The Three Suns - On a Magic Carpet (1960)

Been abroad lately? Well, here's your chance to fly now and be enchanted forever. You'll be traveling first class all the way, on a magic carpet borne aloft by the artistry of the inimitable Three Suns.

So begin the liner notes on the back of this album. This is a great album! I can't believe I had never heard it before until I bought it (once again, from the bargain bin at HPB)! I had a few songs by the Three Suns, but this is the first album of theirs that I've bought. And, as usual, it was the cover that caught my eye - it's pretty crazy, and I love the girl's hairdo! And, the album is great - full of familiar songs! So, get on your magic carpet and give it a listen!

Track listing for The Three Suns - On a Magic Carpet:

Side 1:
1. Canadian Sunset
2. Lisbon Antigua
3. Terry Theme
4. High Noon (Do Not Forsake Me)
5. Moritat
6. The Poor People of Paris (Jean's Song)

Side 2:
1. Blue Tango
2. Meet Mr. Callaghan
3. The Song from Moulin Rouge (Where is Your Heart)
4. Ruby
5. The 3rd Man Theme
6. Fleur de Paree

Telly Savalas - Telly (1974)

Time for another celebrity vocal - from none other than "Kojak" himself, Telly Savalas! And can you believe that I found this in the dollar bin at HPB?! Telly Savalas?! What were they thinking to put him in the dollar bin?! This is priceless! I mean, this is almost as good as any Mrs. Miller album (I have all four of her albums). And Telly was The Man! What charm - what masculinity - what a nice shiny head! Actually, I was a big "Kojak" fan back in the day - used to watch it every week with my father. They made a new "Kojak" show a couple of years ago with Ving Rhames - should never try to make new versions of hit TV shows. I like Ving Rhames, but there just isn't any other "Kojak" except for Telly.

Now, this is the first of four albums that Telly recorded. As you listen to this album, a question may come into your mind - "why?". Sometimes I wonder what agents or producers (or whoever these people are) are thinking when they suggest that a celebrity NOT known for his/her singing should record an album. Yeah, I know they're just trying to make more money off the celebrity because they know that people like me will buy the album! So, really - thank goodness that there are so many celebrity albums like this! The liner notes on this album say it best:

Telly describes himself as "the only virgin recording artist there is". He also has a fairly simple philosophy for making a record. He presents himself honestly. "People know that singing is not my bag, but if I say 'Hey, this is how Telly feels about this or that song,' I can't make mistakes. I can only make mistakes by pretending to be a great singer." First, you'll ask, what is an actor doing making a record? Well, when you hear Telly's dramatic interpretation of "You're a Lady", "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'", and "Rubber Bands and Bits of String", you'll stop asking those silly questions and fall in love. Telly answers this question by modestly stating, "I was asked to make a record."

Track listing for Telly Savalas - Telly:

Side 1:
1. Rubber Bands and Bits of String
2. A Song for You
3. You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'
4. How Insensitive
5. You're a Lady

Side 2:
1. If
2. You and Me Against the World
3. Something
4. Without Her
5. Help Me Make It Through the Night

Here's a video of Telly "singing" his hit from this album - "If". It kinda brings a tear to my eye - sniff...

Peter Ricardo and His Calypso - Hi-Fi Calypso (1957)

Yesterday, my friend, Bradley, and I went to Half-Price Books and had a very productive afternoon! I came away with two of the Retro series cookbooks ("Retro Diner" and "Retro Pies"), and fifteen records! Of course, I will share these albums with y'all on this blog!

Today I am sharing another gem from the HPB bargain bin (but not one of yesterday's finds). I bought this one some years ago for the album cover, and had it framed and hanging on my wall until recently. I just love that cover! And, the music is pretty good, too. According to the liner notes, Peter Ricardo was a "true 'calypsonian' - geographically because he was born on the island of Grenada in the British West Indies; musically because he composes his own calypsos, unlike the artist who is known simply as a 'calypso singer' and sings the songs of others exclusively." Well, this album was recorded in England, and I think this was England's idea of calypso music. Personally, I prefer Harry Belafonte's style of singing calypso, but this is still a fun album to listen to. You'll recognize several of the songs, too!

Track listing for Peter Ricardo - Hi-Fi Calypso:

Side 1:
1. Let's Go Calypso
2. Grenada (Land of Spice)
3. Mama Look a Booboo (Shut Yuh Mouth - Go Away)
4. Dohbi Day-Oh (The Native Washerwoman)
5. Caribbean Love Song (Ramona and Ricardo)
6. Rum and Coca Cola

Side 2:
1. Marianne
2. Capullito de Aleli
3. The Banana Boat Song
4. Calypso Beat
5. Don't Ever Love Me
6. Jamaica Farewell

Patti Page - The Waltz Queen (1955)

Today's post is by one of my favorite female vocalists - the Singing Rage, Miss Patti Page! The very first song I heard on my favorite Dallas radio station, 770 KAAM, when I discovered it by accident in 1987 (it was 1310 KAAM then), was "How Much is That Doggy in the Window" by Patti Page. It brought back so many childhood memories, and I can honestly say that it is my favorite of all the songs Patti ever recorded. But, I love all her songs. I even got to see Patti perform back in the late 1980s at the Venetian Room at the Fairmont Hotel here in Dallas. (Unfortunately, the Venetian Room no longer showcases talent that performs this kind of music.) It was a fabulous show - reminiscent of the shows that you see in old movies, where people would go to a nice club for dinner, dancing, and a show. Patti was absolutely wonderful, singing all her wonderful hits. Then she wove her way among the tables, greeting some of the audience as she sang. I even got to shake her hand while she sang "Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte"! It was fabulous!

Patti Page is probably known for singing so many waltzes, so this album is aptly titled "The Waltz Queen". I actually have two versions of this album - this stereo one from 1955 that I'm posting, and a mono version from 1957. It appears that when the album was re-released in 1957, there were two songs that were different from the original 1955 version. The mono version that I have has "Whispering Winds" and "That's All I'll Ever Ask of You", whereas this 1955 stereo version has "While We're Young" and "You Will Find Your Love (in Paris)". If anyone out there would like the two songs from the 1957 mono version, just post a comment and I'll upload them, too. But, for now, here is the original 1955 version of the album for you to waltz by.

Track listing for Patti Page - The Waltz Queen:

Side 1:
1. What'll I Do
2. Memories
3. Till We Meet Again
4. While We're Young
5. Remember
6. Now is the Hour

Side 2:
1. You Always Hurt the One You Love
2. The Boy Next Door
3. Falling in Love With Love
4. Let the Rest of the World Go By
5. You Will Find Your Love (in Paris)
6. Wondering

Here's Patti singing my favorite, "How Much is That Doggy in the Window":

Reg Owen and His Orchestra - Coffee Break (1958)

Here's a real gem I found in the HPB bargain bin - and, once again, I bought it for the album cover - it's just so 1950s! The music is really great, too - very soothing and melodious. I'd never heard any of the songs before, but I like all of them.

The liner notes on this album are pretty long (talks a lot about coffee breaks), but I thought the following really describes this album:

The selections chosen for this recording were hand-picked especially for your coffee break. Of course, the musicians who made the record also took time out for their coffee breaks. That accounts for the little blank parts you'll note on the recording between selections.

There are songs here for every coffee break mood. Some are just right for vigorous stirring. Others are perfect for languid stirring, or for pouring sugar out of a container on a damp day. There are some songs absolutely incomparable for taking first sips by. There are even several songs by which you can ask for seconds, or rinse out your cup, if you happen to be through.

Now, hasn't that pot perked about long enough?

Track listing for Reg Owen - Coffee Break:

Side 1:
1. Oh But I Do
2. Ask Anyone Who Knows
3. Was That the Human Thing to Do
4. Every Day
5. Please Don't Talk About Me
6. Twenty-four Hours of Sunshine

Side 2:
1. When Hearts Are Young
2. Keep Smiling at Trouble
3. Have a Little Faith in Me
4. Love Will Find a Way
5. A Little Kiss Each Morning
6. Suddenly

Wayne Newton - The Best of Wayne Newton (1967)

How about some early Wayne Newton tonight? I LOVE Wayne Newton - especially his early stuff, before his voice changed. I like his singing now, too, but being the nostalgic that I am, I prefer listening to him when he was just a young lad. (BTW, how old was he when his voice finally changed?) Well, by 1967, Wayne had already had several hits and had recorded several albums, so this is his first "greatest hits" album. It's great because it's got all the early favorites, including his signature song "Danke Schoen". (Of course, every time I hear this song, I think of Ferris Bueller.) I love how the liner notes describe Wayne as "an apple-cheeked young fellow with a big, wide grin". What a great description! And, you gotta love the photo on the album cover - the hand up by his face and the perfectly coiffed hair! And Wayne still has the perfectly coiffed hair! I'm one of the few people on this earth who has yet to go to Las Vegas, but when I do go, I definitely plan to go see Wayne! I've heard he puts on the best show. But, for now, I will just have to listen to "the great songs by the great young singer known as MR. EXCITEMENT!"

Track listing for The Best of Wayne Newton (1967):

Side 1:
1. Danke Schoen
2. Bill Bailey
3. Laura Lee
4. I'm Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover
5. After the Laughter
6. Wiederseh'n

Side 2:
1. Summer Wind
2. Days of Wine and Roses
3. Apple Blossom Time
4. Games That Lovers Play
5. You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You


Here's a fun video of a very young Wayne Newton with the Newton Brothers:

George Maharis - Just Turn Me Loose! (1963)

Time for another celebrity vocal! This time around it's an album by George Maharis, one of the stars of the television series "Route 66". Not only was he a handsome man, but he was also a good singer (unlike many of the other celebrity vocals). George is in his seventies now, but I'm sure he's still a fine-looking man, and probably can still croon a tune or two! Speaking of tunes, this album has some familiar ones - and you won't be disappointed at George's take on them. My favorite is "Don't Fence Me In", which has a line in it that says "Just turn me loose" - which is where this album's title came from! Anyway, give this album a listen and enjoy!

Track listing for George Maharis - Just Turn Me Loose!:

Side 1:
1. Don't Fence Me In
2. Little Girl
3. I Remember You
4. I Can't Believe That You're in Love With Me
5. Take Me in Your Arms
6. Alright, Okay, You Win

Side 2:
1. I Wanna Be Loved
2. Laughing on the Outside
3. What Kind of Fool Am I?
4. Baby Has Gone Bye Bye
5. Little White Lies
6. All of You

Frankie Laine - Rockin' (1957)

Wow! Frankie Laine was an awesome singer, but this album of his just knocked my socks off! It is really fabulous - Frankie at his best! Plus, he recorded it with Paul Weston and his orchestra - one of my favorite bandleaders. For this collection, "Rockin' Chair" was arranged by Russ Case, and Paul Weston made the arrangements for "That's My Desire", "West End Blues" and "Give Me a Kiss". All other arrangements were made by the great Billy May. So, how could you go wrong with that? I've heard many of these songs before, and it's really hard to pick a favorite. I guess, for tonight, my favorite is "Shine" - I'm just in a "Shine" kind of mood. But this whole album is great! Listen for yourselves!

Track listing for Frankie Laine - Rockin':

Side 1:
1. By the River Ste. Marie
2. So Black and Blue
3. That's My Desire
4. Blue Turning Grey Over You
5. That Lucky Old Sun
6. Baby, That Ain't Right

Side 2:
1. Shine
2. Rockin' Chair
3. We'll Be Together Again
4. West End Blues
5. Give Me a Kiss
6. On the Sunny Side of the Street

Sammy Kaye and his Orchestra - Music for Dancing (1957)

Here's one for you big band enthusiasts. This was released on the Camden label, which was the budget label for RCA, in 1957. But, after listening to it, I think these songs must've been recorded a lot earlier - they kind of have a 1930s sound to them. It could be, too, that they just sound that way because this is a mono recording. Regardless, there are a lot of familiar tunes on this album that are sure to bring a smile to your face. I like how Sammy would introduce the vocalists, like - "and now here are the Kaye-dettes to sing..." or "to sing this beautiful song is so-and-so..." Anyway, enjoy!

Track listing for Sammy Kaye - Music for Dancing:

Side 1:
1. Baby Face
2. Miss You
3. Let's Have Another Cup of Coffee
4. Begin the Beguine
5. Pretty Baby
6. You Call It Madness

Side 2:
1. Amapola
2. You Always Hurt the One You Love
3. Taboo
4. Taking a Chance On Love
5. South of the Border
6. I Understand

Pepe Jaramillo - Mexican Fiesta (1960)

Here's a very enjoyable record of Latin American rhythm! This is one of those records that I have no idea if it belonged to my mother, or if I bought it - I just don't remember. But, I like it. I would even call it a "lounge" or "exotica" record. One of the things I really like is that, on the back cover, it tells you what kind of dance that song is. I only know how to dance two of the dances listed (bolero and cha cha cha), but I'm willing to give the others a try. Now, this record was pretty beat up, and I ran it through the click removal several times, but there's still some clicks and pops, and several of the songs have skips (not that obvious) in them. But it really is still a nice album to listen to, and you'll find many of the songs quite familiar. If there is anyone out there who happens to have a better recording of this album, please do share it with us!

Track listing for Pepe Jaramillo - Mexican Fiesta:

Side 1:
1. Bolero: Green Eyes
2. Baion: Cachito
3. Bolero: The Breeze and I
4. Guaracha: Cachita
5. Cha Cha Cha: Amor
6. Beguine: Siboney
7. Cha Cha Cha: Sway

Side 2:
1. Bolero: South of the Border
2. Baion: El Choclo
3. Bolero: Stairway to the Sea
4. Cha Cha Cha: Torero
5. Beguine: To Be Or Not To Be
6. Son Mambo: Capullito de Aleli
7. Baion: The Man Who Plays the Mandolino

Bill Haley and The Comets - Rock 'n' Roll Revival (1971)

"One, two, three o'clock, four o'clock, rock!"

How many of you remember those first words of one of the greatest rock 'n' roll songs ever? Some of us remember that song from the movie "The Blackboard Jungle", others from 1950s AM radio, others from the first season of the television series "Happy Days". I was not around in the 1950s, but I was introduced to the 50s rock in 1973 by my seventh grade Texas history teacher, Brother Joseph Scanlon. I remember that it was the day before a holiday (Thanksgiving, I think), when no one has their mind on school work, and he brought in a portable record player and a record. He played it while the class did busy work - and I was completely blown over by the music. A short time after that, I watched "The Blackboard Jungle" on late night TV with my mom, and I thought I was being such a rebel because I listened to that crazy 50s rock. Isn't it great the way kids' minds work? And then, several years later, "Happy Days" came on the air and I was ecstatic.

Anyway, I think I must've bought this record from the HPB bargain bin a while back, because it's a promotional DJ copy (and where else would I be able to find a promotional DJ copy?). Bill Haley and the Comets are required for any rock 'n' roll collection, in my opinion. This album was released in 1971, when there was a resurgence or "revival" of 50s rock. I think Bill and his band must've rerecorded all these songs, because they sound a little different from the way I've heard them on other (older) albums. So, dig out those saddle shoes and poodle skirts and get ready to dance to this album!

Track listing for Bill Haley and The Comets - Rock 'n' Roll Revival:

Side 1:
1. Rock Around the Clock
2. Blue Suede Shoes
3. Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On
4. Kansas City
5. No Letter Today
6. Shake, Rattle and Roll

Side 2:
1. Crazy Man, Crazy
2. There's a New Moon Over My Shoulder
3. I'm In Love Again
4. Detour
5. Blueberry Hill
6. Stagger Lee

And here's a great video of Bill Haley and The Comets singing their signature song!

Geraldo and his Orchestra - Dance, Dance, Dance! (1958)

Woo hoo! As of today, I have passed 150,000 hits on my blog! Thanks so much to all of you who visit regularly, and welcome to those who are only now finding this blog! I love music and I am glad that I am able to share my records with you all!

Well, ever since I brought up my entire record collection from my other house, I have shared several records that once belonged to my mom. This is another one, and it was a gift from my Uncle Abel (my mom's younger brother) to my mom in the summer of 1959 (my mom scribbled this on the back of the album). My uncle also shared my mom's love of music, and I even have some of his old records (my aunt gave them to me after he died). Anyway, this album is great for dancing as each track is actually a medley of several songs lasting about 5 minutes or so. According to the album cover, there are "36 Dance Favorites in Hi-Fi". Geraldo was actually Gerald Bright, a British bandleader, who adopted the name "Geraldo" in 1930 to become one of the most popular dance-band leaders of the 1930s with his "sweet music" and his "Gaucho Tango Orchestra". He died in 1974 while on holiday in Switzerland.

So, put on your dancing shoes and "Dance, Dance, Dance!" to the music of Geraldo!

Track listing for Geraldo and his Orchestra - Dance, Dance, Dance!:

Side 1:
1. Dance Little Lady; All the Things You Are; Button Up Your Overcoat; The Way You Look Tonight; The Lady is a Tramp
2. The Merry Widow Waltz; Falling in Love with Love; The Blue Danube Waltz
3. Long Ago (And Far Away); Dearly Beloved; You Were Never Lovelier; Love Walked In
4. Nice Work If You Can Get It; The Best Things in Life Are Free; Shall We Dance; A Fine Romance; You're the Cream in My Coffee

Side 2:
1. It's Delovely; Easy to Love; I Won't Dance; I Love Paris; In the Still of the Night
2. Lovely to Look At; We'll Gather Lilacs; Can I Forget You; There's a Small Hotel
3. Carioca; Cherry Pink Mambo; April in Portugal; Mu Cha Cha; My Heart Belongs to Daddy
4. The World is Waiting for the Sunrise; Why Do I Love You; I'm Old-Fashioned; On Your Toes; You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To

Here's a video of Geraldo and his Gaucho Tango Orchestra in 1932:

Percy Faith - Viva! (1957)

Hola, amigos! (Yes, I am fluent in Spanish, but I'll continue the rest in English.) Today's offering is another album of my mother's that I grew up listening to. My mom belonged to the Columbia House record club (I later belonged to it - the apple doesn't fall far from the tree), and she bought lots of cool records, most of which I have now. My mom loved Percy Faith, so I have several of his records. Although this album was released in 1957, I don't think my mom bought it until 1959 because on the back of the album cover she wrote her name and '1959' (my mom liked to scribble notes on the backs of her record albums). So, take another trip down memory lane and give a listen to this "Music from Mexico" album from Percy Faith and his orchestra!

Track listing for Percy Faith - Viva!:

Side 1:
1. Granada
2. La Golondrina (The Swallow)
3. La Cucaracha (The Mexican Cockroach Song)
4. Chiapanecas (The Mexican Hand-Clapping Song)
5. Estrellita (My Little Star)
6. El Rancho Grande (My Ranch)
7. La Paloma (The Dove)

Side 2:
1. Be Mine Tonight (Noche de Ronda)
2. Mexican Hat Dance (Jarabe Tapatio)
3. Guadalajara
4. Zandunga; Jesusita en Chihuahua (The Dancing Donkey)
5. Cuanto Le Gusta
6. Solamente Una Vez (You Belong to My Heart)

Rick Ely (1970)

Does anyone out there remember a very short-lived television series called "The Young Rebels"? Or the handsome star, Rick Ely (wasn't he just dreamy?), who played "Jeremy Larkin" on the show? Well, here's a record from my celebrity vocal collection that I forgot I even had! I searched for this for a long time and finally found it on eBay a few years ago (sealed!), listened to it once, and forgot about it. So, I thought this would be a real treat (depending on how you look at it).

I never watched an episode of the show - it came and went pretty fast - but I do vaguely remember watching commercials for it. And I do remember Rick Ely from the teen magazines like Tiger Beat and 16 (okay, I still have a few of those). He wasn't one of my "faves" back then (I was more in the David Cassidy and Donny Osmond crowd), but when I bought some old teen magazines on eBay a few years ago, and some of them had pictures and articles about him, I developed a bit of a crush on him - well, a crush on the guy in the pictures from 38 years ago anyway (I'm thinking he must be in his early sixties now). I don't know what happened to him after that except that he was on a soap opera for a while. But then... nothing. So, if anyone out there can give me an update on Rick Ely (also went by Richard Ely and Richard K. Weber), I would love it! I know there are other Rick Ely fans out there who would like to know whatever happened to him.

This album is the only album he recorded, that I know of. He did release a single off it - "Circle Game" - but it wasn't a top-40 hit, although I think I read that it enjoyed some modest play in Hawaii. His voice reminds me a little of Bobby Sherman - easy, laid-back, mellow - and I find it rather pleasant. You'll recognize most of the songs, too, as it's mostly covers (I think just about everybody has recorded "Your Song"). I even have a suggestion for a double-play - download this one and the album by Peggy Lipton (who is still HOT), and you'll have a nice double-album to burn to a CD. So, go back to 1970 and listen to Rick sing.

Track listing for Rick Ely:

Side 1:
1. Circle Game
2. Up On the Roof
3. The Other Side of Life
4. Something
5. Make It With You

Side 2:
1. Morning Girl
2. Your Song
3. The Last Thing On My Mind
4. The Fool On the Hill

De Vol - The Theme from Peyton Place and 11 Other Great Themes (1965)

This is yet another treasure from the HPB bargain bin! I think most of us are familiar with the music of Frank De Vol. We've heard it in lots of movies and lots of television series. Well, this album has some great movie and TV themes as played by Frank De Vol and his orchestra (but couldn't they have thought of a better, shorter album title?). He co-wrote three of the themes on this album - "My Three Sons" (one of my all-time favorites), "Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte", and "Give Me a Souvenir". And I absolutely love his arrangement of the theme from "Peyton Place" - one of my favorite TV shows when I was a very little girl (I barely remember it). And "Combat" - I LOVE this TV show, and watch it every evening on the ALN channel. When I was a little girl, my father bought me a plastic tommy gun and I used to play "Combat" in our backyard, hiding behind the bushes and waiting to ambush the enemy. "Bewitched" - always loved Elizabeth Montgomery as Samantha! Anyway, I hope you enjoy this album as much as I did!

Track listing for De Vol - The Theme from Peyton Place and 11 Other Great Themes:

Side 1:
1. Theme from Peyton Place (For Those Who Are Young)
2. The Addams Family
3. The Rogues Theme
4. Sunday Night at the Movies
5. Show Street
6. Combat

Side 2:
1. Bewitched
2. General Hospital
3. My Three Sons
4. Give Me a Souvenir
5. Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte
6. Hollywood Palace (Put On a Happy Face)

Frankie Carle - The Golden Touch (1960)

Well, this album really brought back memories for me. This is one of the albums that my mom played a lot when I was growing up. I'd forgotten about it until I started going through my albums to see which one to post tonight. As soon as the first song started playing, I was taken back in time to my living room in my childhood home (which I still own, but it's been remodeled so it doesn't look the same). Once again, I was a little girl playing with my Barbies or coloring in one of my coloring books, while my mother listened to this record. I even remember that I would always ask her which one of the serenades (Sunrise or Penthouse) was which - I always got them mixed up. I was also pleasantly surprised at how well this album sounded - very little clicks and pops considering that my mom played it a lot. She even marked the back cover - there are plus (+) signs by "Deep Purple" and "Diane", a note by "Diane" that says "from Seventh Heaven" (a movie), and two check marks by "Falling Leaves" (I guess she really liked it). So, it was kinda neat to listen to this, and to see my mom's scribbles on the back cover. I hope you like this album as much as I - the songs are great and it's wonderful piano music to listen to!

Track listing for Frankie Carle - The Golden Touch:

Side 1:
1. Roses in the Rain
2. Deep Purple
3. Diane
4. Falling Leaves
5. Missouri Waltz
6. The Golden Touch (of Love)

Side 2:
1. Sweet and Lovely
2. Sunrise Serenade
3. A Lover's Lullaby
4. Penthouse Serenade
5. If You Were the Only Girl
6. Rumors Are Flying

Summer Compilation Vol.2 (2008)

Happy Summer! I know it doesn't officially start until Friday, but I wanted to make sure that you start off your summer right with this new compilation I put together. I actually meant to post it last year (my first summer compilation was in 2006), but for some reason (that I don't know or remember), I didn't. So, I dusted it off, made some changes, and am now presenting it for your listening pleasure!

Summer is my very favorite time of the year. I have great memories of it from my childhood, and I love the hot weather. I know lots of people can't stand the heat, but it doesn't bother me at all. I remember as a little kid, we used to be just fine with fans in the house. My house didn't have central air, and it wasn't until we'd lived there a few years when my parents finally bought a couple of window units. Of course, those were also the days when it was perfectly safe to sleep with your windows open and leave your front doors unlocked. Those were also the days when it was perfectly safe for a little kid to walk (or ride a bike) alone down to the neighborhood candy store. We really had it made in those days, didn't we?

Anyway, I hope you like the songs I selected for this compilation. To download the first one I made, just click on the "summer" label and it'll bring it up. The link is still good.

Track listing for Summer Compilation Vol.2:

1. Summer Days - The Partridge Family
2. Can't Wait for Summer - Steve Lawrence
3. The Things We Did Last Summer - Jo Stafford
4. All Summer Long - The Beach Boys
5. Hot Summer Night - Les Baxter
6. Lazy Summer Night - Claudine Longet
7. The Green Leaves of Summer - The Brothers Four
8. Summer (The First Time) - Bobby Goldsboro
9. Summer Samba - Astrud Gilberto
10. The Door Into Summer - The Monkees
11. Summertime Dream - Gordon Lightfoot
12. Summertime - Sarah Vaughn
13. Groovy Summertime - The Love Generation
14. Summer Holiday - Cliff Richard
15. In the Good Old Summertime - Connie Francis
16. She's My Summer Girl - Jan and Dean
17. Summer Rain - Johnny Rivers
18. Summer Wine - Nancy Sinatra
19. Theme from 'A Summer Place' - The Lettermen
20. Summer Wind - Wayne Newton
21. Lost Summer Love - Shelley Fabares
22. Summer Means Fun - Bruce and Terry
23. Summer Love - Neil Diamond
24. Summertime Blues - Olivia Newton-John
25. Summer Means New Love - The Beach Boys
26. Summer Kisses Winter Tears - Elvis Presley
27. Summer is Over - Dusty Springfield

Father's Day Compilation

Happy Father's Day to all you dads out there! I know the day is almost over, but I hope you get a chance to download this and listen to the songs before the day is over. And for those whose dads have passed on (like mine), then I hope these songs bring back some happy memories of your time with your dad.

Most of my memories of Father's Day are either of my parents and me going to my uncle's house up valley, or my uncle and his family would come to our house. Whichever house we were at, we always had a cook-out (my father's favorite thing to do). After a meal of yummy steaks cooked on the grill, potato salad, and other delicious side dishes, my father and uncle would open their presents - usually ties, Old Spice or Brut cologne, and Arrow shirts. Those were the days...

Well, I hope you enjoy the songs I picked for this compilation. Some are very sentimental and moving, but there are also some fun ones. Enjoy!

Track listing for Father's Day Compilation:

Oh Dad, Poor Dad - Children's Chorus
Oh, My Pa-Pa - Eddie Fisher
Don't Cry Daddy - Elvis Presley & Lisa Marie Presley
That Silver Haired Daddy of Mine - Everly Brothers
A Father's Love - George Strait
Cat's in the Cradle - Harry Chapin
Papa's Got a Brand New Bag - James Brown
Daddy's Home - Jermaine Jackson
My Heart Belongs to Daddy - Julie London
Dance with My Father - Luther Vandross
Daddy - Pat Suzuki
My Dad - Paul Peterson
Papa Loves Mambo - Perry Como
Daddy Don't You Walk So Fast - Wayne Newton

Harry Belafonte - Belafonte (1956)

I really like Harry Belafonte, and I wish I had a better copy of this album. But, I haven't been able to find a posting of it, so I thought I would go ahead and record and post my copy. I ran it through the click removal five times, but there is still noise, and several of the songs have skips. So, if anyone out there has a better copy, please post it and let me know!

This is one of Harry's early albums (I think it was his second), and the liner notes say that "most of the songs in this collection will be familiar to all". Well, I've only heard three of them, but the entire album is good. As the liner notes say, "great folk themes are immortal and timeless". The three songs that I'm familiar with (and thus my favorites on the album) are "Matilda" (makes me want to sing along), "Scarlet Ribbons" (it's so sweet it always makes me cry), and "Unchained Melody" (always a beautiful song). I hope you like these songs, and the rest of the album!

Track listing for Harry Belafonte - Belafonte (link has been deleted - go buy CD on Amazon):

Side 1:
1. Water Boy
2. Troubles
3. Suzanne (Every Night When the Sun Goes Down)
4. Matilda
5. Take My Mother Home

Side 2:
1. Noah
2. Scarlet Ribbons (For Her Hair)
3. In That Great Gettin' Up Mornin'
4. Unchained Melody
5. Jump Down, Spin Around
6. Sylvie


BTW, the last four records (and this one) were recorded on my new ION USB turntable! I got the TTUSB05 and it works great! Also, I haven't received any comments on Sharlene Sharp. Doesn't anyone out there have any info on her or Sonny Look???

Barclay Allen - Latin and American Piano Rhythms (1957)

Here's an album cover with a couple of beauties! (I'm kind of partial to the blonde - she's so perky!) And the tunes are familiar standards performed by "one of America's foremost piano virtuosos", Barclay Allen. Allen was a pianist and bandleader whose brilliant career was tragically cut short by an auto accident. He was a mainstay with the Freddy Martin band before forming his own highly successful orchestra. He became popular for his Latin-esque theme song, ''Cumana,'' which he co-wrote with Harold Spina and Roc Hillman. In 1949 Allen was paralyzed when he lost control of his car while driving all night between performances. This copy of the album has had its share of being played a lot, and I tried to remove the clicks and pops the best I could, but it still has some noise. Also, the first song on the second side has some skips. But, I think it's still well worth a listen - Barclay Allen could really tickle the ivories!

Track listing for Barclay Allen - Latin and American Piano Rhythms:

Side 1:
1. Cumana
2. It Happened in Havana
3. September Song
4. At the Crossroads
5. Green Eyes
6. My Adobe Hacienda

Side 2:
1. The Whole World is Singing My Song
2. Old Lamplighter
3. Stardust
4. Linda
5. For Sentimental Reasons
6. That's My Desire

Sonny Look Presents Sharlene Sharp - Rare and Well Done

Well, here's a doozy of an album cover! My friends, Dan and Bradley, gave me this record this past Christmas, and they said they chose it because it was such a weird cover. They know me too well. I have to admit I was a little afraid to play this record for fear that it would be absolutely awful, but today I decided to record it for the blog and it's not as bad as I thought. I'm not saying it's wonderful - I'm just saying it's not as bad as I feared. But the cover makes up for it! Who the heck thought up this cover??? You can tell that Sharlene is pasted in there - she's not really sitting on that horse! And what's with the jousting outfit on the horse? Poor thing looks like he's one of the horses at Medieval Times. It's a pretty funky cover, all right - I'll be framing it and hanging it in my entryway - I'm serious!

I have absolutely no idea who Sharlene Sharp is (I'm assuming she's still with us), and I could find no information about her on the internet. But I did find out that Sonny Look had a famous restaurant in Houston called the Sir Loin Restaurant and Club, and that he died in 2003. I figure that Sharlene must've been an entertainer at his restaurant and he thought she was just wonderful so he had her record this album. The only other information I have on this album is that the liner notes were written by Mel Arvin (must've been a local Houston celebrity), and that the album was recorded by ACA Recording Studios in Houston. I don't know what year it was recorded but I'm thinking the late 60s, since "Sunny" was a Top-40 hit in 1966. If anyone has any info they can share about Sharlene and/or Sonny, please post a comment!

So, give old Sharlene a listen. Maybe (if she's still with us) we can track her down and convince her to come out of retirement and record another album.

Track listing for Sharlene Sharp - Rare and Well Done:

Side 1:
1. Your Nobody Till Somebody Loves You - (notice the misspelling of "you're" - but I put it the way it's on the album)
2. Where Are You?
3. Meditation
4. Might as Well Be Spring
5. Since I Fell for You
6. Hey Look Me Over

Side 2:
1. Born to Lose
2. Your Gonna Hear from Me - (again, "you're" is misspelled)
3. Masquerade is Over
4. Trolly Song - ("trolley" is misspelled)
5. There's a Tree in the Meadow
6. Sunny

Ethel Smith - Rhythm Antics!

Here's another gem from the HPB bargain bin. I'd never heard of Ethel Smith, but I love organ music and I couldn't resist the hilarious album cover - it just cracks me up! I have since found out who Ethel Smith was (good write-up on Space Age Pop), and have added this album as a must-play for my housewarming party. This is a great album to play at your next happy hour or cocktail party!

Track listing for Ethel Smith - Rhythm Antics!:

Side 1:
1. Desafinado
2. I've Got Your Number
3. What is This Thing Called Love
4. Rhythm Antics
5. Diga Diga Doo
6. Makin' Whoopee

Side 2:
1. By the Light of the Silvery Moon
2. Carioca
3. Ooh That Kiss
4. Moanin'
5. It Ain't Necessarily So
6. Baia

Here's a video of Ethel Smith (accompanied by a bevy of beauties!) playing her hit "Tico Tico":

Discotheque - The Discotheque Dance Album (1966)

Well, I finally did the Big Move of my furniture and stuff up from my old house to my new house over Memorial Day weekend. It was the drive from hell. It usually takes 8 to 9 hours to drive from Brownsville (the very bottom tip of Texas) to Dallas, but I was driving a 16-foot Budget truck (a piece of crap) and knew it would take longer. Well, when the truck started rocking from side to side in San Antonio, I knew it was not a good sign and had to drive even slower. I ended up stopping in Waco and calling a friend to drive down from Dallas to drive the truck the rest of the way. My friend said it was good that I stopped driving because there was something wrong with the front stabilizer, or something like that. But, he had driven big rigs so he knew how to handle trucks that drive bad. Anyway, I left Brownsville at 8 AM (with my teenage cousin to accompany me) and didn't get to Dallas until 11 PM - big fun. But, I have my stuff now - including the rest of my record collection! Woo hoo!

One of the albums I brought back is the one I've chosen for today's post. I liked the cover art and the name of the album, so that's why I bought it. It's an album of groovy instrumental hits performed by an all-star orchestra that includes Tony Mottola, Doc Severinsen, Dick Hyman, Bob Haggart, and is directed by Bobby Byrne. According to the liner notes, it is "played for continuous dancing discotheque style... the frug, the watusi, the swim, the fly, the twine, the hammer, the Prince Charlie, you name it..." Now, I've heard of the first three, but not the rest - and I have no idea how to dance any of them! But, it's a fun record to listen to, and also one to play at your next dance party! So, break out the cocktails and party dip, and prepare yourselves for "an unforgettably VIVID musical experience!"

Track listing for The Discotheque Dance Album:

Side 1:
1. A Taste of Honey
2. I'm Henry VIII, I Am
3. St. Louis Blues
4. I'm Telling You Now
5. Old Devil Moon
6. Mr. Tambourine Man

Side 2:
1. Bathtub Saturday Night
2. King of the Road
3. Gonna Build a Mountain
4. My Girl Sloopy (Hang On Sloopy)
5. Tonight
6. Baby Love

Eydie Gorme - More Amor (1965)

Y'all have probably figured out by now that I love Eydie Gorme, thanks to my mother playing the "Amor" and "More Amor" albums when I was growing up. Well, one of my early posts was the "Amor" album (click on the Eydie Gorme label to get all her posts), so now I'm finally getting around to posting "More Amor" (or "Mas Amor", depending which part of the world you are from). If you download both of these albums, you can easily burn them together to one CD! Eydie recorded both of these albums with the famous Mexican trio, the Trio Los Panchos. (I think I may have an album by them, and I'll post it if I do.) Once again, Eydie's voice is inspiring and beautiful as she is accompanied by the melodious guitars and harmonies of Los Panchos. This is a must!

Track listing for Eydie Gorme - More Amor:

Side 1:
1. Vereda Tropical (Tropical Trail)
2. Cuatro Vidas (Four Lives)
3. No Te Vayas Sin Mi (Don't Leave Without Me)
4. Mas Amor (More Love)
5. Desesperadamente (Desperately)
6. Guitarra Romana (Roman Guitar)

Side 2:
1. Oracion Caribe (Caribbean Prayer)
2. Flores Negras (Black Flowers)
3. Mala Noche (Evil Night)
4. Fuego Bajo Tu Piel (Fire Under Your Skin)
5. Luna Lunera (Bright Moon)
6. Nochecita (Little Night)

Paul Mauriat - Blooming Hits (1968)

Here's another album with a humdinger of a cover! Wow! I can definitely say that it was the cover that first grabbed my attention. I wonder what ever became of the girl on the cover...

Anyway, this is a great album! It's just perfect to play on a lazy spring or summer day - like today! I think it got up to close to 90 degrees in Dallas today - nice and sunny, barely a breeze, a beautiful day! It was the kind of day to just lie on the couch, or hammock, or outdoor lounger, and relax and listen to great music such as this. So, grab a cool drink, take it easy, and give it a listen.

Track listing for Paul Mauriat - Blooming Hits:

Side 1:
1. Somethin' Stupid
2. Penny Lane
3. This is My Song
4. Seuls Au Monde (Alone in the World)
5. Inch Allah

Side 2:
1. (There's a) Kind of Hush
2. Puppet on a String
3. L'Amour Est Bleu (Love is Blue)
4. Adieu a la Nuit (Adieu to the Night)
5. Mama

Lorne Greene - The Man (1965)

Here's one of my favorites from my celebrity albums! I have several Lorne Greene albums, and I posted the "Bonanza Ponderosa Party Time" album before. I also have one by Dan Blocker that I'll get around to posting. If anyone has anything by Pernell Roberts, I'd love for you to share it! :-)

I grew up watching "Bonanza" - and "Gunsmoke", "The High Chapparral", "The Big Valley", "The Virginian", "The Rifleman", "Branded", "Laredo", and many others! If it was a western or a war show (like "Combat!" or "The Rat Patrol"), then I watched it with my father. Those were the days when a home had only one TV (two TVs meant you were "rich"), and I even remember when we got a COLOR TV! My father would sit in his vinyl recliner and I would sit next to him in my little rocking chair. Oh - and I was the remote control, too! Well, I'm just glad I have cable TV and get the Encore Westerns channel and American Life Network - I get to watch a lot of these old shows and relive happy memories of my childhood.

Listening to this album also brings back pleasant memories of an era gone by. Henry Mancini wrote the liner notes and here's a snippet:

I like this album! It's a steel-drivin', mountain-movin' album full of exciting hammer-swingin', rock-splittin' rhythms....
Everybody knows Lorne Greene. Sure...he's the Big Boss of the Ponderosa Ranch on TV's "Bonanza," but that's NOT the Lorne Greene I'm talking about. In this album he takes off his shirt and bends these great work songs in his bare hands like some kind of way-out giant. In every groove there's pure, naked virility that will give your loudspeaker a real traumatic shock. There's bone, muscle and guts in these songs....

Okay - you get the idea! So, give it a listen! Lorne Greene is, indeed, The Man!


Track listing for Lorne Greene - The Man:

Side 1:
1. Pop Goes the Hammer
2. End of Track
3. Nine Pound Hammer
4. Bring on the Dancin' Girls
5. Oh! What a Town
6. Fourteen Men

Side 2:
1. Destiny
2. Sixteen Tons
3. Trouble Row
4. Chickasaw Mountain
5. Darling, My Darling
6. The Man

Here's a hilarious clip of Lorne Greene with Dean Martin:

Mother's Day Compilation

Happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there! I know the day is almost over, but I hope some of you get a chance to download this and play it for your mothers. Or, for those of you (like myself) whose mothers are no longer with you, play it for yourselves and remember your mothers with all the love they deserve.

Mother's Day is a bittersweet holiday for me, as my own mother passed away 15 years ago on Mother's Day. But I lovingly remember many a Mother's Day - my father and I going shopping for a card and present, going up-valley to my uncle's house and spending the day with his family. One of the traditions our family had on Mother's Day was to go to the cemetery and place flowers on my grandmothers' and great-grandmother's graves. I know that may sound odd to some of you, but I actually remember it with fondness - I think that's one reason why I have come to value my ancestors and heritage, thanks to my mother. In my adult years, after my father passed away, I moved away but I would take my mother out to lunch or dinner if one of us was visiting the other. I was lucky to have spent a week with my mother (she came to visit for a week) just a few days before she passed away.

So, I hope you like this compilation of songs (most of them seem to bring a tear to your eye).

Track listing for Mother's Day Compilation:

Mama - B.J. Thomas
Rock and Roll Lullaby - B.J. Thomas
Mama - Connie Francis
Que Sera, Sera - Doris Day
Mama Said - Dusty Springfield
You and Me Against the World - Helen Reddy
Mother of Mine - Jimmy Osmond
The Sweetest Gift - Linda Ronstadt
Mama Tried - Merle Haggard
Songs My Mother Loved - Milton Berle
Mother and Child Reunion - Paul Simon
Mother the Queen of My Heart - Ramblin' Jack Elliott
Mama Sang a Song - Walter Brennan
My Mother's Eyes - Willie Nelson

Marlene Dietrich at the Cafe De Paris (1954)

Any Marlene Dietrich fans out there??? Well, I love Marlene Dietrich - especially when she sang. I remember seeing her as Lola-Lola singing her signature song (and my favorite), "Falling in Love Again". (I'm proud to say that I can do a fairly good imitation of her singing this song!) And I loved her delightful role in "Destry Rides Again" and her singing "The Boys in the Backroom". She was beautiful and talented and sexy... sigh... I have a wonderful huge framed print of her wearing a tux and top hat, which will hang in my new house (as soon as I bring it up from my other house). Anyway, I'll stop gushing over Marlene Dietrich now, and I hope you enjoy this album, which was "recorded on her fabulous opening night at London's most famous night club with an introduction written and spoken by Noel Coward".

Track listing for Marlene Dietrich at the Cafe De Paris (link has been deleted - go buy CD at Amazon):

Side 1:
1. Introduction by Noel Coward
2. La Vie En Rose
3. The Boys in the Backroom
4. Lazy Afternoon
5. Lola
6. Look Me Over Closely
7. Das Lied ist Aus (Frag 'Nicht Warum Ich Gehe)

Side 2:
1. No Love, No Nothin'
2. The Laziest Gal in Town
3. Jonny
4. Lili Marlene
5. Falling in Love Again

Here's a clip from "Destry Rides Again" where she sings "The Boys in the Backroom":

Ferrante & Teicher - Pianos in Paradise (1962)

I have a goody for you today! This is yet another gem from the HPB bargain bin, and yet another album that I bought for the cover art. But I was already familiar with this piano-playing twosome, so I knew that it would be a great listen. Although classified as "easy listening", I would say that this also qualifies as "exotica". This would make some good music to play in the background while having dinner in your home with that special someone (hmmm, make note to self), or to play while reading, or just to relax. So, give this record a listen!

Track listing for Ferrante & Teicher - Pianos in Paradise:

Side 1:
1. Jungle Rhumba
2. Shangri-La
3. Misty
4. African Echoes
5. Adventures in Paradise
6. Claire de Lune

Side 2:
1. The Breeze & I
2. Flamingo
3. Ebb Tide
4. Taboo
5. Negligee
6. Moon of Manakoora

Here's a video of Ferrante & Teicher playing "African Echoes" from a TV special they did:

David Carroll - Let's Dance (1959)

Here's yet another gem from the HPB bargain bin! And - surprise - I bought it for the cover art. I actually thought that this album would have a Latin beat to it because of the way the girl was dancing on the cover, but it actually turned out to be more like a Lawrence Welk type of sound. But, luckily, I love Lawrence Welk, too! The songs on this album also reminded me of the years that I was ballroom dancing, so if any of you are into ballroom dancing, then I recommend this album. Plus, how can anyone not like an album that has "The Glow Worm" on it? That's one of my favorites! (I also think my mother had a dress like the girl on the cover.)

Track listing for David Carroll - Let's Dance:

Side 1:
1. Let's Dance
2. Cuddle Up a Little Closer
3. Yearning
4. A Gliss to Remember
5. The Glow Worm
6. The Trouble with Harry

Side 2:
1. My Sin
2. Dancing Tambourine
3. Euphrates
4. Puerto Rican Pedlar
5. Armen's Theme
6. Dixie Dawn Patrol

Buddy Cole - Powerhouse! (1959)

Today's offering is another one of my discoveries from the bargain bin at Half-Price Books. Of course, it was the cover that grabbed my attention - hello! I didn't even notice on the cover that it said Buddy Cole played the Hammond organ, and I love swingin' organ music! That brings up a memory from college... My friends and I would occasionally go out to dinner (we were poor college students and usually ate in the university refectory) and one of our favorite places was this little Mexican food restaurant called Los Barrios. They had the best "enfrijoladas" (like enchiladas, but covered in bean sauce instead of red or chili sauce), and this little man would sit in the corner playing the organ! The only song I remember him playing was "New York, New York" - it was great! Ah, memories...

Anyway, after I listened to this album, it just knocked my socks off! Buddy Cole really swings on the old Hammond! Wow! This is definitely an album I'll be playing when I have my housewarming. (BTW, my new sofa was delivered today so I now have a place for guests to sit!) So, give a listen to this album - it's a must for all you swingin' hep cats!

Track listing for Buddy Cole - Powerhouse!:

Side 1:
1. The Lady is a Tramp
2. I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart
3. What is There to Say
4. Ridin' High
5. Georgia on My Mind
6. Just You, Just Me

Side 2:
1. I'm Beginning to See the Light
2. Will You Still Be Mine?
3. Fulfillment
4. Don't Get Around Much Anymore
5. Powerhouse
6. Accent on Youth

Annette - Hawaiiannette (1960)

Aloha! I've been in a Hawaii state of mind this weekend (I have no idea why, but do I really need a reason?), so I played this record yesterday while I was putting my new dresser together (I should've gone ahead and paid for Eurway to assemble it, but that's another story). Then I thought I would go ahead and post it today (the album, not the dresser). I love Annette - her records, her beach movies, her other Disney movies. I even have several of the Annette series of Whitman TV books. Anytime I listen to one of her records or watch one of her movies, I just feel good! So, here I am sharing that good feeling with all of you - my blogger buddies! I have a couple of other Annette albums, which I'll post in the future, but if any of you have any requests, just post a comment.

Track listing for Annette - Hawaiiannette:

Side 1:
1. Hawaiiannette
2. Pineapple Princess
3. Hukilau
4. Blue Hawaii
5. Song of the Islands
6. Now is the Hour

Side 2:
1. Date Night in Hawaii
2. Blue Muu Muu
3. Luau Cha Cha Cha
4. My Little Grass Shack
5. Holiday in Hawaii
6. Aloha Oe

Danny Bonaduce (1973)

Hey there! Sorry for my absence these last couple of weeks - been busy with my job and with my class at church (had a take-home final exam and a final project to do - geez!). Still getting settled in my new house - bought a new bedroom set from Eurway and assembled it myself!

Anyway, I was looking through my albums trying to decide which one to post today and decided on Danny Bonaduce's self-titled album from 1973 - back in his hey-day when he was on "The Partridge Family". I always found Danny (as Danny Partridge) very annoying and never understood his appeal. I like him better as an adult, even if he is quite obnoxious. Maybe it's because of his reality show "Breaking Bonaduce" - I don't know. Well, back to this album... I bought this on eBay several years ago but I only just listened to it while I was recording it for this blog. It wasn't as bad as I had thought! In fact, I rather liked it! I had only heard his version of "The 59th Street Bridge Song" once, when he appeared on a musical variety special that aired on a Saturday morning. I'm thinking it was maybe a Sid and Marty Krofft production, but I don't remember any of the usual characters on it. All I remember is Danny being on it, singing (or rather, lip-synching) the song, and this other guy doing sound effects to the song "By the Time I Get to Phoenix". If this rings any bells for anyone out there, PLEASE let me know what that show was! If it's available on video, I would love a copy! So, here's Danny Bonaduce singing his little heart out (or at least, trying to) back in 1973 - enjoy!

Track listing for Danny Bonaduce:

Side 1:
1. I'll Be Your Magician
2. Save a Little Piece for Me
3. Turn-Down Day
4. Blueberry You
5. You're Old Enough to Fall in Love
6. The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)

Side 2:
1. Dreamland
2. A New Kind of Me
3. Colors of Love
4. Fortune Lady
5. All the Time in the World

BTW, I'm thinking of buying one of those turntables that you can connect directly to the computer with a USB cable. I've seen some ION turntables on Amazon. Can anybody tell me anything about them - whether they're great, okay, or trash? I want to get something like that so that I can return my receiver and turntable back to the stereo cabinet with the rest of my stereo components and listen to records through real speakers (not just the computer speakers). Oh, and here are my two little assistants helping me record an album!


Starbuck listens for skips, clicks, and pops on a record. He has excellent hearing.


Snickerdoodle supervises the recording software from her favorite spot. (Notice my Mr.Spock mousepad and Enterprise note holder?)

Leonard Nimoy - The Way I Feel (1968)

Well, since I've already posted three of my five Leonard Nimoy albums, I figured I might as well finish out the lot. I didn't post the very first album because, as I mentioned in the post for "The Touch of Leonard Nimoy", someone else already had it and I listed that link. But, if y'all want me to, I can go ahead and record my album and post it - just let me know! Today, I'm posting "The Way I Feel", which is probably my favorite of his folksy albums. I particularly like his version of "If I Had a Hammer". You're going to think I'm really weird (well, you probably already think that), but this version gets me all teary-eyed when he starts speaking towards the end - I think I start feeling all patriotic and stuff so I get all emotional. I don't know - maybe it 's just the menopause. Anyway, here's another to add to your Leonard Nimoy collection! (No cool liner or track notes on this one.)

Track listing for Leonard Nimoy - The Way I Feel:

Side 1:
1. I'd Love Making Love to You
2. Please Don't Try to Change My Mind
3. Sunny
4. Where It's At
5. Both Sides Now
6. If I Had a Hammer

Side 2:
1. Here We Go 'Round Again
2. Billy Don't Play the Banjo Anymore
3. It's Getting Better
4. Consilium
5. Love is Sweeter
6. The Hitch-Hiker

Leonard Nimoy - Two Sides of Leonard Nimoy (1968)

Well, after posting that last Leonard Nimoy album on Sunday, my buddy, Gordon, requested in his comment that I post this album. Ask and you shall receive (provided I have the album, of course)!

Anyway, in this earlier album (I forgot to mention on the last post that Leonard had gone on to be a regular on TV's "Mission: Impossible" when he recorded that album), "Star Trek" was on TV and Leonard recorded this album as Spock on one side and as himself on the other. Being the Trekker that I am, I like the Spock side better, although, I love "The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins"! It's just a hilarious song, especially if you watch the video of Leonard singing it! (If you want to watch the video, just click on the "Leonard Nimoy" label on this post, and it'll bring up all posts. I posted the video when I did "The Touch of Leonard Nimoy" a while back.) There is one song on here that I don't like - "If I Were a Carpenter". I've never liked that song (not even when Bobby Darin sang it) - I just think it's one of the most boring songs ever. Just my opinion. Some of you may love that song, and that's great, so I hope you like this version! Enjoy the album! Oh, and after each song, I've typed what it says on the record for that song.

Track listing for Two Sides of Leonard Nimoy:

Side 1:
1. Highly Illogical - Spock's reactions to some earth-behavior.
2. The Difference Between Us - Could Spock ever feel hidden, deep, emotional love problems? Could he react as a human in a romantic situation?
3. Once I Smiled - Once Spock's emotional barriers were broken down, and for a short while he tasted a bitter-sweet romantic experience.
4. Spock Thoughts - Some excellent vulcanian advice and philosophy.
5. By Myself - As "alien" to the planet earth, Spock is not always completely at home, and feels his loneliness at times.
6. Follow Your Star - Aim high in life. Make your goal a star and follow it.
7. Amphibious Assault - A surrealistic battle of the future. Will war come to this?

Side 2:
1. The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins - Long an admirer of the "Hobbits", Nimoy sings of the adventures of the bravest Hobbit of them all.
2. Cotton Candy - A modern, thought-image in musical setting, written by one of the camera crew of the Star Trek series.
3. Gentle On My Mind - The kind of song that Nimoy personally loves to sing.
4. Miranda - A lovely Bart Howard song in a classic-folk tradition.
5. If I Were a Carpenter - Another "modern" folk song, sung by Nimoy in an unusual rhythmic setting.
6. Love of the Common People - A song that Nimoy enjoys singing on personal appearances, since it reflects his own philosophy.

Leonard Nimoy - The New World of Leonard Nimoy (1970)

Before I get on with today's post, I just want to say thanks to everyone who has left their great comments on my past posts, and for the well-wishes for me and my new home! Thanks!

Okay... after I posted one of Leonard Nimoy's albums, I got some feedback asking for another album. I think I mentioned in the previous post that I was lucky enough to buy the entire lot of five albums on eBay (plus a Star Trek bloopers record)! I don't know what I value more - these five albums of his, or my autographed copy of his book "I Am Spock". Now that I've mentioned that, I have to digress a little and tell you about the sci-fi convention I went to a few years ago where Leonard Nimoy was the super-special guest. I went ahead and bought the VIP ticket so that I could be in the group of fans that would get his autograph. We could take one item and he would sign it, but not personalize it. That would've been nicer, but I was happy enough to just be able to stand across a table from him and have him touch and sign my copy of his book! I think after that day, I pretty much thought that I can now die happy (although, I'd rather not die just yet!).

On with this post - I've read that this is the hardest to find of the Leonard Nimoy albums, so I hope you are not disappointed. In addition to the usual covers, he also sings a couple of his own compositions. What a treat! I really like listening to Leonard - it really relaxes me. As the liner notes say: "This album is Leonard Nimoy. A very refreshing experience."

Track listing for The New World of Leonard Nimoy:

Side 1:
1. Time to Get It Together
2. Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town
3. The Mayor of Ma's Cafe
4. I Walk the Line
5. I Finally Saw the Two of You Today
6. Mary's Near

Side 2:
1. Abraham, Martin & John
2. Proud Mary
3. Let It Be Me
4. Everybody's Talkin'
5. The Sun Will Rise
6. Put a Little Love in Your Heart

House and Home Compilation

Hey, y'all! I'm all moved from my apartment to my new house! Woo hoo! I've officially been in the house for almost three weeks now - spent my first night here on February 23. Last weekend, I moved the final "big" things (futon, bicycle) from my apartment, so now all I have left to do at the apartment is clean it. I still have to bring all my stuff up from my house in my hometown, but that's another story.

Anyway, in honor of my new house/home, I decided to put together a compilation of songs with the word "house" or "home" in the title. There's a variety on here - classic standards, instrumentals from movie soundtracks, rock, country - so I hope you like them. The house in the photo is actually my new house. It's what's referred to as a "mid-century modern", or a "1950's soft contemporary", or an "atomic ranch" house. The inside is really cool - interior brick walls, very open, vintage kitchen, vintage bath - and it is in pristine condition for a house built in 1959. I'm very excited about my new house and plan to be here a long, long time!

Track listing for House and Home Compilation (in order by artist):

1. House of Love - Amy Grant
2. The House - Bernard Herrmann
3. Come On-a My House - Bette Midler
4. Feels Like Home - Chantal Kreviazuk
5. Our House - Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young
6. Come On-a My House - Della Reese
7. I'm Coming Home Again - Dusty Springfield
8. Around the House - Ivor Osborne
9. The Old House - Jerome Moross
10. Little Pink Houses - John Cougar Mellencamp
11. Come On-a My House - Julie London
12. Our House - Madness
13. Come On-a My House - Rosemary Clooney
14. This Old House - Rosemary Clooney
15. Homeward Bound - Simon & Garfunkel
16. Home - Stephanie Mills
17. House of the Rising Sun - The Animals
18. In My House - The Mary Jane Girls
19. This Old House - The Oak Ridge Boys
20. I'm Going Home - Tim Curry
21. That's My House - Toby Keith
22. Every Light in the House is On - Trace Adkins
23. White Houses - Vanessa Carlton

Sajid Khan - Sajid (1969)

Here's one you don't see too often! How many of you remember a television show in the late 1960s called "Maya"? It starred a teenage Jay North ("Dennis the Menace") and this teenage boy from India, Sajid Khan, and they rode around on this elephant named Maya. I barely remember it myself, but I do remember seeing pictures of Sajid on the cover of various teen magazines. Well, being that I especially like collecting celebrity vocal record albums, I searched and searched for this album until I finally got in on eBay last year! (Now, if I could only find the album Kurt Russell recorded around 1970...) The liner notes on this album were written by the editor of 16 Magazine, Gloria Stavers. (I'm very familiar with that name since I religiously bought that magazine for years!) So, you could say that it was the teen magazines that heavily promoted him as a "star", although he quickly disappeared after the show went off the air. Just last week, I was watching an episode of "The Big Valley" on the Encore Westerns channel, and Sajid was the guest star! I sometimes wondered what happened to Sajid, and it turns out that he returned to India and continued his acting career over there. If this brings back memories and you were a Sajid fan back in the day, you can check out his website and catch up on him!

(BTW, I'll be moving to my new house over the next couple of weeks, so I won't be posting anything until I get my computer and stuff all set up.)

Track listing for Sajid Khan - Sajid:

Side 1:
1. A Song Inside
2. Everything is You
3. Moon River
4. I Love How You Love Me
5. This Guy's in Love with You
6. Dream

Side 2:
1. Smile
2. A Closed Heart Gathers No Love
3. Someday
4. I Started a Joke
5. Ha Ram (Of Love and Peace)
6. Getting to Know You

I was trying to find a video of his appearance on "American Bandstand", but couldn't find one. I did, however, find this video on YouTube that someone put together to his song, "Ha Ram":

Steve & Eydie - We Got Us (1960)

My good friend, Vince, requested that I post an album by Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, so, of course, I was happy to oblige! I love Steve and Eydie, and this album is absolutely fabulous! It won a Grammy for them back in 1960, and you'll see why when you give it a listen. There are lots of familiar standards on this album, and it's a joy listening to Steve and Eydie sing them. So, Vince, I hope you don't already have this album and that you enjoy it as much as I do!

"This monophonic record can be played on your stereophonic system. The sound will be even more brilliant."

Track listing for Steve & Eydie - We Got Us:

Side 1:
1. We Got Us
2. Side By Side
3. No Two People
4. Darn It, Baby, That's Love
5. Together
6. Flattery

Side 2:
1. This Could Be the Start of Something
2. I Remember It Well
3. Baby, It's Cold Outside
4. Two Lost Souls
5. Harmony
6. Cheek to Cheek

Steve & Eydie sing "This Could Be the Start of Something":