Sing Along If You're Still Sober!

Cheap shot, but playing to stereotypes with that one, I confess.

01. When Irish Eyes Are Smiling (2:29)

02. Mother Machree (2:25)

03. Molly Malone (3:03)

04. A Little Bit of Heaven (3:48)

05. I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen (3:04)

06. Shenanigans (1:48)

07. Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral (That's an Irish Lullaby) (2:38)

08. The Rose of Tralee (3:21)

09. Kerry Dance (2:44)

10. Come Back to Erin (4:20)

11. The Girl I Left Behind Me (1:39)

12. Christmas in Killarney (2:20)

There really was a Bill Shepherd Singers (I never heard of them).  Painted in reverb, this offering seems super-sincere, and therefore nowadays it comes off as very cheesy.  A men's-glee-club-type of jovial nightmare.

Irish Sing-Along 

Keep singin' 'til Monday!  See you then, with something a bit more heavenly.

  

A Voice Bringing Magic

I bought this LP at the OCU bookstore in 1974 and never repented for a second.  I fell in love with Mary O'Hara's voice and playing.  if you don't, then I scorn ye!

01. Haigh Didil Dum (1:11)

02. Carraig Donn (3:29)

03. The Frog Song (2:12)

04. Oro Mo Bhaidin (3:29)

05. Jackets Green (1:25)

06. Seoladh Na Ngamhna (Driving the Calves) (2:52)

07. Wexford Mummer's Song (2:17)

08. Sliabh Na Mban (The Mountain of the Women) (2:45)

09. The Gartan Mother's Lullaby (3:37)

10. Down by the Glenside (2:21)

11. Maidrin Ruadh (The Little Fox) (2:05)

12. Silent O Moyle (The Song of Fionnuala) (3:00)

13. Dia Luain Dia Mairt (Monday, Tuesday) (2:22)

14. Farewell, But Whenever (4:16)

15. The Leprechaun (1:23)

16. Na Leanbhai I Mveithil (The Children in Bethlehem) (2:00)

17. The Famine Song (2:20)

18. She Didn't Dance (1:50)

Songs of Ireland 

The album that won my romantic heart to her firm yet vulnerable voice and stark playing.  You'll be won over, too.

See you Thursday!

  

Unsatisfying Sampler

This is the worst kind of collection, only a few snippets of each song before changing to another one.  GRRRR!  Who is this supposed to appeal to?

Supposedly this accompanied a book with lyrics and guitar chords.  But what good is only thirty seconds of a song before the track segues to a different one?

After minutes of pains-taking research, I have come up with the titles of all the snippets included herein:

01 - Galway Shawl / Slievenamon / I Never Will Marry / Spancil Hill / Tied Up with a Black Velvet Band / Snowy Breasted Pearl / The Wild Colonial Boy / Love Is Pleasing

02 - Nora / Avondale / Danny Boy / The Winter It Is Past / The Dying Rebel / Bunch of Thyme

03 - The Minstrel Boy / Kelly of Killane / The Holy Ground / I'll Tell Me Ma / Risin’ of the Moon / Henry My Son / Dicey Reilly 

04 - Paddy’s Green Shamrock Shore / An Old Man Came Courting Me / Shores of Americae / The Dear Little Shamrock / The Cliffs of Dooneen / The Connemara Cradle Song / Spinning Wheel / Zoological Gardens / The Wild Rover

05 - Whiskey in a Jar / Waxie's Dargle / Rare Old Mountain Dew / The Spanish Lady / The Star of the County Down / Old Maid in the Garret / 

06 - Sweet Carnlough Bay / Easy and Slow / James Connolly / The West's Asleep / The Maid from Buncloudy / Father Murphy / Believe Me, If All These Endearing Young Charms / The Rose of Tralee

07 - Galway Races / Old Woman from Wexford / Golden Jubilee / Home Boys Home

08 - Down by the Salley Gardens / Slieve Gallon Braes / The Butcher Boy / Banna Strand / The Rose of Mooncoin / The Mountains of Mourne / Tis the Last Rose of Summer

09 - Molly Malone / Down by the Glenside / Carrickfergus / Skibbereen / Twenty-One Years / The Boston Burglar / Three Lovely Lassies from Kimmage / Do You Want Your Old Lobby Washed Down

10 - Will You Come to the Bower / Let Him Go, Let Him Tarry / The Boys of Wexford / The Foggy Dew / The Merry Ploughboy / The Irish Rover / A Nation Once Again

Don’t hold this one against poor old Ireland!

An over-crowded collection

As you can tell by the printing on the cassette, this is the companion to a book.

Good Luck!  See you Monday for something divine.

  

Welcome to a Taste of the Aulde Sod!

Well, I ain't really that sentimental about me dear ol' (partial) native home of Ireland, but I came across enough material to fill up this month. So grin and bear it, fellow shamrock-sniffers!

This here's a 1963 LP ripped and coddled by meself.

01. Birthday of St Patrick (1:57)

02. Slattery’s Mounted Fut (3:01)

03. Rose of Arranmore (2:24)

04. Irish Jaunting Car (2:01)

05. Shamus O’Brien (2:16)

06. I’ll Remember You, Love, in My Prayers (3:22)

07. Killeater Fair (2:44)

08. The Wild Colonial Boy (3:10)

09. Typical Irishman (2:58)

10. Spinning Wheel (3:04)

11. Sweet Marie (2:27)

12. Cottage by the Lea (3:37)

13. Norah Dailey (2:03)

Rare Songs of Old Ireland 

Faith and begorrah, it’s a tear-evoking, over-emotional trip to memories you may never have had, either!

See ye Thursday!

  

Swing It!

This is a fine 1991 compilation from a foundational Gospel group.

01. Swing Down, Chariot (3:30)

02. The Sun Didn't Shine (2:09)

03. Hush (3:12)

04. Jezebel (2:48)

05. Moses Smote the Water (2:32)

06. Shadrack (2:36)

07. Atom and Evil (3:19)

08. High, Low and Wide (2:36)

09. Daniel Saw the Stone (2:43)

10. Hold the Wind (2:44)

11. Pray for the Lights to Go Out (3:01)

12. God Told Nicodemus (2:33)

13. No Restricted Signs (Up in Heaven) (2:59)

14. Anyhow (2:39)

15. Didn't It Rain (2:25)

16. God's Gonna Cut 'Em Down (2:33)

17. My Time Done Come (2:43)

18. Listen to the Lambs (2:54)

19. Wade in the Water (2:45)

20. Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho (2:39)

My first acquaintance with the Golden Gate Quartet was "Atom and Evil," the opening track of the soundtrack album of The Atomic Cafe. The version on this collection is a different recording.

Another fine song is Track 13.  I'm not the only one who liked it.  SF author Philip José Farmer references "No Restricted Signs" in River of Eternity, the novel which was the first version of his Riverworld concept. Info about THAT confluence here, on the Super Blog.

Swing Down, Chariot!

See you on Monday for a month of music tied to St Patrick's Day!

  

Not Too Private, I Hope

This is a thrift-store find, as bare-bones as it looks.  Cassette was not labeled, only the insert has any info.

01. Eagle Dance (0:22)

02. Shawl Dance (2:12)

03. Fancy Dance (1:17)

04. Two Worlds, One Heartbeat (1:24)

05. Nighthawk and Butterfly (4:25)

06. A Love Scene (4:24)

07. A Meeting of Hearts (4:21)

08. A Lover Dies (3:31)

09. Imaginary Love (3:37)

10. Bliss Waltz (5:16)

11. It's Only Love (5:11)

12. Freefall (5:16)

13. Circles and Spheres (6:31)

14. Curves and Zigzags (8:40)

15. Triangles (7:43)

16. Parallels and Cylinders (7:44)

17. Finale (9:16)

18. Firewalking (3:45)

Private Collections #1 

Steve McLinn, aka Ojas, has produced some fine music over the years.  Listen to this sampler and then seek out some to buy for yourself!

http://www.ojasmusic.com/

See you Thursday.

  

Where's Your Sunglasses Boy?

A 1983 album of typical New Age folderal from a master. You might have heard some of this on Music from the Hearts of Space. I recognized Tracks Three and Six that way.

01. Sun Singer Theme (0:45)
02. Hymn To The Sun (4:23)
03. Dolphin Morning (4:26)
04. Reflections in a Summer Pond (2:26)
05. Dancing Particles (5:27)
06. Winter's Dream (5:32)
07. Heaven Within (4:09)
08. Big Ben's Bolero (5:12)
09. Sun Singer (3:59)

Sun Singer

The problem with nature worship, of course, is that nature is as fickle and transient as any other tangible thing. Nature can represent or inspire us to search for the divine. But, like carnal love or like art or food, it is a manifestation of goodness, not the source of the good.

Enjoy these emanations!  See you Monday.

  

Obligatory "Tell a Man" Joke

You can instruct a woman, but you can't Telemann?  Sorry, that's the best (or worst) pun I could create in this case.

I leave it to you to read every word of the CD-text info!

01 - Telemann- Suite In D, TV 55-D 19 - 1. Overture - Albert Oesterle, Wolfgang Basch; Helmut Winscherman- German Bach Soloists - 1990

02 - Telemann- Suite In D, TV 55-D 19 - 2. Passacaglia - Albert Oesterle, Wolfgang Basch; Helmut Winscherman- German Bach Soloists - 1990

03 - Telemann- Suite In D, TV 55-D 19 - 3. Air - Albert Oesterle, Wolfgang Basch; Helmut Winscherman- German Bach Soloists - 1990

04 - Telemann- Suite In D, TV 55-D 19 - 4. Les Postillons - Albert Oesterle, Wolfgang Basch; Helmut Winscherman- German Bach Soloists - 1990

05 - Telemann- Suite In D, TV 55-D 19 - 5. Fanfare - Albert Oesterle, Wolfgang Basch; Helmut Winscherman- German Bach Soloists - 1990

06 - Telemann- Suite In F, TWV 55 - 1. Overture - Helmut Winschermann- German Bach Soloists - 1990

07 - Telemann- Suite In F, TWV 55 - 2. Sarabande - Helmut Winschermann- German Bach Soloists - 1990

08 - Telemann- Suite In F, TWV 55 - 3. Menuetto - Helmut Winschermann- German Bach Soloists - 1990

09 - Telemann- Suite In F, TWV 55 - 4. La Badinerie - Helmut Winschermann- German Bach Soloists - 1990

10 - Telemann- Horn Concerto In D, TWV 51 - 1. Adagio - Ludwig Güttler; Max Pommer- New Bach Collegium Musicum - 1990

11 - Telemann- Horn Concerto In D, TWV 51 - 2. Allegro - Ludwig Güttler; Max Pommer- New Bach Collegium Musicum - 1990

12 - Telemann- Horn Concerto In D, TWV 51 - 3. Grave - Ludwig Güttler; Max Pommer- New Bach Collegium Musicum - 1990

13 - Telemann- Horn Concerto In D, TWV 51 - 4. Allegro - Ludwig Güttler; Max Pommer- New Bach Collegium Musicum - 1990

14 - Telemann- Suite In D For Trumpet, Strings & Basso Continuo, TWV 51 - 1. Overture - Wolfgang Basch; Helmuth Winschermann- German Bach Soloists - 1990

15 - Telemann- Suite In D For Trumpet, Strings & Basso Continuo, TWV 51 - 2. Air - Wolfgang Basch; Helmuth Winschermann- German Bach Soloists - 1990

16 - Telemann- Suite In D For Trumpet, Strings & Basso Continuo, TWV 51 - 3. Plainte - Wolfgang Basch; Helmuth Winschermann- German Bach Soloists - 1990

17 - Telemann- Suite In D For Trumpet, Strings & Basso Continuo, TWV 51 - 4. Furies - Wolfgang Basch; Helmuth Winschermann- German Bach Soloists - 1990

18 - Telemann- Suite In D For Trumpet, Strings & Basso Continuo, TWV 51 - 5. Trezza - Wolfgang Basch; Helmuth Winschermann- German Bach Soloists - 1990

19 - Telemann- Suite In D For Trumpet, Strings & Basso Continuo, TWV 51 - 6. Menuet - Wolfgang Basch; Helmuth Winschermann- German Bach Soloists - 1990

20 - Telemann- Suite In D For Trumpet, Strings & Basso Continuo, TWV 51 - 7. Rigaudon - Wolfgang Basch; Helmuth Winschermann- German Bach Soloists - 1990

21 - Telemann- Suite In D For 3 Trumpets, Strings & Basso Continuo, TWV 55 - 1. Overture - Albert Oesterle, Wolfgang Basch; Helmut Winscherman- German Bach Soloists - 1990

22 - Telemann- Suite In D For 3 Trumpets, Strings & Basso Continuo, TWV 55 - 2. Menuet - Albert Oesterle, Wolfgang Basch; Helmut Winscherman- German Bach Soloists - 1990

23 - Telemann- Suite In D For 3 Trumpets, Strings & Basso Continuo, TWV 55 - 3. Harlequinde - Albert Oesterle, Wolfgang Basch; Helmut Winscherman- German Bach Soloists - 1990

24 - Telemann- Suite In D For 3 Trumpets, Strings & Basso Continuo, TWV 55 - 4. Loure - Albert Oesterle, Wolfgang Basch; Helmut Winscherman- German Bach Soloists - 1990

25 - Telemann- Suite In D For 3 Trumpets, Strings & Basso Continuo, TWV 55 - 5. Rejouissance - Albert Oesterle, Wolfgang Basch; Helmut Winscherman- German Bach Soloists - 1990

26 - Telemann- Suite In D For 3 Trumpets, Strings & Basso Continuo, TWV 55 - 6. Gigue - Albert Oesterle, Wolfgang Basch; Helmut Winscherman- German Bach Soloists - 1990

Or, just listen.  Baroque Treasures Vol 4 – Telemann

The soloists might be named after Bach, but they are pretty versatile to handle this stuff too!  See you Thursday.

  

The Spies I Semi-Loved

It's a 1983 cassette.

01. James Bond Theme (2:43)

02. You Only Live Twice (2:25)

03. Live and Let Die (2:47)

04. The Spy Who Loved Me (3:02)

05. Thunderball (2:37)

06. Casino Royale (2:42)

07. Diamonds Are Forever (2:52)

08. Moonraker (2:27)

09. Goldfinger (2:47)

10. For Your Eyes Only (2:59)

Going by their Discogs listing, I hypothesize that "Sound Stage Orchestra" is a catchall name for a studio group.

Dynamic Hits from James Bond 007 

It's competent enough, but not thrilling enough.  No, that wasn't me who totted up the running times of each side on the cassette insert.  Although I DID do that kind of thing all the time in my callow youth!

See you on Monday!

















This

An Inspiration Better Than Some

This 1996 release, unlike many I've encountered of the category "Christian" music, isn't soporific.

01. On Eagle's Wings / Wind Beneath My Wings (5:08)

02. Morning Has Broken (2:42)

03. Simple Gifts (4:19)

04. I Believe (2:58)

05. It Is Well With My Soul (3:12)

06. Shall We Gather at the River / Deep River (4:03)

07. All Things Bright and Beautiful / For the Beauty of the Earth (3:09)

08. Holy, Holy, Holy / Fairest Lord Jesus / What a Friend We Have in Jesus (4:46)

09. Be Thou My Vision / Brother James Aire (2:09)

10. Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us (3:33)

11. Climb Every Mountain (2:48)

12. Pie Jesu (3:18)

13. O God, Our Help in Ages Past / A Mighty Fortress Is Our God (2:55)

14. We Are One in the Spirit / El Shaddai (3:45)

15. You'll Never Walk Alone (3:39)

16. Bless Be the Tie That Binds / Pass It On (2:14)

17. Let There Be Peace on Earth (2:13)

18. Amazing Grace (3:18)

Soaring Inspirational Music

Overall, it’s a fine representation of the instrumental-worship music genre. For me, the best thing is, it’s NOT TOO DRAGGY!

Drag yourselves back over on Thursday, fellow skylarkers!

  

Another Regerous Experience

As in MAX Reger, of course!

It's a 1993 release.  The disc says “Op 65,” but it’s really, truly Op 63.  

01. Prelude C Minor (6:17)

02. Fugue C Major (7:15)

03. Canzona G Minor (5:57)

04. Capriccio A Minor (5:11)

05. Introduction F Minor (3:51)

06. Passacaglia F Minor (10:57)

07. Andante Sostenuto A Major (5:22)

08. Fantasia C Major (5:32)

09. Toccata E Minor (4:23)

10. Fugue E Minor (7:07)

11. Canon D Minor (6:14)

12. Scherzo D Minor (5:22)

12 Monologues 

I don’t know why Reger’s music is fascinating.  It’s sometimes hard to follow, yet always seems self-assured.  “Follow me into this moebius strip,” it entices.  “If you follow me, you’ll be safe.”  Of course, you might also be tied in knots!

See you Monday.

  

Hazám! As Gomer Pyle Didn't Say

A 2000 release.  The track listings are courtesy of online matching to the CD info.  Some have vocals.

01. Liszt Ferenc - Rákóczi induló (1938) (2:29)

02. Dezséri Bachó István - Magyar Hosök induló (1908) (3:02)

03. Magyar népdal - Kossuth Lajos Azt üzente (1938) (2:44)

04. Egressy Béni - Klapka induló (1938) (2:12)

05. Lányi Erno - Ne sírj, ne sírj Kossuth Lajos (1938) (2:36)

06. Various Artists - Díszorségváltás a Királyi Várban (1932) (2:47)

07. Papp Váry Elemérné - Szabados Béla - Magyar hiszekegy (1938) (1:14)

08. Huszka Jeno - Petofi Sándor - Talpra magyar (1939) (2:38)

09. vitéz Náray Antal - vitéz Somogyváry Gyula - Lovassági induló (1940) (2:45)

10. Egressy Béni - Szózat (1938) (1:49)

11. vitéz Major István - Szent László Himnusz (1938) (2:52)

12. Dr. Kiss-Angyal Erno - Ott, ahol zúg az a négy folyó (1939) (2:59)

13. Huszár Imre - Erdélyország azt üzente (Székely menetinduló) (1939) (2:51)

14. Mihalik Kálmán - Dr. Csanády György - Székely Himnusz (1939) (2:29)

15. Erdélyi Mihály - Hazádnak (Ma kéz kezet fog emberek) (1940) (2:42)

16. Huszka Jeno - Szilágyi László - Vértol pirosló osi kard (1941) (2:06)

17. Barna Izsó - Árpád Apánk induló (1936) (3:12)

18. Petofi Sándor - Cserebogár (2000) (2:35)

19. Kacsóh Pongrác - Rákóczi megtérése (2000) (3:31)

20. Dr. Sándor Jeno - Magyarok szép hazája (1996) (2:42)

21. Kodály Zoltán - Háry János - Toborzó (4:34)

22. Vincze Zsigmond Kulinyi Erno - Szép vagy, gyönyöru vagy Magyarország (1996) (4:38)

23. Erkel Ferenc - Bánk Bán - Hazám, Hazám (1996) (2:44)

24. Erkel Ferenc - Himnusz (1937) (2:27)

Hazám! 

According to an online translator, the title is Hungarian for “National Music Festivals.”  If these are live performances, perhaps in outside venues, this explains why these sound like very old recordings, or recorded poorly by our spoiled Western standards.

If you can decipher the autograph and words on the CD front, let me and the world know!  See you Thursday.

   

Hoe Latte Love

Let's start this supposed Month of Love with a new music compilation with a couple of dozen ... umm, ... different takes on the subject.

01 - Tropical Fish - The Elevators - 1980  (3:09)

02 - Love Potion No 9 - The Clovers - 1959  (1:54)

03 - Indigestion - The Prams - 1979  (2:08)

04 - I Broke Her Heart, She Broke My Arm - Stark Naked and the Fleshtones - 1981  (3:05)

05 - Humpin' Up a Dead Girl - Hatman Williams (Phil LaMarr) - 2000  (1:37)

06 - Computer Love - Lord Manuel and the Neighbor Hoods - 1978  (1:22)

07 - I'll Never Make Fun of Her Mustache Again - The Dellwoods - 1963  (2:14)

08 - Little Ghost - White Stripes - 2005  (2:31)

09 - Answering Machine - The Moderns - 1981  (3:29)

10 - I'm Losing My Lunch Over You - Luchs Brothers - 1978  (1:32)

11 - Undertakin' Daddy - Wayne Raney - 1952  (2:20)

12 - Living China Doll - Moving Parts - 1980  (3:12)

13 - Girl in a Magazine - The Brains - 1980  (3:07)

14 - She Loves Herself - Nuclear Boyz - 1981  (1:45)

15 - Tombstone Number 9 - Murray Scaff and His Aristocrats - 1956  (2:48)

16 - Glendora - Downliners Sect - 1966  (2:43)

17 - Anorexia - God and the State - 1985  (3:44)

18 - Graveyard Tree - Koffin Kats - 2003  (2:52)

19 - Cancel My Order for Love - Rodd Keith - 1972  (2:02)

20 - Schizophrenic Baby - Sheldon Allman - 1960  (1:45)

21 - Ballad of the Caveman - Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo - 1976  (1:30)

22 - The Stalker - Laurie Powell - 2000  (3:18)

23 - Zombie Girl - Dino-Mike - 2013  (3:11)

24 - The Beast with Five Hands - The Groovie Ghoulies - 2006  (2:02)

25 - Karen Ann Quinlan - Vomit Pigs - 1979  (3:00)

26 - She's in Love (with the Rolling Stones) - The Telefones - 1980  (2:56)

27 - Time Warp - John Dowie - 1977  (2:00)

28 - Two Ton Tessie - The Banana Splits - 1968  (2:22)

29 - I Don't Want to Be Your Amputee - John Dowie - 1977  (1:43)

30 - The Moon and Me (from The Addams Family) - Kevin Chamberlin - 2010  (3:02)

31 - (I'm into) Shoes - Wild Horses - 1982  (3:11)

I ain't gonna tell you what to do, but please listen to these songs for entertainment purposes ONLY!

https://www.filefactory.com/file/6jr4ekaiejr4/MA-186.rar

See you on Monday.  Until then, try and find somebody to love!

  

Don't Wipe Out, Hep Cats and Kittens!

It's a 1989 compilation CD of some of the ginchiest music around, daddy-io!

01. Let's Go Trippin' (2:11)

02. Shake 'n' Stomp (2:12)

03. Misirlou (2:16)

04. Mr Peppermint Man (vocal) (2:25)

05. Surf Beat (3:01)

06. Take It Off (2:12)

07. King of the Surf Guitar (vocal) (2:09)

08. Hava Nagila (2:08)

09. Riders in the Sky (2:15)

10. The Wedge (2:02)

11. Night Rider (1:49)

12. Mr Eliminator (2:02)

13. The Victor (3:15)

14. Taco Wagon (2:11)

15. Tidal Wave (2:05)

16. Banzai Washout (2:20)

17. One Double One Oh! (instrumental version) (2:46)

18. Pipeline (3:00)

King of the Surf Guitar

You find, as did I, that more than a few tracks at a time can overload your sense of fun.

See you on Thursday, if you don't eat the sand first, with a new music comp in honor of Valentine's season!

  

Not Scanty or Scandalous

But Scandanavian!

01. Rustle of Spring - Sinding (2:50)

02. Norwegian Dances - #1 Allegro marcato - Grieg (6:04)

03. Norwegian Dances - #2 Allegretto tranquillo e grazioso - Grieg (2:19)

04. Norwegian Dances - #3 Allegro moderato alla marcia - Grieg (3:16)

05. Norwegian Dances - #4 Allegro molto - Grieg (5:48)

06. Karelia Overture - Sibelius (9:31)

07. Swedish Rhapsody #1 Midsummer Vigil - Alfvén (13:31)

08. Lyric Suite - #1 Shepherd's Boy - Grieg (4:57)

09. Lyric Suite - #2 Norwegian Rustic March - Grieg (4:00)

10. Lyric Suite - #3 Notturno - Grieg (4:30)

11. Lyric Suite - #4 March of the Dwarfs - Grieg (3:14)

12. Norwegian Artists' Carnival - Svendsen (6:25)

13. Symphonic Dances 3 - Allegro giocoso - Grieg (6:16)

It's OK, but not as stirring as I had hoped.

Scandinavian Festival

Stay festive until Monday!

  

Me Russia! This Music!

 It's a 1990 cassette.

I saw the LaserLight logo on the cassette, and figured something on here would be interesting.  There’s nothing more rousing than a big, clashing Russian overture, nor as sorrowful as a melancholy Russian dirge -- am I right?

01 - St Petersburg - Russian Radio Chorus + Orchestra

02 - Why Should I Be Sad - Orchestra Vladimir Avramow

03 - Dark Night - Russian Radio Chorus + Orchestra

04 - Dorogoj Daineau (The Long Way) - Orchestra Vladimir Avramow

05 - Wolga - Russian Radio Chorus + Orchestra

06 - So Many Days - Orchestra Vladimir Avramow

07 - Nastassja - Russian Radio Chorus + Orchestra

08 - Dwe Gitary (Two Guitars) - Orchestra Vladimir Avramow

09 - Fields - Russian Radio Chorus + Orchestra

10 - Hai-Da Trojka - Orchestra Vladimir Avramow

11 - Bandura - Russian Radio Chorus + Orchestra

12 - Tschubtschik - Orchestra Vladimir Avramow

13 - Troika - Russian Radio Chorus + Orchestra

14 - The Cossack - Russian Radio Chorus + Orchestra

15 - Our Little Village - Orchestra Vladimir Avramow

16 - Stenka Rasin - Russian Radio Chorus + Orchestra

What a surprise -- I wasn’t expecting vocals. Inside the flap we’re informed, “Traditional Russian music performed by well known Russian singers and orchestras.”

The voice of the female warbler, Alia Bajanova, reminds me of Ilona Massey’s in Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man.  Or maybe a young Marlene Dietrich!

VA -- Music from Russia

What do you think?

  

All Aboard!

This 1996 release is a smorgasbord of New Age fun and games.

01 - Morphing Space (Ambient mix) - Christopher Franke

02 - Coba - Patrick O’Hearn

03 - Ixlandia - Jonn Serrie

04 - Chatter - Gabrielle Roth

05 - Sunrise - Dean Evenson

06 - Left Where It Fell - Brian Eno and Jah Wobble

07 - Rites of Passage - Constance Demby

08 - Higher Ground - Steven Halpern

09 - Love Magick - Robert Rich and Steve Roach

10 - Twin Flame - Michael Stearns

11 - Lumiere - Suzanne Ciani

These guys and gals are indeed SOME OF the legends of “space / ambient” music, but these tracks aren’t necessarily the best they’ve ever done.

Celestial Journey

But it's a fun sampler. See you Monday!

  

Maybe You're in the Tribe?

I found this 2000 release at my local thrift store.

01. All Creatures of Our God and King (1:32)
02. Come Now - Now Is the Time to Worship (4:13)
03. Freedom (6:24)
04. Dua (0:56)
05. Only You (4:54)
06. Salvation (4:35)
07. Salvation Belongs to Our God (4:14)
08. Intercession Introduction (5:01)
09. Intercession (1:04)
10. One Day (7:15)
11. One Thing (6:50)
12. Slave (4:39)
13. Song of the Worker (1:36)
14. Draw Me Nearer (2:12)
15. Exhortation (2:08)
16. Fuel (3:58)
17. O Worship the King (1:15)
18. Fuel - Reprise (2:28)

It’s a Live Worship Experience (my description), from "Face to Face Worship Resources."  IMO thirty seconds of this goes a long way. As with many “live” recordings, it was more meaningful to those attending, than it can possibly be to us, after the fact.

Every Tribe

See if you're moved.  See ya Thursdasy!

  

Dozing Off in the Desert

This 1991 cassette is by a guy who's done stuff I like more. But maybe howling at the moon in Arizona is just your cup o' tea!

01. Desert Moon (8:22)

02. Deep Night (9:03)

03. Desert Dawn (5:55)

04. Daybreak (3:49)

05. Sunstream (2:18)

06. Grandfather Rain (4:54)

07. Prayer (1:33)

08. After the Rain (4:17)

09. Saguaro (2:04)

10. Sunset Colors (5:29)

11. Evensong (6:22)

12. Mating Call (4:50)

Check out the advice in the notes to not listen while driving.  I couldn’t detect any “Earth Resonance Frequencies,” but you might pass out from boredom.  This is the most meandering and least interesting release of Evenson I’ve heard.  I like his 1989 Ocean Dreams quite a bit.  But this is ho-hum.

Desert Moon Song

See you Monday, my friends!

  

Swanky New Year

This was part of the retro revival which came around in the 1990s as callow youths craved for music their moms were supposedly seduced to.

Like all collections of music of the times, this 1995 one is hit-and-miss.

01. Terry Snyder - Once in a While (2:54)

02. Arthur Lyman - Love for Sale (3:01)

03. Jackie Gleason and His Orchestra - You're Driving Me Crazy (What Did I Do?) (2:43)

04. David Rose and His Concert Orchestra - Sunset Strip (2:21)

05. Morris Stoloff and The Columbia Pictures Studio Orchestra - Moonglow and Love Theme From 'Picnic' (3:49)

06. The George Shearing Quintet - Medley: As Long as I Live / Let's Live Again (3:57)

07. Linda Lawson - Like Young (3:24)

08. Nelson Riddle and His Orchestra - Theme From 'Route 66' (2:10)

09. The John Buzon Trio - Ill Wind (2:17)

10. Martin Denny - Quiet Village (long version) (3:41)

11. Arthur Lyman - Yellow Bird (2:46)

12. The Dick Hyman Trio - Moritat (A Theme From the Threepenny Opera) (2:17)

13. Jimmy Dorsey - So Rare (2:38)

14. Jackie Gleason and His Orchestra - Theme From 'The Honeymooners' (Melancholy Serenade) (3:16)

15. Victor Young - Around the World (From 'Around the World in 80 Days') (3:04)

Den, Volume 1 

See if your ears are suitably swooned.  See you Thursday!

 

Hide Your Face, Open Your Ears

It's an interesting 2001 release.

01. Purcell: Music for a While (3:22)

02. Purcell: I Attempt from Love's Sickness to Fly (1:46)

03. Purcell: Ah! How Sweet It Is to Love (2:52)

04. Purcell: Lord, What Is Man (5:37)

05. Purcell: Hark! How All Things (1:56)

06. Bach: Cantata, BWV 199, "Mein Herze schwimmt im Blut" - Recitativo (2:06)

07. Bach: Cantata, BWV 199, "Mein Herze schwimmt im Blut" - Aria (8:20)

08. Bach: Cantata, BWV 199, "Mein Herze schwimmt im Blut" - Recitativo (1:00)

09. Bach: Cantata, BWV 199, "Mein Herze schwimmt im Blut" - Aria (7:28)

10. Bach: Cantata, BWV 199, "Mein Herze schwimmt im Blut" - Recitativo (0:15)

11. Bach: Cantata, BWV 199, "Mein Herze schwimmt im Blut" - Corale (1:42)

12. Bach: Cantata, BWV 199, "Mein Herze schwimmt im Blut" - Recitativo (0:47)

13. Bach: Cantata, BWV 199, "Mein Herze schwimmt im Blut" - Aria (2:22)

14. Purcell: If Music Be the Food of Love (3:48)

15. Purcell: The Blessed Virgin's Expostulation (7:38)

16. Purcell: An Evening Hymn On A Ground (4:06)

I appreciated the musical craftsmanship, but wasn't stirred as I might have wished.  It’s sad that such lovely music and fine performances are somehow not affective at all.  This doesn’t move me emotionally.  Dang it, it should!

Angels Hide TheirFaces

Let me know if you're happier than I am.  See you Monday!

  

Creepy New Year!

Thought I'd start off the New Year with a bit of a thrill.

Whether or not "The Devil's Trill" actually arose from a dream of the Devil, that was the story Tartini stuck to.  You may not find it devilish in hearing, but I bet it's pretty hard to pull off competently.

Manze does pretty good, in this 1997 release.

The Devil's Sonata in G minor

   1. Largo 6:40

   2. Allegro 6:09

   3. Andante-Allegro-Adagio 6:24

 

from "L'arte del arco"

   4.  Theme and variation I 1:00

   5.  Variations 2 and 4 1:08

   6.  Variations 9, 15 and 12 1:28

   7.  Variations 10 and 20 1:51

   8.  Variation 29 0:46

   9.  Variation 30 0:37

 10.  Variation 33 2:04

 11.  Variation 34 1:11

 12.  Variation 23 0:53

 13.  Variation 38 1:14

 

Sonata in A minor

 14. Cantabile 1:56

 15. Allegro 1:56

 16. [Andante] 4:53

 17. Giga 2:35

 18. Aria [with variations] 1:40

 19. Variation I 1:18

 20. Variation II 3:51

 21. Variation III 1:32

 22. Variation IV 2:42

 23. Variation V 1:24

 

"Pastorale" for violin in scordatura

 24. Grave 5:02

 25. Allegro 3:30

 26. Largo-Presto-Andante 4:59

The Devil's Sonata

See you Thursday.  Happy 2024 to all!
 

Swingin' Out This Christmas!

With this 1985 entry we swing on out of this year's SPOCKY CHRISTMAS!

01. Cotton-Eyed Jingle Bells (3:08)

02. I'll Be Home for Christmas (2:43)

03. Here Comes Santa Claus (2:31)

04. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town (1:31)

05. Let It Snow (2:50)

06. Cowboy Christmas (2:56)

07. White Christmas (3:13)

08. Blue Christmas (2:58)

09. Swingin' Around the Christmas Tree (2:02)

10. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus (2:16)

A Western Swing Christmas 

Enjoy this taste of the west, swingin' style!  See you Monday, in the New Year!

  

Merry Christmas -- A New Christmas Comp!

MA-184 - Xmas All Over the Map 

As its title suggests, this comp's songs are all over the place. Plenty of irreverence, some quiet thoughts, all kinds of different approaches to Christmas!

Christmas ain't gotta be like the above ...  It can be like the below!

Our lineup:

01 - Noel - Claymation Christmas Celebration - 1988  (3:30)

02 - Rock and Roll Christmas - Cordell Jackson - 1956  (2:48)

03 - Anniversary Sale Jingle - BC Clark - 1977  (0:32)

04 - My Little Dog Has Gone to the Moon for Christmas - Little Jeannie - 1959  (2:02)

05 - Throw the Yule Log on, Uncle John - Harmonium Choral Society - 2008  (2:11)

06 - The Christmas Wrong - The Evolution Control Committee - 2003  (1:30)

07 - Zat You, Santa Claus - Ingrid Lucia - 2006  (3:54)

08 - Is Santa Claus a Hippy? - Linda Cassady - 1971  (2:44)

09 - Weihnachtstraum Op.17 No.9 (Reger) - Eteri Andjaparidze - 1996  (1:25)

10 - The Christmas Boogie - The Davis Sisters - 1954  (2:11)

11 - Outer Space Santa - Lawrence Welk's Little Band - Janet, Brian, Cubby & the Lennon Sisters - 1958  (2:15)

12 - Boogie-Woogie Santa Claus - Mabel Scott with Les Welch & His Orchestra - 1954  (2:15)

13 - Santa Done Got Hip - The Marquees - 1959  (1:46)

14 - Reggae Christmas Eve in Transylvania - Count Floyd - 1982  (2:46)

15 - On This Holy Holy Night - BJ Thomas - 1997  (5:57)

16 - Breath of Heaven - Heart of Worship Classics - 1995  (4:45)

17 - I Want a Rocket Ship for Christmas - Richard Hitchner - 1958  (2:43)

18 - Silent Night / Prelude in C - Linda McKechnie and the Don Marsh Orchestra - 2004  (2:49)

19 - Be-Boppers Christmas - Cordell Jackson - 1956  (1:59)

20 - Santa Is a Dirty Old Man - The Wardettes - 1961  (1:49)

21 - Christmas Dinner - Peter, Paul and Mary - 1969  (2:58)

22 - The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late) - Dave Seville and the Chipmunks - 1958  (2:19)

23 - Santa Claus Rocket Ship - Phyllis Hamilton - 1959  (1:44)

24 - Angels We Have Heard on High - Claymation Christmas Celebration - 1988  (3:22)

25 - Suddenly It's Christmas (live) - Loudon Wainwright III - 1993  (2:16)

26 - Santa to the Moon - Sonny Cole - 1957  (1:34)

27 - Mrs Claus Has Menopause - The Sterilles - 1987  (1:59)

28 - Transylvanian Xmas - Zombina and the Skeletones - 2003  (3:10)

29 - First Christmas Story - Holy Family Apostolate Corporation - 2002  (1:48)

30 - Ding Dong! Merrily on High - London Symphony Brass Ensemble - 1987  (2:28)

31 - Hey! Hey! Anybody Listening - Anne Campbell Singers - 2015  (1:50)

Surely you can find something (dare I wish someone?) to celebrate today!

https://www.filefactory.com/file/2h7mt5knb8h6/MA-184.rar

See you on Thursday with our last installment in this year's SPOCKY CHRISTMAS!

  

A Charming Noël

It's a 1993 cassette which is pretty fun.

01. Un Flambeau, Jeanette, Isabella • Il Est Né, le Divin Enfant (3:14)
02. Infant Holy • I Saw Three Ships • The Builders (4:04)
03. At the Nativity • Bethlehem's Stall (3:50)
04. Fum Fum Fum • Patapan (2:22)
05. Christ Is Born in Bethlehem • We'll Speak Very Softly (4:56)
06. O Tannenbaum • Lippai (3:07)
07. Lovely Is the Dark Blue Sky • Come Hear the Wonderful Tidings (2:33)
08. In Dulce Jubilo • Shepherd's Cradle Song • Canzone d'i Zampognari (3:57)
09. Gabriel's Message Does Away • Adam and His Helpmate (3:30)
10. Masters in this Hall • Wherefore this Great Joy (4:31)
11. To Bethlehem • The Message (3:48)
12. As Lately We Watched (1:49)
13. Un Flambeau, Jeanette, Isabella (reprise) (1:22)

A Victorian Noël

Was it Victorious for you too? 

See you on Christmas Day!  Prepare your heart!

  

Rumania at the Inn

It's a peck o' not-familiar Christmas songs:

01. Buna dimineata la mos ajun (Friendly Greetings on Christmas Eve) (0:49)

02. Iata vin colindatori (Behold, the Singers Are Approaching) (0:57)

03. O ce veste minunata (O Wonderful Tidings) (2:48)

04. Plecarea magilor (The Magis' Farewell) (1:05)

05. Trei crai (Three Magi) (3:07)

06. Colo-n susu (Above There) (1:19)

07. Domnulet si Domn din cer (Lord in Heaven) (3:41)

08. Sus la poarta raiului (Above at Heaven's Gate) (1:46)

09. Colindata (Christmas Carol) (0:47)

10. Steaua sus rasare (A Star Is Raising) (2:00)

11. La vitleem colo-n jos (In Bethlehem, Far From the Town) (2:40)

12. La Nunta dun Cana Galileii (The Wedding at Cana) (2:00)

13. Colinda de Pacurar (The Shepherd's Carol) (1:08)

14. Steluta (The Little Star) (2:30)

15. Velrim si veler Doamne (Glory to God) (1:15)

16. Ziurel de Zina (Day of Days) (1:49)

17. Colinda de Florii (Pentecost Song) (2:45)

18. Noi umblam si Colindam (Bring Joy to Every House) (1:08)

19. Bruckner: Ave Maria (3:33)

20. Bruckner: Virga Jesse (5:03)

21. Bruckner: Tota Pulchra Es Matia (4:30)

22. Schutz: Jauchzet dem Herrn (Glory to God) (6:35)

Part of the music's charm or intrigue to us, of course, is the unfamiliar language.  But I'd call this worth a thank-you to Laserlight.

East European Christmas

What do YOU think about it?  See you Thursday, fellow Christmas-mongers!

  

The Flourishes of a Celtic Christmas

This is a 1980 release.   And there's nothing really bad about it, except sometimes Jackson seems too interested in zinging her hands up and down the scales.  It’s flourishy but seems kind of pointless, because if the melody is lost under the technique, what use is the melody?

01. The First Noel (3:05)

02. Pipers' Carol (2:10)

03. Sing We Now of Christmas (2:40)

04. Christ Child's Lullaby (2:16)

05. Beautiful Lamb of God (2:45)

06. What Child Is This (3:00)

07. Lord of the Dance (2:58)

08. I Saw Three Ships (2:16)

09. Silent Night (2:27)

10. Plainsong (2:29)

11. Air of the Isles (1:56)

12. What Wondrous Love (1:40)

13. The Gift of Love (2:43)

Celtic Christmas

Tell me what YOU think.  You gotta admit, that is one tall harp!  See you on Monday!

  

Won't Make You Generous

This is, I assume, a giveaway, perhaps for donors to Boys Town.

01. Silent Night (2:41)

02. What Child Is This? (3:42)

03. O Come all Ye Failthful (4:14)

04. O Tannenbaum (2:03)

05. Deck the Halls (1:16)

06. Jingle Bells (2:04)

07. We Three Kings (1:52)

08. The First Noel (3:26)

09. I Heard the Bells on Chistmas Day (2:15)

10. Auld Lang Syne (1:34)

11. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (1:19)

12. O Holy Night (2:22)

13. We Wish You a Merry Christmas (2:25)

These range all over the place from predictably cheesy (tracks 1 or 3) to the gloomy and creepy (track 2).  The disc came in a paper sleeve.

Boys Town - Instrumental Christmas Favorites

See you Thursday with somethin' less creepy!

  

Can You Hear the Color?

It's a 1968 LP of Christmas "background" music.  I guess the weirdos on the cover are supposed to be medieval-type musicians?

01. Medley: We Wish You a Merry Christmas - Carol of the Bells (2:29)

02. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (2:23)

03. The Twelve Days of Christmas (2:53)

04. Angels We Have Heard on High (2:26)

05. Good King Wenceslaus (2:03)

06. Coventry Carol (2:16)

07. Carol of the Drum ("Little Drummer Boy") (1:43)

08. Deck the Halls (2:07)

09. I'll Be Home for Christmas (2:31)

10. Medley: Shepherd's Carol - Patapan (2:27)

11. O Christmas Tree (2:15)

12. Here We Come a-Caroling (2:17)

13. The Christmas Waltz (2:22)

14. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen (2:16)

This is pretty good stuff for being intentionally non-intrusive.

Sound and Color!

See you on Monday, colorful cats and kittens!

  

Welcome to SPOCKY CHRISTMAS 2023!

Yes, it's that time of year again ... Time for the best and the drekkiest of Yuletide Music!  We commence this year's Spocky Christmas with one of the gooder ones.

The Cambridge Singers is good ones, and John Rutter has written or arranged some fun and worshipful Christmas music, so I'll give this one a GOOD.

01 - I Saw Three Ships - [traditional]

02 - Riu, riu, chiu - [traditional]

03 - Mary's Lullaby - John Rutter

04 - Sans Day Carol - [traditional]

05 - Un flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle - [traditional]

06 - Star Carol - John Rutter

07 - What Is This Lovely Fragrance - [traditional]

08 - Wexford Carol - [traditional]

09 - Balulalow - Peter Warlock

10 - I Saw a Fair Maiden - Peter Warlock

11 - Jesus Child - John Rutter

12 - Quittez, pasteurs - [traditional]

13 - The Lamb - John Tavener

14 - Fantasia on Christmas Carols - Ralph Vaughan Williams

15 - Blessed Be That Maid Mary - [traditional]

16 - Donkey Carol - John Rutter

17 - Wild Wood Carol - John Rutter

18 - Go, Tell It on the Mountain - [traditional]

19 - The Very Best Time of Year - John Rutter

20 - Deck the Hall - [traditional]

21 - Shepherd's Pipe Carol - John Rutter

22 - Christmas Lullaby - John Rutter

23 - We Wish You a Merry Christmas - [traditional]

It's a 1993 release.

Christmas Day in the Morning

See you on Thursday, fellow carollers!