Christmas In July 2009-Day The Second

Here we are at day two already. Fourteen of you have downloaded the tunes from day one, and I hope you enjoyed them. We don't have quite the same quantity of tunes on tap for today, but I think the quality is certainly there. Today's theme is toys, which I think is quite appropriate for Christmas. Most days aren't going to have themes, unfortunately, but at this early date, I have lots of tracks to pick from and I can try to make sure there's some commonality between tracks. Anyhow, let's see what's on tap for tonight.

Our first track is, predictably, Toyland, as performed by Al Goodman And His Orchestra from Relax With Victor Herbert (RCA Victor LPM 1023, 1954). Nice silky strings on this one.

Track two is also predictable, March Of The Toys by Pride Of The '48 on the budget label LP A Hi-Fi Band Concert (Somerset P-6500). Not much I can say about this one. At least it fits in well with my little theme.

Departing from the predictable tracks, number three is The Marvelous Toy by Jane Morgan from her LP A Jane Morgan Happening (ABC ABC/S-632, 1968). I don't think this song specifically mentions Christmas or the holiday season, but I've seen it show up on a couple of Christmas albums, and it's story of a great toy that a parent gives to a child is certainly fitting for the holiday season.

Track four is a John Klein original, featuring Leo Addeo, Toy Train, from the LP you first heard from yesterday, Bells In Toyland (RCA Victor LSP-3832, 1967). I almost didn't record this one, but I'm glad I did. It's instrumental, but it has the air of holiday happiness about it, or at least I think so.

The fifth and final track is one I've searched for for a few years now. Blog reader Pete sent it to me some years ago as the flip side of a single on Command. The single A-side was a track from the LP Merry Christmas From The Command Family Of Recording Stars. We thought the flip side was specially recorded for the single, but I discovered otherwise. From the LP Songs For Lonesome Lovers (Command RS 874 SD, 1964) by The Ray Charles Singers, the song is A Toy For A Boy. Again, not something that specifically mentions the big holiday at the end of the year, but it has that feel about it. I'm happy to be able to finally share this track with you, and thanks to Peter for bringing it to my attention all those years ago. (Pete also shared a Three Suns Christmas single with me, which I also shared out with you, so you should thank him for that, too.)

There you have it. Only five songs, but they're good ones. Here's the download link, have at it. See you again tomorrow, same bat-time, same bat-channel!