - it seems that's all we've seen in Dallas lately. To help relieve some of those rainy day blues, I decided to listen to one of my Hawaiian music albums. It always helps me feel better when I dream about living in Hawaii someday. (BTW, I'd love to hear from folks that live in the beautiful island paradise of Hawaii!)

This album has some different songs from most of my other Hawaiian music albums. Here are the liner notes:

Each song in this album is Hawaiian music as you like it... Authentic island style using the traditional combination of the ukulele, the steel guitar and native percussion. And for an extra The Hawaiian Islanders perform the hit song HAWAII TATTOO.

Track listing for Hawaiian Islanders - Hawaii Tattoo:

Side 1:
1. Hawaii Tattoo
2. Wild
3. Hawaiian Promenade
4. Hawaiian Paradise
5. Lost Love

Side 2:
1. Aloha
2. Maoris Farewell
3. White Sands and Coconuts
4. Dark Dawn
5. Beautiful Girls and Sunshine

Bob Gibson - Ski Songs Sung by Bob Gibson (1959)

Well, today my softball team won its first game! Woo hoo! But, boy, was it hot out there (our game was at 1 PM)! Although the first day of summer is still about ten days away, it's already getting somewhat unbearable (to some people - not to me) here in Dallas. So, to cool off a bit (at least in my mind), I decided to post this album of "Ski Songs Sung by Bob Gibson". Now, let me tell you - I don't ski (snow or water). I don't like cold weather or snow (I'm from the Tip of Texas, where the weather is somewhat tropical). I went on one ski trip many years ago and didn't even make it to the bunny slope because I got very nervous and frustrated in my little group ski lesson. I spent the rest of the trip sight-seeing instead. Needless to say, I won't be going on any more ski trips - unless I just get to hang out in the ski lodge and drink.

So, why did I buy this record? I liked the cover, and I just thought the idea of ski songs was funny. I mean, "ski" songs - who knew? Really, it was the cover - it's very nostalgic looking and I love the colors. (This picture of the guy with the cast inspired me to put on a fake cast for a ski-themed party that my friends, Dan and Bradley, had last year - it was a hit!) The songs are rather "folksy" - as the liner notes state: "Bob Gibson, who pleads guilty to writing and recording all of the SKI SONGS, has been a favorite of folk music buffs since he began singing professionally in 1953." I think the best way to describe this album - and how to listen to it - is to follow the suggestion of the liner notes:

All in all, this LP must delight any skier... beginner, intermediate, advanced or advanced-fireside-sitter. For enjoying it in utmost fidelity, we recommend a monaural sassaphras X2371-Y speaker in coordinate linkage with a bi-triennial mixless moraphan (model 17- B) and a hot buttered rum.

Track listing for Bob Gibson - Ski Songs Sung by Bob Gibson:

Side 1:
1. Celebrated Skier
2. In This White World
3. Super Skier
4. Highlands Lassie
5. Bend in His Knees
6. Talking Skier

Side 2:
1. Ski Patrol
2. Skiin' in the Mornin'
3. Super Skier's Last Race
4. What'll We Do
5. Skol to the Skier

UPDATE 12/14/08 - I have removed the download link for this album as it has now been released on CD. Please visit www.bobgibsonlegacy.com and purchase the CD there.

The Fiesta Brass - Viva Tijuana!

Here's a lively record that capitalized on the "Tijuana sound" popularized by the great Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass. Herb and his band are the kings of this type of music (in my opinion), and there were many who jumped on the bandwagon in the late 1960s when this music became popular - they even played the same songs that Herb did. So why did I buy this album and decide to share it with you instead of one of Herb'? The COVER, of course! Hello! About the cover - since we can't see the girl's face, it's hard to tell if she's even alive in this photo. I mean, was someone just walking along the beach and come across this poor drowning victim and decided to photograph her? Or, was she passed out from a long night of drinking and partying? Was this photo one of the rejects for the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue of the day? One can only imagine...

Anyway, I never tire of the Tijuana sound, so whether it's Herb, or the Fiesta Brass, or the Marimba Band, or the Mexicali Brass, or whoever, I enjoy listening to this music. I hope you do, too!

Track listing from The Fiesta Brass - Viva Tijuana!:

Side 1:
1. Tijuana Taxi
2. Spanish Eyes
3. Whipped Cream
4. Spanish Lace
5. Theme from "Zorba the Greek"

Side 2:
1. A Taste of Honey
2. Spanish Harlem
3. I'm Getting Sentimental Over You
4. Michelle
5. 1-2-3

Esquivel and His Orchestra - Infinity in Sound (1960)

Here's another find from my local Half-Price Books bargain bin. Esquivel is the epitome of space-age pop! If you listen closely to some of the songs on this album, you can imagine watching a classic sci-fi movie or even an episode of classic "Star Trek". "Harlem Nocturne" is the best example of space-age pop on this album, in my opinion (but then, it's been a favorite song of mine for many years). Unfortunately, this record is really worn and scratched up, and, despite my running it through click-removal and noise-removal several times, there's still quite a bit of noise and clicks and pops (and a couple of the songs have skips). But, I did a search for this album on other blogs and didn't come across it, so I decided to go ahead and post it (despite the bad condition) for those Esquivel fans out there who don't have this album and want it regardless of the condition. Hopefully, someone out there will post a cleaner version of it at some time. Personally, I like the "vintage" sound of some of the albums shared on these sites, so the clicks, pops, noise, and skips don't bother me that much. If you don't mind these imperfections, then you've come to the right place! Oh, and thanks to Ernie, of Ernie (Not Bert), for his tips on recording and preparing records for digital sharing!

Track listing for Esquivel - Infinity in Sound:

Side 1:
1. Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise ("Quedo")
2. Music Makers
3. My Reverie
4. Johnson Rag
5. Harlem Nocturne
6. Take the "A" Train

Side 2:
1. Macarena (La Virgen de la Macarena)
2. Autumn Leaves
3. Frenesi
4. Marie
5. Let's Dance
6. So Rare

Martin Denny - Romantica (1961)

Well, yesterday, my friend, Bradley, and I made a much needed trip to Half-Price Books to look for vinyl treasures. I came away with thirteen albums, and one was a double-album, so I got fourteen records in all! And all from the dollar bin! Plus I had a 15% off coupon - what a deal!

One of the albums I got is today's share. This album presents "the lush and exotic sounds of Martin Denny" - and lush and exotic they are! There are some great standards, as well as some Denny originals, on this record, and they are all lushly romantic. As I listened to this record, I could imagine myself being whisked away to a beautiful island paradise (Hawaii, of course - where I hope to live some day) - sigh! I never get tired of listening to Martin Denny. He is indeed one of the true masters of exotica!

Now, remember - as always, I clean up these recordings the best that I can, but due to the age and the way they were stored by their previous owners, a lot of them aren't in pristine condition. But, that just adds character to them, in my opinion! Anyway, I hope you like this one!

Track listing for Martin Denny - Romantica:

Side 1:
1. And This is My Beloved
2. Love at Sight
3. Romance
4. Aloha, I Love You
5. La Pampa y La Puna
6. My Reverie

Side 2:
1. Love, Your Magic Spell is Everywhere
2. Magic is the Moonlight
3. A Fine Romance
4. Blue Paradise
5. My Romance
6. Tenderly

Randy Carlos and His Orchestra - Having a Ball (1958)

Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to cha cha cha and mambo! This is a great dance record! It's the kind of music we would dance to when I took ballroom dance lessons for several years in the 80s and 90s - lots of fun! Even if you don't like to dance, this is a great record to listen to if you like lively Latin music! I don't think I've ever heard any of these songs before, but I do remember that, as a little girl, I knew the rhyme that is sung in "Tin Marin". It was slightly different than what is sung, and I tried to remember it as I was recording this album, but I could only remember the first line. I'll have to ask one of my cousins if they remember it. Oh - the picture of the cover indicates that this is a mono record, but it's actually stereo. Well, go "have a ball" with this record!

Track listing for Randy Carlos - Having a Ball:

Side 1:
1. The Monkey's Guapacha
2. Pirahna - Mambo
3. Filipinita - Cha Cha Cha
4. Smoke - Mambo
5. More and More - Merengue
6. Canaima - Cha Cha Cha

Side 2:
1. Whistling Mambo
2. Tin Marin - Cha Cha Cha
3. Dancing Feet - Cha Cha Cha
4. Guitar Mambo
5. To and Fro - Merengue
6. The Kittens Cha Cha Cha

Banjo Barons - Golden Hawaiian Hits (1963)

I've mentioned in the past how much I like Hawaiian music, and I've posted a couple of albums of Hawaiian music. But this one is certainly different because it's Hawaiian music played Dixieland style! As I listened to this I could certainly imagine watching the old "Lawrence Welk Show" - it's just the kind of music you'd hear on the show. All but one of the tracks are played as medleys, so there are a total of 37 songs that are played on this album - some are quite familiar, and some not so familiar. All in all, if you are a fan of banjo music or Hawaiian music, this one's for you.

Track listing for Banjo Barons - Golden Hawaiian Hits:

Side 1:
1. Medley 1: My Little Grass Shack in Kealakekua, Hawaii; Pagan Love Song; Hawaiian War Chant
2. Medley 2: Hello, Aloha!-How Are You?; Adventures in Paradise; I've Found a Little Grass Skirt (For My Little Grass Shack in Hawaii)
3. Medley 3: Song of the Islands; King's Serenade; The Cockeyed Mayor of Kaunakakai
4. Medley 4: A Song of Old Hawaii; Maori Brown Eyes; It Was in Kalua
5. Medley 5: Honolulu Punch; Hawaiian Holiday; Mele Kalikimaka
6. Medley 6: Tropic Trade Winds; Lovely Hula Hands; Aloha Oe

Side 2:
1. Medley 7: Blue Hawaii; Hawaiian Paradise; The Hawaiian Wedding Song
2. Medley 8: For You a Lei; An Old Hawaiian Custom; The Hawaiian Christmas Song
3. Medley 9: In a Little Hula Heaven; Cocoanut Grove; Pretty Red Hibiscus
4. Medley 10: Hawaii Calls; Hawaiian Hospitality; To You Sweetheart, Aloha
5. Medley 11: I Want to Learn to Speak Hawaiian; When Hilo Hattie Does the Hilo Hop; On the Beach at Waikiki
6. Medley 12: Sweet Leilani; Aloha, Kuu Ipo, Aloha; South Sea Island Magic
7. Hawaii Ponoi

Steve Allen - Monday Nights (1960)

This album has the kind of piano music I really enjoy listening to. Plus, it has two of my favorite songs, "Laura" (from one of my favorite movies of all time) and "Misty". Another plus is that it has the theme song from another of my favorite movies, "Bell, Book and Candle", which I had no idea that Steve Allen co-wrote (the song, that is). Steve Allen was a talented song writer and musician, as well as an actor and host of several TV shows (like "The Tonight Show"!). I remember he and his wife, Jayne Meadows, doing some commercials together and guest-starring together on some TV shows. Now, besides the list of songs on this album, what really drew my attention to it was the picture (gotta love those album covers!) of Steve with this absolutely awesome Plymouth! I don't know much about cars, but, for some reason, I've always liked the old Plymouth cars (like the 1956 Plymouth Fury - wow!). There's just something about them. Anyway, Plymouth was the sponsor of Steve Allen's TV show, so that's why he's photographed with the car. But, this wasn't just any old Plymouth - this was a record-playing Plymouth! I had no idea they had those - a predecessor to our CD-playing cars of today. The liner notes mention the car:

Here's an album made, frankly, to celebrate the move of the Steve Allen Show to Monday Night!!
It was also produced, of course, with the idea of providing a package of mighty pleasant music, but that goes without saying. In any event, the twelve selections in this collection add up to a typically pleasant session with the Allen piano and orchestra and that's good news any night of the week.
As his fans know by now, Steve has the Plymouth people to thank for making the move out of the Sunday TV scramble possible, and for that all TV-lovers as well as music-lovers can certainly be thankful. But whether the listener drives a Plymouth or roller-skates to work, he'll certainly agree that this pretty package of musical evergreens satisfies those who like good music for its own sake as well as those who are always saying to Steve, "We like the comedy on your show but you don't play the piano often enough!"
So whether you're listening to these recordings while relaxing in your music room, dancing by the light of your neighborhood jukebox, or driving along in your new record-playing Plymouth, lotsaluck, as Steve says, and happy listening. We guarantee it.

I bought this record in pretty bad shape - lots of clicks and pops - and I ran it through the click removal twice, but there's still a lot of clicks and pops. In my opinion, it just adds character to the record. Maybe some of you can clean it up some more. Anyway, it's still a good listen, and I hope you enjoy it. Oh - and if you're interested in learning more about those "record-playing" cars of yesteryear, check out Highway Hi-Fi.

Track listing for Steve Allen - Monday Nights:

Side 1:
1. Laura
2. Rosetta
3. You're Driving Me Crazy
4. Notre Dame Victory March
5. Impossible - written by Steve Allen
6. Houseboat - co-written by Steve Allen

Side 2:
1. Bell, Book and Candle - co-written by Steve Allen
2. Misty
3. Blossom
4. Spring in Maine - co-written by Steve Allen
5. I Want a Girl
6. And Even Then - written by Steve Allen

Bonanza - Ponderosa Party Time (1962)

Vince, a regular visitor to this blog, requested that I post any Bonanza album I might have, so this post of "Ponderosa Party Time" is for Vince (and all other Bonanza fans out there)!

I grew up watching "Bonanza". Every Sunday night, I would pull up my chair next to my dad's and watch the latest chapter in the lives of the Cartwrights. I didn't really have a favorite - I liked all of them - but I was disappointed when Pernell Roberts (Adam) left the show. I really liked his black hat. Anyway, I still watch it on reruns - just don't seem to get tired of it. I guess I just really like it now because it brings back such fond memories of my childhood.

Well, this album is lots of fun. The Cartwrights are all here - Ben (Lorne Greene), Adam (Pernell Roberts), Hoss (Dan Blocker), and Little Joe (Michael Landon) - and they're having a Saturday night party. The singing isn't that bad either - I was surprised! There are a couple of songs on here that I remember learning in grade school ("Skip to My Lou" and "Miss Cindy"), so it was fun listening to those. But I think my favorite songs on this album are "My Sons, My Sons" and "The Place Where I Worship" - they literally brought me to tears because they moved me so much (yes, I'm the kind that gets all sentimental). Now, the album is recorded such that the songs flow into each other with the Cartwrights talking in between, so it's really hard to tell where one song ends and the other begins. Because of this, I did not try to break out each song individually and instead you'll get two MP3 files - one for Side 1 and one for Side 2. So, put on your dancing boots and get ready for some Ponderosa Party Time!

Track listing for Bonanza - Ponderosa Party Time:

Side 1:
1. Bonanza
2. Sourwood Mountain
3. Sky Ball Paint
4. Early One Morning
5. Ponderosa
6. Careless Love
7. Skip to My Lou
8. In the Pines

Side 2:
1. Happy Birthday
2. My Sons, My Sons
3. The Hangin' Blues
4. Shenandoah
5. Miss Cindy
6. The Place Where I Worship (Is the Wide Open Spaces)

All American Marches (1957)

There is one reason - and one reason only - that I bought this record...the cover! I mean, just look at her! How could anyone resist her? That cute little outfit, those groovy little boots - she's adorable!

I do like marches. They remind me of a simpler time, of going to parades when I was a little girl, of attending concerts at the school cafeteria that doubled as the auditorium. Remember those days? Sigh.

There's really not much information about this record. It doesn't say anywhere who performs on it (although it almost sounds like it was a high school band). And, although the cover says "All American Marches", the label says "Famous American Marches". I'm wondering if maybe this is one of those "library records". Anyway, if these are "famous" American marches, I guess I'm just ignorant because I've only heard a couple of them. The liner notes talk a lot about parades and feelings of patriotism, but my favorite part is the following:

In recent years, many youngsters who have been thrilled by the precision of military music have turned to developing the skills of baton twirling. For those who are in the process of improving these skills, this album is worth its weight in gold. It is an excellent recording for practicing and an equally wonderful record for listening.

I dedicate this post to my friend, Greg Taylor, and hope that it brings fond memories of him twirling a baton in his backyard when he was growing up.

Track listing for All American Marches:

Side 1:
1. De Molay Commandery
2. Stars and Stripes Forever
3. The Rangers
4. The Caissons Go Rolling Along
5. Our Director
6. Blaze Away

Side 2:
1. National Emblem
2. Father of Victory
3. Officer of the Day
4. American Eagle
5. Always Ready
6. March On

Dennis Weaver - Dennis Weaver (1972)

Well, here's a real treat for you "McCloud" fans! I never even knew that Dennis Weaver had recorded any albums until I found this in the HPB clearance bin, and, of course, I HAD to buy it. Dennis passed away last year (February 2006), and I do miss him. He was just one of those guys that I could just tell was a really, really nice down-to-earth guy. I never saw the "Gunsmoke" episodes where he played Marshall Dillon's sidekick, Chester (I grew up with Festus), but I definitely watched "McCloud" with my dad in the 70s. Plus, one of my favorite movies is "Duel", one of Steven Spielberg's early films, and starring Dennis Weaver as a businessman who is terrorized on the road by a psychotic truck driver. In recent years, Dennis was a host on the Encore Westerns cable movie channel. There are a lot of interesting facts about Dennis, and you can check them out on his official website.

Back to this album... In general, I'm not a fan of country music, but I really like this album (I consider it country). Dennis has an easy-going voice that's easy on the ear. My favorite songs on this album are "Ode to a Critter" and "No Name". The lady's voice you hear on a couple of the songs belongs to his wife, Gerry. And - gotta love the cover! Oh, I tried to clean it up as best I could, but there are still audible clicks and pops - not uncommon on old vinyl. The first two songs on side 2 also have a skip each, but not that bad (in my opinion).

Track listing for Dennis Weaver - Dennis Weaver:

Side 1:
1. Another Way
2. Ode to a Critter (Fish, Bird & Cow Song)
3. Lonesome to the Lonely
4. I'd Rather Be With You Than Anyone
5. 20th Century Man (Our Man is Coming)

Side 2:
1. Where Have the Wild Blackberries Gone
2. No Name
3. Learn to Love
4. I Still Sing 'Jesus Loves Me'
5. Time
6. Work Through My Hands, Lord

Billy Vaughn and His Orchestra - Music for the Golden Hours (1958)

this is
MUSIC FOR THE GOLDEN HOURS
the twilight hours
when memories are waves upon the shore
and love is fresh as sea wind on your lips...
this is music for the dancing hours, the romancing hours,
and for remembering...

Billy Vaughn is justly famous for his masterful way with a melody...for his skillful arranging that gives such unforgettable songs as these the treatment they deserve...and for his orchestra's polished performances, so perfectly suited to this album's gentle mood.

I couldn't have said it better myself. Enjoy!

Track listing for Billy Vaughn - Music for the Golden Hours:

Side 1:
1. Deep Purple
2. All the Things You Are
3. Among My Souvenirs
4. Once in a While
5. Body and Soul
6. My Blue Heaven

Side 2:
1. Miss You
2. How Deep is the Ocean
3. Tenderly
4. I Only Have Eyes for You
5. Because
6. Embraceable You

George Shearing - White Satin (1960)

Happy Easter!

Since white is the color for Easter, today's post is the "White Satin" album by the George Shearing Quintet and Orchestra. For those of you who downloaded "Black Satin", now you can download the companion album! This one is my favorite of the two, both music-wise and cover photo-wise! I mean, like WOW! I don't think I need to say much more about our cover girl on this album! Enjoy!

Track listing for George Shearing Quintet and Orchestra - White Satin:

Side 1:
1. Your Name is Love
2. Dream
3. Laura
4. There's a Small Hotel
5. Old Folks
6. Blue Malibu

Side 2:
1. How Long Has This Been Going On
2. Love's Melody
3. An Affair to Remember
4. There'll Be Another Spring
5. Moonlight Becomes You
6. I'll Take Romance

George Shearing - Black Satin (1956)

Today's offering is an album by the George Shearing Quintet and Orchestra. Here's what the liner notes say:

The satin-smooth Shearing sound has never been so expressive of its creator's unique versatility as it is in this album. Augmented by rich instrumental backgrounds, here is an inspiring variety of distinctive moods: the subdued, lyrical rendering of a tender ballad set to an elegant chorus of strings; the easy swinging rhythm of a popular song; the occasional lilt of a Latin tempo. Capturing the lush sophisticated setting that distinguished his highly successful "Velvet Carpet", George Shearing with his own inimitable styling creates appealing music that will set a delightful backdrop for any romance - as suitable for the girl in blue gingham as it is for the lady in luxurious "Black Satin".

I've been a fan of George Shearing's music since I first heard "Lullaby of Birdland" playing on our local Big Band station many years ago. I really like the arrangements and style of this most excellent jazz pianist! I hope you like this album as much as I do. I did my best to clean it up but you'll still hear some clicks and pops, plus the first song on each side skips. Maybe someone out there will post a better copy. I just love the cover - don't you? I also have the "White Satin" album, which I'll post in a few days. So, those of you who want to burn this to CD - wait until I post "White Satin" so that you can burn both albums on one CD.

Track listing for The George Shearing Quintet and Orchestra - Black Satin:

Side 1:
1. The Folks Who Live On the Hill - (skips)
2. If I Should Lose You
3. Starlight Souvenirs
4. What is There to Say
5. Black Satin

Side 2:
1. You Don't Know What Love Is - (skips)
2. Nothing Ever Changes My Love for You
3. One Morning in May
4. Moon Song
5. Medley: As Long as I Live - Let's Live Again

Rodney Allen Rippy - Take Life a Little Easier (1974)

Okay, after I listened to this album, I could ask myself only one question... "Why???" Do you ever wonder who these people are who think it's a good idea to make a certain type of record album? Or if they really think that someone is good enough that they'll sell records? Yeah, I know - they're just wanting to capitalize on the momentary popularity of someone or a product. And it sometimes works.

Nothing against Rodney Allen Rippy - I think he was absolutely adorable when he did the Jack-in-the-Box commercials and sang "Take Life a Little Easier"! And his cute little giggle at the end is completely infectious! (I really wanted to post the video of the commercial but couldn't find it anywhere.) But, somehow I remembered his singing to have been better. Well, he was only five years old at the time and not exactly a trained, polished vocalist - so if that's what you're expecting, then you'll be in for a not-so-pleasant surprise. This is just a little kid singing - sometimes on-key and sometimes off-key - and being accompanied by lots of studio musicians, who often drown him out. But, for what it's worth, this is a great piece of pop culture. That's why I bought this album (in the dollar bin at HPB, thankfully) and that's why I'm sharing it with you. Gotta love pop culture. (And, Rodney was absolutely adorable!)

Track listing for Rodney Allen Rippy - Take Life a Little Easier:

Side 1:
1. Take Life a Little Easier
2. Eenie-Meenie-Minee-Moe
3. The Birds and the Bees
4. Everybody Knows But You
5. World of Love

Side 2:
1. The Candy Man
2. It's a Small World
3. Peaches and Cream
4. Smiling
5. Never Thought I Could Be a Star
6. He's Got the Whole World in His Hands

Paul Petersen - Lollipops and Roses (1962)

Here's a nice nostalgic celebrity vocal album by Paul Petersen, best known as "Jeff Stone", the son on "The Donna Reed Show" from 1958-1966. Prior to this role, he was one of the Mouseketeers. Paul also starred in several movies, wrote some novels in the mid-1970s, and later formed the non-profit organization "A Minor Consideration" (take a look - it's a very interesting website). I think he was a real cutie when he was on "The Donna Reed Show" - and his singing's not too bad either! As I said, this album has a very "nostalgic" feel to it - I can just imagine going to the malt shop and sharing a soda with a special someone, or going to a sock hop - makes me wish I had been a teenager during that era. (Oh, well - the Seventies were a pretty cool time to be a teenager so I really can't complain.) Hmmm, I noticed how "Lollipops and Roses" was a pretty popular tune during that time - it's also on the George Maharis album I posted a couple of weeks ago. I do really like that song, and besides it, I think my favorite on this album is "Little Boy Sad". Oh, and what a special treat to have Shelley Fabares sing with Paul on the last song of this album!

Here are the liner notes:

In addition to being one of the most popular, young performers on TV, sixteen year-old Paul Petersen is well on his way to becoming one of the nation's top recording stars. Paul, who plays Donna Reed's son on "The Donna Reed Show" made his first record for Colpix only a few months ago. "She Can't Find Her Keys" was an immediate smash, and a sparkling new facet was added to an already impressive career. Since then, Paul has followed his initial hit with "What Did They Do Before Rock 'N' Roll?" (done as a duet with his TV sister, Shelley Fabares) and his current hit, which is the title tune of his first album. Level-headed Paul Petersen is unaffected by his disk success and still plans to become an engineer. The only seeming flaw in his plans is the disapproval, sure to be registered by his legion of fans. Included in "Lollipops and Roses" are his current and past clicks, as well as a flock of attractive old and new tunes that add up to easy listening pleasure for all record buyers.

Track listing for Paul Petersen - Lollipops and Roses:

Side 1:
1. She Can't Find Her Keys - reached #19 on the Billboard charts on 3/31/62
2. Keep Your Love Locked
3. Little Boy Sad
4. Be Everything to Anyone You Love
5. Mama, Your Little Boy Fell
6. One Girl

Side 2:
1. Lollipops and Roses
2. Love Me Tender
3. Please, Mr. Sun
4. Blue Moon
5. Penny is Seventeen
6. What Did They Do Before Rock 'N' Roll - With Guest, Shelley Fabares

Leonard Nimoy - The Touch of Leonard Nimoy (1969)

As I said in my last post, I'll be posting several "celebrity vocal" albums for these next few posts. As I've mentioned before, I'm a major "Star Trek" fan - I've been on several Trek cruises, been to several sci-fi conventions, have a tattoo of the Starfleet command insignia (am I scaring you yet?), and have quite a collection of Star Trek memorabilia, including an arcade size STNG pinball machine. I've met quite a few of the actors from the various TV shows and movies, but my most exciting meeting was that of Leonard Nimoy - Mr. Spock (oh, one of my cats is named "Mr. Spock"). After I met him and had him autograph my copy of "I Am Spock", I felt that I had attained the Holy Grail of Star Trek-dom and could die happy.

I remember watching "Star Trek" as a little girl, and Spock was definitely my favorite character. After the show went off the air, I remember watching Leonard Nimoy on "Mission: Impossible". Then he disappeared for awhile (or rather, I just didn't see anything he was in). When I went to college, I majored in computer science (of course - nerd that I am) and the first thing I saw in our department office was a huge computer print-out of Mr. Spock. My interest in "Star Trek" was renewed, and that interest eventually grew into a major dedication to all things Star Trek.

Well, anyway, Leonard Nimoy recorded some albums back during the days of STTOS. He may not be the best, but he's certainly not the worst! I rather enjoy listening to his albums and I find his voice somewhat mellowing. He did a couple of albums that were more tongue-in-cheek, but this one is not one of those. "The Touch of Leonard Nimoy" is mellow, folksy, and a nice album to listen to while relaxing in a hammock on a warm, breezy afternoon. I hope you like it as much as I do! Oh, and for a humorous touch, I'm posting the unedited version of the "Bilbo Baggins" video below!

Track listing for Leonard Nimoy - The Touch of Leonard Nimoy:

Side 1:
1. I Search for Tomorrow
2. Maiden Wine
3. Now's the Time
4. Cycles
5. I Think It's Gonna Rain Today

Side 2:
1. I Just Can't Help Believin'
2. Nature Boy
3. Contact
4. The Man I Would Like to Be
5. A Trip to Nowhere
6. Piece of Hope

Leonard Nimoy sings "Bilbo Baggins" -

George Maharis - Portrait in Music (1962)

The next few posts are going to be "celebrity vocals" - my favorite category in my record collection. I'm a TV and movie fiend, so I particularly like record albums by TV and movie actors, no matter how good or how bad they are! Some of the albums have been pleasant surprises, as in the couple of George Maharis albums I have. This particular album is a great album to listen to on a lazy Sunday afternoon such as today - George's smooth vocals make it particularly nice! There are a lot of familiar standards on this album - my favorites are "The More I See You" and "Lollipops and Roses".

George Maharis shot to stardom as "Buzz Murdock" on the television series "Route 66". I never saw the show (I was just a baby when it was canceled) when it was on the air, and I've never seen it in reruns. But George sure was a nice looking guy! After he left the show, he pursued a movie career and was a guest star in many TV shows. He had a couple of brushes with the law (I vaguely remember one in the 1970s), and posed nude for the second issue of Playgirl magazine. His last appearance was in a movie in 1993 and he has since "retired".

Track listing for George Maharis - Portrait in Music:

Side 1:
1. Love Could Change My Mind
2. Where Are You?
3. If Love Were All
4. Here's That Rainy Day
5. Fools Rush In (Where Angels Fear to Tread)
6. I Can't Stop Loving You

Side 2:
1. Talk to Me
2. The More I See You
3. Lollipops and Roses
4. Love Me as I Love You
5. What a Diff'rence a Day Made
6. They Knew About You

Bert Kaempfert and His Orchestra - That Happy Feeling (1962)

Here's a totally fun album! You can't go wrong with Bert Kaempfert. "That Happy Feeling" gives me just that - a happy feeling! All the songs are upbeat and put a smile on my face. Just the album cover alone makes me feel happy! (This cover makes up for the creepy Burl Ives one in my last post.) This is great dance music, too. Several years ago when I was ballroom dancing, they would always play songs by Bert Kaempfert at the dance parties, and the dance floor would be packed. From the liner notes:

If there's a better way to find "That Happy Feeling" than through the medium of music, it's yet to be found.
...
Here is Bert Kaempfert and His Orchestra...with an orchestral sound and style that is characteristically ideal for either listening or dancing, and the greatest prescription for "That Happy Feeling" ever discovered.

Track listing for Bert Kaempfert - That Happy Feeling:

Side 1:
1. That Happy Feeling
2. A Swingin' Safari
3. Market Day
4. Take Me
5. Similau
6. Zambesi

Side 2:
1. Happy Trumpeter
2. Tootie Flutie
3. Wimoweh
4. Sunday in Madrid
5. Black Beauty
6. Skokiaan (South African Song)

Burl Ives - The Wayfaring Stranger (1955)

Today's offering is an album by America's Troubador, Burl Ives. I think it's pretty safe to say that when one hears the phrase "folk songs", one thinks of Burl Ives. I've heard most of the songs on this album, mostly on old cowboy movies or TV shows. I remember learning a few of them back in grade school (do they teach kids these type of songs anymore?). It's really too bad that there aren't many folk singers like this around anymore - singers who keep "traditional" songs alive. Since there aren't too many cowboy movies anymore, we don't hear songs like "Cowboy's Lament" or "Old Paint" - makes me a little sad. But then, I love nostalgia and hate to see it fade away. Anyway, I hope y'all like this album (I know my cats did!). (I have to say though that I think they could have come up with a better cover - I think this one is a little creepy.)

Track listing for Burl Ives - The Wayfaring Stranger:

Side 1:
1. Leather-Winged Bat; Cotton-Eyed Joe
2. Sweet Betsy from Pike; On Top of Old Smoky
3. I Know Where I'm Going; I Know My Love
4. Cowboy's Lament
5. Wee Cooper O'Fife; Riddle Song
6. Tam Pierce
7. Peter Gray
8. Darlin' Cory
9. John Hardy
10. Colorado Trail; Roving Gambler

Side 2:
1. Bonnie Wee Lassie
2. The Divil and the Farmer
3. On Springfield Mountain
4. Little Mohee
5. Troubador Song
6. Robin, He Married; Lavender Cowboy
7. Green Broom
8. High Barbaree
9. I've Got No Use for Women
10. Old Paint