America's Kids

Another one from the vaults, first shared here in 2012, and this time in full bitrate just for kicks.  I also changed the title slightly to America's instead of American, but now I see why I didn't do that before.  As with so many old records on certain labels, the vinyl doesn't quite match the sleeve. I must not have wanted to use the Xmas from the sleeve, so I went with Christmas from the label.  Now I have it kind of half and half.  Sorry.  Don't be put off by the horrible cover, the singing ain't half bad.  And I visited the Brooklyn Museum last summer for a huge David Bowie exhibit, so that's my little story.  If you missed it all the other time, or if you just the higher bitrate, this is America's Children Sing Christmas Carols (Westminster WP 6025, Mono, 1956).  Artists include Brooklyn Museum Children's Chorus-Conducted By John Motley, Jan Hus Children's Choir-Conducted By Elyse Blodgett, Queen's Children's Chorus-Conducted By Carl Koop, Junior Choir Of The Second Spanish Evangelical Church Of New York-Conducted By Barbara Horan And Stanley Morgan and La Chorale Du Lycée Francais De New York-Conducted By Sylvia Durieux.

1.  Joy To The World
2. Narodil Se Kristus Pan
3. Stille Nacht
4. Voces Varias
5. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
6. Les Agnes Dans Nos Campagnes
7. Vesela Koleda
8. Las Velitas De Navidad
9. The First Noel
10. O Do Froliche
11. Nesem Vam Noviny
12. Deck The Halls
13. Il Est Ne Le Divin Enfant
14. God Rest You Merry Gentlemen
15. Chtic Aby Spal
16. Am Weihnachtsbaum
17. Good King Wenceslas
18. El Nino Jesus
19. Sel Bych Rad K Beltemu
20. O Come All Ye Faithful
21. Noel Nouvelet
22. Weihnachtsglocken
23. Coventry Carol
24. Co To Znamena

MEGA

'Round The World

The next entry in my string of Christmas Around The World posts is this spoken-word collection of Christmas vignettes that I don't think has been heard since it got played on the radio in 1965.  Milton Cross was a pretty famous guy on the radio back in the day.  He is closely associated with the Metropolitan Opera, but there's no sign of any opera music here.  It's just Milton telling us about various Christmas customs all over the world.  It's gonna be right up your alley if you're looking for some nice spoken-word stuff for a Christmas comp.  For your enjoyment, this is Milton Cross-Christmas Customs 'Round The World (RCA Thesaurus ST-826 "Special Restrictions Apply To This Record" (Locked Grooves), Stereo, 1965).  I found this at a Salvation Army store up in Clearwater, Florida (near the HQ of Scientology!).  I remember how excited I was, you can only imagine.

1. Christmas In England
2. The First Christmas Tree
3. How Santa Was Born
4. Christmas In Sweden
5. Christmas In Holland
6. Good Luck For Christmas
7. Christmas In Italy
8. Christmas In Australia
9. How Christmas Come To Ireland
10. The French Family Christmas
11. Austria's Shepherd Songs
12. The First Christmas Card
13. Christmas In Norway
14. Latin American Christmas
15. Christmas In Denmark
16. The Tradition Of Mistletoe
17. Christmas In Switzerland
18. The Christmas Feast
19. The Mood Of Christmas
20. A Spanish Christmas

MEGA

Tammi (Not Heidi)

I can't throw Heidi up without throwing up another doll that appeared to be from the same year, and may or may not exist in the same universe.  This was all before my time, but people have told me they remember these things.  I first shared this LP with you back in 2010, and I'm bringing it back again tonight as part of what's turning into fake-kiddie-vocal day here at the blog.  Hope you're enjoying it.  This is Tammy-Merry Christmas With Tammy (Little World Records (Ideal Toy Corp., Midnight Music) LW-906, Mono, 1965). (In case you're wondering who the Pepper is on track 13, she's Tammy's little sister.  Only 5 inches tall!)

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

MEGA

Heidi (Not Pippi)

Since I'm sure you all loved the last two Little Marcy shares, here's something that's a little along the same lines.   I guess Heidi was a semi-popular doll in the mid-Sixties, at least popular enough to have made and released her own record.  And I've been sharing that record with you ever since 2008.  In that time, I've heard from several people who remember the doll, but not too many who remember the record.  I guess what I'm trying to say is that it's not all that memorable.  But if you need some more fake kiddie vocals in your Christmas music collection, please download 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

MEGA

Mas Marcy

What's that you say?  You didn't get enough Marcy yet?  Well, it turns out you're in luck, because she made another Christmas album, and I stumbled across a copy sometime in the last year and I'm bringing it to you tonight!  This one has some original songs that really are quite nice, as well as some old standards and a little bit of overlap with the other record, even professional backup singers!  But overall a worthwhile addition to your Christmas celebration.  Please be my guest and download Marcy Tigner-Christmas Is On It's Way With Little Marcy (Word Wonder World Series K-706, Stereo, 1969).  (Whoops, almost posted this with two track 12's.  Should be fixed now with a track 13.)

1. Christmas Is On It's Way
2. Colored Christmas Lights
3. We Wish You A Merry Christmas
4. Silver Bells
5. Winter Wonderland
6. Jingle Bells
7. The Little Drummer Boy
8. Away In A Manger
9. Over In Bethlehem
10. While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks
11. Joy To The World
12. May The Christ Child Dwell Within You
13. Silent Night

MEGA

Marcy Returns!

What's that you say?  I hear you requesting the return of Marcy Tigner and her singing doll, also named Marcy?  Well, since you asked for it, here she is, and she's a true Christmas gem! This is Marcy Tigner-Christmas With Marcy (Corner Stone MT 113-LP, Mono, 1965).  If you don't know who Marcy is you might need to do some Googling, or you can just download and listen along, then you'll understand.  I first shared her with you in 2012, and I don't think she's made a reappearance since then, but I'm not certain.  I don't know how I could have avoided her for so long.  Oh, by the way, this is a new re-encoding of the original WAV files, but at a higher bitrate so you can more clearly hear the Christmas miracle that is Marcy. Enjoy!

1. O Little Town Of Bethlehem
2. Silent Night
3. Away In A Manger
4. Hark The Herald Angels Sing
5. I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day
6. His Name Is Wonderful
7. Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
8. Suzy Snowflake
9. Silver Bells
10. White Christmas
11. C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S
12. It Came Upon The Midnight Clear
13. O, Come All Ye Faithful

MEGA

One For The Kettle

Here's one that's dedicated to our special visitor who spends his time out front of a store ringing the bell at a red kettle for The Salvation Army.  This record is from the great Westminster label, a label that I've been following for years and trying to collect up all their Christmas issues.  Somehow this one had escaped me for a long time, but here it is, in glorious stereo. I hope you enjoy The Salvation Army New York Staff Band And Male Chorus-Christmas With The Salvation Army (Westminster WST 15015, Stereo, 1958).

1. Christmas Joy (March Medley)
2. Echo Hymn
3. Spirit Of Christmas (March Medley)
4. Silent Night
5. Westminster Hymn
6. Beautiful Savior (Grand March)
7. The Carolers (March Medley)
8. Cantique De Noel
9. Christmas Tidings (Medley)
10. O Come, Emmanuel
11. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
12. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

MEGA

Old Fred

One of my plans for this Christmas season is to bring you a wide range of Christmas music from around the world.  And to kick that off, I wanted to bring back this golden oldie from 2010, a sampler featuring many tracks from the long-running Capitol series of Christmas albums from around the world.   Not only do you get the music, you also get Fred Waring narrating it all, telling you a little bit about who and what you are hearing.  It's a great package, and I was really excited when I found it years ago in a Goodwill store in Ruskin, FL. So please give a listen to this great primer for things to come here on the old blog.  This is Christmas Around The World-Selections From New Capitol Christmas Albums 1957 (Capitol Records PRO 424 (Christmas Around The World)/425 (Christmas In Hi-Fi), 1957, Mono).  If you enjoy this, stay tuned all month, because I have Christmas records to share with you from six of the seven continents!  (As far as I know, Antarctica hasn't produced any Christmas music yet, but I'd love to be proven wrong.)

Side 1

1. Fred Waring-Narration
2. Christmas In Italy-Buon Natale
3. Fred Waring-Narration
4. Christmas In Sweden-Julpotpourri Danser
5. Fred Waring-Narration
6. Christmas In England-The First Noel-Away In A Manger-Bring In The Holly Bough Medley
7. Fred Waring-Narration
8. Christmas In Germany-O Tannenbaum
9. Fred Waring-Narration
10. Christmas In Holland-Gloria In Escelsis Deo
11. Fred Waring-Narration
12. Christmas In Spain-Villancico Del Vestitidito
13. Fred Waring-Narration
14. Christmas In France-Dans Cette Etable
15. Fred Waring-Narration
16. Christmas In Mexico-Aldehuela De Belem
17. Fred Waring-Narration
18. Fred Waring & The Pennsylvanians-The Christmas Song

Side 2

1. Fred Waring-Narration
2. The Hollywood Bowl Symphony Orchestra-The First Noel
3. Fred Waring-Narration
4. The Hollywood Bowl Symphony Orchestra-Hark The Herald Angels Sing
5. Fred Waring-Narration
6. Frank Sinatra-It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
7. Fred Waring-Narration
8. Frank Sinatra-Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
9. Fred Waring-Narration
10. The Roger Wagner Chorale-Adeste Fidelis
11. Fred Waring-Narration
12. Jackie Gleason-Winter Wonderland
13. Fred Waring-Narration
14. Fred Waring & The Pennsylvanians-Sleigh Ride
15. Fred Waring-Narration
16. Fred Waring & The Pennsylvanians-Silver Bells

MEGA

Back To The Apollo

Here's another record from the vaults for you, something I recorded in the dark ages of 2011, which if memory serves was the first year I discovered ClickRepair.  And things haven't been the same since.  I still wasn't releasing things in a full bitrate, so you're going to have to live with something less than optimal, and I'm sure it's mono, so don't be surprised.  If you're still interested, this is Christmas With The Internationally Famous Apollo Club (Soma MG 1216, Mono).

1. Shepherds, Awake
2. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
3. Mary Had A Baby
4. Carol Of The Bells
5. Silent Night
6. The Innkeeper's Carol
7. As It Fell Upon The Night
8. O Bone Jesu
9. Oh Come All Ye Faithful
10. Luther's Cradle Hymn
11. Deck The Halls

MEGA

Wait, I shared out the wrong version.  I have this is a fresh full bitrate re-encode.  Grab the current link and get it in a little better fidelity-10:18 PM-E(NB)

Sweet And Lowrey

If you made it through those first two organ demo LPs, you're going to love this one.  I mean that sincerely because this one brings something new to the table.  Some of these tracks feature vocals, and not just random voices either (look for the asterisks!).  They feature something along the lines of a Vocoder or Sonovox.  It's hard to explain, but you'll know what I mean when you download and play the music of Lowrey Brings Joy To The World (Lowrey 802219, Stereo, 1982).  I'm serious, download this, you'll want to put some of these tracks on your annual Christmas comp!

1. Steve Eaklor-Away In A Manger *
2. Seth Rye-Jingle Bells
3. Dave Smith-Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
4. Dennis Awe-O Little Town Of Bethlehem
5. DyAnne Awe-O Come All Ye Faithful
6. Dave Smith-Hark! The Herald Angels Sing *
7. Dennis Awe-White Christmas
8. Steve Eaklor-Joy To The World
9. Seth Rye-Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree
10. Dennis Awe-Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer
11. Seth Rye-Here Comes Santa Claus
12. DyAnne Awe-Sleigh Ride
13. Steve Eaklor-Silver Bells
14. Dave Smith-The Christmas Song

And yes, Dennis Awe and DyAnne Awe are married.  There's also a scanned card in the package that you tells you how to get a songbook that will let you play Christmas music like this on your Lowrey organ!

MEGA

Baldwin (Not Alec)

Maybe it's a good thing that I waited so long to remaster that old Kimball organ share, because in the meantime, I found this record.  It's pretty much the same thing, only for Baldwin organs. Not much difference between that last record and this one, so if you liked that, you'll like this.  If you didn't, well then this might not be the right blog for you.  Be a dear and download Songs Of Christmas On The Baldwin Organs (Baldwin Piano And Organ Company 443B-2669, Stereo, c. 1980s).

1. Jerry Gerard-Improvisation On "Lasst Uns Erfeuen"
2. Bene Hammel-Overture From "For Unto Us A Child Is Born"
3. Jerry Gerard-Gloria
4. Dewey Kuhn-Lullaby On Christmas Eve
5. Bene Hammel-Christmas Chorale; Good News From Heaven The Angels Bring
6. Bene Hammel-Variations On A "Noel"
7. Bene Hammel-Carol Improvisation
8. Frank Stitt-White Christmas
9. Frank Stitt-Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
10. Scott Gillespie-The Christmas Song
11. Scott Gillespie-Sleigh Ride
12. Hal Vincent-Have Yourself A Merry Christmas
13. Hal Vincent-I'll Be Home For Christmas
14. John Tolleson-Silver Bells
15. John Tolleson-Jingle Bells

MEGA

Kimball (Not Pinball)

The first remaster of the season, this is a collection of tracks showing you what you can do with your new organ from Kimball. I first shared this out way, way back in 2005, and I've been meaning to revisit it for quite a while now, just never had the chance.  But this year I finally found the time, so here's a beautiful new rip for you, from a sealed copy I found a few years back.  I also noticed that there are two cover variations, so there are plenty of scans in the download.  I try to be thorough about these things when I can.  If you ever bought a Kimball organ, these tracks might bring back some memories.  If not, they may put you to sleep.  Sorry.  This is A Kimball Christmas (Kimball Piano & Organ Co. 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 Madley: Jingle Bells; Let It Snow; Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer; Winter Wonderland
9. Wade Bray-Sleighride
10. Bill Ryder-O Holy Night

MEGA

Not The Best...

Not to scare you off so early in the season, but here's the first reshare from years' past, and it's a doozy.  One of the most annoying organ and chime records I've ever found, but I was so excited when I discovered it.  I had to know who or what Chimeatron was!  Well, turns out it ain't much.  So I'll throw this one back up in the middle of the night and hope that no one notices.  I first shared this one out in 2008, and tried to re-record it in 2012 but couldn't sit through it.  Your mileage may vary. This is George Chiainia, Organ, With Chimes By Chimeatron-Music Of The Holiday Season-Organ And Chimes (Colonial LP-272, Stereo). This is a stereo copy, but I found it in a mono sleeve.  Didn't help.

1. White Christmas
2. O Come All Ye Faithful
3. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
4. Oh Holy Night
5. Joy To The World
6. Angels We Have Heard On High
7. Away In The Manger
8. Noel
9. Silent Night
10. Jingle Bells
11. Oh How Joyfully
12. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
13. In Dulce Jubilo
14. Beautiful Savior
15. We Three Kings
16. Lo How A Rose

MEGA

A Lutheran Christmas

Next up for the start of the season is a set of Christmas vignettes put out by the Lutheran Church and played in the middle of the night on a radio station near you. I know this because there were notes written on the sleeve telling the DJs when to play the cuts, and to make sure they played the correct one.  I airbrushed out all of that on the official cover scan, but if you look in the folder, there's a version with all the notes and changes intact.  (You'll also notice there's no back cover scan, that's because the back cover was blank and I didn't see much point in scanning it.  That's a tradition that will continue out the Christmas season, so don't be surprised.)  I love these radio-station-only releases, and managed to get my hands on quite a few of them this year to share with you.  I'm going to try to share most of them out here at the beginning of the season just in case you haven't finished your Christmas compilation yet and want to drop in some weird spoken-word stuff.  (Don't forget to let me know if you put any of my stuff on your comp, and send me a copy!)  This is The American Lutheran Church-Stable Born-A New Series Of Christmas Programs For All Radio Formats (Lutheran Records KB 3359, Mono, c. 1960's).

1. Face Of A Mountain
2. God's Chosen
3. More Than A Vision
4. The Generation Of Mary
5. Man With A Problem
6. Of Course To Bethlehem
7. Angels And Shepherds
8. What Child Is This
9. One Dream
10. Two Kings
11. No Sword For Jesus
12. Twice Coming

MEGA

New Christmas Songs!

I never know where to start with my Christmas shares every year, so I have to just break down and pick something.  This year I decided to lead off with a little bit of polka for two reasons.  First, this LP is packed with almost all songs you've never heard before.  I know how much we all like to hear new songs for the season since it's easy to become burned out on the same twenty or so songs you hear on the radio this time of year.  And other than a single medley of (obscure) oldies on here, everything is new and improved!  Secondly, this is the record jacket I had to spend the most time cleaning up.  Even before I was able to scan it, I had to carefully soak off some residue from another sleeve that was stuck across half of the front.  I think I did pretty well for something that most folks wouldn't have looked at twice, much less actually bought.  Oh, I don't think you can tell from the scans, but this is pressed on really, really dark red vinyl.  I had to hold it up to the light to confirm that, but I was able to see through it just a bit, or at least see some light passing through it.  Anyhow, enough blah-blah-blah, you just want something to listen to while you digest all that turkey you ate today.  This is Walt Groller And His Orchestra-New Christmas Songs (Stella S-LP 948, Stereo, 1965).  You get vocals from The Pany Sisters here, too, if you're interested in that sort of thing.  There's also a flyer scan thrown in that I found in the sleeve, in case you wanted to order some more music from these guys or their label mates.

1. Church Bells Ringing
2. Old Fashioned Sleigh Ride
3. Christmas Everywhere
4. The Nicest Little Toy
5. We Can't Wait For Christmas
6. Snow, Snow, Beautiful Snow
7. Children Go To Sleep
8. Little Boy Jesus
9. Dear Old Santa Claus
10. Carol Of The Angels
11. I'll Hang My Heart On The Christmas Tree
12. Medley Of Christmas Songs

MEGA

Welcome Christmas!!!

Good evening, and welcome to Christmas 2018!  Now that the last of the Thanksgiving leftovers are put away, it's time to get this season underway.  I've got a ton of records that I want to share with you this year, one or two of which you may actually like, and a bunch that you'll listen to once and then never visit again.  Try and figure out which is which.  Those of you that have been here before will know the drill, but new folks just need to know that you click the button and download the old crappy album.  I've switched to MEGA this year, so I hope that works better for some folks.  I was tired of the pop-ups and malware threats from Zippyshare.  If I'm not sharing stuff out fast enough for you, you can always go back through Christmas in July 2018 where I think all the shares are still good.  That's over 400 Christmas songs taken from non-Christmas albums.  I've also gone back and put new download links in most of the new shares from last year, and even some of the ones from 2016.  That's a lot of music for you to sort through and enjoy.  Some of it's good, some of it's bad, but all of it has been forgotten by time until I brought it back into the digital age.  All of these shares are from my own collection of old vinyl & shellac discs, most dating back to the 50's and 60's, but some are older, some are newer.  You just never know what you're going to find in the back rooms of thrift stores and charity shops.  I've grabbed records from stores all over the country while on vacation or various trips.  Some people send me records they think I might like, and some things come from eBay or online sales, though those are pretty few and far between.  Most of the records you'll see here I spent a buck on, so don't expect any sonic miracles, but I think some of them came out pretty good.  The only thing I ask of you is to leave a comment once in a while.  I like getting comments.  Tell me what you think about the records.  If you have something to add, that's great.  We love to hear from the people that made the music, too.  I can't tell you how many times we've heard from people who's parents or grandparents were in the featured band, and they've never heard the music before.  That's nice.  Anyhow, the shares should start popping up shortly.  Thanks for stopping by in this, our 13th year!

Volume 12-Ten (Eleven!) Years On

Well, I figured I should go ahead and throw this up before I forget about it again. This is the very last installment in the For Hi-Fi Living series I first shared with you back in 2007, and started resharing sometime last year. Sorry it's taken so long to get finished with it, but there always seems to be something better to do. I hope it was worth the wait. The earlier installment by Malcolm Lockyer is one of the less-downloaded volumes, but I'm not sure why.  This one is pretty similar to all the ones that have come before, except there are no interludes of any sort between songs.  Still not sure what those were all about after all this time. Anyhow, I'm very happy to finally bring this series to a close once again, because that means I can share other stuff without feeling bad.  After a great Christmas in July, I'm looking forward to turning my attention to a small stack of records that's built up that have nothing to do with Christmas.  And then, of course, I need to get really serious about the Christmas music.  But in the meantime, please download and enjoy Malcolm Lockyer And His Orchestra-We're Having A Party (RCA Custom RAL-1012, Mono, 1957).

1. I've Found A New Baby
2. Heartaches
3. (I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons
4. Under Paris Skies (Sous Le Ciel De Paris)
5. Everybody Loves My Baby (But My Baby Don't Love Nobody But Me)
6. Undecided
7. Little Girl
8. You Know (Tu Sais)
9. I'll Never Smile Again
10. The Petite Waltz
11. Baby Won't You Please Come Home
12. Now Is The Hour (Maori Farewell Song)

Zippyshare

If none of this means anything to you, click through the links below to visit all the other albums in the series.  As of now, they're still all up and available to download.  They may never come around again, so get 'em while they're hot!
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2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9 
10
11

Christmas In July 2018-Day 58-Bonus Tracks!

It's Labor Day, so I've got a little present for you, a bonus day of Christmas in July!  I know you thought it was all over and done with, but I had a few more things that for whatever reason I didn't share with you during our extended month this year.  Things that I just couldn't fit in, or was holding back for some reason, or even a small handful of stuff that I found last Saturday and didn't want to wait until next year to use.  So enjoy it, and believe me when I say, this is it for a while!

1. Auld Lang Syne by Vaughn Monroe And His Orchestra from Big Moments (Music For Special Occasions) (RCA Victor 10" 33 RPM LPM-3251, Mono, 1955).  One of the things that I just found Saturday, and I wish I'd had it to round out my Auld Lang Syne collections posted on the 31st.  This may be my favorite version, or maybe second favorite.  I really like that version from the Navy album, too.

2. A Dreamer's Holiday by Ernestine Holmes, Pipe Organ-With Chimes, Xylophone, Marimba, from Invitation To Dream (RCA Victor LPM-1259, Mono, 1957).  I think I gave you a vocal version of this one earlier in the season.

3. Hallelujah Chorus by the Senior Choir from Music Of The Easter Season (Eclipse-The Audio Recording And Manufacturing Company EC 4101 (61), Mono, 1961).  Just never got around to sharing this one.  Did you want more, I've probably got a few that I didn't record.

4. Holiday For Strings by Spike Jones And His City Slickers from Holiday For Strings (RCA Victor 10" 78 RPM 20-1733, Mono, 1945).  This one doesn't really fit the them of the month, as it's a single, not a sing from an album, but I didn't realize that when I ripped it.  I found it in an album of Jones material called Musical Depreciation, but some research told me that it was just a generic book that would be filled with a few different Spike Jones records depending on what was available.  That explains why there was no track listing on the package.  He recorded this one more than once, I have a couple different versions on a CD somewhere...

5. Mambo Holiday by Sonny Burke And His Orchestra from Let's Mambo (Decca DL 8090, Mono, 1954).  Reading the liner notes, I learned that Sonny was the first to bring the mambo to the US.  Now you know. And two tracks on the LP were written by Billy May, but he doesn't appear to have recorded them himself anywhere.  I need to do some more research about the connections.

6. Nutcracker Suite by Andre Kostelanetz And His Orchestra, Spoken By Peter Ustinov, from Nutcracker Suite-Between Birthdays-Verses By Ogden Nash (Columbia Masterworks ML 5664, Mono, 1961).  This is the uncut version of all the tracks I've shared with you earlier in the season.  Sometimes you just want to listen to the whole thing.

7. Toyland by Al Goodman And His Orchestra from Relax With Victor Herbert (RCA Victor LPM-1023, Mono, 1954).  Too many versions of this one to squeeze them all in, I guess.  At least one other take in today's share, I believe.

8. Auld Lang Syne by Van Alexander And His Orchestra from Let's Dance The Last Dance (Capitol ST1457, Stereo, 1959).  Another one I just found.  I shared out a mono version sometime during previous years, so I'm happy to get the stereo this time.

9. The Bells Of St. Mary's by Jerry Burke from Golden Organ Hits (Dot DLP 25541, Stereo, 1963).  Another member of Lawrence Welk's musical army.

10. I'd better not say anything about this one...

11. Jesus Was A Capricorn (Owed To John Prine) by Kris Kristofferson from the album of the same name (Monument KZ 31909, Stereo, 1972).  I mentioned this track in passing the other day, then when I spotted the vinyl I figured I'd go ahead and throw it in.  It will fit nicely onto the comp I want to make someday with lots of hippy Jesus songs from the seventies.  You know, Jesus Is Just Alright With Me, Spirit In The Sky, that sort of thing.  Someday...

12. Let There Be Peace On Earth (Let It Begin With Me) by The Norman Luboff Choir from This Is Norman Luboff! (RCA Victor LSP-2342, Stereo, 1961).  Another one that I've shared in mono in years past.  Good to get the stereo out there.

13. March Of The Toys And Toyland by 101 Strings from The Sparkle And Romance Of Victor Herbert (Somerset SF-15400, Stereo).  Budget label, but still pretty good.

14. The Midnight Sun Will Never Set by Bent Fabric from The Happy Puppy (Atco 33-155, Stereo, 1962).  That's how Santa is able to get all his toys made during the summer, the sun never sets, so the elves can work longer hours!

15. My Favorite Things by Edmundo Ros And His Orchestra from The Sound Of Music In Latin Tempos For Dancing (London PS-198, Stereo, 1960).  Nice version.  The label said this one was titled The Ros Sound Of Music, but that wasn't mentioned anywhere on the sleeve.

16. Narration by Faythe M. Newsome from Spirituals Of The Sanctuary-85th Anniversary Album Of The Antioch Sanctuary Choir (Century Advent Recording ANT-6-789, Stereo).  Something for your mixtapes.

Whew, lots of tracks in there.  Good end to the season.  Hope you enjoyed it.  Thanks for stopping by.  I hope to see you occasionally between now and Thanksgiving, but I'll certainly be back then!

Zippyshare

Chanukah In September-Day 2

Yep, I have a few more Chanukah songs for you this year, though not nearly as many as last year.  I looked back in time and saw that I had 21 Chanukah songs that I shared with you over two days!  And they weren't all explanatory songs, there were some actual pop songs in there.  Well, I think there were.  My memory is a little fuzzy, and I didn't listen to any of them, but maybe.

1. Holidays by Mickey Katz And His Orchestra from The Most Mishige (Capitol T1102, Mono, 1959).  How excited I was to find something I could share by Mickey Katz.  Unfortunately, I don't think Chanukah is one of the Jewish holidays me mentions in the song.  Oh well, I'm still sharing it out.

2. Shir Nokdim (Shepherd's Song) by The Dudaim-Israel's Most Popular Singers from Songs Of Israel (Columbia "Adventures In Sound" WL 165, Mono, 1960).  Again, not strictly Chanukah, I might even have been able to squeeze this one into Christmas.  But I needed more in here to share with you for Chanukah in September, so here it is.  I had at least two more for Chanukah in the pile up until recently, but they didn't work out.  One album had volume 1 in the sleeve, but volume 2 was the one that had a version of Dreidel on it.  The other record had a scratch so bad I couldn't get a rip of it to save me.  Spent over an hour trying, but it was just to bad.

3. Candles Of Hanukkah by The Merrill Staton Children's Voices from Reaching The Special Learner Through Music-Record 1 (Silver Burdett P12 14993, Stereo, 1979).  Those obviously aren't children's voices on there, but it was the only credit I could find on the record.

4. Chanukah by Steve Clayton & Gail Contini from Holidays To Sing About (UltraSound ULT 3420, Stereo, 1979).  '79 must have been a banner year for Chanukah music! Is that a disco beat, or just a cheesy drum machine?

5. Mo'oz Tsur by The Heritage Orchestra And Chorus from The Jewish Holiday Album (Epic BN 26172, Stereo, 1965).  You got a track from this one yesterday as well.

And that's it.  All the Chanukah I was able to dig up this year.  Hope there's something in there you like.  Have a good Sunday!

Zippyshare

Chanukah In September-Day 1

Hello, and welcome to Chanukah in September, an occasional coda to my Christmas in July celebration!  Unfortunately, Chanukah songs are much harder to find, so it's not going to be a two month celebration, I can't even muster ten songs a day.  But I've got a few songs in the pile, so we're gonna try.

1. Chanukah: Sheleg Al Ha'aretz; With Our Candles In Hand; I Have A Little Dreydl; S'vivon by Gladys Gewirtz & Eve Lippman from Mother Goose Songs For Jewish Children/Holiday Playsongs (Menorah MEN-211, Mono).  I found a copy of this one in a thrift store in Maryland a couple years ago, only to find I already had a copy in the pile.  I shared out one of those copies last year, and this is the other one.  There are so few Chanukah songs, I was happy to have it.

2. Eight Nights Of Hanukah by an unknown artist from Now And Long Ago-Silver Burdett Songs From Music For Living-Album 09 (Columbia 10" 78 RPM Microgroove JS-329, Mono, 1956).  How long have I been sharing out songs from these 10" records?  That's how long I've been holding onto this track.

3. Sholom Chavarim by The Weavers from The Weavers At Carnegie Hall (Vanguard VRS 9010 (Metropolitan Music Library VG 9010), Mono, 1959).  Been holding onto this one for more than a month, too.

4. Chanukah (a) Mo'oz Tzur (b) Mi Y'malel (c) S'vivon Sov Sov Sov by Herb Strauss from Songs And Stories Of The Jewish Holidays-Sung And Told By Herb Strauss (Vocalion (Decca) VL73891, Stereo, 1970).  I was surprised when I found a 1970 date for this LP.  It looks much older, but that could just be because it was released on a budget arm of Decca, and not the main label.

5. Mi Yimallel by The Heritage Orchestra And Chorus from The Jewish Holiday Album (Epic BN 26172, Stereo, 1965). I always get excited when I see an album talking about the Jewish holidays, because that means I'm going to find another Chanukah track!

And that's it, a scant five tracks for you today.  But five is more than none, right?  Stay tuned tomorrow.

Zippyshare

Christmas In July 2018-Day 57

The end of another month, and thus I've got some end-of-year songs for you.  I couldn't come up with quite enough songs to fit the theme (since I did a full ten for you at the end of last month), there's also a little bit of filler in there.

1. Auld Lang Syne by the great Jo Stafford-Accompaniment By Paul Weston from Jo Stafford Sings Songs Of Scotland With Words By Robert Burns (Columbia CL 1043 "Demonstration, Not For Sale", Mono, 1957).  You can't go wrong when you have some Jo Stafford in the pile.

2. Ave Maria by Mantovani And His Orchestra from the LP Mantovani Plays The Immortal Classics (Decca (UK) LK 4072, Mono, 1956).  Mantovani put out some good music when he was at his peak.  His Christmas music is still a thing of beauty, 70 years later.

3. Bounce Of The Sugar Plum Fairy by John Kirby And His Orchestra from the album John Kirby (Columbia 4x10" 78 RPM C-45, Mono, 1941).  A rare share from shellac, though nothing rare about a track from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite.

4. The New Year: Look Ahead, a reprise of something I shared a month ago by Arthur Godfrey With Orchestra And Chorus Under The Direction Of Archie Bleyer from Arthur Godfrey's TV Calendar Show (Columbia CL 521, Mono, 1953).  You may have heard some bad stories about Arthur Godfrey, but he still put out some good music in his time.

5. Auld Lang Syne by John Keating And The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra from A Musical Tour Around The World...And Beyond (London Phase 4 2xLP SQBE-94251 "A Club Exclusive Deluxe Two-Record Album", Stereo).  The "...And Beyond" part of this title turned out to be an interesting track that supposedly explored the galaxy.  I need to go back and rip that when I have time.

6. In Dulci Jubilo by Robert Elmore from Bach On The Biggest (Mercury Living Presence SR90127, Stereo, 1958).  Always room for more organ around these parts.

7. Auld Lang Syne by Massed Children's Voices From Westminster Abbey And St. Paul's With The Longines Symphonette from Sweet Voices Of Inspiration (Longines Symphonette LWS 173, Stereo, 1966).  At least there are voices on this track, the last song I shared with you from this album was strictly instrumental.

8. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring/Jesus, Lover Of My Soul by Paul Mickelson from Paul Mickelson Plays The Allen 3-Manual Computer Theater Organ (Supreme Productions/Singcord/Zondervan SLP-505, Stereo, 1977).  More organ!

9. Auld Lang Syne by Naval Academy Drum And Bugle Corps from Set Sail (Richardson Records 2xLP RRS-7/8, Stereo, 1978).  This was a surprise find just the other day.  I didn't think I'd find anything to share on a record filled with sea shanties, but there it was.

10. Odun De! Odun De! (Happy New Year) by Olatunji! from Drums Of Passion (Columbia CS 8210, Stereo, 1959).  If you aren't familiar with this track (I've shared it before), it may be the most out-there track you've heard all season.

And that's it.  Not just for today, but for Christmas in July.  There will probably be a Chanukah in September, but I think I'm done with the Christmas for now.  Looking forward to a day or two away from this computer!

Zippyshare

(Catsup!)

Christmas In July 2018-Day 56

56 days, but the end of the month is growing near.  Just keep in mind, all good things must come an end, though slowly.

1. To A Snowflake written by Francis Thompson and performed by E.E. Cummings, Narrator: Richard Wilbur from Many Voices-4A And 4B For Adventures In Appreciation (Harcourt, Brace And Co. 2xLP XTV 26319/20/36/37, Mono, 1958).  That's right, more poetry, and read by the somewhat well-known e.e. cummings.  His name was properly capitalized and punctuated on the LP, and I think I read once that he only did the all lower case thing for a small period in his life, but it's stuck with me all these years.

2. And Everyday Was Christmas by The San Sebastian Strings-Vocal By Rod McKeun And Anita Kerr from The Seasons-Spring (Warner Bros 4xLP 4 WS 2754, Stereo, 1973).  This was a box with all four records in it, and there were lots of possible items on the Winter LP, but I figured that was a little outside the theme for Christmas In July.

3. Ave Maria! O Maiden, O Mother by The Lennon Sisters from Lawrence Welk Presents The Lennon Sisters Singing The Best-Loved Catholic Hymns (Dot DLP 25250, Stereo, 1960).  That Larry Welk had to have his name on everything.

4. Bethlehem-Geberen by Richard Webb, Bass & Salvatore Mancuso, Organist, from I Love To Tell The Story (Central Woodward Woman's Fellowship VC 3330, Stereo).  Last one from this one.  I know you wanted more, but that's all there is.

5. Children Go Where I Send You by Sleepless Nites from the local LP Best Of The Fest-The John's Pass Music Festival (Mariner Records NR16050, Stereo, 1985).  John's Pass is an inlet less than an hour north of here with a huge marina that's been turned into a sort of tourist trap.  Not sure if they still do this music festival.

6. Christmas Song by Symphony In Blue, one last selection from Serenade In Blue-Series Eleven (Programs 131-143) (United States Air Force 7xLP Suggested Air Date: October-December 1969, Stereo, 1969).  Still my favorite find of the season!

7. I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm by The Johnny Howard Orchestra And Singers from Irving Berlin's Hit Parade With The Johnny Howard Orchestra And Singers (Dansan (UK) DS 010, Stereo, 1980).  Compare this stylistically to the many earlier versions I've shared out this month.  I think I prefer the earlier interpretations.

8. Let There Be Peace On Earth, one last selection on the bells by The Ringing Bells-Rachael Kuivinen, Director, from Christmas Music/Bicentennial And Old Favorites (United Methodist Church Of Chagrin Falls, Ohio 6093N9, Stereo, 1976).  Such good stuff, glad I found this one.

9. Song Of The Bells, more bells, this time by Frederick Fennell Conducting The Eastman-Rochester "Pops" Orchestra from Music Of Leroy Anderson, Vol. 2 (Mercury Living Presence SR90043, Stereo, 1959).  Not strictly Christmas, but too good to leave on the cutting room floor.

10. Toyland by The Longines Symphonette from Sweet Voices Of Inspiration (Longines Symphonette LWS 173, Stereo, 1966).  You put the word 'Voices' right there in the title, then you throw in an instrumental?  Hmmm...

That's it, another good night.  See you tomorrow!

Zippyshare

Christmas In July 2018-Day 55

Getting close to the end here.  You can't see it, but I can.  Not ripping much new music at this point, just trying to dole out what I've got in the pile without duplicating anything.  Stay tuned.

1. Holiday For Strings by Morton Gould And His Orchestra from String Time (Columbia Masterworks 4x10" 78 RPM M-663, Mono, 1947). Another rare entry pulled from shellac.  Found a couple of these the other day and had to squeeze them in.

2. Old Christmas Morning, written  by Roy Helton, read by Nancy Wickwire And Grace Chapman, Narrator: Richard Wilbur, from the LP Many Voices-4A And 4B For Adventures In Appreciation (Harcourt, Brace And Co. 2xLP XTV 26319/20/36/37, Mono, 1958).  This is a short spoken word bit from the LP I mentioned the other day that was covered in mold.  The vinyl is here in the computer room, but all the sleeve material is still down in the garage.  Not sure how to continue with it, thinking of sealing the whole thing in plastic and tucking it into the archives.  Seems to be a fairly rare item, and I hate to throw it out.

3. Ev'rybody's Good For Christmas by Steve Clayton & Gail Contini from Holidays To Sing About (UltraSound ULT 3420, Stereo, 1979).  One of those educational albums that seemed to be so common back in the day.  Can't imagine they still play stuff like that in school, even if it's presented on MP3 or on YouTube.

4. Go Tell It On The Mountain by Thurlow Spurr And The Spurrlows from The Spurrlows Now (Word WST-8445-LP, Stereo, 1969).  Great little mix of Now Sound and religious fervor.

5. In Bethlehem (Narrative), more spoken word, this time by Johnny Cash from the LP The Holy Land (Columbia KCS 9726, Stereo, 1969).  You know, the one with the lenticular cover!

6. Joy To The World by Richard Webb, Bass & Salvatore Mancuso, Organist, from I Love To Tell The Story (Central Woodward Woman's Fellowship VC 3330, Stereo).  Not the Three Dog Night song.

7. Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow by Vaughn Monroe And His Orchestra from There I Sing/Swing It Again (RCA Victor LSP-1799, Stereo, 1958).  The first album in which Monroe goes back and records his hits in new sound.  Not the last such album though.

8. Mr. Cool by Bill Justis from Bill Justis Plays Hot Hits Of Our Time (Mercury Wing SRW 16378 (Reissue of 1963 LP), Stereo, 1968).  Just a fun little instrumental, nothing outstanding.

9. Patapan by The Ringing Bells-Rachael Kuivinen, Director, from Christmas Music/Bicentennial And Old Favorites (United Methodist Church Of Chagrin Falls, Ohio 6093N9, Stereo, 1976).  Nope, still not done with this one.

10. Satin Doll by Lenny Dee At The Organ With Instrumental Accompaniment from Something Special (MCA MCA-221, Reissue of Decca DL74498, Stereo, 1964).  Wish Mr. Dee had left us more than just the one Christmas album.

That's all folks!

Zippyshare

Christmas In July 2018-Day 54

Welcome to Studio 54! No, wait, day 54.  Something else entirely.  OK, it was the only joke I could come up with, it's been a long season...

1. Blest Christmas Morn by Larry Groce-Special Arrangements And Musical Direction By Rick Powell from The Glad Sound-Songs About Christ Jesus From The Christian Science Hymnal (The Christian Science Publishing Society DRP 7340, Stereo, 1973).  The first of two songs tonight from the Christian Scientists.  Not sure who they are, but they like to sing Christmas songs, same as everyone else.

2. China Doll by Frederick Fennell Conducting The Eastman-Rochester "Pops" Orchestra from the LP Music Of Leroy Anderson, Vol. 2 (Mercury Living Presence SR90043, Stereo, 1959).  More Leroy Anderson goodness by Mercury's go-to conductor.

3. Christmas Morn by Eleanor Steber With Edwin McDonell At The Mother Church Organ from Hymns By Mary Baker Eddy (ST/And Company L80P 4483/4, Stereo). And this is the second album from those Christian Scientists.  At least I assume Church of Christ Scientist is the same as Christian Science.  I'm sure if it's not, someone will correct me.  I had two copies of this LP for some reason.  That's the chance you take when you don't keep a good inventory of what you have and don't have.

4. Elves (From "12 Pieces," Op.7) by Carlo Curley from The Incredible Carlo Curley Plays Virtuoso French Organ Music At The Royal Albert Hall (RCA Red Seal ARL1-3556, Stereo, 1979).  I grabbed this for the elf connection, obviously.  Unfortunately, the recording level on the original LP was so low it was difficult to get a rip that lifted the music up out of the surface noise.  You'll see what I mean when you give it a listen.  I tried a couple of time, but results were the same.  Odd for a late recording from a major label.

5. I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing by University Of Tennessee Marching Band-W.J. Julian, Director, from Pride Of The Southland (Davis Sound 42592 , Stereo).  You may think this is another off-center pressing, but it's not.  It's just badly warped and that's what's causing the coming-and-going sound effect 33.333333333333333333 times per minute. I have an idea in my head for a little ring I could put around warped records to hold them flat but I haven't done anything to actually fabricate such a thing yet.  Someday...

6. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring-Chorale From Cantata 147 by Anatole Kitain, Pianist, from The Siena Pianoforte: Bach (Counterpoint/Esoteric (Everest) 53001, Stereo, 1956).  Yes, it's that old Siena Pianoforte again.  Not sure what the deal is with this thing.  I read the liner notes but have a hard time swallowing the story. Look it up.

7. Silent Night by The Ringing Bells-Rachael Kuivinen, Director, tonight's selection from Christmas Music/Bicentennial And Old Favorites (United Methodist Church Of Chagrin Falls, Ohio 6093N9, Stereo, 1976). I like that they keep these selections short enough that the tunes don't get repetitive.  In, Out, Done.

8. Skaters Waltz by The Kingsway Strings from Symphony On Ice-Music For Skaters-Waltzes Recorded For Ice Or Rink (Somerset SF-28200, Stereo).  I shared a tune from the other side of this LP earlier in the season and it was off-center.  This tune sounds OK to me, and I don't remember the tonearm swaying back and forth as I recorded it.

9. Sweet Little Jesus Boy by Richard Webb, Bass & Salvatore Mancuso, Organist, from the album I Love To Tell The Story (Central Woodward Woman's Fellowship VC 3330, Stereo). I love finding Christmas tunes in unexpected places, and this LP was certainly unexpected.  Pretty plain front cover, nothing on the back cover, but three Christmas tunes on the vinyl.

10. Toys by Vikki Carr-Arranged & Conducted By Marty Paich from Intimate Excitement (Liberty LST-7506, Stereo, 1967).  Not necessarily about the kind of toys you get for Christmas.

I keep forgetting to tell you about how I lost ten tracks earlier in the season.  Around about day 50 I noticed that there were less than 500 MP3s in the Christmas In July folder. After some thinking, I realized that I must not have added the MP3s back into the folder after converting the original wave files.  So I had to go back through all my old shares and find a day where the files weren't in the folder.  I think it was day 24 when I finally found tracks that hadn't been added.  So I didn't really lose anything, I just didn't have it in the right place.  Doesn't matter to you, I guess.

Zippyshare

Christmas In July 2018-Day 53

We're in uncharted territory here folks, we've never gone 53 days in July before.  I hope it's smooth sailing from here to the end.

1. Winter by an unknown artist from Now And Long Ago-Silver Burdett Songs From Music For Living-Album 09 (Columbia 10" 78 RPM Microgroove JS-329, Mono, 1956).  I think this is the last of the tracks I have from these educational records.  Hope you enjoyed them.

2. Cold Wind by Bonnie Guitar-Arranged And Conducted By Cliff Parman from Two Worlds (Dot DLP 25696, Stereo, 1966).  It took me forever to find a copy of Bonnie Guitar's Christmas record, and when I finally got my paws on it, I wasn't all that impressed by it.  Not sure what I was expecting.  It all sounds a lot like this track.

3. I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm by Skitch Henderson, His Piano And Orchestra from the reissue LP Skitch Henderson, His Piano And Orchestra Play Irving Berlin (Harmony Headliner Series (Columbia) KH 31957, Stereo, 1968).  This is a budget reissue of the original LP, with only 10 tracks.  The date of 1968 is when the original came out, no idea when this budget version appeared.

4. My Favorite Things by Percy Faith And His Orchestra from The Sound Of Music (Columbia CS 8215, Stereo, 1959).  Lots of Christmas tracks by Percy out there, some of them harder to find than others.

5. Panis Angelicus (O Lord Most Holy), the last track from Jim Nabors-Arranged & Conducted By Sid Feller and the reissued two-fer LP The Lord's Prayer/How Great Thou Art (Columbia 2xLP CG 33618, Stereo, 1970).  His voice takes a little getting used to, but it's not bad.

6. Silver Bells by The Ringing Bells-Rachael Kuivinen, Director, from Christmas Music/Bicentennial And Old Favorites (United Methodist Church Of Chagrin Falls, Ohio 6093N9, Stereo, 1976).  Getting close to the end of this one, but we're not quite there yet.

7. The Toy Trumpet by Al Hirt And The Boston Pops Orchestra With Arthur Fiedler from "Pops" Goes The Trumpet (Holiday For Brass) (RCA Victor Red Seal LSC-2729, Stereo, 1964).  He's really showing off here.

8. The Virgin's Slumber Song (In German) by Maureen Forrester, Alto-John Newmark, Piano, from A Charm Of Lullabies (Westminster Gold WGS-8124, Stereo, 1970).  I don't speak German, but the synopsis of the track from the back of the LP insisted it was about Christmas.

9. Waltz Of The Flowers by David Rose And His Orchestra-Tenor Sax Solo By Bob Cooper from Concert With A Beat! (MGM SE3852, Stereo, 1960).  Is this the only Nutcracker track of the day?

10. Winter Wonderland by Eddie Layton With Rhythm Section from Better Layton Than Ever (Mercury SR 60031, Stereo, 1960).  I've shared this one with you many times in the pass, but I just can't seem to pass it up whenever I see a copy.

And that's that, ten more tracks.  Any favorites in there?  Plenty of good selections, I think.

Zippyshare

Christmas In July 2018-Day 52

Time for a little 52 card pickup!  Are you ready?

1. Parade Of The Charioteers by Band Of The Grenadier Guards from The Kingsize Sound Of Hi-Fi (Decca (UK) LK 4795, Mono, 1966).  I don't know if it's Christmas, but it's very grand!

2. The Skater's Waltz by Continental Orchestra from Waltz Time (RCA Camden CAL-149, Mono).  Not sure when this came out, but it appears to have been mastered from a pretty lo-fi source.  Maybe a reissue of an old 78.  I didn't do enough research, sorry.

3. Theme Music From "The Snows Of Kilimanjaro" (From The 20th Century-Fox Film "The Snows Of Kilimanjaro"), the very last track I recorded before stopping to post today, this is by Al Goodman And His Orchestra from the LP Music From Hollywood-Themes From Great Motion Pictures (RCA Victor LPM-1007, Mono, 1954).  One of the very earliest 12" long-play albums on RCA.

4. Ave Maria by Ferrante And Teicher from Ferrante And Teicher Play Light Classics (ABC-Paramount ABCS-313, Stereo, 1959).  Very early stereo for these guys.

5. The Bells Of St. Mary's by Mabel Sansing Sharp from Memories (Dove Records DR3182 (Recorded at Georgia's Stone Mountain), Stereo).  I've actually been to this pipe organ.  I didn't think it was all that impressive, but it wasn't playing at the time.

6. Bugler's Holiday by Al Hirt And The Boston Pops Orchestra With Arthur Fiedler from their album "Pops" Goes The Trumpet (Holiday For Brass) (RCA Victor Red Seal LSC-2729, Stereo, 1964).  At least Al doesn't sing on this one.

7. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen by Richard Webb, Bass & Salvatore Mancuso, Organist, from I Love To Tell The Story (Central Woodward Woman's Fellowship VC 3330, Stereo).  This is an odd on.  I almost didn't pay it any attention, but then I picked it up and there was nothing on the back cover.  So I took it out of the sleeve and found four Christmas tunes tucked away in the tracklist.  Makes me wonder how many things I'm missing some days because I'm not picking up every single record.

8. Joy To The World by The Ringing Bells-Rachael Kuivinen, Director, from Christmas Music/Bicentennial And Old Favorites (United Methodist Church Of Chagrin Falls, Ohio 6093N9, Stereo, 1976).  Today's obligatory track from this great LP.

9. Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel by John Fahey from Guitar Vol. 4-The Great San Bernadino Birthday Party And Other Excursions (Takoma C 1008, Stereo, 1966).  Was really surprised to find this one, as John Fahey has so many Christmas albums already.  I guess he just really likes it, so he threw it into a regular album.

10. Sleigh Ride by Frederick Fennell Conducting The Eastman-Rochester "Pops" Orchestra from Music Of Leroy Anderson, Vol. 1 (Mercury Living Presence SR90009, Stereo, 1958).  I think it was just last year I was lamenting the fact that I didn't have all three volumes of this series in stereo, or at the same time.  This year I have two of the three in stereo, but no sign of the third one.  So it goes...

And that's it.  Some good stuff, some filler, but another day done.

Zippyshare

Christmas In July 2018-Day 51

If memory serves, we went 51 days last year, and here we are at 51 this year.  And I'm not stopping yet.  The end is near, as the signs say, but it's not here yet.  Sometime next week, I think.  Pickings are getting thin in the pile of records I have left, and I don't want to share too much sub-par stuff with you.  But we'll see.  Now, what's in tonight's pile?

1. The Birth Of Christ by Leif Erickson, Narrator, With Dramatic Cast from the album The Bible Stories-Volume VII-The Birth Of Christ/The Good Samaritan (Cricket/Pickwick CR-207, Mono, 1960).  I believe I shared this with you last year, but I stumbled across a nice copy recently and decided to share it again.  I don't think I've shared enough spoken word with you this year, and this 18 minute retelling of the birth of Christ should go a long way towards rectifying that.  I also have a double album of poems that I hope to grab a couple tracks from, but it's so moldy I'm afraid to bring it in the house before I fumigate it.  And when I've recorded what I can, I'm throwing it out.

2. Fire And Ice Ballet-Pt. 3 by D'Artega And His "Coliseum Pop Orchestra" from Make Mine Manhattan (Mercury Wing MGW 12101, Mono).  The third and final part of this little bit of mid-century mood music.  I like it!

3. Greensleeves by The Entertainers from the organ demo LP Lawrence Welk Presents The Magic Of Color-Glo Thomas Organ Program (Thomas Organ Co. #08-20052-0, Mono, 1966).  I love this stuff, and the cover is a certificate of training signed by Lawrence Welk!

4. Holiday For Guitars by Buddy Merrill from Holiday For Guitars (Accent (GNP Crescendo) AC 5016, Mono, 1965).  Found this today, figured you needed more holiday music for the wrong sort of holiday we're celebrating this month. And it rocks more than most of the stuff I share here.

5. White Christmas (From "Holiday Inn") by Andre Kostelanetz And His Orchestra from Music Of Irving Berlin (Columbia CL 768 (Reissue of Masterworks LP from 1950), Mono, 1955).  I had forgotten about this, even though I shared it out some years ago.  I think I've forgotten more of my old shares than I realize.  But that means I find more new stuff, right?

6. Ave Maria by Jim Nabors-Orchestrations By Don Hannah from The Lord's Prayer/How Great Thou Art (Columbia 2xLP CG 33618, Stereo, 1970).  A different version than the one I shared out a day or two ago.

7. Doll Dance by Vincent Lopez And His Orchestra from Nola And Other Piano Instrumentals (Carleton STLP 12/302, Stereo, 1959).  A surprisingly fun version.

8. Hallelujah (Messiah) by The McCallie School Handbells from Music From McCallie (Pyramid's Eye Recording Studio MS-1520 (Chattanooga, TN), Stereo, 1977).  That's right, I found another handbell track for you!

9. The Holly And The Ivy by The Ringing Bells-Rachael Kuivinen, Director, from Christmas Music/Bicentennial And Old Favorites (United Methodist Church Of Chagrin Falls, Ohio 6093N9, Stereo, 1976).  Another great track from my go-to handbell record.

10. The Marvelous Toy by Rosemary Rice And Her Children's Chorus from Whistle For Happiness (RCA Camden CAS-1119, Stereo, 1970).  Good old Tom Paxton!

And that's it, second set of ten for today.  At this rate, I'll be caught up in another month of so.

Zippyshare

Christmas In July 2018-Day 50!

Yep, that's right, day 50!  Didn't think it would go this long this year, but here we are.  Nothing too special for you tonight, I'm afraid.  I'd hoped to get this post up this morning, but the day got away from me and here it is evening already.  I'm going to throw this up in a hurry because I'm hungry and I want to go eat.

1. Ave Maria by Virgil Fox
2. Fire And Ice Ballet-Pt. 2 by D'Artega
3. Footprints In The Snow by Lester Flatt And Earl Scruggs
4. My Favourite Things by Ronnie Aldrich And His Two Pianos (A UK pressing, thus the extra U in there.)
5. Pine Cones And Holly Berries (With "It's Beginning To Look Like Christmas") by The Merrill Staton Voices (I keep trying to write Stanton, but that's not right, it's Staton!)
6. Waltz Of The Flowers by Ernest Ansermet
7. Bugler's Holiday by Frederick Fennell Conducting The Eastman-Rochester "Pops" Orchestra
8. Hallelujah Chorus by The Combined Choirs of Christ Presbyterian Church
9. In Bethlehem 'Neath Starlit Skies (Wait's Carol) by The Ringing Bells
10. I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm by Cleo Laine With Johnny Keating And His Orchestra

And that's it.  Sorry about the condensed format, but I'm hungry, gotta go eat.

Zippyshare

Christmas In July 2018-Day 49

Day 49, your second post of the day, hope you're able to keep up.  I know I'm having a hard time keeping ahead of myself, but the weekend is here, so that makes it a lot easier.  Nice diverse pile of junk tonight.

1. Allah's Holiday by Helen Westbrook At The Mighty Wurlitzer Oriental Theatre, Chicago, from Helen's Holiday-The Little Mite At The Mighty Wurlitzer (Replica 10" 33 RPM 33x512, Mono).  I think this is the last thing I have from Helen to share with you this year.  Maybe I can find some more for next year, I'll keep my eyes and ears open.

2. Fire And Ice Ballet-Pt. 1 by D'Artega And His "Coliseum Pop Orchestra" from Make Mine Manhattan (Mercury Wing MGW 12101, Mono).  Interesting little bit of mood music here.  I'm grabbing hold of the Ice part of the ballet and claiming it for the season.

3. Sleigh Ride by Richard Ellsasser Playing The Baldwin Electric Organ from Leroy Anderson Favorites (MGM 3174, Mono, 1955).  So many good versions of Sleigh Ride this year!

4. Ave Maria by everyone's favorite Mayberry resident Jim Nabors-Arranged & Conducted By Sid Feller from the double reissue LP The Lord's Prayer/How Great Thou Art (Columbia 2xLP CG 33618, Stereo, 1970).  This version is the Bach-Gounod one in case you're curious.

5. Dance Of The Reed Flutes by The Ringing Bells-Rachael Kuivinen, Director, from Christmas Music/Bicentennial And Old Favorites (United Methodist Church Of Chagrin Falls, Ohio 6093N9, Stereo, 1976).  Nutcracker music and hand bells!  Two great tastes that sound great together!

6. Fantasia On "Greensleeves", a little high-brow music for you tonight courtesy of Morton Gould And His Orchestra from his LP Greensleeves (RCA Victor Red Seal LSC-2719, Stereo, 1964).  A simple song all fancied up.

7. Just Because by Al Hirt And Ann-Margret-Orchestra Arranged And Conducted By Marty Paich from Beauty And The Beard (RCA Victor LSP-2690, Stereo, 1964).  A song which at first has no Christmas connection, but a close listen yields two mentions of Santa!

8. My Favorite Things by Ted Heath And His Music from The Sound Of Music (London Phase 4 SP 44063, Stereo, 1965).  I haven't brought you nearly enough versions of this track this year.  I need to work on that.

9. Snowbird by Ronnie Aldrich And His Two Pianos from A Musical Tour Around The World...And Beyond (London Phase 4 2xLP SQBE-94251 "A Club Exclusive Deluxe Two-Record Album", Stereo).  Interesting collection of tracks that I think was put together for The Capitol Record Club.

10. That Cold Feeling by The Happenings from their album Psycle (B.T. Puppy Records BTPS 1003, Stereo, 1966).  I happened to notice this cover pop up in my player at work, heavens knows how it got there, then I remembered seeing the same cover in the stacks.  Funny how things work sometimes.

And that's it.  Anything interesting in there?  If not, just wait a few hours, I'll put up some more Christmas goodies.

Zippyshare

Christmas In July 2018-Day 48

OK, I just got home from a show that I got to shoot (Cottondale Swamp opening for The Kentucky Headhunters) and I'm still a little pumped with adrenaline.  The Kentucky Headhunters actually segued into Joy To The World for a little bit at one point, and it was awesome! I'm wondering if they recorded that somewhere sometime?  But that's all beside the point.  I'm still up, so I'll share some more Christmas music with you.  No banter though, just a list.  You can add your own banter in the comments.

1. There's A Song In The Air-The Ringing Bells
2. Chinese Dance by Philharmonic Symphony Of London
3. Moonlight In Vermont by Shirley Hannum
4. Trio-Sonata In B Flat by The Choir Of The Church Of St. Mary
5. That Man Over There by Edmundo Ros
6. Waltz Of The Flowers by Bill Dalton
7. White Christmas by Gordon Jenkins
8. Satin Doll (Closing Theme) by The Saints And Sinners
9. Silver Bells by Roy Clark (Actually, not the Silver Bells you're thinking of, unless you're thinking of the wrong one...)
10. Sleigh Ride by Al Bollington.

Ten the quick way.  Enjoy!

Zippyshare

Christmas In July 2018-Day 47

Oh, this month is dragging on...  You know it's bad when even I'm getting tired of it.  But I can see the end from here, just bear with me.

1. Jingle Bells by Carson Robison And His Pleasant Valley Boys, Calls By Lawrence V. Loy, from the album Square Dances (RCA Victor LPM-1238, Mono, 1956).  Pretty sure this song is a lot older than 1956, I suspect this is a collection of old 78s.  Sounds pretty good though.

2. My Favorite Things by Jane Morgan from The Second Time Around (Lapp KL-1239, Mono, 1961).  I think Jane Morgan is a bit underrated as a singer, but what do I know, I like square dance Christmas songs.

3. The Seasons by an unknown artist from the LP Now And Long Ago-Silver Burdett Songs From Music For Living-Album 09 (Columbia 10" 78 RPM Microgroove JS-329, Mono, 1956).  I love stuff like this.  You've never seen it before and you'll never see it again.  This is the stuff I want to preserve and share.

4. Sleigh Ride by Kurt Wege And His Orchestra from A Leroy Anderson Concert-21 Channel Sound (MGM E 4075 "Recorded By Deutsche Grammophon  Polydor Series In Europe", Mono, 1961).  21 channels but I find a mono copy.

5. That Man Over There by The Merrill Staton Voices from Meredith Willson's Here's Love (Columbia CL 2099, Mono, 1963).  For a long time I didn't realize this was a Christmas song until someone told me quite adamantly that I should listen to it.  And there you go...

6. Away In A Manger by The Ringing Bells-Rachael Kuivinen, Director, from Christmas Music/Bicentennial And Old Favorites (United Methodist Church Of Chagrin Falls, Ohio 6093N9, Stereo, 1976).  Handbells, 'nuff said.

7. Behold The Star by The Antioch Sanctuary Choir-Soprano Solo: Mrs. Jean Hogan-Tenor Solo: Mr. Sterling Faucette, from Spirituals Of The Sanctuary-85th Anniversary Album Of The Antioch Sanctuary Choir (Century Advent Recording ANT-6-789, Stereo).  Good stuff here.

8. Button Up Your Overcoat by Tom Gnaster from Together For The First Time (Allen GA-1113, Stereo, 1981).  The cover features of doctored photo of Gnaster playing beside himself.  I guess it's a joke, hard to tell.

9. Chestnuts On The Open Fire by Dick Schrum from So Rare (Concert Recording CR-0119, Stereo).  No matter what title the choose to use, this is actually The Christmas Song.

10. The Month Of January by Tommy Makem With Eric Weisberg from Songs Of Tommy Makem (Tradition (Everest) TLP 1044, Stereo, 1961).  Maybe I should have saved this one for New Year's.  Oh well, too late now.

That's it, ten more.  Aren't you happy?  I'm making up a few days here, trying to get back on track before the end comes along.  We'll see how good I do.

Zippyshare