Shirley Bassey- Is Really Something

DSCN4540This was $2.40.  Seems to be a lot of $2.40 records this week. Anyway, the playlist was pretty good and diverse so I got this.6a00e008dca1f08834017c3714689a970b-500wi

Shirley Bassey, or Dame Shirley Bassey is from Wales.  I did not know this. Along with Tom Jones, I seem to be cramming all my Welch content into this month. Anyway, her career started in the mid-fifties with chart successes in the UK and the US.  Her biggest hit and the song she is really known for, for better of for worse, is the theme for the James Bond Film, Goldfinger.  She also sang the themes to Diamonds are Forever, and Moonraker.  She is still active today.

Bassey’s Unoffical Blog

This was Bassey’s 13th album I believe.  It was a comeback album of sorts.  Bassey’s career had been in decline from the mid 60’s to 1970, when this came out.  It was a big hit, reaching Number 5 on the UK charts.  Her version of the Beatles’ “Something” was also a hit.  This album greatly rejuvenated her career and led to a string of good albums in the 70’s.  DSCN4541

And the album is pretty good.  It has a good selection of songs from diverse sources.  Pop standards, contemporary rock, older standards, film music, and a song from the musical Hair, all done with Bassey’s powerful vocals. 974021137bd29b8bebde5e65d9f90486

For a sample, I went with “What About Today” which I felt was the best song on the album.  I also decided to go with her version of “Light My Fire”  to give some contrast to the Nancy Sinatra version I posted last week.article-1222968-06F129BE000005DC-450_468x477

Excellent album.  Top rated.

ST/ Tatum-Hampton-Rich

DSCN4504This was $2.40.  It was recommended to me by some random stranger I met at the Half Price Books on FM529.  Anybody who knows me knows how much I love talking to strange men.  But somehow, instead of the normal ignoring routine that I do, we chatted for a bit.  We talked a bit about Buddy Rich’s brutal treatment of musicians and his influence on certain Seinfeld‘s lines.  We also spoke a bit about Ray Price, who was a roommate of the stranger’s father for a period.  At first I was dead set against buying this record, because I am not going to get something because someone I do not know suggested I should.  But after looking at it for awhile, I decided it looked pretty good.  I was also looking at the time for an outlet for two of my Buddy Rich stories.812215

Link to earlier Rich album with the two stories including his link to Seinfeld.

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This album was originally released in 1955 by Clef Records.  This version I posted is a re-release by Verve.  It features the work of three geniuses in their fields; the vibraphone of Lionel Hampton, the piano of Art Tatum, and the drums of Buddy Rich.  Tatum would die a year after this recording.  Art-tatum

All members are in good form on this album and it is a really good jazz collection.  Songs like “Perdido”, “Hallelujah”, and Cole Porter’s “What is This Thing Called Love” really swing.  As stated above, I got this originally as an outlet for some Rich stories I had, but I felt that the album really highlighted more of Hampton and Tatum.  Rich was keeping the beat in a supporting role rather than offering flashy fills.  And perhaps, that is exactly what this album needed and why Rich is one of the greats.DSCN4505

I thought “Hallelujah” was a better song, but for a sample, I wanted to use something that showcased all three.  Therefore, here is “How High The Moon” which has what I can recall the only drum solo Rich does on the album.buddyrich500999

Top Rated Record. This is an excellent jazz album.

Rosemary Clooney & Perez Prado- A Touch of Tabasco

TabascoThis was $4.50. Rosemary Clooney was singer of the 1950’s and probably best remembered today as George Clooney’s aunt.  Perez Prado was a Cuban band leader known as King of the Mambo.  He also wrote “Mambo #5”.73385068_-1_991755a

This album, released in 1959, was Clooney’s first effort for RCA after leaving Columbia and it is her only collaboration with Prado.  Apparently, bottles of tabasco were used from promotion of this album.  Also, the husband of Clooney, Puerto Rican Jose Ferrer, wrote the liner notes. It is said that he helped her with pronunciation on this album as she initially struggled with it.Jose_Ferrer_and_Rosemary_Clooney_in_Deep_In_My_Heart

The album itself is pretty good although I would say that there should be more Prado.  I felt compared to his other works. the music on this album is more subdued.  But that being said, it is still a good album combining Clooney’s cabaret style with Prado’s Cuban rhythms, complete with his trademark arrangements and percussion.DSCN4543

For samples, I went with the swinging, “Mack the Knife” as well as “I Got Plenty O’ Nothing”.  Both really good numbers.

Photo of Perez Prado
Perez Prado

This is a top rated album despite the scant criticism I gave it.

Martin Denny- Exotica Volume II

MI0001811003I can not remember if I paid the full $4.00 for this or if I got a discount.  Either way, I am not going to pass up a Martin Denny album.islandlife1a_b

Even if I was not ass-tired today, this is the fourth post I have done for Denny so there is not much more insight I can give into the guy.  And as mentioned, I am ass-tired.  What else is there to say. He admired Herbie Handcock, Chick Corea, and Dave Brubeck.  What else?  Apparently, he had the same girl on the cover of all his early albums.  She showed up to a couple shows afterwards and asked Denny if he recognized her.  He did not.  Anything else you want to know, feel free to use the blog’s Search function and go back to an earlier blog.

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This was Denny’s second album if you overlook the fact that he re-recorded Vol 1 for stereo with Julius Wechter replacing Arthur Lyman.  Recorded in June of 1957 and released in July of 1958,  this album continued the trademark exotica sound Denny first unleashed to the world on Vol 1.  It is indeed an excellent record of glittery, tropical lounge music.DSCN4549

For a sample, I went with the opening track, “Soshu Night Serenade” which has the trademark bird calls on it and lush effects.  I also included the Asian flavored “Rush Hour in Hong Kong”.dennyg

Top Rated Record.

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VA- Great Motion Picture Themes Vol 2

DSCN4536This was 80 cents.  I got it mainly for the track I wanted to use as a sample.  I kind of got movied-out after going all soundtracks in February so I was not as excited to listen to it again as I thought I would be when I bought it.

et pour quelques dollars de plus

Normally, these compilations are easy to listen to, have a good range of material, and are fun to blog about.  This one, eh, not so much. It is ok.  Just a collection of popular instrumental titles from movies from the 60’s.  At first, I was not sure if these are all done by originally artists or not.  The album cover would suggest that some are.  Others I am not so sure about.  Even others, such as Ferrante & Teicher doing “Tara’s Theme” from Gone With The Wind, I am pretty positive are not original.  Some of the highlights to me include “You Only Live Twice”, “The Honey Pot”, “Alfie”, and of course, Quincy Jones’ “In The Heat of the Night”.DSCN4537

But I got this for the theme from “For A Few Dollars More”, the Sergio Leone western, so that is what I am going to sample, by gum.  Composed by Ennio Morricone, this version was done by XXX.  The movie, itself was a sequel to Fistful of Dollars and brought Clint Eastwood and Lee Van Cleef together.  Despite Eastwood calling Van Cleef “Old Man” in the movie, there was really only five years between the two.  This was also Van Cleef’s first staring role, as he had long been a supporting role actor beforehand.  Leone approached Henry Fonda, Lee Marvin, and Charles Bronson before settling on Van Cleef, who cemented his role as a western bad ass in this and future movies to come.

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IMDB Page for the movie

I did not know this but Leone broke many Hollywood rules at the time with this film, most of which if not all were unbeknownst to him.  This included a shooter and a victim being in the same shot, a horse getting gunned down, marijuana use, and a rape scene.  Anyway, with this being said, here is the theme from “For a Few Dollars More” by the LeRoy Holmes Orchestra.

LeRoy Holmes
LeRoy Holmes

Some information on LeRoy

What do I like about it so, besides being a Morricone number?  I think it it the organ part.  All good western theme music should have an organ part.  That was also what I was missing on yesterday’s post.For a Few Dollars More 25

As the album goes, it is really meh.  Probably just soundtracked-out after February but also probably would have liked the individual soundtracks more rather than this compilation.

 

 

Algerd Brazis w/ the Zibuokles Women’s Sextet- Favorite Lithuanian Hymns.

DSCN4546Ah, another busy day of work and hockey tonight which crams whatever home life I have into a short window.  As a result, I will try to breeze thru this post for this album I bought to diversify my blog. It was 80 cents.2722480122_3abd331740_b

This album is a collection of Lithuanian hymns, sung by baritone Algerd Brazis with the Zibuokles Women’s sextet.  Brazis died in 2007 at age 92.  He was recognized in his obituary for his 31 year stint with the Chicago Lithuanian Opera as well as his work with the Met in New York.   The Zimbuokles Women’s Sextet , on the other hand were from New Jersey. Louis Stukas was the director. Also a New Jersey native, he passed in 2005.  The organ, which I wish there were more of, was played by Algerdas Kacanauskas.  I had to translate his information.  He was born in St Petersburg in 1917, fled to Germany in 1944, moved to Brooklyn sometime in the 1950’s, and died in 1977.  Along the way, he became a accomplished international organist in Lithuanian circles. and I thought I was not going to do back stories today.2333684931_41bf1e4e24

These hymns were influenced by both Gregorian and Polyphonic singing, although I would argue this album lacks the first part, at least in the sense that makes it interesting.  German chorales and Polish religious hymns also shape this art form which was passed down not from sheet music but rather oral traditions.  If you are looking for rarities here you are out of luck.  These are popular hymns.  They are however not liturgical, which means according to the back of the album, they can be sung at home.DSCN4547

For a sample, I decided to go with “Sveika Marija” or Hail Mary, sung by the baritone, Brazis.VilniusHolyGhostChurch

Meh.  I guess I was expecting a bit deeper organ and a bit more chorus. At least I got this done in twenty minutes.

 

The King Sisters-Aloha

DSCN4544This was $2.40.  I thought I got it recently, that is to say within the last two months, but looking at the price tag, I must have gotten this on Labor Day.  I still have a bunch of records from last year’s Memorial Day that I still have not posted yet.  I am really not buying any new albums these days until I clear a good chunk of my backlog out, which I have not done as of yet.  Anyway, I got this one for the Hawaiian music .CNbZrR3UkAAtzc0

As another side note, this was from Moses Melody Shop on 3958 Westheimer which I assume has long closed down.  The first shop was in Little Rock, Arkansas and known as the”Hippest Record Shop” in town.  It was opened by Cleve Moses shortly after World War I.  His sons, Cleve JR and James ran it after Cleve Sr’s death.  Additionally, Cleve Jr moved to Houston after WW II and opened shop here.   Note that the picture above is from the Little Rock Store.King-Sisters-Mormon

The King Sisters were a popular vocal group of the 1930’s and 1940’s.  Born and raised in Pleasant Grove, Utah, where they were most likely Mormen, the sisters were part of their family band before making it on their own in radio, in big bands, and then in movies.  They also had a variety program on the TV for a while in the mid 60’s.  Six sisters have performed throughout various incarnations but from what I can tell the sisters started as a trio of Maxine, Luise, and Alyce. Donna, and Yvonne joined when Maxine retired to raise a family.   The line up on this album consists of Marilyn, Luise, Alyce, and Yvonne. They are all dead now, the last one, Marylyn,  passing on in 2013.King_sisters_1964

The King Sister’s Webpage

As stated on the cover, this album features music by slide guitar virtuoso, Alvino Rey.  Luise had married Rey in 1927 and remained so until her death.  If you have been reading this blog regularly, you may recall that Rey and Luise’s grandchildren are Win and William Butler of Arcade Fire.

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The Sisters with Rey

Anyway, this album is full of good work from both Rey and the sisters.  Released in 1957,it is what you would expect.  There is a bunch of slack/ slide guitar parts and big band style vocals given to Hawaiian standards.  I was kind of thinking I would yawn throughout this album but I was actually quite amused.  Highlights include, “My Little Grass Shackin Kealakekua” and “On the Beach at Waikiki”.DSCN4545

For a sample, I went with the old favorite of mine “Hawaiian War Chant”.  After some thought on the drive home from work, I decided to throw in “On The Beach At Waikiki” as well.last-photo-bgr

Satisfactory Record.

Tom Jones- The Country Side of Tom Jones

DSCN4533This was $4.00.  I was not going to pass this up at any price, never less close to the top end of my purchasing limits.  You may have noticed this but I am trying to keep post construction down to 20 mins or less.cf16a7a69aa631c845ea9cca46e9ee94

Oddly enough, I have not come across a whole lot of Tom Jones, born in Wales in 1940.  I do not know if there is not a lot of records out there in the secondary market or if they are mostly over $5.00.  Either way, Jones had 36 Top Forty Hits in the UK and 19 in the US so he is no slouch.  He still performs here and there and was recently a judge on the UK’s version of The Voice.

Tom’s Web Page

LOS ANGELES - CIRCA 1978: Welsh singer Tom Jones poses for a portrait circa 1978 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry Langdon/Getty Images)

This album was released in 1978 as a compilation under London Records.  According to the back cover, all this material was previously released.  Many artists released country albums in the 1970’s.  I am guessing someone at the label wanted to ride the country and western fad with this release.king

The album is pretty good.  It has a decent collection of songs on it including “Little Green Apples” and “Wichita Lineman”.  The songs are mostly slower paced, taking advantage of Jones’ booming voice.  While the songs are C&W standards, the instrumentation is not.  It is safe to say that Jones puts his stamp on these and not vice versa.DSCN4534

For a sample, I went with “Cool Water” and “Ring of Fire” as I felt these were the best songs.Tom-Jones-4

Satisfactory record.

Steeleye Span-Parcel of Rogues

DSCN4506This album represents my big score from last year’s Memorial Day Sale at Half Price Books Sale.  I got it at the HPB at Hwy 6 and Veterans’ Memorial. They have a huge dollar section.  It was 80 cents with discount.  I was ecstatic.  There was a guy next to me in the dollar racks talking to himself.  He asked me a question if I was buying a certain album but it took me a while to answer.   I did not realize he was talking to me.Steeleye_span_mk42-600

This was Steeleye Span’s fifth album and the most successful to date (although it would be eclipsed soon thereafter).  This was made with its classic lineup that produced a good string of hit records in the seventies.  It was formed out of a theater project the band was working on at the time, a stage version of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Kidnapped.  The book and play focused on a time in the aftermath of the 18th century Jacobite Rising, where Charles Edward Stuart attempted to regain the British throne for the House of Stuart with a march south from Scotland. In preparation for this, the band became familiar with a good deal of 18th century Scottish poetry and songs.The_Battle_of_Culloden

Wikipedia page on said rebellion

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The albums title comes from the Robert Burn’s song, also on this album, “Such a Parcel of Rogues in a Nation”.  The song was a decry against the members of the Scottish Parliament who signed the Act of Union with England in 1707 and were suspected of taking bribes.  The song continues to this day to be associated with Scottish Nationalism.Photo-of-STEELEYE-SPAN-001

The rest of the album is pretty good.  It reached #13 in the UK.  The underlying theme of the album can be the contrast between the old and the new both in theme with song selection, song themes , and the interplay between acoustic and electric instruments which Steeleye Span is known for.  The album contains three of their classic numbers, “Allison Gross”, “One Misty Moisty Morning”, and “Cam Ye O’er Frae France”.  The latter is a satirical Jacobite song mocking the court of King George I or Geordie Whelps in the song.  I was tempted to write a summary about it on this page but my Lord is there already too many words in this post.  If you have any interested you can read about the song here.

Meaning of Cam Ye O’er for France

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For samples, I went with the above mentioned “Cam Ye O’er for France” because it is one of my favorite Steeleye Span songs.  I also decided to include “Parcel of Rogues” for what few Scottish friends I have and not to stroke any nationalistic fires.steeleye-span_2767432k

Anyway, this is the third Steeleye Span album I have posted so it should go without saying that I would call this a Top Rated Album.

VA- The Kitty Wells Show

DSCN4497This was either a dollar or three dollars.  I need to do a better job of documenting my purchases.  I am kind of leaning on this being a buck.  Either way, I do not see much Kitty Wells for cheap.e20b6211d118468899162fc28cecbbf2

Kitty Wells, the Queen of Country Music, was born in Nashville in 1919.  At 18, she married a aspiring country singer, Johnny Wright.  They formed an act along with Wright’s sister, and later, with Wright’s brother-in-law.  After various incarnations, including the male duo, Johnnie and Jack, Wells hit the big time with a slightly novelty number, “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels”.  The song was a response to Hank Thompson’s “Wild Side of Life” which borrowed the music from the same.  From here, Wells had a string of hits in the 50’s and 60’s.

Wells Web Page

KJi

Wells and Wright remained married and were 33 days away from thier 74th anniversary when Wright passed on in 2011 at age 97.  Wells would pass on a year later at age 92.kitty_johnny

 

This album was released by Decca in 1966.  I am guessing it was taken from a mid-60’s concert.  The sound quality is awfully good for a live recording.  At first I thought it might have been recorded from a TV or radio show but I could not see any evidence of Wells doing either around this time frame.  Regardless, the album features four tunes by Wells plus a few numbers by her husband, their son, Bobby Wright, instrumentalist “pickers” Paul Yandell and Odell Martin, and Bill Phillips, who despite being an accomplished singer, is probably best known today for introducing Dolly Parton to the world of country music.  Johnnie Wright, incidentally, serves as the MC on the album.

Bill Phillps
Bill Phillips

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Despite having only four Wells songs, the album is pretty good, giving an entertaining mix of mid sixties country and western.  For a sample, I went with the song that made Wells a star, “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels”.  I also went with one of my favorite numbers “Lonely Street” by Bill Phillips, although I don’t think it can hold a candle to Ray Price’s version.maxresdefault

Satisfactory record.