Living In Hi-fi

We love Halloween! A rather silly impression of Bela Lugosi as Dracula introduces a solid hard bop jazz album from 1958. Listen: Blues for Dracula on AppleMusic Blues for Dracula on Amazon More information: Philly Joe Jones on Wikipedia Video: Drum Solo (maybe with Thelonius Monk?)

George Chakiris is a highly underrated vocalist. Best known for his role as Bernardo in West Side Story, in this self-titled album, George Chakiris sings effortless renditions of some pop standards. Listen: George Chakiris on AppleMusic More information: George Chakiris on Wikipedia George Chakiris Sterling Silver Jewelry Video: Opening Scene of Young Girls of Rochefort “America” from West Side Story

Wanda Sá (AKA Wanda de Sah) has the quintessential bossa nova singing voice: so sweet and gentle! It’s showcased beautifully in this American production on Capital from 1965. Listen: Softly! on AppleMusic Brasil ’65/Softly! on Amazon More information: Wanda Sá on Wikipedia Wanda Sá on NPR Video: Agua De Beber Wanda Sa with Roberto Menescal “Telefone”

Let’s head to the 1970s, the golden era for… belly dance? Indeed! This classic belly dance album that could be considered early “world fusion” with its traditional songs from the Middle East repackaged for American night clubs. Listen: Joy of Belly Dancing on AppleMusic Joy of Belly Dancing on Amazon Joy of Belly Dancing LP on Smithsonian Folkways More information: About Juliana on the Occidental Dancer Liner notes from Smithsonian Folkways release Video: My friend, Shems, choreography to Misirlou A lovely performance to Ya Mustapha by Naima

Listening to records isn't just a hobby, it's a lifestyle. A selection from RCA victor's Hi-Fi Living series sets the mood for lounging and romance. More information: For Hi-Fi Living (blog post series)

You'd think that by this album cover, you're in for some surf rock, but in fact, you'll find a collection of exotica themed pop songs with traditional Hawaiian vocal stylizations and sweet harmony. Easy listening for your next luau! Listen: The Surfers at High Tide on AppleMusic The Surfers at High Tide on Amazon More information: The Surfers on Oldies Connection The Surfers on Heros 5-0 Video: Not The Surfers you are looking for, but amazing nonetheless.

Shredding on the banjo? Yeah, that’s a thing. Let’s take a trip to Appalachia with some instrumental bluegrass from 1961 by Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs.   Listen: Foggy Mountain Banjo on Amazon Best of Flatt and Scruggs TV Show on DVD More information: Earl Scruggs on Wikipedia Lester Flatt on Wikipedia Video: Flatt & Scruggs on Grand Ole Opry

One of our all-time favorite albums! A staple of our collection from A&M records, Sergio Mendes and Brazil '66 perfectly fuse bossa nova and american pop. Stellar arrangement and crystal clear lady vocals make this album shine.   Listen: Look Around on AppleMusic Look Around on Amazon   More information:  Look Around on Wikipedia  Sérgio Mendes on Wikipedia   Video:  Sergio Mendes on "Hollywood Palace” with host Herb Alpert

This week we deliver a charming collection of foxtrots and such for dancing or for a simply sophisticated evening at home via London's long-time dance band leader, Sydney Lipton. Listen: Sweet Harmony & Dancing at the Grosvenor House on AppleMusic Sydney Lipton on Wikipedia Sydney Lipton on AllMusic   More Information: Stay at the Grosvenor House The Grosvenor House on Wikipedia   Video: NPF ball at the Grosvenor House

There’s more to Barry White than just his sexy baritone voice. This episode, we check out his masterful and funky proto-disco instrumental arrangements.   Listen: Rhapsody in White on AppleMusic   More Information: Love Unlimited Orchestra Barry White Monster Mini Golf   Video: Live on Soul Train

Have we mentioned that we love cha-cha? And Hammond organs? This rare release from 1959 on Liberty is the height of Latin-flavored easy listening with its nonchalant solos and minimalist instrumentation. Listen: John Buzon Trio on AppleMusic Ultra-Lounge on Wikipedia The Tonga Room

Come on everybody, let's do the twist! But in a really low budget kind of way. This 1962 album insists that you enjoy the first international dance craze. Listen: Twist on AppleMusic   More information: The Twist dance Somerset Records   Video: Peppermint Twist by Joey Dee and the Starliters

An exotica staple! Yma Sumac is most recognized for her extraordinary five octave vocal range. This diva is an Incan princess (true!) and her talent is showcased in traditional and not-so traditional latin music and backed by a hollywood-style orchestra. Listen: Mambo on Apple Music   More information: Official Bio Yma Sumac on Wikipedia Buddies Lounge Podcast   Video: Yma Sumac’s Vocal Range Yms Sumac on David Letterman, 1987

Do you like polka? Beer? Did you steal the keeshka? What is a keeshka, anyway? Answers to all these questions and more as we check out the best of Frankie Yankovic. Listen: Frankie Yankovic on AppleMusic   More information: Frankie Yankovic on Wikipedia Polka on Wikipedia I stole the Keeshka T-Shirt: Ladies or Unisex   Video: Pennsylvania Polka as featured in Groundhog Day Frankie Yankovic & Weird Al Yankovic

You can't really go wrong with a Verve recording! This episode's featured album will appeal to both jazz lovers and bossa nova fans. We'll share with you a great introduction to Brazilian music of the 1950s and 60s. Listen: Apple Music Vinyl from Music Direct More information: Astrud Gilberto Stan Getz Bossa Nova Getz/Gilberto Album Video: Stan Getz and Astrud Gilberto performing the Girl from Ipanema

This is our first time featuring a review of a new release on the podcast! As lovers of old funky records, we have mad respect for the Avalanches whose love of music is obvious in their ability to scout out only the most awesome bits of obscure music and show it off in groovy new compositions. Even if you think you're not into electronic music, we bet you'll dig the psychedelic feel of Wildflower. Listen: Wildflower on Apple Music Order the LP from the Avalanches Chandra 1980 on Bandcamp   More information: The Avalanches Guide to the samples, features and stories of Wildflower on Triple J The Show Must Go On (Pitchfork) Since I Left You (Wikipedia)   Video: Subways by the Avalanches Subways by Chandra Oppenheim Since I Left You by the Avalanches Everything is a Remix The World’s Most Important 6-sec drum loop (The Amen Break)

In this episode we learn that Pizza and Pipes was apparently a thing in the pacific northwest in the 1970s? Who knew. This episode may give you nightmares due to the shaky audio transfer or creepy movie themes or both. Browse Northwest Organists page for more about: Paul Quarino, David Lee, Jonas Nordwall, and Don Simmons David Michael Lee Way out Wednesday: At the Organ Grinder Vol. 2 on Pop Dose Pipe Organ Pizzerias Briefly Explained at Serious Eats Video: Organ Grinder Pizza Commercial David Lee at the Organ Grinder

Yodeling gets a bad rap. It really can be quite lovely. We cheerfully sing along with chickens and things that sound like amusement park ride theme songs and you should too. Or at least that baby chicken song is going to be stuck in your head wether you like it or not. More information: Billboard, December 24, 1966. Westminster Satellite series announced Yodeling on Wikipedia Yodel-Ay-Ee-Oooo: The Secret History of Yodeling Around the World by Bart Plantenga "One Little Spark" by the Sherman Brothers on Apple Music Video: Mr. Show - The last donut - "People weren't meant to hear music with such clarity! Take Ischi - New Bibi Hendl Baby Hendl Gangnam Style

Turns out that this episode's featured artist is a local DC treasure. We'll introduce you to some super funky, 1970s Ethiopian jams by Hailu Mergia and the Walias Band. Listen: Buy Hailu Mergia Albums from Awesome Tapes from Africa More Information: Hailu Mergia Official Facebook Page Hailu Mergia and his Classical Instrument Review on Pitchfork Beirut (the band) Video: Interview/Documentary by Far Out Sounds

This cha-cha album goes by many names in multiple releases. You'll love Mr. Bongo, Mr. Piano, and lively vocals, too. Listen: Buy Mr. Bongo Plays Cha-Cha-Cha on Amazon (same track list, different release) Jack Costanzo on Apple Music More Information: Jack Costanzo on Wikipedia Review of Learn-Play Bongos Video: Jack Costanzo at 95 playing congas