Christmas In July 2020-09

Good morning!  Hope the fireworks didn't keep you up too late last night.  But if so, don't worry, this post will still be here for you later on.

1. South Denver High School Choir-Richard B. Eichenberger, Director, singing Hosanna from The South High School A Cappella Choir 1954 (No Label LP3 Transparent Red Vinyl, Mono, 1954). Once again, I ask how something from so far away made it to my local thrift store?  It's just mind boggling to me how this sort of thing travels.

2. Berj Zamkochian, Organist, with Prelude On Greensleeves from The Sound Of An Allen Organ (Columbia Special Products CSP 130, Stereo). A special album put together by the Allen Organ folks.

3. The Undergrads performing Go Tell It On The Mountain from Bluegrass Hoot On Campus With The Undergrads (AKA The Undergrads On Campus) (Somerset SF-21600, Stereo, 1963).  Budget label, so who know who this really is. And there could be the same music attributed to someone else out there. This also seems to be a version that's not Christmas related, so sorry about that.

4. Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree by an unknown band from Warner Bros. Finest For Concert Band (Jenson Publications JP-3900, Stereo, 1983).  A demo for your band teacher.  Anybody out there a band geek in school?  Not me.

5. George Wright performing Brazilian Sleigh Bells, from Encores At The Mighty Wurlitzer Pipe Organ (HiFi R-702, Mono, 1956).  In case you didn't know already, this song was written by Percy Faith.

6. Lutheran High School West Brass Ensemble singing God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen from 25th Anniversary Of Cleveland Lutheran High Schools - Commemorative Album 1943-1973 (United Sound Recorders USR 5036, Stereo, 1973). I find lots of records from Cleveland, Ohio.  I attribute that to the fact that I-75 runs from here straight up that way, so it's a pretty straight shot for people to head down this way when it gets to cold up there for 'em.

7. Maurice Abravanel Conducting The Utah Symphony Orchestra-Wm. Sullivan, Sheldon Hyde, Keith Smith-Trumpets playing Bugler's Holiday from the LP Fiddle Faddle And 14 Other Leroy Anderson Favorites (Vanguard Cardinal Series VCS-10016, Stereo, 1967).  More Leroy Anderson goodness from this outfit.

8. Peter Walters plays Moonlight in Vermont from Velvet Touch (No Label LP-51, Mono). A mystery of an album, but I do remember it having a neat cover.

9. The Murk Family With Accompanist Betty Bowman plays Love Came Down At Christmas from Holiday Musicale (Sacred Knof Recordings SKR-LP-1170, Mono).  Good stuff from this religious outfit.

10. Lloyd Reese And The Solid Rock Chorus sing Sweet Little Lord Jesus from the LP Peace Be (Verve V6-5018, Mono, 1966).  A rare track from the great Verve label. I guess they tried their hand at religious fare for a short while.

11. Christopher Lynch, Tenor, With Eugene Bossart, Piano, And With Orchestra Conducted By Paul Affelder, playing Cradle Song (Wiegenlied), Op. 49, No. 4 from Bless This House-The Children's Hour (Columbia Entre RL 3016, Mono). An album that's been in the stack for a long time, but I finally got it recorded this year. Not really Christmas though, sorry.

12. Maplewood Glee Club, Warren G. Schmoll-Director, Rosalind Dobie-Accompanist, Roy Stocker-Solo with Mary Had A Baby from Maplewood Glee Club 1965-Maplewood Community Recreation Service (HMR Productions RC-94 (AKA RC-134) Side 2-1965 Winter Concert, Mono, 1965). You never know what you're going to get from these local community productions.

13. Little Brand New Baby by Tom Paxton from The Marvellous Toy & Other Gallimaufry (Flying Fish FF 408, Stereo, 1986). Much later than Tom's better-known stuff.

14. I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm by Dinah Washington, taken from the compilation album Irving Berlin Songs (Mercury SR 60813, Stereo, 1964).  I've shared this before from the original LP, but not from this collection dedicated to the songs of Irving Berlin on the Mercury label.

15. Fred Waring And His Pennsylvanians with Ave Maria (the Schubert version) from This I Believe-Songs Of Faith And Inspiration (Capitol ST 2054, Stereo, 1964).  Fred had a very, very long career, and recorded a lot of Christmas music.  Still a few things out there that didn't show up on his Christmas albums, though.

And that's it for now.  Hope you found something you like in this stack.  More to come, stay tuned!

MEGA

Christmas In July 2020-08

Good evening, hope you've had a great 4th of July!  Now, before the fireworks keep you up all night, here's a little bit of Christmas music to remind you of another holiday season that will be here before you know it.

1. Monastery Bells by The Eroica Three-Disc Symphonion Music Box from Old Music Box Melodies (Bornand Music Box Co RCB-7, Stereo, 1981).  Christmas from a music box.

2. March Of The Toys by Magic Violins from Magic Violins Play The Memories Of Victor Herbert (Magic Violins Vol. 7) (Magic Violins SS-2507/DS-2507, Stereo).  Part of a big series of records with covers that are probably more interesting than the music. I'm listening to it now, and I suppose there's a violin in there somewhere, but it's certainly not the predominant instrument.

3. Chilly Winds by Zumbyes '70-Soloist: Tim Landfield from Zumbyes-'70 Amherst College (Century 36580, Stereo, 1970). We've heard this song before this year, and I'm sure we'll hear it again before the season is out. But I don't think I have anything else by Zumbyes '70, I'm afraid. If you're looking to put together an A-Z of Ernie (Not Bert) this year, I think this is going to be your only choice for the letter Z.

4. December by Count Basie & The Mills Brothers-Aranged And Conducted By Dick Hyman from The Board Of Directors (Dot DLP 25838, Stereo, 1968).  One of the all-time, stone-cold classics around here. Someday I'll do an all-time best-of, and this one will certainly be on there.

5. Chilly Winds by Orriel Smith-Arranged And Conducted By Walter Raim from A Voice In The Wind (Columbia CL 2124, Mono, 1964).  Wait, what's this?  Did I put two versions of the same song on here? I'm just not paying enough attention to what I'm doing, obviously. Bust watching some show on PBS about the National Parks instead of doing my Christmas In July work.

6. O Star Of Light by St. Edward's Parish Choir-Conducted By Mark J. Sullivan from A Century Of Worship And Service (Saint Edwards Church, Newark, California 802-30, Stereo, 1979). Not sure how a record from a church in California makes it to a thrift store in Florida, but I'll take all I can get.

7. Merry Dance by an anonymous group from Making Music Your Own-Kindergarten Record II (Silver Burdett Records 75 180 2, Stereo, 1966).  Not a demo record this time, but an album designed to be played in a classroom to give children some idea of music appreciation, I think.

8. Ave Maria by A Sister Of St. Dominic With Jose Raul Ramirez At The Organ from Santo Tomas De Aquino, San Juan, Puerto Rico (St. Thomas Aquinas School LP-101, Mono, 1960). I don't think this record is actually from Puerto Rice, I think it's from New York where they were raising money to help the school in Puerto Rico. Pretty sure that's what I gathered from the liner notes.

9. Greensleeves by Andre Kostelanetz from The Magic Of Music (Harmony (Columbia) HS 11281, Electronic Stereo, 1968).  I think this is an earlier recording that was collected up on this LP.

10. Jingle Bells by Randy Clark And The Blue Ridge Mountain Boys from Square Dance With Calls (Spinorama MK 3037, Mono).  Budget label music, but still fun.

11. Hallelujah Chorus (From "The Messiah") by The Cleveland Orchestra Chorus And Members Of The Cleveland Orchestra-Robert Shaw, Director from The Many Sides Of The Cleveland Orchestra (Columbia Special Products XTV 86145/86146 "A Collector's Item Produced Especially For Central National Bank Of Cleveland", Stereo). A promotional thing for a bank in Cleveland. I'll buy just about anything for a Christmas song.

12. B Is For Baby Jesus, And For Bethlehem, Too by Anita Bryant-Arranged And Conducted By Robert Mersey from The ABC Stories Of Jesus (Columbia CS 8675, Stereo, 1962).  Another track from this interesting record.

13. The Very First Christmas Day by The Sunshine Singers from Step Into The Sunshine With The Sunshine Singers (Chapel Records, The Golden Voice Series S5228, Stereo, 1973).  I have some vague memory of sharing out this same song before, but I don't think it was this same version.  I'm too lazy to go check now, but there's a story here somewhere...

14. I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm (From "On The Avenue") by Alice Faye from There's No Business Like Show Business-The Magical Songs Of Irving Berlin (Book-Of-The-Month Records 4xLP 60-5256, originally recorded 1/24/37, Mono, 1978). You may remember her as Mrs. Phil Harris, but she had a bit of a show business career on her own.

15. Winter Wonderland by an unknown artist from the demo LP Marching Band '88 Vol. 2-Feel The Heat (Jenson Publications MB02A-88, Stereo, 1988).  At least I saved it until last, and it's a real Christmas song.

That's it, 15 tracks for your evening enjoyment.  Come back tomorrow, the fun keeps going.  Here's a link for ya.

MEGA

Nutcracker In July 04

It's still July 4th out there, so how about another version of The Nutcracker Suite.  Nutcracker, firecracker, close enough.  Today's version is by Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra-Odd Grüner-Hegge, Conductor and is from the LP Tchaikovsky: Nutcracker Suite/1812 Overture/Marche Slave (RCA Camden CAS-630, Stereo, 1962).  This is the budget arm of the mighty RCA Victor, but I think it's still a nice version. Enjoy, and see you later tonight for more Christmas in July fun!

MEGA

Christmas In July 2020-07

Happy Independence Day to all my American friends!  And happy Saturday to the rest of you! Hope you're in the mood for some more sorta-Christmas music, because I've got another stack of tracks for you.

1. Our Winter Love by Robert Maxwell, His Harp And Orchestra, from his album The Magic Of Robert Maxwell His Harp And Orchestra (Vocalion (Decca, MCA) VL 73858, Stereo, 1965). Not his best, but certainly not his worst.

2. Button Up Your Overcoat by Dan Dailey-Arranged & Conducted By Ernie Felice from Mr. Musical Comedy (Tops L-1598, Mono, 1957).  From a budget label, but back when they were trying to record real music from real artists.

3. Toyland by Tony Cabot And His Silver Strings from Romance In Hi-Fi-The Music of Victor Herbert (Promenade N 2053, Mono).  Now this is real budget label dreck.

4. Toy Trumpet by Eddie Dunstedter from The Master Makes Melody-Eddie Dunstedter Reminisces (Foremost FML 1003, Mono.1956). From the guy that brought us three great Christmas records later on.  Nice find, I think.

5. A Joyful Carol by an unknown artist for Jenson Publications' Choral Celebration Vol. 5 (Jenson Publications JP-4000 w/ Book, Stereo, 1983).  A demo recording for your enjoyment.

6. Snow Deer Polka by Marv Herzog from Marv Herzog's World Of Polkas And Waltzes (Sound Sound-1031, Stereo, 1970).  More polka fun!

7. Moonlight In Vermont by Charlie Holden, Piano, With Jack Gilfoy, Drums, And Mike Burk, Bass from Best Regards From Charlie Holden At The Piano/Originals-Rejects, Losers And Other Masterpieces (No Label 27381 (Plain White Sleeve inscribed "Merry Christmas Polly & Charlie 1975"), Stereo, 1975).  A real weird one.  Very private label.

8. Resonet In Laudibus by The Modern Choir-Directed By Warner Imig from The University Of Colorado And The College Of Music Proudly Present Songs By The Modern Choir (Recorded Publications 32M-32181/32182 (Dedicated to Miss America of 1958, Marilyn Elaine Van Derbur), Mono).  There's that Miss America bit again...

9. Carol Of The Drum (Czech Carol) by The Frankford High School A Cappella Choir-Robert G. Hamilton, Director from The Frankford High School A Cappella Choir Sings '61-'62 (Acoustic Arts Recording Studios LP 126 (Philadelphia, PA), Mono, 1962).  It's funny, I seem to be grabbing tracks from records I've already shared tracks from. Yet I have hundreds of records to choose from.  I need to be more random in my posting.

10. Inverno Furioso (Allegro) Part 1 by Moe Koffman from The Four Seasons (GRT Of Canada 2xLP 9230-1022, Stereo, 1972).  Part of Winter, I believe.

11. Dnesny Den Sa Radujme by The Slovakaires, Organ Accompaniment By Sr. M. Eugene Prolop, O.S.F. from Christmas With The Slovakaires (Pav Records PAV 666, Stereo).  Christmas music from Slovakia.  Where else are you going to get any of that?

12. Deck The Hall by Don Wilson from Christmas Ain't Over Yet! (Or, Yes, Virginia, There Is A Don Wilson!) (No Label RC 108/RC 107 (Side 1 subtitled "Don Wilson's Christmas Record"), Mono). A gift to the blog, and what a gift!

13. Brassmen's Holiday by Claude Gordon And His Orchestra from Claude Gordon Wins By A Landslide (Warner Bros WS 1347, Stereo, 1959). A track written by the great Billy May.

14. Yet We Shall Be Merry by Dave Brubeck Quartet Featuring Bill Smith, Clarinet from The Riddle (Columbia CS 8248, Stereo, 1960).  It may not be Christmas music, but the title fits right in.

15. I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm by The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra Starring Warren Covington from The Swingin' Era (Decca DL 78914, Stereo, 1959). I'm not a big fan of the big name bands that kept rolling on after their leader had passed away. But it was a pretty common phenomena.

And that's it for a while.  Come back later for another low dose injection of Christmas joy.  Here's your download link.

MEGA

Christmas In July 2020-06

Good evening, and welcome back!  Tall stack of goodies again for you tonight, so let's jump right in.

1. Ten Wheel Drive With Genya Ravan-Candy Man Blues from Construction #1 (Polydor 24-4008, Stereo, 1969). Not Christmas, but different nonetheless.

2. Deodato-Ave Maria from Whirlwinds (MCA (Canada) MCA 410, Stereo, 1974). A very different treatment of this that you've probably not heard before.

3. Los Fronterizos-Cantoria De La Basilica Del Socorro-Directed By Father R.P. Segade-Conducted By Ariel Ramirez-Navided Nuestra-La Anunciación (Chamamé) from Misa Criolla-From The Argentine-A Folkloristic Expression Of Religious Emotions (Philips (Netherlands) 6527 136, originally released 1964, Stereo, 1980).  The first of a series of interesting takes on the Christmas season from this LP.

4. The Boyle Junior Band, Kenneth V. Gargaro-Director-Chipmunk Song from Big Band-The Boyle Bands "69" (Engle Associates Recording No Number, Stereo, 1969).  It may have ben one of the most popular new Christmas songs of it's day, but you don't find too many versions of this one.  I was so excited!

5. Eddie Maynard And His Orchestra-Vocals By Patrice Roselle & Rosemary Hayes-My Favorite Things from Selections From The New Broadway Musical The Sound Of Music By Rodgers And Hammerstein (Parade Records SP 378, Mono, 1960). Budget label dreck.

6. The Texas Boys Choir-George Bragg, Conductor-Sydney Laudenslager, Harp-As Dew In Aprille-This Little Babe from Britten: A Ceremony Of Carols-Gregg Smith: Bible Songs For Young Voices (Vox Turnabout TV-S 34544, Stereo, 1973). I made a note in the comments on this one about this being listed as two songs on the sleeve, but playing through as one long song on the vinyl. I'm sure that took me forever to figure out, but I don't remember much about it.  That's the problem with recording this music so far ahead.

7. South Denver High School Choir-Richard B. Eichenberger, Director-Hodie Christus Natus Est from The South High School A Cappella Choir 1954 (No Label LP3 Transparent Red Vinyl, Mono, 1954).  Some homemade goodness for you here.  Love the colored vinyl!

8. Mission Viejo Chapter-Sweet Adelines-Toy Soldiers On Parade from Phoenix-35th Annual International Convention & Competition (Sweet Adelines 2xLP SHX-81-48, Stereo, 1981).  Hard to find much barbershop Christmas music.

9. Snowtime by an unknown artist from New Vistas For Concert Band Vol. VII (Jenson Publications 2xLP JP-1100, Stereo, 1980).  Your daily demo track.

10. Alexei Cherkassov, Piano-January-By The Hearth from Tchaikovsky-The Seasons (Columbia Masterworks/Melodiya 2xLP MG 35184, Stereo, 1978).  This was an interesting album, and I'm going to wind up sharing a lot of tracks from it.  Two complete versions of Tchaikovsky's series of songs for each month of the year, both of them recorded in the then-USSR.

11. Esther Williams And Ricardo Montalban-Baby, It's Cold Outside from Original Sound Track Hits-Recorded Directly From The Sound Tracks Of MGM Musicals (Lion (MGM) L70122, Mono, 1959). I think this was the original version of this creepy duet, though this is a reissue on a later collection of movie songs. Khaaaaaaaan!

12. Cyndi Grecco-Love Him In December from Making Our Dreams Come True (Private Stock PS 2014, Stereo, 1976). Couldn't find anything about July, so this will have to do.

13. Rocky River High School Choir, Harlan L Thomas-Conductor, Jeanette Livermore-Soprano, Bob Miles-Baritone-Oh, Mary Where Is Your Baby? from Rhythms In River 1963 (Delta Records Of Ohio XCTV-90394/90395, Stereo, 1963). I find lots of these high school records, don't I?

14. Jimmy Sturr And His Orchestra-Ice Castles from Born To Polka (Starr Records L.P. 568, Stereo).  Yes, a polka!

15. Jimmy James-All I Want For Christmas (Is My Two Front Teeth) from Dumb Ditties (K-tel NU 9330, Stereo, 1977).  Yes, the infamous K-Tel.  It appears that this version was created just for this record, I couldn't find head nor tail of this artist anywhere else. Good for us then.

And that's it.  It takes so long to type all this in, I'm tuckered out afterwards and need to take a nap.  Here's the link, see you tomorrow!

MEGA

Nutcracker In July 03

Time for some more nuts to get cracked.  This is our third complete performance of The Nutcracker Suite, and this time is comes from Leopold Ludwig Conducting The Bavarian Radio Symphony and the album A Tchaikovsky Triple-Decker (Capitol SP 8644, Stereo, 1966). So it's a major label, but still a European orchestra that you've probably never heard of.  Oh well, there are worse versions, as you'll see.  In this one, they've divided all the songs out into their own track, so you get eight individual tracks here.  Enjoy!

MEGA

Christmas In July 2020-05

Part five, comin' up right now...

1. Sleep In Heavenly Peace by an anonymous band from Superior New Works For Concert Band-Advanced Edition-Volume 23 (Jenson Publications 2xLP CB23A88AD, Stereo, 1988).  Yep, getting the demo stuff out of the way first this morning.

2. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring by Steve Erquiaga & Frank Martin from Spectrum-The Colours Sampler (Colours SPCN-7-100-14782-4, Stereo, 1985).  I think this was a sub-label of well known religious outfit Maranatha. New age-y stuff.

3. Summer Green, Winter White by Stanley Holloway-Accompanied By Geoff Love And His Orchestra And The Lisa Grey Singers from 'Ello Stanley! (MGM E-4284, Mono, 1965). Umm, OK.

4. Come All Ye Children by The Eroica Three-Disc Symphonion Music Box, from the LP Old Music Box Melodies (Bornand Music Box Co RCB-7, Stereo, 1981).  Yes, it's music from a music box. Why buy a real music box when you can buy a record instead!

5. Gloria In Excelsis Deo by The Shorter College Chorale from A Century Of Music (Mark MC-6834 (Rome, Georgia), Stereo, 1973). I could be wrong, but I don't think there is actually a century of music on this record.

6. Panis Angelicus by David Hughes With Gilbert Vinter & His Orchestra, David Bell: Organ, from Songs You Love (Music For Pleasure/EMI MFP 1262, Stereo, 1968).  Second appearance this season of this non-Christmas song.

7. Joy To The World by St. Edward's Parish Choir-Conducted By Mark J. Sullivan from A Century Of Worship And Service (Saint Edwards Church, Newark, California 802-30, Stereo, 1979).  Again, I don't think this record represents the entire century...

8. There Was No Room For The Christ-Child by The Choir Of Mary Baldwin College-Gordon Page, Director from The Choir Of Mary Baldwin College, 1958-1959 (Herman Schultz Recordings K8OP-4687/88, Mono, 1959).  OK, this time I'm willing to believe that the record represents the time frame claimed in the title.

9. Wedding Of The Painted Doll by Leon Berry from Leon Berry At The Giant Wurlitzer Pipe Organ Vol. 4 (Audio Fidelity AFSD 5845, Stereo, 1958). Because you can never have too many volumes of organ music.

10. The Little Drummer Boy by Brookside Jr. High School Music Department-Concert Chorus-William Bent, Conductor from Winter Concert-Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 1971 (United Sound USR 4026, Stereo, 1972).  For what it's worth, this is local to me.  The Van Wezel is the closest performing arts center to me right this minute. Big purple thing.

11. Bugler's Holiday by Arthur Fiedler & The Boston Pops from Our Man In Boston (RCA Victor Red Seal LSC-2599 RE-1, Stereo, 1963). I keep telling myself I'm going to put together a complete collection of this RCA "Our Man In..." series, but I never do. I probably have all the records here in the collection, but until they're all in one pile next to each other, that doesn't count.

12. Snowfall by Joe Harnell from Golden Piano Hits (Columbia CS 9266, Stereo, 1966).  Can't say anything snarky about this one.

13. Hark, The Herald Angels Sing by Lenny Seidel-Pianist from The Glory Of God's Seasons (Grace Unlimited GU-002, Stereo). A real Christmas song for you, performed by a real artist.  Well, maybe not, but close enough.

14. Go Tell It On The Mountain by The Mennonite Hour A Cappella Choir; Roma Ruth, Soprano; Joseph Schrock, Tenor, from The Stranger Of Galilee-A Musical Portrait Of The Life Of Christ (Word WST-8436-LP, Stereo, 1968).  Those Mennonites sure have put out a lot of records.

15. The Ski Song (Slalom) by David Carroll And His Orchestra from Contrasts (Wing (Mercury) SRW 12508, Stereo, 1959).  A very old favorite around here, coming back again for yet another encore.

And that's it.  Good stuff in there today.  Enjoy!

MEGA

Christmas In July 2020-04

It's probably not a good sign that I'm already tired of the posting grind.  It's still awfully early in the month, and I'm struggling to find the energy to get these up for you.  Well, hopefully I'll fall into the groove soon, and the Christmas will start flying like reindeer through the sky.  Let's see what's in the pile for tonight!

1. George Feyer At The Piano With Orchestra Conducted By Dick Jacobs-Skater's Waltz from Golden Waltzes Everybody Knows (Decca DL74455, Stereo, 1964).  If you like that tinkly cocktail piano, then this is for you.

2. The Norman Paris Quartet-My Favorite Things from Music From Rodgers And Hammerstein's The Sound Of Music (Harmony (Columbia) HL 7235, Mono, 1960).  This sure was a popular musical.  There are easily hundreds of albums dedicated to putting some slight twist to it's songs.

3. Sing Gloria In Excelsis Deo by an unknown artist from Jenson Publications' Choral Celebration Vol. 5 (Jenson Publications JP-4000 w/ Book, Stereo, 1983).  What do you think, should I keep spreading these out like this or should I do a couple of monster posts and get rid of a lot of these short demo recordings all at once? I'm not sure.

4. The Frankford High School A Cappella Choir-Robert G. Hamilton, Director-Carol Of The Bells (Ukranian Carol) from The Frankford High School A Cappella Choir Sings '61-'62 (Acoustic Arts Recording Studios LP 126 (Philadelphia, PA), Mono, 1962).  I think I've already shared something from this album.  I need to shake up my selection finger a little more, I've got plenty of random things to choose from, no reason to be grabbing things from the same album so early in the season.

5. The Norman Luboff Choir-Let There Be Peace On Earth (Let It Begin With Me) from This Is Norman Luboff! (RCA Victor LSP-2342, Stereo, 1961).  Took me a while to find a stereo copy of this one, but here it is.

6. The Kingston Trio-Go Where I Send Thee from The Patriot Game (Pickwick SPC-3297, Stereo, 1972). A budget label compilation from the popular folkie trio, that for some reason includes a Christmas track.

7. The Handbell Choir Of St. James Methodist Church, Olney, Philadelphia-Eleanor C. Thompson, Director-Parade Of The Wooden Soldiers from Sacred And Secular Music (Magnetic Recorder And Reproducer Corp. MRR-397, Mono, 1963).  Yes! The first handbell song of the year!

8. Fred Waring And The Pennsylvanians-Stuart Churchill And Glee Club-Ave Maria from The Best Of Fred Waring And The Pennsylvanians (MCA 2xLP MCA2-4008, Mono).  Wouldn't be Christmas without a healthy helping of Fred Waring.  More to come from this one.

9. John Klein At The Schulmerich "Carillon Americana" Bells-Oboe Soloist: Norman Leyden-Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring from The Call Of The Carillon (RCA Victor LSP-2255, Stereo, 1961).  Possibly the most popular carillon artist in the world at the time.

10. Biddu Orchestra-Hot Ice from Biddu Orchestra (Epic/CBS PE 33903, Stereo, 1976).  Something a little out of the ordinary for you here. Is this disco?  Pretty close.

11. Kenneth Wilson, Organist-Medley Of Carols: Angels We Have Heard On High; O Little Town Of Bethlehem; It Came Upon The Midnight Clear; O Come All Ye Faithful from Christmas At The Castle/Kenneth Wilson Celebrates (AFKA HCM101/S-4665, Stereo, 1981).  I had this in the Christmas record pile until I noticed it was only Christmas on one side.  But that's a good thing, it means I can share that half with you here during July.

12. The Invitations With Billy May And His Orchestra-Out In The Cold Again from The Invitations With Billy May And His Orchestra (Liberty LST 7145, Stereo, 1960). I've enjoyed this song from other artists, so I was exited to see it here on a record I hadn't seen before, and Billy May is just the best!

13. The Broadman Chorale-William J. Reynolds, Conductor-I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day from Hymns Of Love And Praise (Broadman BSLP-0691, Mono, 1959). I'm afraid I don't remember anything at all about this record.  Must not have been very memorable.

14. John Gray-Moonlight In Vermont from The New Wave-The Guitar Of John Gray (Capitol ST 1852, Stereo, 1962). An album from someone who was going to be the next big thing, but it never seems to have taken off.  I guess you just never can tell what's going to catch the public's imagination.

15. The Flintstones With The Peter Pan Players And Orchestra-Ski-Doo from The Flintstones (Peter Pan 8105, Stereo, 1972).  A little story starring everyone's favorite prehistoric family.  Not much on Christmas, but at least it takes place in the winter, and there's some snow involved.

And that's it, fifteen more tracks from me to you.  Thanks for all the comments so far, I'm hoping that once the holiday gets here, more folks will remember our annual celebration and stop by. But I'm glad to have everyone that's here, whether it's two or even three of you! :)  Here's the link, see you tomorrow.

MEGA

Nutcracker In July 02

Day two, are you ready for some more nut crackin' goodness?  Today's version comes to us courtesy of Artur Rodzinski Conducting The Philharmonic-Symphony Orchestra Of New York and the LP Nutcracker Suite-Mozartiana (Columbia Masterworks ML 4048, Mono, 1946).  I'm sure that date indicates an original release on shellac at 78 RPM, but I guess I couldn't put a date on this vinyl version.  Or maybe I just didn't look hard enough.  Sometimes I get in a hurry and forget to go back and clean up some of these little odds and ends.  I'm already finding typos that I don't like, so let me apologize in advance for those.  Anyhow, here is a three track version of Tchaikovsky's great Nutcracker Suite!

MEGA

Christmas In July 2020-03

What day is this?  Oh, it's only the second day of the month.  Seems like I should be further along than this.  It's going to be a long month, isn't it?  OK, let's get this party started.

1. Song Of The Bells by Maurice Abravanel Conducting The Utah Symphony Orchestra from Fiddle Faddle And 14 Other Leroy Anderson Favorites (Vanguard Cardinal Series VCS-10016, Stereo, 1967).  You really can't go wrong with Leroy Anderson.

2. Halleluia Chorus From The "Messiah" by Notre Dame Glee Club-Professor Daniel H. Pedtke, Conductor from The Notre Dame Glee Club (MGM E3212, Mono, 1956).  A college glee club, but on a major label.  Interesting.  They must have been awful good to get a contract.

3. Hot Toddy by Eddie Osborn At The Wurlitzer Pipe Organ from Fabulous Eddie-Just For Kicks (Replica 33x511, Mono).  Not much Christmas content on this one, by certainly seasonal.  You wouldn't enjoy a hot toddy on a hot summer night.

4. The Shepherd's Song by Salvation Army 1000 Voice Chorus-Female Voices, Flute-Songster Susan Handscombe, Piano: Captain Joy Webb, With String Ensemble, from Salvation Army 1000 Voice Chorus (Word WST-8466-LP, Stereo, 1969).  There's some good stuff out there on the Word label, but you have to dig for it.

5. Snowbird by Coleen & John from Coleen & John (U.A. Recording UA-FSD-1190, Stereo). I could be wrong, but I don't think this is the United Artists label...

6. O Magnum Mysterium by Lakewood High School Symphonic Choir from Sixth Annual Albion College Invitational Choral Festival (Delta DRS81-128, Stereo, 1981).  Second day and I'm already pulling a second track from this LP.

7. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas by Air University Band Maxwellaires, Vocal Solo-A1C Sally Bus, Trombone Solo-Tsgt Dave Van Allen, from Air University Band's 42nd Anniversary Glenn Miller Christmas Concert (United States Air Force 510081X (Maxwell AFB, Montgomery, AL), Stereo, 1985).  Wow, a real bonafide Christmas song!  And it's a military record, you know how I love those.  Good stuff here!

8. My Favorite Things (From "The Sound Of Music") by Eydie Gorme from Eydie Gorme Sings The Great Songs From The Sound Of Music And Other Broadway Hits (Columbia CL 2300, Mono, 1965).  You can't go wrong with a little Steve & Eydie, though there's no Steve around this one.  I'm sure he wasn't far away though.

9. Toy Symphony I-Allegro by Paul Kuentz-Paris Chamber Orchestra from Haydn: Toy Symphony-Clock Symphony (Decca Gold Label Series DL 10090, Mono). The first of several parts.  Not sure why I didn't dig up a date for this one.

10. Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming by St. Louis A Cappella Choir from The Lutheran Hour (RCA Victor LPM-1863, Mono, 1958).  I think this record was connected with a radio program of the time.

11. Holiday For Flutes by David Rose And His Orchestra from The Very Best of David Rose-David Rose And His Orchestra Play The Compositions Of David Rose (MGM SE 4155, Stereo, 1963). Another artist who always brings his A game!

12. Snowman Polka by Razzberry Reynolds And His All-Star Polka Band from Beer Barrel Polka Time (Bel Canto SR/1003 Transparent Blue Vinyl, Mono, 1957).  You know you can't go more than a few days without a polka around here.  Get up from in front of the computer and dance along!

13. O Holy Night by Regina High School Chorus-Ms. Marianne Antonich, Director, from Christmas & Spring Concerts 1977-1978 (Melody Recording KM 2623, Stereo, 1978).  More homemade music from your local high school.  Would you like to buy a copy of our record so we can take a senior trip to Six Flags?

14. Gloria From Missa In Honorem Sancti Dominici by The Modern Choir-Directed By Warner Imig from The University Of Colorado And The College Of Music Proudly Present Songs By The Modern Choir (Recorded Publications 32M-32181/32182 (Dedicated to Miss America of 1958, Marilyn Elaine Van Derbur), Mono).  If memory serves, and it's been months since I recorded this, Miss America 1958 was a member of this choir when she was crowned, thus the dedication.

15. I Saw Three Ships by Frankford High School A Cappella Choir-Robert G. Hamilton, Director from Ambassadors Of Song '63-'64 (Acoustic Arts Recording Studios LP 151 (Philadelphia, PA), Mono, 1964). Another local homemade recording.  I don't always know where these groups are from, but if I do, I try to put a note in the comments.  Every once in a great while, I'll get a note from someone who's either in the chorus or went to that school, or maybe their parents were in the group.  Those are always nice.

And I think that's it for now.  Hope there's something in here you can enjoy.  Download link below.

MEGA

Christmas In July 2020-02

Welcome back! It's time for day one, part two of this year's Christmas in July celebration!  I can't keep up this pace for too long, but I wanted to make sure the season started out with a bang this year.  What's in the pile tonight?  I'm glad you asked, let's have a look-see.

1. Ethel Smith At The Organ-Swingin' Shepherd Blues from Bouquet Of The Blues-Ethel Smith At The Organ (Decca DL 78955, Stereo, 1960). No, it's not a Christmas song, but I always think about those shepherds that came to see the baby Jesus, and I'm sure they were swingin' to the groovy sounds put down by that little drummer boy. And I think this is much better than the droll stuff Ethel put on her actual Christmas album, it's a bit of a disappointment.

2. The Singing Nuns Of Jesus And Mary-What Child Is This? from The Singing Nuns Of Jesus And Mary (Diplomat/Ambassador XS-1019 (AKA SX-1019), Stereo).  Budget label stuff, but not bad.  This is one of the records that's been in the pile for years, but I finally took the time this year to record it. Lots of things like that this year.

3. Christopher Lynch, Tenor, With Warner Bass, Organ-Panis Angelicus from Bless This House-The Children's Hour (Columbia Entre RL 3016, Mono). Not really Christmas, but it pops up frequently enough on Christmas records I figured it was OK. A little noisy, sorry.

4. Chet Atkins-Blue Angel from Hometown Guitar (RCA Victor LSP-4017, Stereo, 1968).  Any excuse to include a track from Chet Atkins, that's my motto.  Well, I have a lot of mottos.

5. Maplewood Glee Club, Warren G. Schmoll-Director, Rosalind Dobie-Accompanist-Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring from Maplewood Glee Club 1965-Maplewood Community Recreation Service (HMR Productions RC-94 (AKA RC-134) Side 2-1965 Winter Concert, Mono, 1965).  The first of a whole slew of tracks from this homespun recording of a local glee club.  Where else on the internet are you going to find stuff like this?

6. The Tuskegee Institute Choir, Directed By William L. Dawson-Behold The Star from 15 Spirituals (Westminster (ABC) W-9633 (Later reissue), Mono, 1955).  Funny story.  I bought this record a long time ago and forgot about it.  Then I bought another copy, from the same thrift store. Pretty sure they were both there in the first place, and because I forgot I bought it, I had to buy it again the next time I was in there and saw it.  That's part of the reason Christmas in July costs so much. That, and my poor impulse control.

7. Angostura Starlift Steel Orchestra With Albert James-For Unto Us A Child Is Born from Trinidad And Tobago Steelband Music Festival Vol. III (Tropico (Trinidad And Tobago) LPS-3044, Stereo, 1966).  Steel drum Christmas music? Yes, please! And it's not Hallelujah From The Messiah.

8. Glenn Derringer-Sleigh Ride from Light 'N Easy (Ovation OVQD/1439 (Quadraphonic), Stereo, 1975).  A rerun, but it's in quad, so how could I help myself.  Not sure if the quad effect survives the MP3 conversion, I kinda doubt it, but the thought is there.

9. Grand Rapids Christian High School Chamber Chorale-The Bells from Sixth Annual Albion College Invitational Choral Festival (Delta DRS81-128, Stereo, 1981).  More homemade music you won't hear anywhere else.  And you might not want to hear it anywhere else, what do I know? I've always liked this song, I first heard it by The King Family, but I've seen other versions. Even Mitch Miller released a version on a single, but I don't think it ever made it to one of his Christmas albums.

10. The Cantata Singers In Quakertown, Ifor Jones Conducting, Bonnie Fix Keller At The Organ-Nativity Carol from A Service Of Lessons And Carols (CS CSQ1001, Stereo, 1975). I recorded much of the music I'm sharing this month way back at the beginning of the year.  I got on a roll and I just went with it.  So a lot of this stuff I have not memory of whatsoever.  That kinda makes it hard to say something about each one.  But everything sounds new and exciting!

11. Sizzling Brass-Greensleeves from The Sizzling Brass (Premier PS-9010, Stereo).  Budget dreck.  And didn't I already share a version of What Child Is This tonight? I'm not paying enough attention, obviously.

12. Sing Gloria, by an unknown artist from Jenson Publications' Choral Celebration Vol. 5 (Jenson Publications JP-4000 w/ Book, Stereo, 1983).  Yep, it's your demo track for the day.

13. The McNulty Family-Miss Fogarty's Christmas Cake from Irish Showboat (Coral CRL 57368, Mono, 1961). Good stuff here.

14. The Modern Jazz Quartet-Skating In Central Park from Patterns (United Artists SW-90835, Stereo, 1960).  So much of the stuff I'm sharing is reruns, I'm almost ashamed.  It's new recordings from new records, but it's still things I've shared with you before.  I hope the newer rips at least sound better than the old ones, for those of you that have the old ones.  For some of you, I'm guessing it's all new.

15. Polly Bergen With Frank DeVol And His Orchestra-Spring Will Be A Little Late This Year from Polly Bergen's Four Seasons Of Love (Columbia CL 1451, Mono, 1960). I don't know much about Polly Bergen, but I like her album covers.

And that's it, another fifteen tracks of Christmas goodies.  More than enough for a whole album, if you're inclined to listen to it all. Hopefully there are one or two goodies in there that make it worth your download effort.  Here's a link, enjoy!

MEGA

Nutcracker In July 01

And now for something a little new. Instead of boring you with a few selections from The Nutcracker every day, and mixing them in with the other shares, I've decided to just share out a different complete version every day for as long as I can.  I may have enough to get me through the end of the month, I'm not sure.  But I'll warn you, once you've heard one version, you've pretty much heard them all.  Well, that's not entirely true, I do have at least one version that's new to the blog and it will knock your socks off, I guarantee!  And a rerun version that's pretty good too, but we'll get to those later in the month.  So if you're interested, download them, if not, they'll be pretty easy to skip.  Here's the first one, a version in eight parts by William Steinberg And The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra from the LP Verdi-Quartet In E Minor & Tchaikovsky-The Nutcracker Suite Opus 71A (Command Classics/ABC CC11027SD, Stereo, 1964).  Ooh, from the Command label, this one should be good!

MEGA

Christmas In July 2020-01

Good morning, and welcome to the official start of Christmas in July for 2020! It seems like just yesterday I finished up with Christmas sharity, and now it's time for another month of fun.  I hope you have a big hard drive because there is plenty of stuff headed your way. I'll talk more as we get into the month, but for now, I'm just going to jump right in.

1. An Irving Berlin Christmas, from the fine folks at Jenson Publications and their demo LP Superior New Works For Concert Band-Advanced Edition-Volume 23 (Jenson Publications 2xLP CB23A88AD, Stereo, 1988).  Yes, I've got plenty of these albums and they have plenty of tracks, so you may as well get used to them.

2. Bugler's Holiday by Frederick Fennell Conducting The Eastman-Rochester "Pops" Orchestra from The Music Of Leroy Anderson, Vol. 1 (Mercury SR90009, Stereo, 1958).  A rerun track, but I can't pass it up when I see a nice copy.

3. Snowball by Paul Robeson from A Man And His Beliefs (Everest SDBR 3291 (Electronically Re-recorded To Simulate Stereo)).  Not really Christmas, but I couldn't pass up a song called Snowball, could I?

4. Skater's Waltz by The Porter Twin Disc Music Box from Music Box Waltzes And Popular Tunes (Porter Music Box Company 102, Stereo, 1982).  You know I can't pass up an album of music boxes.

5. Cold, Cold Heart, the Hank Williams song as performed by The New Band Of Spike Jones from The New Band Of Spike Jones Plays Hank Williams Hits (Liberty LST-7401, Stereo, 1965).  Again, nothing to do with Christmas, but there's a lot of cold in the title. And his new band isn't nearly as interesting as his old band, I'm afraid.

6. Hallelujah Chorus (From The "Messiah") by The Roger Wagner Chorale from Virtuoso! (Capitol P8431, Mono, 1959).  Another rerun, I believe, but there's just some things you have to grab when you see them.

7. I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm by Enoch Light And His Orchestra from Enoch Light And His Orchestra At Carnegie Hall Play Irving Berlin (Command RS 840 SD, Stereo, 1962).  You can't go wrong with a little Enoch Light.

8. Greensleeves by Andre Kostelanetz And His Orchestra from Kostelanetz In Wonderland-Golden Encores (Columbia CL 2078, Stereo, 1963).  Remember, it's the same tune as What Child Is This, so it counts as Christmas!

9. That Yonge Child-Balulalow by The Texas Boys Choir-George Bragg, Conductor-Sydney Laudenslager, Harp-Victor Lederer, Soprano, from their album Britten: A Ceremony Of Carols-Gregg Smith: Bible Songs For Young Voices (Vox Turnabout TV-S 34544, Stereo, 1973).  Didn't I share a whole album of Christmas music from these guys last Christmas? No, I think I'm thinking of these folks.

10. A Is For Angels Who Sang Of Jesus' Birth by Anita Bryant-Arranged And Conducted By Robert Mersey from The ABC Stories Of Jesus (Columbia CS 8675, Stereo, 1962).  This is the first of a lot of letters on this album that pertain to Jesus' birth.  Good stuff.

11. The Cherry Tree Carol by The Women's Ensemble Of Bethany Lutheran Church, Melodie Bollman-Director, Eleanor Peura-Accompanist from the album The Ensemble Sings (Century Advent Recording LRS-RT-6062 (Astabula, Ohio), Stereo).  The first of many homegrown albums this year. I've collected so many of these, and some of them are really good.  It's a dying breed, though.  No groups put out hard copies anymore, everything is digital.

12. March Of The Toys by an unknown artist from a budget label album, Songs From Walt Disney & Others (AKA Walt Disney Favorites & Others) (International Award Series KIA-1004 (Distributed By Sears, Roebuck And Company), Mono).  That's right, Sears. You remember Sears, right?  They had a catalog, kind of like Uline.  Well, if you know what Uline is, and their odd desire to send you half a dozen catalogs a month.  You could heat your home with them if you lived in a colder clime.  Here in Florida, we just have to toss 'em.

13. Our Winter Love by Floyd Cramer With The Lea Jane Singers from Super Hits (RCA Victor AHL1-3209, Stereo, 1979). Floyd Cramer released an under-rated Christmas album back in the day.  Give it a listen if you find it.

14. Chilly Winds by Morganna King from the LP Everybody Loves Saturday Night (Ascot ALM 13020 (AKA AM 13020) D.J. Copy, originally issued 1959, Mono, 1965).  Still haven't managed to find a stereo copy or an original issue copy.  The hunt goes on forever.

15. Moonlight In Vermont by Sil Austin from Again Plays Pretty (Wing (Mercury) SRW 16369, Stereo, 1968).  The album title refers back to a previous LP of his called something like Sil Austin Plays Pretty For The People. That one doesn't have any Christmas-related content on it, as far as I remember.

And that's enough for now.  Still trying to get a good handle on how many songs I have to share out this month, but trust me when I say it's a lot.  I haven't planned things out as well as I could have. But I'll get it straightened out, don't you worry.  For now, go grab these first fifteen tracks and enjoy!

MEGA

Thanksgiving In June 2020

Good morning, and welcome to Thanksgiving in June!  Same as last year, I've got a few Thanksgiving tracks that I want to share with you before the Christmas starts in July. It's been a crazy year, there's no doubt about that, but maybe a little Thanksgiving music will make it feel like you're a lot closer to the end than you really are.  At least that's the way I'm going to look at it.  Now, let's see what's in the pile.

1. November Song by Skitch Henderson, His Piano And The Stereosonic Strings, from Autumn In New York (Mount Vernon Music MVS 107, Stereo).  Probably my favorite of the tracks today, but I've always had a soft spot for Skitch and his music. Still not convinced of the legitimacy of this album, so if anyone knows any more about it, do tell.

2, 3, 4. I'm A Very Fine Turkey, Father We Thank Thee & Thanksgiving, all by the anonymous folks at Silver Burdett Records, and all from the LP Making Music Your Own-Kindergarten Record IV (Silver Burdett Records 75 180 4, Mono, 1966).  One of those records they'd play back when you were in school to try and get you interested in music. Interesting, but not essential.

5. Prayer Of Thanksgiving by The Robert Shaw Chorale-Robert Shaw, Conductor-Thomas Dunn, Organist, from A Mighty Fortress (RCA Victor Red Seal LM-2199, Mono, 1958).  This is a little more typical of the old LPs I pull tracks from.  Love to find stuff from RCA.

6. An Anthem For Thanksgiving by The Williamsburg Singers and the album O Come Sweet Music-Part Songs Of The Colonial Period (Colonial Williamsburg WS 102, Stereo).  Probably the sort of thing you could buy at the gift shop when visiting Colonial Williamsburg.

7. A Song Of Thanksgiving by The Mormon Tabernacle Choir-Richard P. Condie, Director-Alexander Schreiner And Frank Asper, Organists, from Hymns And Songs Of Brotherhood (Columbia Limited Edition LE 10461, Stereo, 1962).  Those Mormons really know how to sing in a choir!

8. Turkey In The Straw, a very popular selection for this day, by Paul Eakins Gay 90's Village Calliope, from the LP Circus Carnival Calliope (Audio Fidelity AFSD 5958, Stereo, 1961). When you think of a circus calliope record, this is exactly what you expect.

9. Pumpkin Yellow by Robert Maxwell, His Harp And Orchestra, from The Magic Of Robert Maxwell His Harp And Orchestra (Vocalion (Decca, MCA) VL 73858, Stereo, 1965). Not sure how Robert Maxwell survived so long into the rock era, but here he is doing his harp thing while The Beatles were high on the charts.

10. Prayer Of Thanksgiving by Massed Children's Voices From Westminster Abbey And St. Paul's With The Longines Symphonette from Sweet Voices Of Inspiration (The Longines Symphonette Recording Society LWS 173, Stereo, 1966).  You see a lot of records from The Longines Symphonette when you visit the stacks at the thrift stores.  Pretty rare to find something worth listening to, though.  I took the hit for you on this one, so you owe me one!

11 & 12. We Gather Together and Over The River And Through The Woods, both from The Murk Family With Accompanist Betty Bowman and the LP Holiday Musicale (Sacred Knof Recordings SKR-LP-1170, Mono). We've heard from The Murk Family a few times around here.

13. Turkey In The Straw, again, this time by Guy Guilbert-Guitar, Earl J. White-Fiddle, from This-A-Way/That-A-Way - Cheerful Songs And Chants With Ella Jenkins & Children From Tennessee (Folkways FC 7546, Stereo, 1973), an album otherwise performed by Ella Jenkins.  I guess she was elsewhere when this track was recorded.

14. Let's Give Thanks by Jim Mandell With Mary Hylan & Debby James from Action Songs For Holidays And Special Days (Rhythms Productions/Tom Thumb T 312, Stereo, 1979). Kiddie records are your friend when it comes to songs about the holidays.

15. Prayer Of Thanksgiving by an unknown artist from the demonstration LP Jenson Publications' Choral Celebration Vol. 5 (Jenson Publications JP-4000 w/ Book, Stereo, 1983).  Yes, I'm bringing back a whole stack of these demo LPs this year, albums that were sent to band and chorus directors nationwide to try and sell songbooks full of music for eager students to perform.  There's a bunch of them, so you may as well settle in and enjoy them, it'll be easier that way.

And that's it.  A few repeats from last year but not too many.  And speaking of last year, there are still three full days worth of Thanksgiving shares from last year that are still up and available for downloading (1, 2, 3). It's not many years that you can still get the stuff from the previous year, but I seem to have gotten lucky this year.  So if you want more than what I'm giving you tonight, go get 'em.

Here's the download for today, and the real fun starts tomorrow!

MEGA

Blackout Tuesday

Hello, and welcome back! A couple of you may have noticed that the blog was offline Tuesday (I actually got more notes than I expected, so thanks for that!). I wanted to let you know that it wasn't a mistake or an error, it was just my small way of standing up in support of the Blackout Tuesday protest against the killing of George Floyd. I'm not a very political person, and this is certainly not a political blog, but there are times when you just feel like taking a stand. And after talking to my girlfriend in NYC yesterday as she walked home from work across broken glass and past boarded up buildings, I felt like I needed to do something. I don't condone the killing of a human being, and at the same time I don't condone the violence and looting.  I don't think all cops are bad people, and I don't think the protestors are wrong. I think something needs to be done in this country to make all people feel welcome and included, and I think it's going to take a lot of work to get there.  Pretending there is not a problem is not the answer. If the protests bring attention to the problem in an orderly fashion, great. I don't think rioting, violence, looting and burning are the answer, whether perpetrated by angry protestors or opportunistic troublemakers (and I think both are out there). I don't have the answer.  I wish I did. I wish we could all listen to Christmas music and get along all the time.  But there's always going to be friction here and there, all we can do is work to lessen it when we can.  There's probably more I wanted to say, but words escape me, and you don't want to read what I think about this mess anyway.  All I can tell you is to follow your feelings, and vote your conscience. And that's all I have to say about that.

Christmas In The Time Of Covid 19, Part 9

Whew, Saturday is finally here. I was beginning to think I wouldn't make it.  I worked more hours this week than I have in a long, long while. I'm having to come in before everyone else to monitor temperatures as everyone else arrives, then I have to stay late to shut everything down. And on top of all that, we switched software, so I have to learn all the new stuff and make sure everything works.  Hopefully next week will be easier in that regard, but I'm still happy to be working and able to pay the bills, I know a lot of people aren't so lucky.  You just need a small injection of Christmas music to ease the pains of Covid quarantine and stay-at-home orders.  So today I've got a small record that was issued in 1968 to customers of an Indiana-based electric co-op.  According to this website, this was part of a series that went through the second half of the sixties and right into 1970. (There are also links there to listen to Youtube versions of each release, so that's nice.) This sort of reminded me of the Line Material Christmas records, though not nearly so elaborate or well-produced.  Still well worth a listen, and I wish I had the whole set.  This is Jack Underwood-1968 REMC Christmas Record-A Delightful Story Of A Boy And Girl On Christmas Eve (No Label 7" 45 RPM 855C-6092, Mono, 1968).

MEGA

Christmas In The Time Of Covid 19, Part 8

Another day, another post, though I guess it's been a few days since the last one. Hope you're all holding steady out there.  Some places are starting to talk about opening back up again, and that's pretty scary I think.  We've just started to see the curve turn downwards in some places with strict safer-at-home orders, while other places haven't even really peaked yet.  If we start sticking too many heads out of our shells, there's going to be a second wave hit, and we're going to have to start all this nonsense over again.  I know it's hurting a lot of people to stay home and not have an income, but it's for the good of everyone.  But I'm not here to change anybody's mind, I'm just here to bring a little more Christmas music into your life.  Tonight's share is a curious take on the Christmas story, mostly a spoken word bit, but with some background music.  The whole thing is somehow unsettling to me, but I can't quite put my finger on it. Give it a listen and see what you think.  This is The Evergreens-They Came A Long Way To Christmas (Birthstone 7" 45 RPM 45-1022, Mono, 1960).

MEGA

RIP Big Wheelie

I just found out that Big Wheelie himself, Chuck Vicario, passed away recently from complications due to the novel coronavirus. I wondered why I suddenly saw this old share at the top of my popular pages list, since that list is usually whatever I've most recently posted.  Thankfully someone posted a comment and let me know that he had passed. I never met Chuck or heard him play, but I was very excited in 2018 when I found a Christmas record that he released during his brief residency here in Sarasota, FL. A local indy Christmas record is a pretty rare thing, especially a good one, and this is one of the ones I've really enjoyed. Sad to hear that he had survived so much in his life, only to be felled by a tiny virus. Stay at home, people, that's the only way we're going to beat this thing, and buy healthcare professionals and scientists the time they need to treat people and come up with a cure so life can return to normal. As for Wheelie, we'll miss him, and express condolences to his family and friends. I believe the link is still good if you want to download and listen to his Christmas album, Big Wheelie And The Hubcaps-Christmas Grease (Wheelie Records 109016, Stereo, mid-80s).

1. I Saw Mommy Kissin' Santa Claus *
2. Santa Bring My Baby Back To Me
3. Christmas Song
4. Little Saint Nick
5. Jingle Bell Rock
6. Blue Christmas
7. Rudy The Red Nose Biker *
8. Jingle Bell Twist
9. Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree
10. Sleigh Ride *
11. Stroll Lang Syne *

(* Denotes Very Unique And Should Be Listened Too! [from the back cover])

MEGA

Christmas In The Time Of Covid 19, Part 7

I didn't think I had anything to post for Easter a little while ago, but I guess I didn't dig hard enough.  I'll make up for that today with a new addition to the Christmas collection of animal helpers for Santa, Herbie (Christmas Rabbit)!  I kid you not, it's a rabbit, and he helps Santa, but he doesn't seem to do much. I couldn't find heads nor little fluffy tails of this one on the internet, so if you know any more about it, please let me know. I'm leaning towards either song poem or religious singing group family for this one. If you've got a strong stomach for Christmas characters, please download and enjoy Kim Lovering-Herbie (Christmas Rabbit) b/w Ken & Bonnie Allen-Christmas Time Is Here (Gio 7" 45 RPM UR 1601, Stereo, 1979), both sides featuring Ken Masters Band, so I gave them the main artist credit here.

MEGA

Christmas In The Time Of Covid 19, Part 6

Three days in a row, woo-hoo!  How do I do this at Christmas time, posting something new and exciting every day for more than a month?  Lots more preparation, I suppose, plus I have to psych myself up for it all year long.  This little project is a much more ad hoc affair, thrown together at the last minute and pieced together from whatever records I can find nearby. And I'm doing it in very near real time! I recorded this music less than ten minutes ago, although if I check the clock I'll probably find that and hour or two has passed. It feels like ten minutes though, and that means the music must be good.  Tonight's share is from the somewhat famous De Castro Sisters, a sister group that released a fairly large discography in the late fifties and sixties, but they're fairly unheard today. I found this single at the big Ameoba in Hollywood last year and thought I really had something. It's OK, I guess, but it's from much, much, much later in their career, and it's probably just their voices over some 80's sounding production from an anonymous Svengali looking for a hit. I couldn't find a date on it, and the label appears to be a custom one with only this release, so if you know any more about this one, please share.  Cute stuff, though, and relatively unheard.  This is De Castro Sisters-Feliz Navidad b/w Santa Claus Is Coming To Town (Boha 7" 45 RPM 1001, Stereo).  For my money, side 2 is the better track, there certainly seems to be more going on than just repeating the title ad infinitum.

MEGA

For the sake of comparison, here's a link to a 1955 Christmas single from the same girls that I recorded many years ago. I don't know if I ever shared it or not. I kind of doubt it because there is no artwork with it, and I try not to share things without artwork if I can help it. Anyhow, feel free to compare and contrast, you'll see what a difference 30-some odd years can make.

MEGA

Christmas In The Time Of Covid 19, Part 5

Many years from now, people will ask what it was like to live through the pandemic, and perhaps they'll research what people had to say on the internet, and they'll find this blog and read what I had to say at the time.  I'm what you'd call a contemporary source, I'm actually writing at the same time the event is happening.  Unfortunately, I don't have a good take on it.  I want to compare it to the days and weeks after 9/11, when you knew that something terrible was happening somewhere, but your home was about the same as usual with only small changes affecting you directly.  I'm lucky in that I'm able to go to work every day and make money, and I know a lot of people aren't able to do that right now, so I'm very thankful for that. I don't know anyone directly that has come down with the virus, but there are some friends-of-friends out there that have it, and I hope that for the time being it stays far away from my doorstep. Even though I know that somewhere out there the world is burning, I still want to do my little bit to bring a small light of joy into anyone's life that I can.  So here's another Christmas single, something with a little country flavor that you most likely have never seen before (unless your name is Stubby).  Heaven knows where I dug it up, or how long I've had it laying around, but it was at the top of the pile when I went looking for something to share this evening.  Give it a listen and see what you think.  This is Juanita Miller-Everyday Is Like Christmas b/w Let It Snow, Let It Snow (NRS Records 7" 45 RPM NRS 558, Mono, 1970).

MEGA

Christmas In The Time Of Covid 19, Part 4

Been a couple of weeks, but I'm still here.  And I'm still working, so that's a good thing.  I try to stay home on the weekends, not leaving the house for 60 hours or so, and it's tough. I don't know how some of you are doing it out there, staying home all the time, except for occasional trips to the grocery. I guess we've all got to do what we can to get through this pandemic.  It's the sort of thing you figure won't happen in your lifetime, but then up it pops. But we'll get through it, I have no doubt about that.  Here's another record in my short series of Christmas records to make the isolation a little easier to bear.  I wish I could do more, or at least do something a little more frequently, but it's hard to gain any traction here.  The record tonight is something I've seen shared out plenty of times before, but I recently found a copy of it and thought I'd take a stab at it. I've also included the rarely-if-ever seen B-side, a non Christmas comedy song that owes a little more than it's fair share to Ray Stevens.  It's been 40 years since this record (and a whole host of similar ones for other teams) came out, and Cleveland isn't any closer to a Superbowl title. This is Elliott, Walter & Bennett-The Twelve Days Of A Cleveland Brown Christmas b/w It (Paid 7" 45 RPM PAD-COB 9, Mono, 1980).

MEGA

Christmas In The Time Of Covid 19, Part 3

Sorry if I haven't been keeping after this as much as I would like. I subscribed to CBS All Access and started watching Star Trek Picard while it was free, and I'm completely hooked.  I'm a little past halfway in the series, and it's just unbelievably awesome.  I don't know if it would be so gripping to someone who didn't grow up watching ST:TNG, but for me, it's pulling all the pieces of that series together and making a story out of all the bits. But this is supposed to be about Christmas, so here's a new sorta-Christmas song for you.  The B side of this 78 is called Snowflakes, and it's a good little song, though I wish the fidelity was a bit better.  The A side, a nice take on the Phil Harris hit That's What I Like About The South, is much clearer and easier on the ears, but unfortunately not Christmas related at all.  I had to go ahead and record it because I'm a big Phil Harris fan and I wanted to hear what someone else had done with it. I think you'll enjoy this one, so please be my guest and download Clif Bruner-That's What I Like 'Bout The South b/w Snowflakes (Decca 10" 78 RPM 46026, Mono, 1947). And don't forget to stay home and safe.  We've got to flatten the curve!

MEGA

Christmas In The Time Of Covid 19, Part 2

Tonight's record is a really old release, dating from before the time of the Flu Pandemic of 1918. Seems that what we're going through is not so new after all, and we're a whole lot smarter about things now than they were then. But our world is much more connected, so the spread of something new is so much faster than it was then. That's why we've got to take extra steps to slow the spread of a disease for which no one has any natural immunity.  It's also amazing to me that I can take a record that's more than a hundred years old, drop it on the turntable and play it. And it wasn't even brand new technology then! Just mind numbing when you think about it.  This is Elsie Baker-Silent Night, Hallowed Night b/w Trinity Choir-Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (Victor 10" 78 RPM 17164, Mono, 1912).  Well, the A side was recorded in 1912, the B side one year earlier in 1911.  I'm no entirely certain of the year this was pressed, but it was early. Hope you're hanging in there OK. Feels like the worlds been turned on it's head for a long while now, but this is still probably only the beginning. Stay calm, stay safe!

MEGA

Christmas In The Time Of Covid19, Part 1

If you're like me, you're probably sitting around right now, doing whatever it is you usually do on a Saturday, but thinking about how your life is changing or has already changed from the threat of Covid 19. It's not necessarily a dangerous disease to most of the people of the world, but the fact that it's new and nobody has any immunity to it is somewhat worrisome.  And there are members of the population for whom it might be deadly, and because of that we are trying to prevent it's spread, or at least slow it down to manageable levels.  For that reason, large parts of the work force have been furloughed, many businesses have been shut down, and somehow no one can buy any toilet paper. It's not just the United states, but the entire world (save for Antarctica, have they had any cases there yet?) that is fighting this thing.  I recently started seeing a few news reports about people trying to boost their spirits in these trying times by putting up their Christmas lights.  Not just inside, but outside as well, for all the world to see.  Maybe they're onto something.  Something small that we can all do, just to make things a little brighter in what could rapidly spiral into dark times.  So far, I have not been personally affected by a lot of the turmoil that others have seen.  I still have a job, I can still pay my bills.  The grocery store next door to me is fully stocked with all the food I think I could ever need. My 401k has taken a huge hit, but retirement is still far enough off that I'm not too concerned. (I lived through both 9/11 and the 2008 market crash, so I know that things go up and down.) The biggest effect on me so far has been the closure of restaurant dining rooms. While I can still get Steak N Shake, their takeout is not nearly the same as the diner experience. I thought that maybe I could do a little bit on my own to bring some Christmas spirit back into our daily lives, so I'm going to share out some Christmas music with you, like I normally do in December and July.  It's not going to be much, but a thing or two here and there, just to keep spirits up and help you realize that even though it may be darker now, things will get better.

A couple of hours ago, I grabbed a shellac 78 RPM record off the shelf and put it down on the turntable. These things take forever to properly record and restore, but I think it's worth the trouble sometimes, and this is a good one that I really doubt you've ever heard before. Tennessee was a label from the early 50's that never really saw much success. Biggest name I saw in their discography was Del Wood, who went on to make quite a few honky tonk organ albums for RCA later into the fifties and early sixties.  I couldn't find much about The Dinning Bros., so if you know something, please feel free to share.  On this record, they sound a whole lot like The Mills Brothers.  For your off-season listening pleasure, this is The Dinning Bros.-Give Me You For Christmas b/w Winter Wonderland (Tennessee 10" 78 RPM 807, Mono, 1951).

MEGA

Hi-Fi Redux Redo

For anyone who still cares, I uploaded new download links for all the volumes of For Hi-Fi Living a few days ago.  You can find the new links in the comments of the posts, and there are links to all twelve volumes in the column to the right of this post.  Enjoy!

An Ending Of Sorts

Well, that's it.  There is nothing more in the pile that I can share.  Everything else I recorded this year is for my own personal enjoyment and can't be shared because it's out there in the world for streaming or purchase somewhere. I frequently rip things that I know I could buy elsewhere, just to see if I like it before I spend any more money. Frequently I enjoy my vinyl rips enough that I don't have to spring for a $9.99 Amazon download. And sometimes my rips are better than those downloads. :) Anyhow, I didn't want to just ghost you all and disappear until July, so this post is my goodbye for the season, and a big thank you to everyone who visited, and especially those who left comments.  Really love to get the comments, and if I don't get comments on something, I feel like maybe I didn't say the right things about the music, but I know that's not really true.  The music has to stand on it's own. I think that all my shares, good music and bad, will eventually find their audience. I hope you had a great season, and thanks for letting me be a part of it. Now, tell me, did you find a favorite among all those downloads? And was there something you downloaded that you actually hated? :)

Surfin' Santa

This may be my shortest post of the year, but it's one of my favorite finds.  I've known of it for a long time, but when I found a copy of it in the bin, I figured there was no way I was going to be able to afford it.  But I put it in my pile anyway, figuring there was no harm in seeing what the price would be.  When I was done searching through the archives, I handed over the stack, and a few minutes later the shop owner said $5 for the handful. I said OK while trying to not act too excited.  I paid my money and got out of there fast.  And my gain is your gain, because I'm giving you a copy of this great record.  This is Soupy Sales-Santa Claus Is Surfin' To Town b/w The Soupy Sales Band-Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town (Reprise 7" 45 RPM 244 Promotion Not For Sale, Mono, 1963).  The B side is basically an instrumental version of the A side, but no Soupy, so they credited it to the band. And the arrangement is credited to Jack Nitzsche, and it really rocks! I was surprised to discover today while researching this record that there is another Christmas record out there with Soupy Sales on it.  Anybody got this one? I'm going to add it to my want list and see if I can complete the Soupy set.

MEGA

Pure Imagination

Well, the Christmas post from last night has so far generated exactly zero comments. I'm going to take that as a sign that Christmas music fatigue has finally begun to set in among my visitors.  But that's OK, I've only got a few more records in my folder to share, and then the season will be over until July.  Tonight you get the only 12" single of the season (except for a repost earlier), unless I'm forgetting something, but I can't remember any others. I wasn't sure if this was something I would share or not, but I decided why not?  When else are you going to see a 12" single from the Virgin Islands? And there is an ad for Datsun on the back, among other things.  That's gotta be worth a few cool points. I can't tell you a single thing about the artist or the music here, but it is what it is.  And what it is is The Imaginations Featuring Sifu-Santa Send Me (Calypso Records 12" 45 RPM IMA-103, Stereo, 1982).

1. Santa Send Me
2. Merry Xmas Rub A Dub Style

MEGA

Cash N Carry

The share tonight was something I thought that only I had ever found, but it turns out Stubby shared this one with the world many years ago. Oh well, it's still a good share, and I'm sure some of you weren't around back then, so I'm throwing it back out there. After watching the Johnny Cash biopic Walk The Line, I was left believing that Johnny Cash was an only child after his brother died in a sawmill accident.  But I guess his mother and Terminator father had at least one other child, and here is a Christmas flexidisc he released for a bank back in 1969. You wouldn't know it's for a bank just by reading the envelope it came in or the label, but there is a voiceover at the end of the second song where he talks about the bank (Dial Finance, now a part of Wells Fargo). It's pretty interesting stuff, and you get a couple of unique songs written just for this release allegedly. Lemme know how you like it.  This is Tommy Cash Sings Two Original Christmas Songs Written Just For You (Epic/Columbia Special Products 7" 45 RPM Flexidisc CV 10399, Mono, 1969).

1. Come On Home For Christmas
2. Let's Have An Old Time Christmas

MEGA