My reaction, too, about those 2 LP's, which I'm fortunate to have!
One thing's for certain--Randy Thornton clearly KNOWS the essentials of the Walt Disney Records catalogue!
Just a few comments on a few of the LP's I happen to have:
Deep in the Heart of Dixieland--this one features some great jazz from George Bruns and his Wonderland Band; some notes from the album jacket: "The selections in this album uniquely cover the entire history of recorded jazz.....George Bruns, the trombonist and leader of the band, has more than his share of versatility. He is one of the top musical directors at the Walt Disney Studio."
Tinpanorama--how can you go wrong with songs by the Shermans that span the musical styles of the 20th century, spiced up with Paul Free's insane "Rutabaga Rag," followed a few tracks down by his Jolsen-esque "Although I Dropped $100,000 in the Market, Baby(I Found a Million Dollars in your Smile)", which was included on the Classic Disney Vol. IV CD.
Secrets of Life--music from the score of one of Walt's True Life adventures(I still have my old comic of this one!), composed and conducted by Paul J. Smith; some notes from the album jacket: "One of the most important factors contributing to the success of the True Life adventure films has been the musical scores, all of which(with the exception of Seal Island) have been composed by Paul J. Smith. Composing for animated cartoons and for the True Life adventure films has a great deal in common, and Mr. Smith, who has been with Walt Disney since the days of Snow White to which he contributed part of the score, has done his share of both......all who have heard the music from Secrets of Life agree, however, that with this unusual, stirring and dramatic score he has achieved a truly high point in his career."
Peter and the Wolf/The Sorceror's Apprentice--this LP has the music from each piece, of course, but very importantly, there is narration by none other than Sterling Holloway!
I've been after the Louis Prima LP, which I've seen maybe a few times on ebay--pricey--and missed ever knowing about the Fess Parker record--I'm definitely a sucker for cowboy songs(Cowboy and Indian Songs--a great politically incorrect blast from the past--bring it on!).
And look what's upcoming--Thurl Ravenscroft and the Mellomen's Meet Me Down On Main Street--absolutely classic Disney sounds! A Musical Tour of France is another great upcoming LP, hosted by Maurice Chevalier; he narrates the record and performs a number of traditional French folk songs, as well as covering "It's a Small World" and "There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow", along with "Joie de Vivre" from the film, "Monkeys, Go Home!".
Keep 'em coming, Randy; glad to hear that the album art reproduction problem is not an insurmountable task!
Mike
