Liberace: A Liberace Christmas

Voldar Returns!


Yes, silly Earth People, I am back! I have traveled the entire 48,678,972 or so miles in my tiny personal interplanetary shuttle in order to spend the holiday season with you. I hope you are all enjoying your silly Earth holidays and are ready to listen to some of the extraordinary sounds that I have gathered (mostly from thrift stores) in my cosmic travels. Traitor Vic, as usual, will not be spending the holidays with us. I am planning to ambush him when he returns from his Thanksgiving Feast Celebration tomorrow and to lock him in a closet until the first of next year. Don't worry, though. He's used to it by now. He'd probably be disappointed if it didn't happen. In his absence, I'll plan on sharing with you a pile of Holiday Tunage guaranteed to put you right into the Holiday Spirit.

I'm also going to allow Traitor Vic to emerge from his closet, on occasion, to mix for me a Festive Holiday Cocktail or two (or seven). I will be posting photos and recipes as time and sobriety allow.

Now lets get started with our Holiday Celebration, shall we?

For starters I present a record that I rescued from an organization calling themselves The Salvation Army. I am somewhat familiar with this group as Martian Intelligence Agencies have identified them as the employers of many of your planet's Santa Claus Wannabes during the Christmas season. I also rescued a really cool Blender from them and plan to return for more goodies before I leave your stupid planet.

This record is by a man who wears very beautiful clothes. He, like myself, goes by only one name. Traitor Vic has told me that he passed on in what you know as 1987. I know little about him otherwise, but I feel he must have been a very decent human being. I do not understand what Traitor Vic meant when he told me that Liberace was a "flaming queen".

Liberace: A Liberace Christmas

1. Medley: O Tannenbaum / We Wish You a Merry Christmas
2. What Child Is This?
3. Medley: Jingle Bells / White Christmas / Adeste Fidelis / Silent Night
4. Coventry Carol
5. Jesu Bambino
6. The Little Drummer Boy
7. Medley: O Little Town of Bethlehem / It Came Upon a Midnight Clear / Joy to the World
8. Ave Maria
9. Silver Bells
10. O Holy Night
11. Medley: Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town / Here Comes Santa Claus

Nelson Riddle: The Joy of Living

Reasons to be Thankful

"The Joy of Living" is an album from Nelson Riddle released, on Capitol Records, in 1959. Riddle was one of the greatest arrangers in the history of American popular music and was involved in the production of hundreds of albums between 1953 and 1985. He worked directly with such giants as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Tommy Dorsey, Nat King Cole, Les Baxter, Julie Andrews and 101 Strings.

He was also very involved in television and film music, contributing to the soundtracks of programs such as The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Tarzan, Emergency! and Batman. He composed and conducted the soundtrack to the 1966 Batman movie. He wrote the theme songs to television's The Untouchables and Route 66. I could go on, of course, but you can find out more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelson_Riddle.

He was best known, perhaps, for his "Swingin' Sound". Most of his records are uptempo and energetic compared to this one, which is rather relaxed and laid back by comparison (described, in the liner notes, as "restful yet zestful"). I dig it quite a bit and hope you do as well. It is presented here in all of it's Monophonic, High Fidelity Wonderfulness.

Nelson Riddle: The Joy of Living

1. Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries
   
2. You Make Me Feel So Young
   
3. Makin' Whoopee!
   
4. Bye Bye Blues
   
5. It's So Peaceful in the Country
   
6. The Joy of Living (Know the Real Joy of Good Living)
   
7. It's a Big Wide Wonderful World
   
8. June in January
   
9. Isn't This a Lovely Day
   
10. Indian Summer
    
11. It's a Grand Night for Singing
    
12. I Got the Sun in the Morning
    

Here in the USA we'll be celebrating Thanksgiving Day this coming Thursday. Thanksgiving is a harvest festival holiday devoted to giving thanks for the year's harvest and expressing gratitude in general. I thought this record fit the season because of the statement, posted on it's back cover, that reads "Nelson Riddle presents twelve danceable, gently swinging reasons why it's great to be alive."

Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau / Hui Ohana

The Real Music of Hawai'i

As summer winds down and the temperature begins to drop the moments spent in the backyard with a Mai Tai or a Tonga Punch become fewer and farther between. That's why the right music is so important during this time of year. Don't let the end of summer be ruined by limiting yourself to continued listenings of that same old "Reparata & The Delrons" album you've been listening to repeatedly since 1964.

Allow The Tuna Melt to, once again, whisk you away to a magical place where the sun shines bright, the palm trees sway in a warm breeze and you live in constant fear of being struck in the noggin' by falling coconuts; Hawai'i!

This is the REAL music of Hawai'i. Of course, I realize that Reggae is Huge in Hawai'i these days, and I remain a large fan of good ol' Hapa Haole hits with which we're all so familiar as well as Exotica (perhaps my favorite of all these genres). But Slack-Key Guitar is a truly original Hawai'ian art form. This is really beautiful music.

The first group represented here is "Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau". The group was founded in 1976 and led by Skippy Kamakawiwoʻole. It's best known member, however, was probably Skippy's brother Israel , who later became enormously famous (as well as, due to a genetic disorder, simply enormous) as a ukulele player of great creativity and virtuosity. "No Kristo" is their premier album, from 1976 on Poki Records, and is guaranteed to send your thoughts to ports of pleasure.

Makaha Sons of Ni'iahau: No Kristo

1. Hanakeoki
2. Pua Tubarose
3. Waikiki Hula
4. Morning Dew
5. Manu Kolohe
6. Hele Mai
7. E Nonoi I Ka Haaku / Kanaka Waiwa
8. Po'e Koa
9. Freedom of Makaha
10. Nane
11. Papalina Lahilahi
12. No Kristo

Next are two albums by one of my favorite Slack-key groups of all time: Hui Ohana. Led (no pun intended) by Ledward Kaʻapana and featuring his brother Nedward and cousin Dennis Pavao, Hui Ohana were at the forefront of the Hawai'ian Music Renaissance of the 70s.

Hui Ohana: Young Hawaii Plays Old Hawaii

1. Nani Waimea
2. Salomila
3. E Liliu E
4. E Mama E
5. 'Ulupalakua
6. Sweet Lei Mokihana
7. U'i Lani
8. Kaloaloa
9. Pua Lililehua
10. Nanakuli
11. Pua Maeole
12. Hula O Makee
13. Pui Lilia

Hui Ohana: Ono

1. Hele On to Kauai
2. Magic Island
3. Punahoa Special (Slack Key Instrumental)
4. Kaulana Kawihae
5. Hanalei Moon
6. Ke Kali Nei Au (The Hawaiian Wedding Song)
7. Ka'a Ahi Kahului
8. Pili Aloha
9. Kaulana Na Pua
10. Wai Ulu
11. Granada (Ukulele Solo Instrumental)
12. Blue Darlin'

Onipa'a E Na Lei O Hawai'i

Divine Horsemen: Handful of Sand & Snake Handler

Rock & Roll: American Style

As Rock & Roll is a completely American invention, I thought it appropriate to post some Rock & Roll music as part of my July 4th celebration. Divine Horsemen were the brainchild of Chris D(esjardins), who had previously masterminded The Flesh Eaters. Whereas The Flesh Eaters were, as I suppose the name implies, a magnificent Punk Rock outfit, Divine Horsemen took a Punk Attitude and conveyed it through straight-ahead, Hard Rock rhythms and tunes. It was a powerful combination.

These were the bands final releases. Both are from 1987 on SST Records. "Handful of Sand" is a 6-song EP.

Divine Horsemen: Handful of Sand

1. Handful of Sand
2. Curse of the Crying Woman
3. Tenderest Kiss
4. Frankie Silver
5. Past All Dishonor
6. Sanctuary

"Snake Handler" is a full length LP.

Divine Horsemen: Snake Handler

1. Snake Handler
2. Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye
3. Stone By Stone (Fire Is My Home)
4. Curse of the Crying Woman
5. Someone Like You
6. Fire Kiss
7. What Is Red
8. Blind Leading the Blind
9. That's No Way to Live

The Accelerators: Leave My Heart

One of the Best!

There were quite a few bands in the Carolinas that were quite good back in the 80s and these guys were among the best of all of them. They grew from an outfit known as Moon Pie, from Greenville, SC, and became The Accelerators just before this record was released. Soon after, the band's leader and front man, Gerald Duncan, moved to Raleigh, NC, and, following a few personnel changes, took the band into a less Rockabilly and more Hard Rock direction (leading to the album that I've posted previously here - The Accelerators: The Accelerators).

Moon Pie once rented a former Church building in Greenville as a practice space. It became rather well known as The Church of Rock & Roll throughout a good part of the 80s and was a place where we could all congregate after the local bars closed at 12:00am on Saturday nights (as a result of South Carolina's legal condemnation of "Drinking on The Lord's Day"). I still have special (if a bit Foggy) memories of this place, and of the authentic Electric Chair that they kept in one of the Sunday School rooms.

It's Good! Git It!

The Accelerators: Leave My Heart

1. Leave My Heart
2. Tonight
3. She's the Only Girl I Can Stand
4. Terminal Cafe
5. The Alien Way
6. Regina
7. She's Fifteen
8. Stiletto
9. Tore Up
10. Two Girls in Love
11. Jenny

This is a video that was released in promotion of this record:

Slavdik: Turk

I Ride My Camel, It's an Ugly Mammal

I've seen some pretty f^ck$d up Rock'n"Roll shows in my day (The Cramps, The Butthole Surfers, Conway Twitty...). But some of the most bestest shows I ever witnessed were put on by Slavdik!!!

Okay... Slavdik didn't have some butt-ugly naked girl with rubber bands hangin' out of her braces dancin' naked in front of a projector that was showin' "Hamburger on the Highway" (or some other Driver's Ed film), but That's Because Slavdik Didn't NEED IT! All Slavdik Needed was All Slavdik Had! And That, Brothers and Sisters, is All Slavdik Gave!

The band's name (pronounced \ˈslāvˈdik\, it sounds like Slave Dick) is taken from the true last name of it's founder and front man, Rudi Slavdik. He changed it, after bringing his Albanian Roots Rock Band to the US, to King Cotton. He's also the primary songwriter and, I must say, the tunes on this little EP from 1986 are simply gems. I'm especially fond of "The Turk" and "Karl Marx (He No Dead)." I heard a DJ, in Atlanta, compare King Cotton's vocal stylings to David Byrne once. That's not bad, if you ask me.

Slavdik: Turk

1. The Turk
2. (I Hate) Party Talkin'
3. Karl Marx, he no dead
4. Barbecue Hut (Live in Prague)

To quote The King (King Cotton, not Elvis): "The Mighty, Mighty SlavDik had its day, but a new Magog has risen from the ashes. Check out King Cottton and The Remnants."

Yes, King Cotton, along with what is left of the original Slavdik personnel, have released a new collection of Weird-Ass Southern Country Soul on CD. You can get it HERE.

The Three Suns: Having a Ball with The Three Suns

It's Tuna Melt Party Time in Sunshine Land!

The Three Suns (brothers Al and Morty Nevins along with their cousin Artie Dunn) were said to have been Mamie Eisenhower's favorite group. They were an amazingly prolific outfit, in terms of the amount of music they produced, and amazingly diverse, in terms of the range of musical styles that they recorded. Now considered to be near the top of any expert's lists of Easy Listening, Vintage Lounge, Exotica and/or Space Age Bachelor Pad performers, they were a staple of the RCA Victor catalog from the mid-forties through the mid-sixties.

There are a handful of their albums that are considered to be heads and shoulders above the average product available at the times of their release. This is not one of those (and those are, or have been and will again be, available at other outposts in The Blogosphere).

This one is, however, a prime example of their average offerings. Released in 1958, it was tossed out into a world filled with Exotica and Space Age Hi-Fi Demonstration Records but remains unaffected by either of those faddish affectations. It is, purely, (as the name would suggest) the perfect record for a PARTY!!!

So fix yourself a tall stiff one (or two), set a few tidbits about to nosh upon, grab your gal (or guy, as the case may be) and get on down with The Three Suns!

The Three Suns: Having a Ball with The Three Suns

1. You Are My Lucky Star / How About You? / Hello! My Baby / Stompin' at The Savoy
2. I'm in the Mood for Love /
   I Wonder, I Wonder, I Wonder / That Old Feeling / A Kiss to Build a Dream On
3. Linda Mujer (You Never Say Yes – You Never Say No!)
4. Hi Lili, Hi-Lo
5. You Were Meant for Me / Just You, Just Me / Doll Dance / Elmer's Tune / Johnson Rag
6. I Cried for You / Something's Gotta Give / Coquette / Don't Be That Way
7. If I Had You / I Don't Know Why (I Just Do) / Honey / Should I
8. Three O'Clock in the Morning
9. Walter Winchell Rumba
10. I Never Knew (I Could Love Anybody Like I'm Loving You) /
    When You Wore a Tulip / Sing, Sing, Sing / Tiger Rag

And for more info on this marvelous group go to:
The Three Suns @ Space Age Pop Music
The Three Suns Universe

The Anita Kerr Quartette: For You, For Me, For Evermore

You Need Another Anita Kerr Record

Even if you, like myself, have reached the point at which you must back-up and remove files from your hard drive in order to load even one more song into your music player, this one is an absolute necessity.

"For You, For Me, Forevermore" (released in 1959 or 1960) shows the beginnings of the "Countrypolitan" Nashville Sound that helped Country Music cross over into the American cultural mainstream in the 60s. You may recognize, in some of the arrangements, a style of harmony that would later be utilized extensively as The Anita Kerr Quartette (as well as the 8-voice Anita Kerr Singers) provided background vocals to many of Country & Western's biggest stars. This is definitely not at Country Music album, however, and is filled with beautiful arrangements of classic love songs.

My only complaint is that, despite the number of times throughout the album the promise is made that they're going to stay with me Forever and Ever 'Til the End of Time, the record is only about 30 minutes long.

The Anita Kerr Quartette: For You, For Me, For Evermore

1. For You, For Me, Forevermore
2. Till the End of Time
3. Forever
4. I'll Always Love You (Querida Mia)
5. Never Leave Me
6. All My Life
7. Why Can't This Night Go on Forever
8. I'll Always Be in Love With You
9. This Is Always
10. Always
11. Everyday
12. Twelfth of Never

Andre Kostelanetz: Stereo Wonderland of Sound

Tuna Melt Pops Into the Space Age!

This record is a prime example of what has since become known as a Stereo Demonstration Album. These were records produced to exhibit the range of capabilities available using the new, at the time, Stereo Hi-Fi Systems and are otherwise known as Space Age Pop, or Space Age Bachelor Pad, records. Many were created by the manufacturers of these systems and given away with the purchase thereof. Others, however, were produced to demonstrate the latest recording techniques being utilized by different record labels and to convince customers that their products sounded wonderful on the new Stereophonic playback units.

This one is from Columbia Records, in 1961, features Andre Kostelanetz and is one really groovy record. The arrangements are, apparently, designed to showcase the recording technique more than they are to make a whole lot of sense. This results in some really strange combinations (such as "Unchained Melody" with a sumptuous Exotica background rhythm and featuring Italian Restaurant-style Mandoline along with a standard Big Band Brass Section). Weird as some of the juxtopositions may seem at first, however, the overall effect is spectacular.

Check it out!

Andre Kostelanetz: Stereo Wonderland of Sound

1. Be My Love
2. Everybody Loves a Lover
3. Wonderland By Night
4. Volare (Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu)
5. Greenfields
6. It's Not for Me to Say
7. Vaya Con Dios
8. Round and Round
9. Are You Lonesome Tonight?
10. So Rare
11. Unchained Melody
12. Marianne

You may note that I identified the record as being named "Stereo Wonderland of Sound" whereas the album jacket say's "wonderland of sound" (as well as "TODAY'S GREAT HITS"). Well… The BACK of the jacket says "Stereo Wonderland of Sound". So does the label on the record. Also, the jacket, front and back, and the label all read "The New Andre Kostelanetz" and, since I don't believe that anyone ever actually got rid of "The Old Andre Kostelanetz" and replaced him with a new one, I just left the name as plain ol' "Andre Kostelanetz". Taggin' this bugger could'a been a real pain if I'd let it be, boy howdy. Sorry for any confusion.

Spencer Collingwood, His Saxophone & Orchestra: Cool Sounds

Easy Jazz at The Tuna Melt!

My usual criteria for judging the value of any Easy Listening record is how well the music on it pairs with a Dry Martini (or, in the case of any Exotica collection, a Mai Tai). I usually find discs from this particular Hollywood Records label (there have been several with the same name) to go better with Grape Kool-Aid than any adult beverage whatsoever. I suppose, then, that it makes sense that the name Hollywood Records is currently used by a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Corporation and has released albums by Aly & AJ, The Jonas Brothers and Hillary Duff.

This Hollywood Records, though, was among the Budgetiest of Budget Labels in the 50s. Their catalog is filled with relative nobodies (such as Harry Arnold & His Orchestra, Chuck Farone & The Polka Larks, The Bengt Hindberg Trio and Uncle Bill Wiley & His Tall Corn Boys) churning out uninspired collections of pop standards and current hits, usually in jackets adorned with a photo of a female model of equal obsurity. With only a few exceptions, records on this label are often barely worth the prices (10¢ to $1.00) currently being charged by Charity Thrift Stores.

This is one of those exceptions. I have no idea who Spencer Collingwood is/was and assume, actually, that the name is a pseudonym since it appears on the label but is nowhere on the jacket. I do know that his "Orchestra" is simply a quartet. The saxophone on this record, though, is nice, relaxing and jazzy. While there's nothing here that might cause you to jump up and scream it is, at least, a pleasant enough album for kicking back and enjoying a nice beverage with. Perhaps not a Dry Martini but a blended Scotch or a snifter of cheap-ass Brandy.

Spencer Collingwood, His Saxophone & Orchestra: Cool Sounds

1. Stomping at The Savoy
2. This Can't Be Love
3. Willow Weep for Me
4. Just You Just Me
5. Sweet Loraine
6. Harlem Nocturne
7. Get Happy
8. Perdido
9. What Is This Thing Called Love
10. Off Shore
11. Lover Man
12. Come Rain or Come Shine

You can find a great deal more information regarding Hollywood Records and lots of other old budget labels at the Both Sides Now Publishing web site.

Gotta Go!

Okay. I've gone ahead and let Traitor Vic out of his box. Perhaps he'll keep this ball rollin', eh? In the meantime... I've got to get back to Mars.

It sure has been fun! I'm, actually, starting to enjoy these times I spend on your stupid planet. I'll try to be back in July!

Until then... Happy New Year!
- Voldar

Webley Edwards Presents Hawaii Calls: A Merry Hawaiian Christmas

Merry Christmas!!!

I'm sorry. You thought you were getting WHAT for Christmas!?!

Well... At least the ol' Tuna Melt is here to help you out! What we got here is "A Merry Hawaiian Christmas"!!! It's a record by Webley Edwards and features a guy named Boyce Kihaiihikapuokalani!!! How Cool Is That!?!

Webley Edwards Presents Hawaii Calls: A Merry Hawaiian Christmas

1. Kani Kani Pele (Jingle Bells)
2. Ke Keiki Alii (The Child King)
3. White Christmas
4. Winter Wonderland
5. Ka Hikina Mai (It Came Upon a Midnight Clear)
6. Hele Mai Oukou (O Come All Ye Faithful)
7. 12 Days of Christmas — In Hawaii
8. Hamau! Na Anelá (Hark! The Herald Angels Sing)
9. Mele Kalikimaka (Merry Christmas)
10. Po La'i E (Silent Night)

I sincerely hope that all is well, and peaceful, for you and your's, and that This Christmas is the Best Ever!!!

Oh! And MERRY CHRISTMAS from The Bakkers, too!

Stars (of Bethlehem) on 45!

WARNING! This post is Just Plain Weird! And a bit Profane! And downright Sacrilegious!

I'll admit… My own personal collection of Christmas records is pretty extensive and, as such, includes some pretty bizarre items. These 45 rpm records, though, are from the collection of a friend who specializes in this sort of thing. Ranging from 1953 to 2002, I chose these records because I needed to rip copies for myself and then decided I'd share them with the rest of you.

The set includes the following:

Christmas Dragnet (Parts 1 & 2) by Stan Freberg - released in 1953 (and again in 1954 as "Yulenet"), this comedic piece was composed & performed by Stan Freberg and Daws Butler. The music is by Walter Schumann and the Orchestra is conducted by Nathan Scott. It was included, as one track, on Dr. Demento's "Greatest Christmas Novelty CD of All Time" in 1989.

Rock and Roll Christmas b/w New Year's Eve Party by George Thorogood & The Destroyers - Side A is a really rockin' blast of Holiday Merriment. The little heard Side B is one lame blues tune, boy howdy.

Bizarre Christmas Incident b/w Lonely Christmas Eve by Ben Folds - This single was pieced together using two previously released songs in 2003.

The Little Drummer Boy b/w Blue Christmas by Miracle Legion - Side A was featured on Rhino's "New Wave Christmas - Just Can't Get Enough" in 1996. Side B is nice, but includes a rather long verbal Holiday Greeting and introduction of the band, which is probably why it hasn't been released since this single came out in 1985. That's all I know about this band. You can read more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miracle_Legion if you want to.

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree b/w Blue Christmas by Dora Hall - Dora was, perhaps, the Ultimate Vanity Artist. Her husband, Leo Hulseman, was the founder of the Solo Cup Company and had so much money that he, apparently, didn't know what to do with it and, so, paid to produce as many records as Dora felt the need and/or desire to record (at least 17 lps and a list of 45 rpm singles about a mile long). None of these records was ever sold. They were distributed freely to anyone unlucky enough to buy a pack of plastic cups when there was a stack of them nearby. Anyone who ever responded by using the "Enroll Me As A Member of the Dora Hall Fan Club" coupon that often appeared on her single's picture sleeves were automatically sent future releases by mail.

White Christmas by '63 Mönröe - A Glam Punk band from London Ontario. Side B is a Monophonic version of the same song (for airplay on Monophonic AM Radio stations) so I didn't bother including it here.

Fuck Christmas b/w (Beep) Christmas by Fear - The Ultimate Punk Rock Christmas Tune! The "Unclean" version on Side A is backed by a "Clean" version for Radio Airplay that has not been re-released to my knowledge.

White Christmas b/w Blue Christmas by Atomic 61 - Noise Punk band from Portland. This Screams!

Various Artists: Christmas Stars on 45 (Various 45rpm Singles)

1. Stan Freberg w/ Daws Butler & Orchestra - Christmas Dragnet Part 1
2. Stan Freberg w/ Daws Butler & Orchestra - Christmas Dragnet Part 2
3. George Thorogood & The Destroyers - Rock and Roll Christmas
4. George Thorogood & The Destroyers - New Year's Eve Party
5. Ben Folds - Bizarre Christmas Incident
6. Ben Folds - Lonely Christmas Eve
7. Miracle Legion - The Little Drummer Boy
8. Miracle Legion - Blue Christmas
9. Dora Hall - Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree
10. Dora Hall - Blue Christmas
11. '63 Mönröe - White Christmas
12. Fear - Fuck Christmas
13. Fear - (Beep) Christmas
14. Atomic 61 - White Christmas
15. Atomic 61 - Blue Christmas

Make sure your MP3 Player is set to play at 45rpm for best results!

Various Artists: Winter Warnerland

'Tis the Season to Promote Your Stuff!

That, apparently, is what Warner Bros. Records was thinkin' back in the 80s. I posted a 1987 compilation of Warner Bros. artists performing Christmas related materials, called "Yulesville!", when I was here back in July of last year. Now, in response to a request, I'm postin' this one from 1988. It, like the other, features both music and spoken word "Holiday Greeting" messages.

Note that this is a rip from the Compact Disc, which contains more tracks than the vinyl pressing. Silly Earthling Traitor Vic only posts old vinyl records here but I, being from Mars, am not constrained by such trivial concerns. Bah! As there are 37 tracks here (@ 320kbps), I've split the post into two pieces.

Various Artists: Winter Warnerland Pt. 1
&Various Artists: Winter Warnerland Pt.2

1. God Rest the House - Jeff Lorber
2. Winter Wonderland - Good Question
3. Cold Chillin' Christmas - Cold Chillin' Juice Crew
4. FM Dial - Warner Bros. Promo
5. Holiday ID - Nelson Wilbury
6. Maybe This Could Be the Christmas - Gardner Cole
7. Holiday ID - James Ingram
8. Holiday ID (English) - Apollonia
9. Holiday ID (Spanish) - Apollonia
10. Once in a Blue Moon Rising - PM
11. I'm Coming Home - Secret Weapon
12. Fais Do Do - Daniel Lanois
13. What Child Is This? - Mark O'Connor
14. Silver Bells - Jim Horn
15. Christmas Medley - Pee Wee Herman
16. Christmas Without You - Tommy Page
17. Santa's Harley - Warner Bros. Promo
18. Holiday ID - ZZ Top
19. Holiday ID / Christmas Song - Bulletboys
20. Santa Claus Is Getting Down - Jesse Ed Davis
21. Rudolph the Manic Reindeer - Los Lobos
22. Deck the Halls - R.E.M.
23. Angels We Have Heard on High / Gloria - Hugo Largo
24. Holiday ID - Lou Reed
25. Blue Christmas - Danielle Dax
26. Santa Claus - Throwing Muses
27. Holiday ID - Ofra Haza
28. 2000 Years of Love - 54.40
29. I Believe in Father Christmas - Honeymoon Suite
30. Ways to Save Money at Christmas - Julie Brown
31. Holiday ID - Peter Cetera
32. Silent Night - Peter Cetera
33. Holiday ID - Randy Travis
34. How Do I Wrap My Heart Up for Christmas - Randy Travis
35. Don't Drink and Drive, Duh - Pee Wee Herman
36. Pee Wee Willbury ID - Pee Wee Herman
37. Santa's Jet - Warner Bros. Promo

A Couple of Old Christmas Records

Here's a couple more shares to keep you in the Christmas spirit!

First off is one from Golden Tone Records, which was an Extreme Budget subsidiary of Precision Radiation Instruments, Inc. and was primarily used to re-release titles (usually abridged) from the Tops Records catalog. This record is by The International Choristers and features George Mather at the Mighty Console. It's got some interesting stuff on it.

The International Choristers featuring George Mather: Christmas Favorites

1. Silent Night
2. Deck the Halls
3. Good King Wenceslaus
4. Joy to the World
5. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
6. Hark, the Herald Angels Sing
7. The First Noel
8. 'Twas the Night Before Christmas
9. God Res Ye Merry, Gentlemen
10. Away in a Manger
11. O, Come All Ye Faithful
12. Jingle Bells

Second is a collection from The Longines Symphonette Recording Society. The Symphonette Society was owned by the Longines watch company and was based in Larchmont, New York. They produced a syndicated radio program and manufactured their own albums of light classical and easy listening music through the 60s. The Longines Symphonette name was also used for a watch, a radio, a calculator, and a television? Go figure.

The Longines Symphonette: Silver Bells

1. Silver Bells
2. Scarlet Ribbons
3. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
4. Winter Wonderland
5. One Little Tree
6. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
7. March of the Toys
8. Away in a Manger
9. Medley: I Saw Three Ships / We Wish You a Merry Christmas
10. Medley: Wassail Song / Here We Come A-Wassailing
11. Medley: It Came Upon a Midnight Clear / Good Christian Men Rejoice
12. Silent Night

I've also listed all of the Christmas related posts from the past on The Tuna Melt. This ought to make it easy and keep folks from having to dig backwards into the archives to locate stuff...

Christmas Time... The Time for Giving...

Living Strings: The Sound of Christmas
Billy Vaughn: Christmas Carols
The Hollywood Bowl Symphony Orchestra: The Music of Christmas
Lawrence Welk & His Champagne Music: Jingle Bells
Lawrence Welk & His Champagne Music: Merry Christmas from
Rotary Connection: Peace
Various Artists: A Midnight Christmas Mess
Various Artists: Oh! No! Not Another Midnight Christmas Mess Again!!
Various Artists: It's Midnight Xmess Pt. III
Various Artists: Yulesville! Pt. 1 & Pt. 2
Various Artists: Let's Go-go Christmas
Christmas with Susie & Allie
Al Goodman & His Orchestra: A Christmas Symphony
Don Raleigh & His Orchestra: Christmas at Home
Ferrante & Teicher: Snowbound
Various Artists: Stuff This in Your Stocking!

Sometimes the Holidays can be the Saddest Time of the Year...

Hope this doesn't bum anyone out too badly. This is the first paragraph from the report in today's Los Angeles Times.

"Bettie Page, the brunette pinup queen with a shoulder-length pageboy hairdo and kitschy bangs whose saucy photos helped usher in the sexual revolution of the 1960s, has died. She was 85."

The rest of the story, by Louis Sahagun, is posted HERE. There's also a statement posted on her official website at www.bettiepage.com.

Something tells me Bettie would still want us all to have a Merry Christmas...

We love ya, Bettie.

Various Artists: Christmas at KFC

We Wish You a Merry Christmas!
You want that in Original Recipe, or Extra Crispy?

Many of you silly earthlings are unaware that Christmas, being a Christian Holiday, is celebrated madly in Japan! It is not a National Holiday (nor should it be in a nation that is 84-96% Budhist/Shintoist) and, so, is not a "day off from work". The Japanese do, however, celebrate the purely secular aspects of the day (meaning… They Shop Like Crazy and Spend Lots of Money).

Shopping Malls and Shopping Districts spend loads of ¥en on elaborate and beautiful displays. Shiny, sparkly lights shine and sparkle all over the place. And one American Corporation, in particular, has utilized the holiday as a marketing tool for years. Many Japanese are convinced that the typical American Christmas Dinner is provided by… Kentucky Fried Chicken!?!

Yep. That's Right. They begin weeks ahead of the actual day, placing orders for "Christmas Barrels". They also spend huge piles of cash on "Christmas Cakes" (sponge cakes, frosted with whipped cream and decorated, usually, with strawberries).

The KFC connection is, primarily, a result of the intense marketing campaigns of the old KFC Corporation and, now, Yum Brands. Most of the KFCs in Japan have near-lifesize statues of Colonel Sanders standing out in front of them and, around Christmas, they all get dressed in Santa Claus outfits.

I mention this only because I wish to point out that Kentucky Fried Chicken has been a huge promoter of Christmas for several decades now, as is evidenced by this post. Allow me, please, to present two fabulous Classic Christmas Recordings from 1966 and 1968 (respectively)…

Various Artists: Christmas Eve with Colonel Sanders

1. White Christmas - Jim Reeves
   
2. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen - The Anita Kerr Singers
   
3. Silver Bells - Floyd Cramer
   
4. Medley: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing / Good King Wenceslas -
   Hugo & Luigi with Their Children's Chorus
   
5. O Come, All Ye Faithful - Chet Atkins
   
6. Santa Claus is Comin' to Town - Skeeter Davis
   
7. Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer - Hank Locklin
   
8. I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day - Chet Atkins
   
9. The Little Drummer Boy - The Norman Luboff Choir
   
10. A Christmas Festival (Medley) - Arthur Fiedler and The Boston Pops
    

Various Artists: Christmas Day with Colonel Sanders

1. I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day - Ed Ames
   
2. Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town - The Norman Luboff Choir
   
3. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear - Morton Gould and His Orchestra
   
4. Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer - Al Hirt
   
5. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen - Chet Atkins
   
6. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) -
   Henry Mancini and His Orchestra
   
7. White Christmas - Lana Cantrell
   
8. Medley: Away in a Manger / I Saw Three Ships -
   Hugo Winterhalter and His Orchestra and Chorus
   
9. I'll Be Home for Christmas - Floyd Cramer
10. Medley: Wassail Song / Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly - The Robert Shaw Chorale
    
11. Parade of the Wooden Soldiers - Arthur Fiedler and The Boston Pops
12. Silent Night - Jim Reeves
    

Robert Goulet: This Christmas I Spend with You

Bah! I'm Back!!!


Yep! Looks like that lazy, good for nothin' Traitor Vic has left ya hangin' up to this point during this Holiday season so, once again, good ol' Voldar comes swingin' by from Mars to get the job done right! What in the worlds would you idiot earthlings do without folks like me? Huh?

You will note, too, that I have completely commandeered the Tuna Melt Blog for this season, adding my friend Secret-Santa's last.fm widgets in place of stupid, lazy Traitor Vic's in the sidebar. Take a bit of time to listen to his radio station if you'd like.

I am also adding an example of my own amazing acting prowess in a Music Video prepared by a puny earth-dude named SSPV999 and posted on your silly YouTube:


Bah! I Rock!

Now get this! This is a Classic! Released in 1963, it has spun on turntables and in 8-Track and Cassette players around the world since. Now you can hear it without using any of these arcane devices!

Robert Goulet: This Christmas I Spend with You

1. This Christmas I Spend with You
   
2. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
   
3. December Time
   
4. Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!
   
5. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)
6. Silver Bells
   
7. Winter Wonderland
   
8. White Christmas
   
9. O Holy Night (Cantique De Noel)
10. Panis Angelicus
11. Ave Maria
12. O Come All Ye Faithful
    

The Zig Zag People: The Zig Zag People Take Bubble Gum Music Underground

Whoa! This Bubble Gum Tastes Kinda Funny...!

Ever wondered what happens when you let a bunch of Hippies make the Bubble Gum you're fond of chewing on? Well, wonder no more! On this record The Zig Zag People take Bubble Gum Music underground (which goes a long way toward explaining the title of the album).

The Zig Zaggers in question were, actually, apparently just a bunch of studio musicians recruited by Decca Records to cash in on both the Bubble Gum and Psychedelic music crazes that were sweeping the world in 1969. The album consists of radical reworkings of some of the top Bubble Gum hits of the day as well as two interesting original songs.

Sink yer Chompers into This!

The Zig Zag People: The Zig Zag People Take Bubble Gum Music Underground

1. Little Bit of Soul
2. Hanky Panky
3. Simon Says
4. Yummy, Yummy, Yummy
5. Sally Goes to the Dentist (Available in 8 & 16MM)
6. 1 2 3 Red Light
7. Chewy Chewy
8. Indian Giver
9. Peel it Off Your Face

The Electronic Concept Orchestra: Moog Groove

Tuna Melt gets it's Groove On... Moog Style!

The Moog Records that littered record store shelves from the late 60s through the 70s were of two different types. One type featured The Moog Synthesizer as a solo instrument and The Moog was used to synthesize, replace and/or duplicate the sounds of an entire band or orchestra. The other type featured The Moog as an instrument playing along with a more conventional Band set-up.

This record is of the Second Variety. What it lacks in Moog Purity, however, it more than makes up for in Soul, Funk and Groove. Granted, there are a few slow points ("Hey Jude" is particularly staid), but on the songs that really jump the bass, guitar and drums add a "human touch" that The Moog is incapable of recreating. Give this copy of Steppenwolf's "Rock Me" a spin and see what I mean.

The Electronic Concept Orchestra: Moog Groove

1. Aquarius
2. Oh Happy Day
3. Hey Jude
4. Both Sides Now
5. Grazing in the Grass
6. Feelin' Groovy
7. Penny Lane
8. Atlantis
9. Rock Me
10. Windmills of Your Mind