2006 Redux

For many years now, I've been sharing out this collection of tracks that I've touted as the best of my Christmas in July shares from 2006.  One thing I've not done is change it.  I've been sharing out the same old files ripped from vinyl in 2006.  But now I'm changing that.  Those of you who've come around in July know that I try to share out Christmas songs from non-Christmas albums, and frequently I re-record things I've shared out before, either because I found a stereo copy or a cleaner record, or just because I felt like it.  So what I did was found all the tracks from this comp that I had rerecorded at some point, and dropped them into place.  I updated all the tags so it still looks the same, but hopefully the sound will be a little better on 16 of the 31 tracks. Listening to this today, I think it really holds together well, though that may just be because I've been listening to these songs for many Christmases now.  I'm sure you'll enjoy it if you've never heard it before, and returning visitors can appreciate the new sound. This is The Best Of Christmas In July 2006 From Ernie (Not Bert). (The links below should take you to the first time I shared out the track in question.)

1. Clebanoff-Bobsled
2. Ted Heath/Edmundo Ros-Baby It's Cold Outside
3. Lionel Hampton-Gin For Christmas
4. Marty Gold-High On A Windy Hill
5. Eastman-Rochester Pops-Brazilian Sleigh Bells
6. Dinah Washington-I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm
7. Henry Mancini-Latin Snowfall
8. Yuji Takizawa & His Blue Bones Orchestra-White X-mas
9. Will Glahé-The Skater's Waltz
10. Esquivel-Sun Valley Ski Run
11. Billy Vaughn-The Chipmunk Song
12. Percy Faith-Little Bells And Big Bells (Glocke Und Glockchen)
13. Lawrence Welk-The Merry Christmas Polka
14. Jerry Murad's Electronic Harmonicats-March Of The Toys
15. Richard Hayman & His Harmonica Orchestra-Parade Of The Wooden Soldiers
16. Ian Fraser & His Orchestra-Sleigh Ride
17. Eddie Layton-Winter Wonderland
18. The Smothers Brothers-Swiss Christmas
19. David Rose-Christmas Tree
20. Eydie Gormé-Winter Night
21. Bernie Green With The Stereo Mad-Men-The Skater And His Dog
22. Enoch Light & The Brass Menagerie-My Favorite Things
23. The Four Freshmen-Santa Claus Is Flat Gonna Come To Town
24. David Carroll-The Ski Song (Slalom)
25. The Monterey Brass-We Need A Little Christmas
26. The Three Suns-Busy Holiday
27. Six Fat Dutchmen-Sleigh Bell
28. Billy May-Snowfall Cha-Cha
29. Dick Schory's New Percussion Ensemble-Holiday In A Hurry
30. Armengol-Ave Maria
31. The Crew-Cuts-Auld Lang Syne

Zippyshare

Thanks again to CaptOT for the artwork way back when! Go listen to his radio shows!

The Soundtrack

Here's another oldie that someone asked about.  Let's see, 2007 was when I first shared this one out, so you can go back there to read all about it.  I should take a look around the internet and see if I can track down the video that this music accompanied, but I'm too lazy.  Maybe someone will link to it in the comments.  Anyhow, here is The Norman Luboff Choir-The Night Before Christmas (Elba Productions, Stereo, 1968).

1. Savory Serenade
2. Wintertime
3. Lullaby Time
4. The Night Before Christmas
5. The Morning Of Christmas

Zippyshare

Three On A Match

Here is a trifecta of re-shares from the request lines.  We begin with a great LP from the great Warner Bros. label that's almost completely forgotten today.  And that's a shame because it's one of the very few Christmas records featuring Billy May.  He leads the orchestra behind The Jimmy Joyce Singers, but for a couple of instrumental tracks he steps to the forefront.  This is a remaster from a stereo copy of a share from way back in the first year of the blog, 2005.  I'm sure you will enjoy The Jimmy Joyce Singers With Orchestra Conducted By Billy May-A Christmas To Remember (Warner Bros WS 1237, Vitaphonic Stereo, 1958).

1. We Wish You A Merry Christmas
2. The Twelve Days Of Christmas
3. An Old Fashioned Christmas
4. Jingle Bells Around The World
5. Christmas Hop
6. Medley Of Foreign Carols
7. Round About Christmas
8. Santa Claus Sleigh Ride
9. The Story Of Christmas
10. Christmas Dinner Country Style
11. Reprise Medley
12. Medley Of English Carols

Zippyshare

Next up are a group of also-rans who worked for Jack Halloran.  I call them that because they recorded a hit song, but then didn't release it until it had been a hit for someone else.  That song is Little Drummer Boy.  You can read my original post from 2007 if you like, but Google the details and dive deep into the rabbit hole that is music copyright.  Fun stuff.  Anyhow, this is The Jack Halloran Singers-The Little Drummer Boy (Dot DLP 25233, Stereo, 1959). You also get three different covers for this one.  The music you're downloading comes from the one above.  The one below is a later reissue, and the one two doors down is the original.

1. The Little Drummer Boy
2. Christmas Is A-Comin'
3. I Wonder As I Wander
4. While Shepherds Watched Their Sheep
5. Lullaby For The Infant Jesus
6. The Holly And The Ivy
7. Deck The Halls
8. Adeste Fideles
9. Joy To The World
10. O Little Town Of Bethlehem
11. Pat-A-Pan
12. Mary's Little Boy Child
13. Go Tell It On The Mountain
14. The Prince Of Peace
15. Angels We Have Heard On High
16. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
17. The First Noel
18. Silent Night
19. We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Zippyshare

Last but not least, here's a great little record that was never sold in stores, but was instead available only through RCA's record club.  That makes it a little tough to find these days, but I love sharing out stuff that's hard to find.  This is another of the records I shared out in 2005, and I've brought it back many times since then, redoing it when I found a stereo copy, and then later on when I got a little better at ripping.  So I think it sounds pretty good now, but download it and see for yourself.  This is The Rainbow Sound Of Bianco, His Harp And Orchestra-Joy To The World-Everybody's Favorite Christmas Music (RCA Victor Club Record CSP-104, Stereo, 1962).


1. Medley: We Wish You A Merry Christmas Silent Night
2. White Christmas
3. Jingle Bells
4. O Holy Night
5. Medley: Away In A Manger; The First Noel
6. Medley: Adeste Fideles (O Come, All Ye Faithful); Joy To The World
7. Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem
8. We Three Kings Of Orient Are
9. Silver Bells
10. Medley: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing; Deck The halls
11. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
12. Medley: Sleigh Ride; We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Zippyshare

PS-Nobody requested this one, I just thought it was a good record to bring out and share again.

Speaking Of Christmas

Here's another request from a while back that I'm just now getting to.  Lots of cool Christmas wishes here from a whole lot of different artists, some popular, some not. This was first shared out 'round here back in 2011, and I'm bringing it back tonight.  Here is This is Holiday Greetings From The Epic, Portrait And CBS Associated Families (Epic Portrait Associated/CBS EAS 2864, Stereo, 1987).

01: Greg Allman
02: Ana
03: Big Trouble
04: Bill Carter
05: Robin Zander of Cheap Trick
06: Rick Neilsen of Cheap Trick
07: Cherrelle #1
08: Cherrelle #2
09: Angela Clemmons
10: Charlie Daniels
11: Mary Davis
12: Gloria Estefan And Miami Sound Machine
13: Fabulous Thunderbirds
14: David Hallyday
15: Hiroshima
16: Insiders #1
17: Insiders #2
18: Tuesday Knight
19: Krystol
20: Lion
21: Aimee Mann of 'Til Tuesday
22: Teena Marie #1
23: Teena Marie #2
24: Kathy Mathis
25: Ozzy Osbourne #1
26: Ozzy Osbourne #2
27: Ozzy Osbourne #3
28: Quiet Riot #1
29: Quiet Riot #2
30: The Radiators
31: REO Speedwagon
32: S.O.S. Band #1
33: S.O.S. Band #2
34: Dan Siegel
35: Charlie Singleton
36: Survivor
37: Robert Tepper
38: Wa Wa Nee #1
39: Wa Wa Nee #2
40: Weird Al Yankovic #1
41: Weird Al Yankovic #2
42: Weird Al Yankovic #3
43: Weird Al Yankovic #4
44: Weird Al Yankovic #5
45: Pia Zadora

Zippyshare

If your favorite artist isn't on that first record, maybe they're on here?  From the 2010 sharity season, this is Holiday Greetings From The Epic, Portrait and CBS Associated Family (CBS Records EAS 1393 12" Same On Both Sides, 1988, Stereo).  Dig it!

1. Gregg Allman of The Gregg Allman Band
2. Billy Always
3. Basia
4. Robin Zandar of Cheap Trick
5. Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick
6. Cherrelle
7. Alice Cooper (2x)
8. Gloria Estefan (3x)
9. Europe (2x)
10. The Fabulous Thunderbirds
11. The Godfathers
12. Peter Coyne of The Godfathers
13. Gregory Hines
14. Insiders
15. Living Colour
16. Alexander O'Neal
17. Ozzy Osbourne (2x)
18. Quiet Riot (2x)
19. The Rave-Ups
20. Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon
21. Rhythm Cords
22. Dan Siegel
23. Slammin' Watusis (2x)
24. Henry Lee Summer (2x)
25. Jim Peterik of Survivor
26. Tony Terry
27. 'Til Tuesday
28. Luther Vandross (2x)
29. Gino Vanelli
30. Stevie Ray Vaughan (2x)
31. Weird Al Yankovic (3x)


Zippyshare

OK, now you're just getting greedy.  Again from 2010, this is The Best For '89 From The Entire Capitol Family (Capitol 12" 33 RPM SPRO-79471 (Same on both sides), 1989, Stereo).

1. Paul Shaffer
2. Anne Murray
3. Peter Blakeley
4. Steve Miller
5. Heart
6. Shadowfax
7. Crowded House (2x)
8. Megadeth
9. Flesh For Lulu
10. Climie Fisher
11. Johnny Clegg & Savuka
12. View From The Hill
13. Sequal
14. The Reivers
15. Melba Moore
16. Hazell Dean
17. Pat McLaughlin
18. Aslan
19. Tracie Spencer
20. Suave
21. Poison
22. Pete Bardens
23. Willie Dixon
24. Chapter 8
25. 101 North
26. Lloyd Cole & The Commotions
27. Bert Robinson
28. MC Hammer & The Posse
29. Richard Thompson


Zippyshare

Well, at least this one is from more of the time period that I usually share out around here...  Please enjoy Holiday Greetings Voice Tracks (Columbia 7" 45 RPM JZSP 111921/2 Green Vinyl Promo).  Again, this one was first shared in 2010, though I'd had it for years and years before that, I just never could get a decent rip.

1. Jimmy Dean
2. Jerry Vale (2x)
3. Andy Williams
4. Patti Page (2x)
5. Percy Faith (3x)
6. Ray Conniff (4x)

Zippyshare

If anybody has more of these, I'd love to hear 'em!  Send me a link, or post it in the comments! 

Lopez Here

Another request, one of those great lost albums that will hopefully come back to life soon through the hard work of Real Gone Music.  But until then, you can download Vincent Lopez And His Orchestra-Christmas Music (Coral CRL 57189, Mono, 1957).  I first shared this back in 2012, and The Captain shared out his version waaaaaaaaay back in 2008.  I miss The Captain's blog.

1. Sleigh Ride
2. White Christmas
3. Whistlin' Otto (The Baby Reindeer)
4. Dance Of The Reindeers
5. Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town
6. O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum
7. Here Comes The Fattest Man In Town
8. Toyland
9. Frosty The Snowman; All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth; Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
10. Jingle Bells
11. The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You)
12. Christmas Rush
13. Silver Bells
14. Merry Christmas Polka
15. Cantique De Noel (O Holy Night)
16. I'd Like To Find You In My Stocking
17. Joy To The World
18. Oh, Little Town Of Bethlehem
19. Adeste Fideles
20. Silent Night
21. Merry Christmas To You

Zippyshare

There was a reissue of this later on, but it's missing a bunch of tracks.  Avoid it if you can, but buy it if you must.

Half Speed

I was reminded of this record twice recently, so I figure that must mean it's due for a reshare.  The first thing that reminded me of it was when I saw it shared out on another blog.  I'm 99.9% sure it was my share being shared out, since nobody else would ever take the time to record an oddball LP like this.  But that happens a lot in this game.  The other thing that happened was I found the sister record to this one at the Salvation Army, still sealed.  It's not Christmas, but it's put out by the same people and plays at the same 16-2/3 RPM.  There aren't a lot of records that spin at that speed, and even fewer of them made for adults.  Some kiddie records were made to play at that speed, and a lot of spoken word stuff.  Many record players from back in the day would spin at that speed, probably because it was an easy multiple of 33-1/3 RPM.  Anyhow, I shared this out back in 2012, and I'm bringing it back tonight.  Don't be fooled by imitations, demand the real deal!  This is Will Kennedy's Stereo Orchestra-Stereo Christmasland (Dancetime 12" 16-2/3 RPM LP WK-5000-S, Stereo).

1. Rudolph, The Red Nose (sic) Reindeer
2. Greensleeves
3. I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day
4. I Saw Three Ships
5. O Tannenbaum
6. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
7. Silent Night
8. Over The River And Through The Woods
9. Adeste Fidelis
10. Joseph O Joseph
11. Deck The Halls
12. By The Christmas Tree
13. Unto Us Is Born A Son
14. Hark The Herald Angels Sing
15. Good King Wenceslas
16. Come, All Ye Shepherds
17. Jolly Old St. Nicholas
18. Joy To The World
19. Winter Wonderland
20. We Wish You A Merry Christmas
21. The Christmas Song
22. Angels We Have Heard On High
23. O Little Town Of Bethlehem
24. Wassail Song
25. The First Noel
26. Shepherds, Shake Off Your Drowsy Sleep
27. White Christmas
28. O Sanctissima
29. Away In A Manger
30. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
31. Lo How A Rose E'er Blooming
32. We Three Kings
33. O Holy Night
34. O Come, Little Children
35. The Holly And The Ivy
36. Jingle Bells

Zippyshare

Music In A Box

Continuing on with a loose theme of resharing things out of the ordinary, here's an album recorded from music boxes that has nothing to do with Rita Ford or some old museum!  A track from this one popped up on random play today and I enjoyed it, so here it is for you!  I first shared this out back in 2008, so it's been around for a while though I don't think it's grown stale.  For some pleasant background sounds, please download The Sounds Of Christmas-The Wonderful World Of The Music Box, Bells And Chimes (Warner Bros. WS 1238, Stereo, 1958).

1. Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town
2. The First Noel
3. Jolly Old St. Nicolas
4. Away In A Manger
5. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
6. O Christmas Tree
7. O Come All Ye Faithful
8. Silent Night
9. Joy To The World
10. I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day
11. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
12. It Came Upon The Midnight Clear
13. Deck The Halls With Boughs Of Holly
14. Jingle Bells
15. Winter Wonderland
16. O Little Town Of Bethlehem
17. White Christmas

Zippyshare

Kimball, Not Gum Ball

I got an odd request for something that I didn't think anybody liked, so here it is.  From 2005, one of my least popular shares ever.  I've never remastered this one, so it's low, low, low bitrate, and the sound itself might be a little dodgy. (I've gotten a bit better over the years, I like to think.)  I have found another copy or two in the past ten years, and given a little thought to a re-recording, but never got around to it.  Someday...  In the meantime, you'll have to make do with this copy of A Kimball Christmas (KPO 82-004, Stereo, 1982).

1. Byron Melcher-Parade Of The Wooden Soldiers
2. John Norton-Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
3. Hal Vincent-Mary's Little Boy Chile
4. Bill Ryder-Silver Bells
5. Byron Melcher-Just A Closer Walk With Thee
6. Byron Melcher-Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
7. Hal Vincent-Blue Christmas
8. John Norton-Christmas Medley
9. Wade Bray-Sleighride
10. Bill Ryder-O Holy Night

Zippyshare

That Other Ray

I was surprised to discover recently that Ray Charles has passed away this year at the ripe old age of 96.  To be honest, I wasn't aware that he was still alive, but it's my own fault for not checking.  I've been preaching the gospel of the other Ray and his Christmas tunes since 2005, so this year marks 10 years!  Just in case you've somehow missed it for all this time, here's Ray's official Christmas record, The Ray Charles Singers-Here We Come A-Caroling (MGM E3467, Mono, 1956).

1. Here We Come A Caroling
2. Silent Night
3. Deck The Halls With Boughs Of Holly
4. The First Noel
5. O, Come All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fideles)
6. Lullay, Thou Little Tiny Child
7. Angels We Have Heard On High
8. What Child Is This (Greensleeves)
9. I Saw Three Ships
10. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
11. Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabelle
12. Away In A Manger
13. Good King Wenceslas
14. O, Little Town Of Bethlehem
15. Hark The Herald Angels Sing
16. We Three Kings Of Orient Are
17. God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen
18. Rise Up, Shepherd, An' Foller
19. Joy To The World
20. We Wish You A Merry Christmas
21. Here We Come A Caroling

Zippyshare

  And then there's this...I'm still not entirely sure about this one, though I first shared it with you in 2006.  This LP has the same tracklisting as Here We Come A-Caroling, but it's in stereo.  Is it a re-recording?  Is it fake stereo?  Was the original recorded in multi-channel years before that was a common practice, then remixed?  It's going to take some serious sleuthing to figure all that out, and I don't have the drive.  So maybe you can figure it out.  Just leave me a comment with your answer.  Either way, this is The Ray Charles Singers-Christmas At Home (MGM SE-4166, 1963).

Zipyshare

If two albums of (the same?) Christmas music isn't enough for you, here's a seasonally inspired LP from Mr. Charles and his singers.  I think it's every bit as good as the Christmas record, which is doubly impressive since he cranked it out in the same year.  So don't be afraid to download The Ray Charles Singers-Winter Wonderland (MGM E3387, Mono, 1956). This is a 2012 remaster of something I've been sharing since way back in 2005.

1. Winter Wonderland
2. Button Up Your Overcoat
3. June In January
4. When Winter Comes
5. Snowfall
6. I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm
7. Winter & Theme For Indoor Sports
8. Moonlight In Vermont
9. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
10. When Winter Comes A-Callin'
11. Jingle Bells
12. By The Fireside

Zippyshare

While you're here, you may as well go ahead and download the other three seasons...   Set these aside for now and break them out when seasonally appropriate.  You'll be glad you did.

The Ray Charles Singers-Spring Is Here (MGM E3162, Mono, 1956).

Zippyshare

The Ray Charles Singers-Summertime (MGM E3529, Mono, 1957).

Zippyshare

The Ray Charles Singers-Autumn Nocturne (MGM E3145, Mono, 1954).

Zippyshare

Still not enough?  Find a couple more tracks here and here.

Christmas, 2015

I know, I know, you want me to share such-and-such with you from 8 years ago because you grew up with it or your mom liked it or whatever.  OK, I get it, I appreciate it, but I can't reshare everything or keep the old shares up, it's just too much work.  And too many shares are going to draw the attention of someone who might not like Christmas sharing.  But like last year, maybe I can throw up something now and then just to keep the home fires burning.  And the first interesting request of the year came in almost a month ago for something I hadn't thought of in a long time...

This is Tammy, one of the many dolls that used to compete for shelf space with Barbie and I'm sure many other forgotten dolls of the sixties.  And sure enough, she put out a Christmas album.  For slightly more info, you can go and read what I wrote about her back in 2010, or you can just download Tammy-Merry Christmas With Tammy (Little World Records (Ideal Toy Corp., Midnight Music) LW-906, Mono, 1965).

1. Intro
2. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
3. O Christmas Tree
4. Deck The Halls
5. Silent Night
6. Winter Wonderland
7. Joy To The World
8. Greensleeves
9. Hark The Herald Angels Sing
10. O Little Town Of Bethlehem
11. O Come All Ye Faithful
12. Jingle Bells
13. The Story Of The Night Before Christmas-With Pepper!
14. We Wish You A Merry Christmas


Zippyshare

And if Tammy is too cool for you, there's always Heidi.  Heidi first graced my blog back in 2008, so she's been around a long, long time. I'm sure you want to see what life was like back before George Lucas went to film school, so go give a listen to Heidi-The Night Before Christmas (Majorette M-304, Mono, 1965).

1. Introduction
2. Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
3. Silent Night
4. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
5. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
6. O Christmas Tree
7. Deck The Halls
8. Frosty The Snowman
9. Joy To The World
10. The First Noel
11. We Wish You A Merry Christmas
12. O Little Town Of Bethlehem
13. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
14. And The Night Before Christmas Story

Zippyshare

The Return Of Chanukah In August-Day 1

If you've hung out around here in the past, you might remember that Christmas In July is always followed up by Chanukah in August.  You might also remember that Chanukah songs are much fewer and farther between than Christmas songs, so we only get one day of Chanukah songs instead of 31.  And two of these are from the same album and artist, because pickin's are really slim here.

Track one is The Hanukkah Song by Tom Glazer With Jeffrey Alden-Orchestra Conducted By Tony Mottola from that same old album I Like Holidays! (RCA Camden CAL-1055, Mono, 1964).  How many different ways can you spell Chanukah in English?  I know it's quite a few, and the different spellings seem to go in and out of favor.

The other two tracks I have for you are Chanukah (The Feast Of Lights) & Chanukah (Is Here At Last), both of which are surprisingly good, and both are from the LP Happy Holidays-The Spirit Of The Jewish Holidays In Modern Song (Maris 93059 (Printed and Mfg. by Crown Album Corp., Phila, 47, Pa., USA), Mono).  The artist is Sue Brason And Chorus With Orchestra Under The Direction Of Len Lewy.  I was pretty impressed by both of these tracks, they don't sound like some of the Chanukah music I've found in the past, they really fit right in with all the other stuff I've shared in the past month.  I'm sure you'll enjoy them as much as I did.

That's it, just three tracks.  Here's the download.  Now I can go back into hibernation for a while.

The Return Of Christmas In July-Day 31

Here we are, the very last day of Christmas in July.  What a long, strange trip it's been.  Tonight is pretty much the same as last night, more songs for New Year's.  Here goes...

Auld Lang Syne starts us out in a version by Connie Francis And The Jordanaires-Conducted By Joe Mele from another LP that's a thrift store staple, Sing Along With Connie Francis (Mati-Mor Superecords 8002, Mono).  This is a promotional LP for Brylcreem that I see all the time, but never paid much attention to until recently.  And sure enough, there was a track I could use.  Version two of Auld Lang Syne is by Van Alexander And His Orchestra (who graced us earlier this month with Gordon MacRae, I think) from the album Let's Dance The Last Dance (Capitol T1457, Mono, 1959).  Version three is by Ann Moray from a half-song, half-spoken word LP, The Love Songs Of Robert Burns (Spoken Arts 754, Mono, 1959). And fourth is a parody version, or at least a new funny verse, by Tom Glazer With Jeffrey Alden-Orchestra Conducted By Tony Mottola from that same LP of theirs I've been doling out to you for much of the last week, I Like Holidays! (RCA Camden CAL-1055, Mono, 1964).  It's pretty funny, but short.

Next up is New Year's Day, a nice little track by 101 Strings from the radio promo LP American Holidays And Special Occasions (Special Radio Copy-No Number, Mono).  I think there was a standard release of this LP, but it omitted one of the short tracks, which was probably just an edit of the longer version.

Track six is the first of the reruns tonight, it's Happy New Year-Reprise, a short little part two to a track I shared yesterday, again by The McGuire Sisters-Directed By Dick Jacobs from the LP Children's Holiday (Coral CRL 57097, Mono, 1957).

And bringing up the rear is Nat King Cole-Arranged & Conducted By Gordon Jenkins from his posthumous LP The Unforgettable Nat Cole Sings The Great Songs! (Capitol ST 2558, Stereo, 1966).  Jenkins wrote this song and recorded it about three times, I've shared those with you here before, as well as this version with Nat.  They're all nice songs, something I think should be more popular than it is, but I could say that about a lot of the things I share here.

Anyhow, that's it for tonight and for the month.  Here's the download.  Hope you had a great time!  Leave me a comment and let me know what your favorite tracks were.  I've already started a best-of folder for a future collection from this month.  No promises about when that might be completed, but you never know.  Thanks for all your support his month, it's been good to be back.

The Return Of Christmas In July-Day 30

In previous years, I've saved all of my New Year's themed tracks for the last day of the month, but I had so many of them this year, I'm splitting them up over two days, today and tomorrow.  And I've got seven different tracks for each night, so that's a lot of tracks!

I'm starting off with a plethora of Auld Lang Syne, the most popular of New Year's songs.  This first version is by Ivor Raymonde from his LP Scottish Sing-Along (London International Series SW 99027, Stereo, 1962).  The second version is Tom Glazer With Jeffrey Alden-Orchestra Conducted By Tony Mottola from the kiddie LP I Like Holidays! (RCA Camden CAL-1055, Mono, 1964). The third version is from that thrift store staple The First Family (London Records (UK) HA-A 8048, Mono, 1962).  Somehow, I found a UK copy, I can't explain it.  Anyhow, this one is performed by Vaughn Meader, Naomi Brossart, Norma MacMillan & Earle Doud.  I can't tell you how many times I've looked at this LP without really picking it up and checking for Christmas music.  One day I did, and there it was. The last version for tonight is actually a medley of Auld Lang Syne and Happy Birthday performed by the greatest crooner of them all Bing Crosby, ably assisted by the Ken Darby Singers And Victor Young And His Orchestra from the small LP entitled Auld Lang Syne (Decca 10" 33 RPM DLP 5028, Mono, 1949).  This version was easy to spot since it involved the title of the album.  I love the easy ones!

Starting into the other tracks, we've got another tall tale from Johnny Bond, this one entitled New Year's Day, again from the LP 10 Little Bottles And Other Tall Tales And Songs For Boozers! (Starday SLP 333, Mono, 1965).  I'm afraid this one isn't much better than the one I shared earlier this month.

Up next is The McGuire Sisters take on Happy New Year, a rerun around these parts but worth revisiting.  The LP is Children's Holiday (Coral CRL 57097, Mono, 1957).

And last up is Fred Waring And The Pennsylvanians doing Let Us All Sing Auld Lang Syne, which I probably should have listed above, but it's sorta kinda not the same song.  This is a rerun, and it's from the album Alma Mater Memories (Capitol ST1949, Stereo, 1963).

And I think that's it for tonight.  Be sure to come back tomorrow for part two of the New Year's songs.  Oh, almost forgot, here's the download link for tonight.

The Return Of Christmas In July-Day 29

Really, really getting down to the nitty gritty tonight.  But I think you'll enjoy it anyway.  Here goes...

Track the first is Lilacs In Winter, a country weeper from The Wilburn Brothers.  I ripped this from their LP Little Johnny Down From Down The Street (Decca DL 75173, Stereo, 1969).  I don't think you can ever have too many country weepers in your Christmas collection.

Track the second is Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming by The St. Louis A Cappella Choir-Director Dr. William B. Heyne from the various artists LP The Lutheran Hour (RCA Victor LSP-1863, Stereo, 1958).  I believe this is a collection of songs from a popular radio show of the time.

Track the third is the final song from that great album by Red Carter, Santa's Musical Grog (Frog Recording, Ltd. RG 001, Stereo).  I kept hoping someone would chime in with some more info on this album, but I still don't know anything more about than I did that day I bought it at the Habitat ReStore in Port Charlotte a couple months ago.  Oh, this evenings selection from the album is Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.

Track the fourth is a rerun of the ever popular Sleigh Ride, this time by Werner Müller And His Orchestra from the LP Werner Müller Plays Leroy Anderson (London Phase 4 SP 44057, Stereo, 1965).  I had thought about doing one night of nothing but tracks from Phase 4 albums, but I forgot and shared some of them too soon.  Maybe next year.

And track the fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth is Snowfall by Claude Thornhill And His Orchestra.  Version number one is from the LP Dancing After Midnight (Columbia CL 709, Mono, 1955).  The other four versions are all from the LP Snowfall-A Memory Of Claude (Monmouth-Evergreen MR 6606, Electronic Stereo, 1967).  This LP, released not long after Claude's passing contained extracts from two tapes provided by his widow to a former member of his band.  The tracks from side one date to the 1940's, while the two versions from side two are from a demo tape he made in the 60's.  Those two versions also feature narration over the song that I find pretty cool.  These would work well on a mixtape somewhere.

Anyhow, that's it for tonight, hope there's something in there you like.  Here's the download link, catch you on the flip side.

The Return Of Christmas In July-Day 28

Not far to go now...  Hope I have enough stuff left to make it through.

Track one, and easily the best one tonight, is Christmas Time In Nassau by Johnathan (Johnny) Kemp With John Chapman's Confidential Club Orchestra from the LP Confidential Carnival-Authentic Bahamian Calypsos (Goombay) (Island Artists LP 1002, Mono).  This is something I recorded last year, but never shared.  It's probably the best Christmas track I've ever found on a Caribbean tourist record.  I pick up a lot of them and look for Christmas music, but they're few and far between.

Track two is Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Choir-Kay Morris, Organist And Director Of Music performing He Is Born from With A Voice Of Singing (Mark Custom Records MC-8922 (Falls Church, VA), Stereo, 1971).  This is the last track I've got from this LP.  I think it was a pretty good addition to the collection.

Track three is Cradle Song by Ethel Smith from her LP Seated On Day At The Organ (Decca DL 78902, Stereo, 1959).  I don't think this is really a Christmas song, I was probably confusing it with Luther's Cradle Song, but close enough.

Track four is Ave Maria by The De Paur Chorus-Leonard De Paur, Conductor-Soloist: Luther Saxon from the LP The Spirit Of Christmas/God Is With Us (Columbia CL 725, Mono, 1955).  The A side of this record is all Christmas, but the B side only features this one sorta-Christmas track.  I think it was originally released as a pair of 10" LPs, but I've never seen either one.  I hunted for this record for a long time to complete my pair of Leonard De Paur Christmas albums.

Track five is Hallelujah by The Eric Rogers Chorale And Orchestra from Glory, Glory, Hallelujah (London Phase 4 SP 44028, Stereo, 1963), and I think it's the only rerun of the night.  Seems like a very religious collection of tunes tonight, except for that first one.  Not too bad for this late in the month.

And that's it, five and out.  Here's the download, see you tomorrow.

The Return Of Christmas In July-Day 27

Wow, has it really been 27 days already?  Time flies when you're busy trying to rip a hundred or so albums.  Here's tonight's shares.

An odd little folkish song starts things out tonight, Taurian Canticle (Winter Ocean) For People And Dulcimer from Jaime Brockett 2 (Capitol/Oracle SKAO-601, Stereo, 1970) by Jaime Brockett.  No idea what this is all about, the liner notes are pretty cryptic.

Track two is Silent Night, Holy Night (Stille Nacht) by the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Choir from their LP With A Voice Of Singing (Mark Custom Records MC-8922 (Falls Church, VA), Stereo, 1971).  Nice, like it should be.

Track three is the first rerun of the night, but it's the great Ruby Murray with Norrie Paramor's Music singing Miss O'Leary's Irish Fruit Cake, which may or may not be a Christmas song, but we'll pretend for the sake of having something to share.  The album is called Irish (And Proud Of It) (Capitol ST10327, Stereo, 1963).

Track four is The Bells of St. Mary's by Gordon MacRae With Van Alexander, from the LP Songs For An Evening At Home (Capitol ST1251, Stereo, 1959).  Are you tired of this song yet?  I feel like it's been shared more than it's fair share this month.

Lastly, it's Henry Mancini, His Orchestra And Chorus, performing White Christmas from the double LP The Academy Award Songs-31 "Oscar" Winners (RCA Victor LSP-6013, Stereo, 1966).  Nice high spot to end with.

There's the tracklist for tonight, here's the download link.  Not far to go now, pickings are getting a bit slim I'm afraid.  Leave me a comment and tell me what your favorite tracks have been so far.  I need to get started picking out a few songs for an eventual best-of.

The Return Of Christmas In July-Day 26

And with this post, I should be back to current.  Hooray!

Track one is Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring by Igor Gorin With Carmen Dragon Conducting The Symphony from Your Requests (Allied Record Sales 10" 33 RPM Red Vinyl ARS Album LP 2000, Mono, 1954).  No idea who this guy is, but I knew the conductor, Carmen Dragon, from his work on the Capitol label and his son, The Captain.

Track two is Silent Night by James A. Miller & Friends, yet another track from the album Happy Time Nursery Songs (Herald Press 10" 33 RPM HP 1001-33 1/3, Mono).  Is this the last track I have form this record?  I think so.

Track three is Spring Will Be A Little Late This Year, presented by Percy Faith And His Orchestra from their LP Percy Faith Program (Decca 10" 33 RPM DL 5349, Mono, 1951).  This is awful early Percy, before he went to Columbia.  And this is the last track I'm sharing tonight from a 10" record.  I tried to find five tracks all from the smaller LPs, but I just couldn't.

Track four is another great rerun from Ruby Murray With Norrie Paramor's Music, this time it's Christmastime In Ireland, from that classic LP Irish (And Proud Of It) (Capitol ST10327, Stereo, 1963).  Really good stuff here.

Lastly, we've got Sleigh Ride by 101 Strings from their tribute album Victor Young & Leroy Anderson (Alshire S-5012, Stereo, 1964).  Can't have too many versions of Sleigh Ride.

And that's it for today.  Go get your download, I'm off to bed.

The Return Of Christmas In July-Day 25

Here's the first post of the day.  It's still early so I hope to be able to get a second post in today to be all caught up with the calendar.  Wish me luck.  Now, here's the music.

We start with one of the original Sesame Street performers, Bob McGrath, joined by The Jimmy Joyce Singers, singing I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing (In Perfect Harmony), a sorta-Christmas song from his LP Bob McGrath Sing For All The Boys And Girls (Disneyland 1357, Stereo, 1974).  Bob had been a member of Mitch Miller's singalong crowd, and even released a solo LP through Columbia.  I believe he was very popular in Japan, certainly more so than here in the states.  He also released a Christmas EP in Japan that I've never seen or heard.  So if anyone wants to shoot that my way, I'd love to hear it.

Track two is something a little special, it's Doris Day singing Christmas Story from the soundtrack to On Moonlight Bay (Columbia 4x10" 78 RPM C-267, Mono, 1951).  That's right, it's the only track so far this month taken from shellac!  I may have another, but so far it's resisted my attempts to get a skip free recording, but we'll have to give it another try.

Track three, which I think is a rerun, is Ave Maria by The Eric Rogers Chorale And Orchestra, from the LP Glory, Glory, Hallelujah (London Phase 4 SP 44028, Stereo, 1963).  Love those fancy gatefold covers!

Track four continues the rerun goodness with I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm (From "On The Avenue") by Skitch Henderson, His Piano And Orchestra, from A Tribute To Irving Berlin (Columbia CS 9683, Stereo, 1968).

Fifth and finally we have another electronic version of Handel's Hallelujah Chorus, this time entitled The New Hallelujah.  This one is something I shared before, but it's too good not to bring back.  Performers on this one are Ralph Carmichael (Conductor), Clark Gassman (Player) & Fred Werner (Programmer), the album is The Electric Symphony (The MOOG Synthesizer) (Light LS-5541-LP, Stereo, 1970).  This will get you up and dancing, I'm sure.

And there you have it.  Go download and enjoy!

The Return Of Christmas In July-Day 24

I told you I'd be back tonight, and here I am!  And I brought a slew of Christmas songs with me, so let's get going.

My favorite track of the past few weeks, and I've listened to quite a few, is this swinging version of I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm by The Clark Sisters With Instrumental Accompaniment By The Ramblers from the LP Swing Again (London (UK) American Series HA-D 2177, Mono, 1958).  I enjoyed it so much that I ripped the entire record.  It's all good swinging stuff.  If you don't like it, you can have your money back!

Up next is The Wintry Day, Descending To Its Close by The Mormon Tabernacle Choir-Richard P. Condie, Director from the album Music And The Spoken Word (Columbia M 33440, Stereo, 1975).  Most of this LP is dedicated to a long-running radio program of the same name and the words spoken there-on, but there's some music, too.

Track three is O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Veni, Veni, Emmanuel) by Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Choir-Kay Morris, Organist And Director Of Music from With A Voice Of Singing (Mark Custom Records MC-8922, Stereo, 1971).  Nice one, and I've got more to come from this record later on.  Oh, I think I forgot to mention, this choir is out of Falls Church, Virginia.  I usually try to put that in the comment section of the MP3 tags, but I forgot.

Fourth up is Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring by Ethel Smith, which I think is a rerun.  Not sure if I had it in stereo before, but this time I do.  I pulled this from her album Seated One Day At The Organ (Decca DL 78902, Stereo, 1959).

Bringing up the rear tonight is a rerun from another set of sisters, this time The Lennon Sisters-Arranged And Conducted By Jimmie Haskell performing Ave Maria from the LP The Lennon Sisters' Favorites (Dot DLP 25481, Stereo, 1963).  Certainly a good note to end on tonight.

That's all for today.  Hopefully I can catch up tomorrow and then stay current through the end.  But you never know, we'll do the best we can.  Here's your download link, have a good night.

The Return Of Christmas In July-Day 23

Time for another great installment of Christmas In July!  Are you ready?

Track one is Winternacht (Sleigh-Ride), a long organ piece that was recorded very quietly on the vinyl, so I had a little bit of a challenge getting a good recording.  I think it came out just fine, though, for what it is.  The artist is Ted Alan Worth and the LP is Ted Alan Worth In Concert On The Rodgers Touring Organ (Organarts MG-7-202,815/816, Stereo, 1978).

Track two is a different song called Sleigh Ride, one with which you are probably much more familiar, by Red Carter, another track from his great LP Santa's Grog (Frog Recordings RG 001, Stereo).

Track three is something I was a little bit excited about, for reasons that only record collectors will truly understand.  There's a Capitol Christmas record from the fifties called Merry Christmas To You! that came out twice, the first time with 16 tracks, the second time with only 12.  I've had the 12 track version for a long time, but only recently found the 16 track version.  I was pretty sure that I had the missing 4 tracks elsewhere, but it was nice to have the original LP complete.  Anyhow, one of the missing four tracks was by the same artist as this version of Parade Of The Wooden Soldiers, The Louis Castellucci Military Band.  I pulled this track from a set of 4-45's comprising the album Here Comes The Band-Stirring Marches (Capitol CDF 150, Mono, 1947).  That date is actually for the 78 RPM version, but I couldn't find when they 45's came out.  Long story, but I was excited about this find. (The original track in question is Sleigh Ride, I think...)

Track four is a soundtrack song from The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie (20th Century Fox S-4207, Stereo, 1969) called Winter Like My Life Is Passing (To Climb The Stars).  The track is written by Rod McKuen but performed by Arthur Greenslade.  Interesting.

Track five, the only rerun for this share, is Baby, It's Cold Outside by Henry Mancini, His Orchestra And Chorus, from the double album The Academy Award Songs-31 "Oscar" Winners (RCA Victor 2xLP LSP-6013, Stereo, 1966).  You can never go wrong with Henry Mancini.

And there you have it, five more tracks.  Here's the download link.  But stay tuned, I'm trying to get a second set of songs up tonight to help me get caught up a little bit.

The Return Of Christmas In July-Day 22

I'm back!  Did you miss me?  Two days ago, I accidentally cut the fiber optic cable that supplies our TV and internet with the lawnmower, and they just came out today to fix it.  And now the cable is stretched all across the yard, right on top of everything.  I guess they're supposed to be out sometime soon to bury it, but no mowing until that's taken care of.  In the meantime, I missed a few days of posts.  I'll do my best to get caught up, but no guarantees.  You'd think I would have been busy recording music while I couldn't post, but no, I was too tuckered out to spin many records.  But I've got some music for you tonight, let's have a look.

I'm starting out with yet another track by Red Carter from his LP Santa's Musical Grog (Frog Recording, Ltd. RG 001, Stereo).  This time it's Jingle Bells.  Wish I knew more about this album, it's pretty good stuff.

Track two is a story from Johnny Bond called Winter Blizzard.  It's a little bit of cornpone for you from the LP 10 Little Bottles And Other Tall Tales And Songs For Boozers! (Starday SLP 333, Mono, 1965).  I'm guessing I wasn't the target market for this sort of thing.  Justin Wilson, he ain't.

Thirdly we have a very short version of I Wonder As I Wander by Fred Waring And The Pennsylvanians-Dorothy Arms, Soloist from the Broadway soundtrack Hear! Hear! (Decca DL 9031, Mono, 1955).  Not sure if Fred Waring could perform on Broadway these days.  Mostly because he's dead, but you get my meaning...

Fourth is Away In A Manger, another track by James A. Miller and friends from Happy Time Nursery Songs (Herald Press 10" 33 RPM HP 1001-33 1/3, Mono).  Not too shabby.

Last song tonight is a rerun, but such a good one.  This is Christmas In Killarney by Ruby Murray With Norrie Paramor's Music from the Capitol Of The World LP Irish (And Proud Of It) (Capitol ST10327, Stereo, 1963).  Pretty sure I shared this out years ago in mono, then again from the original UK version in stereo, now again from the US Capitol stereo pressing.  It's just that good folks.  She also had a single Christmas track on the English edition of Capitol's Christmas Around The World record. The Very First Christmas Of All is the name of that track.  Look it up, it's worth your hearing.

And that's it, another five songs for you.  Here's the download link, and if I don't cut up the new fiber cable, I'll see you again tomorrow.

The Return Of Christmas In July-Day 21

Another day, another share.  Let's go...

Up first is Eddie Higgins With Milt Hinton And Bobby Rosengarden doing Sleigh Ride from the LP By Request (Statiras SLP 8079, Stereo, 1986).  Well beyond the usual time frame of this blog, but good stuff, so I wanted to share it.  A little bit of Midnight Sleigh Ride thrown in there as well, if you're paying attention.

Second, we have Pixie Holiday by Victor Young And His Orchestra-Harry Sukman At The Piano from the album Sugar And Spice (Decca DL 8466, Mono, 1958).  Interesting little song written by Mr. Sukman.

Third is I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm, a nice little version by Peter Yorke And His Concert Orchestra from The Melody Lingers On-The Music Of Irving Berlin And Victor Herbert (Decca DL 8240, Mono, 1956).  I tend to pick up and check any LP that claims to be a tribute to Irving Berlin, Victor Herbert, Nat King Cole, Frank Loesser, or anyone else with some famous Christmas music under their belt.  There's frequently a Christmas track in there somewhere...

Fourth is Carol Of The Animals, another good track by Tom Glazer With Jeffrey Alden-Orchestra Conducted By Tony Mottola, also from the LP I Like Holidays! (RCA Camden CAL-1055, Mono, 1964).  Still some goodies to come from this LP.

Last is the only rerun of the night, a version of Jingle Bells by The Brute Force Steel Band Of Antigua, B.W.I. from the various artists LP Brute Force Steel Bands Of Antigua, B.W.I. (Cook 1042, Mono, 1955).  Interesting, but it could be recorded a bit better, I think.

And that's it.  Nothing too exciting tonight.  Here's your download link, now go try to get some sleep, I know I will.

The Return Of Christmas In July-Day 20

How about that? 20 days!  We're getting there.  Let's jump right in.

Track one is Six White Boomers, including the spoken part you've probably never heard and the usual song about the six kangaroos that pull Santa's sleigh when he has to visit Australia in the middle of the summer.  As you probably know, this is by Rolf Harris, and I pulled it from the LP This Is Rolf Harris (EMI (Australia) OSX 7861, Mono).  Good, classic stuff.

Speaking of Australia, track two is The Bells Of St. Mary's by Slim Dusty And His Bushlanders from the LP Aussie Sing Song (Columbia (Australia) OSX 7668, Mono, 1962).  More good stuff from Down Under.

Heading back to the good ole USA, here's Duane Eddy-Arranged And Conducted By Marty Paich performing Long Lonely Days Of Winter from Lonely Guitar (RCA Victor LPM-2798, Mono, 1964).  Twangy!

Track four is Bells And Little Bells, a nice little track by David Carroll And His Orchestra from the excellent LP RePercussion (Mercury MG 20389, Mono, 1958). I really like this song for some reason.

Track five is a rerun from years past, but a good one.  The McGuire Sisters sing The Cactus Christmas Tree, taken not from their Christmas LP, but from Children's Holiday (Coral CRL 57097, Mono, 1957).

And that's it.  Nothing too long and involved tonight.  Here's the download link, see ya'll tomorrow.

The Return Of Christmas In July-Day 19

Here's 15 more minutes of Christmas fun for you in the middle of July.  It's hot outside, but it's nice and frosty around here.

Track one is The Virgin Mary by The Bek Brothers.  I recorded this from the LP BEK-oning (Cuca K-1120, Mono, 1964).  Really nice version of the folk tune.

Track number two is another track from Lawrence Welk, His Accordion And Orchestra, Rag Doll, and it's from that same old Nimble Fingers (Coral 2x7" 45 RPM RC-82005, Mono, 1955) album. I think this is the last track I pulled from that album.

Track three is from another Ernie, Ernie Freeman, doing I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm from Ernie Freeman Plays Irving Berlin (Imperial (Victor, Japan) LP 9022, Mono, 1956).  Nice warm version here. No idea how I stumbled across a Japanese pressing of this LP.

Track four is I Like Holidays, sort of a statement of fact for us here at the blog, performed by Tom Glazer With Jeffrey Alden-Orchestra Conducted By Tony Mottola from the album I Like Holidays! (RCA Camden CAL-1055, Mono, 1964).  This guy really loves holidays! More goodies to come from this one.

Finally, track five is Hallelujah Chorus For Orchestra by 101 Strings, pulled from the radio promo LP American Holidays/American Holidays And Special Occasions (Special Radio Copy, Mono).  Not a bad version, but I miss the voices.

That's it, five and out.  Here's the download link, see you all tomorrow.

The Return Of Christmas In July-Day 18

Another day, another dose of Christmas music, at least for the month of July.  Let's jump in, feet first, first time.

Track one is another selection from James A. Miller, et. al., and the album Happy Nursery Time Songs (Herald Press 10" 33 RPM HP 1001-33 1/3, Mono).  This time around the song is The Child Jesus.  Short and sweet.

Track two is Snowy Morning Blues by Butch Thompson from Trio West (Triangle Jazz T-105, Stereo, 1984).  I'm a bit unclear on the details, but Butch seems to be affiliated with Garrison Keiller and his Prairie Home Companion.  Perhaps a reader can fill in the details here.

Track three is some nutcracker action called Rumba De Fleur by Chuy Reyes And His Orchestra from the dance instruction LP Arthur Murray Favorites-Rhumbas (Capitol T1369, Mono, 1960).  Cool stuff.  This same LP featured a little bit of Mel Blanc on one of the tracks.  Nice little surprise while I was recording it.

Track four is Winter Joys (Sports d'Hiver) by Dolf Van Der Linden And His Orchestra.  I pulled this from the album Listen To Nature Sing (RCA Camden CAL-260, Mono, 1955).  You really never know what you're going to find when you pick up any given record.

Track five, and I think the only rerun for today, is Percy Faith And His Orchestra doing the Faith composition Brazilian Sleigh Bells in a stereo remake from his LP Carefree-The Music Of Percy Faith (Columbia CS 8360, Stereo, 1961).  I remember looking for this one for a long time before I finally found it.  And then I found it again, so you get a second copy.  Enjoy!

Since it's not even noon yet, I'm hoping to get another share up today to get us caught back up on the month.  So be sure to check back later tonight for more holiday stuff.  For now, here's your download link.

The Return Of Christmas In July-Day 17

Uh-oh, missed a day.  I was so tired last night, I just had to give it a pass.  Oh, well.  Something a little special for tonight, though, a handful of Christmas comedy for you folks.  Here goes...

Track one is The Old Philosopher himself, Eddie Lawrence, performing That Holiday Spirit from the LP The Kingdom Of Eddie Lawrence (Coral CRL 57203, Mono, 1958).  I knew he had a handful of Christmas singles (which I don't have), but I didn't know of any album tracks.  This was a bit of a surprise.

Track two is Christmas Dinner by Jerry Clower from An Officer And A Ledbetter (MCA 5602, Stereo, 1985). Ha-ha-ha.

Track three is Stan Freberg With Billy May And His Orchestra doing Abominable Snowman Interview from The Best Of The Stan Freberg Shows (Capitol 2xLP WBO1035, Mono, 1958).  Funny stuff, but reminds me of a very similar Jonathan Winters skit I shared out years ago.  Not sure which one came first.

Track four is a rerun, but it's still hilarious to collectors of Christmas music from a certain era. Christmas Is Our Business is by Charlie Manna and I pulled it from his album Manna-Live! (Decca DL 4213, Mono, 1962).  Again, this reminds me of another track, this time by Anna Russell, from a few years earlier.

Lastly, a classic bit of fun from Irving Taylor called Department Store Santa Claus (sung to the tune of Jingle Bells) from his LP Garbage Collector In Beverly Hills (Warner Bros BS 1254, Stereo, 1959).  I seem to recall I paid real money for this one, as I wanted a stereo version and stumbled across it in a record store somewhere.  This stereo version was something I recorded a year or two ago, but never shared.  Glad to finally be able to get it out there.

There you go, something to tickle your funny Christmas bone.  Here's the download, have a nice night.

The Return Of Christmas In July-Day 16

Something a little different tonight, just to shake things up.  From December of 1967, a radio show for The National Guard featuring Ed Ames doing three Christmas songs, or at least playing three Christmas songs from his new Christmas LP, Christmas With Ed Ames. The songs are Do You Hear What I Hear?, Deck The Halls & Ballad Of The Christmas Donkey.  There's also plenty of chit-chatting with show host Martin Block, and the usual promo stuff for the National Guard.  (Some of those promos are almost exactly word-for-word the same as a record of promos I shared out some years ago for the US Navy.)  Anyhow, the LP is titled Guard Sessions, and features sessions 305, 306, 307 & 308.  I'm sharing 307 with you tonight, that's the one with all the Christmas music, and I'm going to throw in 306 as well.  That one has Ed's hit When The Snow Is On The Roses, which just happens to have a wintery title.  And you have your choice, you can download the individual tracks here, or you can download the full shows here.  The choice is yours. (I included the non-Christmas tracks, What The World Needs Now & Try To Remember in there as well, just for the sake of completeness.)  I researched this record a little on Google and found a Billboard article from September 30, 1967, about the passing of Martin Block.  That was several months before this show was released, and the article actually mentions that he had recorded a few shows prior to his death, this one and one with Judy Garland.  You never know what you might find out on the interweb!

The Return Of Christmas In July-Day 15

Not many of my nights have a theme, but the theme tonight is more shares from albums that you've already seen this month.  Lots of the records I pull tracks from have more than one holiday related track, so tonight is made up of many of those other songs.

Track one is Little Baby Jesus, directed by James A. Miller but performed by a whole gaggle of other people who's names I'm too lazy to type in.  The LP, you may remember, is Happy Time Nursery Songs (Herald Press 10" 33 RPM HP 1001-33 1/3, Mono).

Next up is White Christmas from Red Carter and Santa's Musical Grog (Frog Recording, Ltd. RG 001, Stereo).  I really like this one, they're fun arrangements.

Thirdly, we have Connie Francis singing The Bells Of St. Mary's from In The Summer Of His Years (MGM E4210, Mono, 1963).  I'm going to have to dig this one up in stereo.

Fourthly, it's Snow In Lover's Lane, another great track by The Anita Kerr Singers With Orchestra from the lost LP Love--Well Seasoned (Sesac N-2609/10, Mono).  Really good stuff here.

Last, the track that Buster has been most looking forward to, a giant medley of For You A Lei, An Old Hawaiian Custom & The Hawaiian Christmas Song by The Banjo Barons, pulled from the LP Golden Hawaiian Hits (Columbia CL 1983, Mono, 1963).  I keep finding typos in my track tags tonight.  I'm trying to correct all those before I send these things out, but if they're getting to you in poor form, I apologize.

That's it, all new tracks, but all secondary tracks.  Here's the link, see you tomorrow.

The Return Of Christmas In July-Day 14

Almost halfway there.  Trying to save some good stuff for the second half of the month.  What do I have for tonight?  Let's take a look...

The first is something I was very excited to discover, I had no idea it existed.  Over the years, I have shared every album, single and random Christmas track I could find from The Three Suns.  Except this one.  It's buried deep in a medley, and it's very, very, very late in their career, but it's there.  From the LP Country Music Shindig (RCA Victor LSP-3354, Stereo, 1965), give a listen to Wagon Wheels/Please Help Me, I'm Falling/Till I Waltz Again With You/Jingle Bell Rock.  How about that!

Up next is I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm from Bill Dayton And His Orchestra from their eponymous LP (Private Pressing BD-1, Stereo, 1977).  A little later than the usual share around here, but a throwback to the music we visit a lot.

Track three is from old favorites Fred Waring And The Pennsylvanians and their Broadway production Hear! Hear! (Decca DL 9031, Mono, 1955).  This is a version of Dance Of The Sugar Plums.  Not sure if this was recorded just for the show, or if they pulled tracks from his discography to mimic the show, but it's worth a listen either way.

Track four is a nice jazzy take on Baby, It's Cold Outside by Jimmy Smith & Wes Montgomery from their album Jimmy & Wes-The Dynamic Duo (Verve V6-8678, Stereo, 1967).  Gotta love that swingin' sound.

Last is a rerun, but it's now in stereo, a version I've been looking for since the very first year of Christmas In July.  Finally found it this year, and now I can share it with you.  You're really going to enjoy White Christmas by Steve Lawrence from Eydie & Steve Sing The Golden Hits (ABC-Paramount ABCS-311, Stereo, 1960).  Been waiting a long time for this one, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

There you go, another really strong night if I do say so myself.  Here's the download link, see you all tomorrow, same bat time, same bat channel.

The Return Of Christmas In July-Day 13

Lucky number 13!

We begin with Bob Wills and Tommy Duncan With The Texas Playboys and their version of a song that previously showed up here in an instrumental, Snow Deer.  This is from the LP Mr. Words & Mr. Music (Liberty LST 7194, Stereo, 1961).  Not sure how holiday sounding this is, but it has the word Snow in the title...

Track two is The Christmas Wine by The Voices Of The Accademia Monteverdiana-Music Composed And Conducted By John Barry from the soundtrack to the film The Lion In Winter (Columbia Masterworks OS 3250, Stereo, 1968).  Interesting.

And speaking of The Lion In Winter, track three is The Lion In Winter by Sandy Nelson from Rebirth Of The Beat (Imperial LP-12424, Stereo, 1969).  I doubt if this is anything like the version from the film.

Track four is version of Ave Maria by Connie Francis taken from her Kennedy tribute LP In The Summer Of His Years (MGM E4210, Mono, 1963).  Solemn stuff.

Track five, the only rerun of the night, and not really a rerun, since it's never been featured during Christmas in July, is Chree-See-Mus by The King Sisters And The Children.  I pulled this from a 45 and shared it years ago, but this one came from a collection of King Family stuff called Love At Home (Capitol DT 2352, Duophonic, 1965).  Such a great song that's never really gained any popularity over the years.

There you have it, three songs for the 13th day.  Here's the download link, enjoy!

The Return Of Christmas In July-Day 12

Another day, another great collection of Christmas music.  Here goes...

Track one is an interesting little medley I found on a radio station promo that doesn't seem to exist out there on the internet anywhere.  If you can find anything more about this disc, please let me know.  The track is called The Sound of Christmas, the artist is 101 Strings, the album is called American Holidays on one side and American Holidays And Special Occasions on the other.  No catalog number, either, I'm afraid, it's in mono, and each track is a locked groove so the DJ doesn't embarrass himself if he forgets to stop the record.  Nice track, and I've got a couple more from this disc that I'll share later.  I'm trying to figure out if these tracks are unique to this record, or if they were just retitled and released elsewhere.

Track two is a gospel bluegrass version of Children, Go Where I Send Thee, and it's just just as nice as that description makes it sound.  I found this on an LP from The Marshall Family (their first, apparently) entitled Come Springtime (Rebel SLP-1541, Stereo, 1975).  I don't know anything else about these folks, but this is a nice version.

Track three is a seasonal song called When Winter Comes A'Calling by Peter Todd And His Orchestra from the LP Till We Meet Again (RCA Camden CAL 418, Mono).  Again, I have no idea who this artist is, but I saw the winter song on there and grabbed it.

Track four, which I think is a repeat is from Fred Waring And The Pennsylvanians.  It's Hanover Winter Song from the LP Alma Mater Memories (Capitol ST1949, Stereo, 1963).  Good stuff.

Lastly, a rerun that I think is showing up for the third time around here, but I can't pass it up when I see a copy.  Blue Christmas (not the song you're thinking of) by The Hollywood Studio Symphony Orchestra Conducted By Mitchell Powell from the soundtrack LP The Apartment (United Artists UAS 6105, Stereo, 1960).  I like it, I hope you do, too.

There you go, five more selections for you.  Here's the download link, enjoy!

The Return Of Christmas In July-Day 11

Some really top-shelf stuff tonight, all recorded by me back in 2013, but not shared with you until now.

Track one is the great German version of The Little Drummer Boy entitled Der Trommelmann by Marlene Dietrich Mit Orchester from her LP Die Neue Marlene-Marlene Deitrich Singt Chansons (Electrola-Odeon (Germany) STE-73788, Stereo, 1964).  I've had this track forever on various comps, but never the original LP from which it was drawn.

Second is a version of Greensleeves, from The Arthur Lyman Group and their LP Cotton Fields (HiFi Life SL1010, Stereo, 1963).  This certainly would not sound out of place on Lyman's Christmas LP.

Third we have Judy Holliday & Gerry Mulligan performing an original composition called It Must Be Christmas released on Holliday With Mulligan (DRG Records SL 5191, Stereo, 1980).  This appears to have been originally recorded back in 1961, but not released for nearly 20 years.  Not sure as to the reason, but it's a good song that should be better know.

Fourth is White Christmas, another track from Eddie Fisher With Axel Stordahl And His Orchestra and their album The 21 Academy Award Winning Songs, 1934-1954 (RCA Victor LOC-1024, Mono, 1955).  Short and sweet.

Fifth and last is Jingle Bells Mambo, a great take on a classic song by Pete Rugolo And His Orchestra, taken from his album Adventures In Rhythm (Columbia CL 604, Mono, 1955).  I shared this out once before on a Christmas compilation Jen and I put together for our first Christmas together, so you've probably heard it before.  I couldn't resist sharing it again because it's so good.

There you have it.  Five great tracks that have been in the vault for a while, but now they're out there for you to enjoy.  Here's the download link, see you tomorrow.