In Time for New Years

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In 1965, Johnny Douglas took a break from the Living Strings to issue Dance Party Discotheque on the RCA Camden label. The cuts are in 'strick dance beat tempo' as Arthur Murray would say. They're great to add to any New Years Eve gathering. There are some familiar melodies and some unique tunes as well. They are 'timeless' and rekindle dance from the past. Our favorites are the fox trots and Downtown in bossa nova style. For you fans of The Jackie Gleason Show, you'll recognize The Huckle Buck (featured in the Sample Box).

Now the personal note for the album. In the 70's, I picked-up this recording as a 'Double Play' 8-track. The other recording on the 'DP' was Music for Dancing by the Living Strings. I suppose the theme was Johnny Douglas. As I was perusing eBay one day, I came across our presented posting album and couldn't resist. I was lucky to find it in stereo.

The March of the Mods (Finnjenka)
Downtown (Bossa Nova)
The Loc0-Motion (Mashed Potato)
Call Me (Fox Trot)
The Huckle Buck (Huckle Buck)
Hawaii Tattoo (Merengue)
Popeye (Hitch-Hiker)
Somewhere in Your Heart (Fox Trot)
We Got a Good Thing Going (Pony)
Rock 'N' Roll Music (Twist)

Happy 2009 to all! 2008 was a great year and the start of EasyStackin'. Many thanks to all the favored notes we received that are so encouraging! We hope to recall many fond memories in 2009.

As always, ENJOY!

Billy Vaughn - Christmas Carols

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Here's a long forgotten Christmas classic. Billy Vaughn and his Orchestra presents Christmas Carols. I'm uncertain where and when I found this album. With a few Billy Vaughn albums in the house, I know I couldn't go wrong with it. I'm also uncertain if the album was ever released in stereo. The last groove of the record that takes the needle to the label to eject and slap the next record on top doesn't stop at the label. It goes in/out, in/out, in/out like those old 78 recordings. So, I suspect this album was released somewhere about 1957 just before stereo sound hit the commercial market. In any case, here's Mr. Vaughn in his typical styling for Christmas. Enjoy!

O Little Town of Bethlehem
Jingle Bells
Faith of Our Fathers
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Oh Tannenbaum
Adest Fideles
Silent Night
The First Noel
Joy to the World
Deck the Halls
O Holy Night
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

More Choir for Christmas - Norman Luboff

Christmas with

The Norman Luboff Choir

First released on RCA records in 1964, Pickwick International re released it in 1977 as presented here. I believe I purchased the album (new) not only for the artist but, also for the album cover. I recall having those (vegetable) oil lamps in the 70's.





The arrangements are great and reminiscent of Luboff's 60's style. Favorite pick is Jingle Bells.


Enjoy!

Santa Claus is Comin' to Town
Do You Hear What I Hear
Silver Bells
The Little Drummer Boy
Jingle Bells
Silent Night
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen; Whence Comes this Rush of Wings; The First Noel
O Come, All Ye Faithful
Deck the Halls; Baloo Lammy; Here We Come A-Wassailing
Oh Holy Night
Joy to the World; Oh Little Town of Bethlehem; Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

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Shaw for Christmas

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Choral, just CHORAL! The true meaning of Christmas is here for you to feel. This definitely warms the heart and takes us back in time. I recall this album from my childhood so very well, in mono. I came across this album just last year when a friend gave me grabs on a collection his neighbor was leaving behind. It's in pristine condition and made the digital conversion well. I found an interesting piece of information when quickly comparing the two albums. The mono version from my childhood is dated 1957. The stereo version is dated 1958. Now if that isn't interesting? I wonder if it was rerecorded for the 'new' HiFi Stereo Fidelity of the era? Enjoy the true meaning of Christmas with Robert Shaw Chorale, Christmas Hymns and Carols.

Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly
Wassail Song
Carol of the Bells
Go, Tell It on the Mountain
Shepherd's Carol
Coventry Carol
Patapan
We Three Kings
Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella
God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
I Wonder As I Wonder
My Dancing Day
Christmas Hymn
Angels We Have Heard on High
It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
Joy to the World
Silent Night
Away in a Manger
O Little Town of Bethlehem
Oh Com, O come Emanuel
The First Nowell
O Come, All Ye Faithful

Christmas Toast from Bing Crosby

A Christmas Toast

Here's a special treat, I hope. There are two selections on this album that I remember very well listening to WEZN in Bridgeport, CT during the 70's and 80's. I Sing Noel and the Bells Rang literally ring in my mind every Christmas with fond memories trimming the tree or just relaxing by the fire. I found this album in the late 90's up in Cape Cod still sealed. I really wasn't sure what I was in for. It was the back cover that conjured up memories of watching the Bing Crosby Christmas show with his family. So, I thought it would bring back the memories of the show. Was I wrong in such a pleasant way. When I played the album, I screamed with joy the songs I found that I remember on the radio. The album was released in 1977, the year we lost Mr. Crosby physically. I believe it's a unforgotten album of Mr. Crosby. We often hear his recordings from the 40's on Decca records with the Andrews Sisters. Well, here is Mr. Crosby in one of his finest recording in full stereo with Les Brown arrangements and orchestration. Hope you enjoy it as much as I remember. Enjoy!

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Christmas Magic - Fred Waring

Our friends at FaLaLaLaLaLa have posted the original album covers of this two record set that was released in the early 70's. The recording is not available here because of copyright. It's still available on CD. Our friends at FaLaLaLaLa have recommendations where to find the CD version. It's great choral work that makes the holiday.

Waldo De Los Rios - Christmas With

We had some spare time to post another instrumental favorite. Christmas with Waldo De Los Rios. This recording will definately take you back to the easy-listening stations of the 70's. It's another album to turn the lights out, except for the tree, hav e a glass of wine and relax with the holiday. Our favorite pick is Jingle Bells featured in the 'Sample Box'.

Again, we thank WRFM, Stereo 105 out of New York City for this memory. Perhaps, we might even post some of their 36 hour of uninterupted Christmas special.

Enjoy!

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Goodwin Christmas

We are extremely pleased to have received our first request. Presented here is Ron Goodwin and his orchestra with Christmas Wonderland. The entire album was favored by the easy-listening stations of the past and still on the 'pay-radio' stations today. Our favorite pick from the album is Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer. I remember it very well as I still have it recorded from WRFM Stereo 105 in New York City from the late 70's. It's featured in the 'Sample Box'. This is great holiday sounds from the past and perfect for relaxing with just the glow of your own tree.

Thank you Richard for your request. We're glad we were able to fulfill it.

ENJOY!

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Friends at Yuleblog

Our friends at Christmas Yuleblog resurect a favored holiday album that they successfully and proudly found in STEREO. We at EasyStackin were just about to send the stereo version to Yuleblog when "POOF", it was found. Great job Yuleblog and thank you again for offering this fine recording that brings back very fond memories.

Happy Holiday!

Living Guitars - The Joy of Christmas

Our friends over at Hi-Fi Holiday beat us posting one of our favorite Christmas albums. It's a great album and Hi-Fi presents it very well.

Visit Hi-Fi Holiday at:

http://hif-fi-holiday.blogspot.com/

Thanks Hi-Fi for this great recording.

Spend this Holiday with Me - The Anita Kerr Singers

We've been a bit busy here decorating for the holidays. While we're decorating, we're rippin' some Christmas vinyl and of course, listening at the same time.



Here's one of the most harmoneous vocal groups of all time, The Anita Kerr Singers. The album was released in the late 60's. I purchased it new at Bradlees in the early 70's. It's still in perfect condition and the digital transfer is crisp and clear.



I have not seen it released recently and I know some Internet searchers have been searching for it.



Spend the holiday with Anita and the Singers. Enjoy!
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Choice pick, The Bell that Couldn't Jingle found in the Sample Box.

Williams for Christmas

It's Christmas Time with Roger Williams. One of our favorite piano artists gives up some memorable holiday melodies. Our favorite pick from this album is Santa Claus is Comin' to Town. Presented also in the 'Sample Box'.

Now, I'm don't believe this is available in it's original format as presented here. If there are any still remaining copyrights, please have the courtesy to advise me first to remove them prior to the Blog Buster. Enjoy!

Grab here

Guitars for Christmas

This was a first experience. The previous post "Guitars for Christmas" that included these two albums was automatically removed due to copyright laws, as I'm told. I thought it was Blog-ediquette to request the removal first with factual material to back-up the request?

So, here's the cover art of the two albums that I was unaware still had copyright. You'll have to be on your own to still find them. I couldn't

Merry Christmas, All!

Christmas at Midnight

Imagine Lawrence Welk's harpsichord sound in the 60's add some violins, cello, bass and rhythm. Bingo, you have the Midnight String Quartet, presented here with holiday favorites. Get your favorite glass of wine, turn off the lights except for the your beautiful tree and enjoy the romantic sounds of the holiday with the Midnight String Quartet. Another album, I know my fellow bloggers share, it's classic.

White Christmas
Sleigh Ride
Christmas Rhapsody
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
The First Noel
The Christmas Song
Silent Night
The Little Drummer Boy
O Holy Night

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Jingling Brass for Christmas

The search for this particular album was inspired by various artist albums that contained cuts from this album. I was intrigued with the Nashville brass sound and arrangements. I was quite excited when I found the original album that has been out of print for quite awhile. If you're looking for some uplifting holiday sounds, here it is! Enjoy!

Jingling Brass
White Christmas
Do You Hear What I Hear
Silver Bells
Winter Wonderland
Santa Claus is Comin' to Town
The Christmas Song
Jingle Bell Rock
Blue Christmas
Silent Night

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Eddie Dunstedter

The Bells of Christmas Chime Again - Download

Christmas Candy - Download

Recalling the day that I purchased these albums, I remember the Bells of Christmas Chime Again. I was intrigued by the album cover. I had never heard of Eddie Dunstedter before. So, I wasn't sure the style of music I was looking or about to read about. Organ and chimes sounded nice and I took a chance. Well, I'm glad I took that chance. It's a great and memorable album. It impressed me so much that when I found Christmas Candy, I snatched that up immediately.

Other fellow bloggers have presented these albums. I hope I'm not steppin' on their toes. They're a great addition to any traditional Christmas collection. I have to admit, these were purchased in the late 80's where re-issues were popular. These are abridged versions of their original release. They are in STEREO and crisp and clean!

Merry Christmas from a great artist, Eddie Dunstedter!

Merry Christmas New York

For those of you that grew-up in the NYC metro area and attended a Radio City Music Hall Christmas show, this is bound to bring back very fond memories. From 1972, Merry Christmas New York from the Radio City Music Hall brings the grandeur of the famous show.

Of course, there's always a history behind each recording posted on EasyStackin'. I remember my aunt coming home from work (from the city) with this record. She purchased the record in the lobby branch on the bottom floor of the Chase Building where her office was located on the 47th floor. At the time, I didn't think much of it. For $2.00, it was a 'cheapo' album of a local show. Needless to say, over the years it became a family favorite. Each time I hear it, I recall the time she came home with it.

A special note for this recording, there's a cut of Richard (Dick) Leibert the famous Radio City organist at the Grand Organ Console.

The record has been in the family since it's purchase and in pristine condition. The digital conversion is spectacular as if you're sitting right in the grand theater. Our favorite choice from this album is the famous Rockettes in their performance of Jingle Bells. For you 'stereo aficionados' you'll appreciate the side-by-side, right to left of the Rockettes across the stage. It's pretty cool. I still have not invested in a scanner and PhotoShop. I apologize for the flash reflection on the cover.

With great pleasure, we share this extraordinary memorable recording. Enjoy!

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Christmas - The Singers Unlimited

We're back in commission after a short (okay, extended) vacation. Occasional shopping occurred while on vacation. Surprising enough, it reminded me what time of year it was. Christmas is creeping into the stores. It reminded me of ALL the Christmas records that need to be converted and hopefully posted.

We begin with a fantastic harmony group, the Singers Unlimited. The is a great album that is sure to create a true 'old fashioned' Christmas. I remember purchasing this record new while in college. I never really realized the poor surface noise until the conversion here. I'm very pleased with a little cleaning and equalization, it came out well for listening enjoyment.

This album was released on CD a few years ago. I haven't seen it available in awhile. So, I don't think we're infringing on any copywrite issues here.

So, we're going to keep prepping-up for the holiday season. Enjoy the first selection.

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GoodWill Hunting

Easy Stackin' is going to be a out of commission for the next couple of weeks. So, we thought we'd leave you with two selections. Awhile ago, I promised not to attend any more record conventions or purchase any more vinyl as there is more than plenty of records and vinyl in the house, already.

A friend recently took me to a GoodWill store just browsing for themselves. I searched around and came across a used record bin. Curious, I searched through the few stacks of LP's. Several times I said in my mind, "I've got that", repeatedly. A couple of those "I've got that" found myself pausing a moment and realizing, I do have it in mono.

WAIT, these are in STEREO!!! So, we gave a quick glace at the condition. They looked pretty well kept. For a $1.00 each, how could you go wrong? So here are the two STEREO treats.

From 1962, the Boston Pops performs Leroy Anderson. It's the 'NEW' Sound of the Boston Pops. I found it funny that Sleigh Ride and Serenata sounded exactly like my 78 copy. Course, now in STEREO!!!

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Our second Stereo find is a childhood memory album. My dad played this album frequently from the RCA console stereo in the living room when the album was released in the later mid 60's. I'm sure this was a 'gold' album for Mr. Williams. Summer Samba, Born Free and Cherish were huge hits on the radio. Here's some great 60's instrumental styles from a truly great arranger/artist, Roger Williams. Enjoy!

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Enoch Light STEREO 35MM

Here’s another treasure that’s been in the family as long as I can remember. In fact, I was always intrigued with the album cover as it was the first album stacked in the wire record rack at my aunt’s house. I’m actually surprised that some of my fellow ‘EZ’ bloggers haven’t posted it before. Perhaps, they’re giving me the limelight for it.

From 1961, Enoch Light & his orchestra in Stereo 35MM sound. It’s the successor to Mr. Light’s Persuasive Percussion on his own Command label. Recorded in Carnegie Hall, the sound of this album is extremely entertaining and technically advanced for its period. Hope you enjoy, Stereo 35MM.

Liner notes: The first time you hear this record will be one of the most starling experiences of your entire life. For the very first time you will hear sound that is completely liberated, sound that is tally free – pure, full, honest sound with not mechanical restrictions whatsoever.
No record like this has ever been made before.
It reveals the most astounding development in recording techniques since the first fabulous Command Record, Persuasive Percussion, completely revolutionized the accepted concepts of sound on records.
You will hear sounds so intensely real that you can actually feel the presence of each individual musical instrument.
For the first time you will hear music reproduced in all its full power and glory, with all of its widest, widest breadth and with every last element of imposing depth. The sound is so pur, so totally true, that it is possible to reproduce music of such great intensity that it actually approaches the threshold of pain.
Listening to this record can be a shocking experience. It can be exhausting, it can be exhilarating. But it won’t be a casual experience. This is an adventure in listening that you will never forget.

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Pepe Jaramillo - En Broadway

Here was a treasured find. I was able to find this album on ebay. There's a story behind each of the recordings posted on ES (EasyStackin'). I have been searching for I Talk to the Trees by Mr. Jaramillo since I heard it on WEZN (Bridgeport, CT) in the 70's and 80's. I needed a friend to translate this Mexican album for me to be sure the song was on it. I struck gold!

I suspect the album was released in the late 50's due to the broadway song list. It's a bit beat up. We tried our best to clean it up and feel it came out pretty well.

The album is typical Latin American piano that you can imagine at poolside with a rum and Coke. Today it might be the popular Mojito!

Our favorite choice from the album is featured in the Sample Box. Another favorite of the album is Hey There. Hope you enjoy it as much as we do here at EasyStackin'.

En Broadway - download

Definate Legend

After a vacation trip, we return to the classical section of our collection. The next album up, Caruso, A Legendary Performer compiled from 78 recordings on RCA records in 1976. Even in 1976, digital processing was in it's infancy. Here we get a few Caruso 'classics' from their 78RPM source. What's interesting is you can hear the rough 78 scratches and surface noise even with the digital processing by RCA. I thought for sure it would duplicate onto the MP3 download here. I was surprised at how well the recording came out. These recordings are from the 1920's from original 'Victor' Red Seal 78's. Usually they were one sided records that has a cost of $1.00 each. It's a trip back into history. So for you opera fans, here's some fantastic quality recordings from a truly 'classic' and legendary performer, Caruso. Enjoy!

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The Beach Boys Song Book

Here's the answer to our 'clue', The Hollyridge Strings "The Beach Boys Song Book". The album was released in the mid sixties amongst a string of albums featuring instrumental versions of 'pop' group artists as the Beatles, Four Seasons, Elvis, Nat King Cole and eventually Simon & Garfunkle. This studio orchestra of Capital records conducted by Stu Phillips has a very unique style to themselves. The Hollyridge Strings were quite popular with air time on easy-listening stations. Enjoy some of your favorite Beach Boys hits that even includes a Christmas favorite, Little Saint Nick.

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More Summer Delights

Here are some Columbia records delights. First, "Stars for a Summer Night" released as a compilation in the very early sixties. This 'De Luxe' two record set included popular and classical artists. Most of the cuts from this album are still available through various CD releases.

With the popularity of "Stars for a Summer Night" we get version II released a few years later, "Songs for a Summer Night". Another double record set, this one that highlights some of Columbia's vocalists and vocal groups. Again, many of these cuts are still available through various CD releases.

If you get your hands on these albums, it's a trip back into the early sixties sitting on the front porch on a hot summer night, relaxing to some great music.

Get Ready for SUMMER!!!

What better way to start summer than with the Beach Boys. Surfin' memories of the past. This particular album was a double album set of their top 'pop' hits. I'm not posting the download here as I believe the album is still available on CD format.

Watch soon for a great instrumental surprise for the summer. There's a clue/preview in the 'Sample Box'.

Rampal Surprise

During my college career, I had purchased season tickets to The Hartford Symphony. As a fan of Rampal, I could not pass on seeing him perform live. As I was converting my Rampal albums, I came across this program autographed by Rampal and Arthur Winograd, conductor of The Hartford Symphony.

So, I share this treasure with you as a fond symphonic memory in my college years. I would have loved to post it here. I couldn't find a way to convert the PDF file to a JPEG.

http://rapidshare.com/files/121579239/Rampal_Signiture.pdf.html

Then we revisited the Classical Section

We finally finished off the Rampal recordings. These pictured here are also available on CD format and available still through your favorite CD store.

After the Rampal section, we found this unique recording by E. Powers Biggs. Bach Organ Favorites recorded on the Flentrop Organ in the Busch-Reisinger Museum at Harvard University. Recorded in 1959 just a year after the organ installation. I believe this maybe available on CD as well. Although, if you wish to prove me wrong, I'll be more than happy to post the recording. I purchased the recording new and the transfer came out very crisp and clear.

Since the Last Post

Since our last posting, we've been diggin' into the popular side of the collection still working on the 'Aldrich' section. These recordings have been re-issued through Vocalation from the UK. Amazon is a good source for these CD recordings.

Jean-Pierre Rampal: Bach & Telemann Flute Concertos

This week, we are still in the classical section with Jean-Pierre. This album released in 1974 on Odyssey (Columbia) is with the Saar Radio Chamber Orchestra conducted by Karl Ristenpart. The favorites here are Telemann. They are light and melodic. It's great music for a Sunday afternoon and a glass of your favorite wine.

Bach: Concerto in G Minor and A Minor (originally for violin)

Telemann: Concerto in C Major and D Major

So, here we are Major to Minor! Relax and Enjoy!

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Rampal, Mozart and Six Sonatas for Flute and Harpsichord

Back to the classical section with Jean-Pierre Rampal, Flute and Robert Veyron-LaCrouix on the harpsichord. If you're a reader of these little tibbits of personal connection, you might find this a bit interesting and I'll need your help. Otherwise, download the album and enjoy.

This probably would not have been a recording that I would make a conscientious effort to purchase. I had an RCA 8-Track of 'Classics of the Movies'. I probably picked it up at Woolco bargain bin. The first cut on that 8-track had Sonata No. 4 in F major, I- Allegro. The piece became a favorite of mine until the 8-track eventually broke as they often did. I can't remember how I remembered the lost recording until I came across this presented recording in a used record shop. When I got home and played the first cut, everything came back to me with a good amount of excitement. I think I took a chance with Flute and Harpsichord.

Here's where I need some help. If anyone can recognize the piece and identify the movie it was used in, please drop me a note. I always remember that 8-track and fond memories.

Maruice Larcange - Larcange Plays Becaud

Here's another favorite from the London Phase 4 Stereo library. Larcange Plays the French composer, Becaud. A favorite of easy-listening stations. 90% of the album was always featured on the stations that I remember listening, WRFM, WPAT, WVNJ, WEZN. I believe a portion of this album has been re-released in compilations. I remember purchasing the album 'new' actually in 1977. So, the digital transfer came out fairly clean. Hope you enjoy it!

For Rich in the Hut

Please check out The Vinyl Lounge Hut for a fabulous latin album featuring Eddie Calvert. A favorite song of mine, Aurora. Here, a family heirloom is the Andrews Sisters with their hit, Aurora. It's straight off the victrola to the digitizing process and offered here with it's wear & tear. It's a thank you for Rich in the Hut!

Neil Diamond Songbook by The Marina Strings

American Idle this past week featured Neil Diamond songs. So, we too at EasyStackin’ will do the same with the Marina Strings. Every cut from this album was often played on the easy-listening stations in the 70’s and 80’s. Here is Neil Diamond’s Solid Gold Songbook performed by The Marina Strings. Sit back and reminisce. (Reminder: 7-Zip is used) I'm sorry that I'm unable to post the true cover. If I get around to taking a picture of it, I'll replace it later. It wasn't even available on e-bay.