I was listening to Nick Garrie's Little Bird and Shy Limbs' Trick or Two and thought why not another comp of rare sixties gems. I figured to do something new before the new year. And that's what I just did. If I don't have another comp by the end of the year - A HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
NOTE: For the start of the new year, I'll try to finish up working on previous comps that need to be revised. I also have a request for one of the Halloween comps that I'll get on first thing.
It's a Downtime Christmas Special! I never planned at all for a Downtime Christmas mix. It wasn't until I noticed that several of my most listened tracks during this holiday season could fall into the category of "Downtime." It didn't take long to round up 16 tracks, but I wanted 20. As per my custom, I just don't add tracks for the sake of it and after adding, editing, sequencing, a few nuts & bolts, and a blow-torch, I managed to come up with 18 (imo) awesome tracks.
I absolutely love this mix. What are my favorites? Well, the biggest standouts are Vic's remix of Winter Wonderland, nPc's lo-fi remix of Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, and Monte La Rue's I Saw Santa Kissing Mommy (A Time for Lovin'). The bass riff/runs in the latter are similar or possibly sampled from the replay background music in Pilotwings 64, the video game. Regardless, I absolutely positively LOVE IT! Anyway, enough of the chit-chat... Enjoy!
A continuation from volume 2, but this time all tracks are from the '50s. Standards, traditional & swingin' pop, and as usual, all unsung gems. Enjoy!
... for all you swingers, lol.
I really like this one. I spent quite a bit of time on it too. I wouldn't say the tracks are rare, but the majority are hardly heard on the radio, from all what I've listened to over the years. Did I say I really like this one?
Big favs are favs are Baja Marimba Band's A Partridge in a Pear Tree (The Twelve Days of Christmas), Percy Faith's Christmas Is (one of my all-time Christmas favs), The Hollywood Pops Orchestra's Caroling, Caroling, Burt Bacharach's The Bell That Couldn't Jingle (the same deal as Percy Faith), and The Hollyridge Strings' Santa's Got a Brand New Bag. They are all good. All sixties space age pop, easy listening, etc. Enjoy!
'50s & '60s rockin' Christmas! The third in the series. 20 tracks of rock 'n' roll, rockabilly, etc, from 1955 to 68. As usual, all unsung tracks and most are rare, when it comes to radio airplay. You're asking for my top three? Hmm, I'll go with track Pam Norton's It's Snowing and It's Christmas Time, Saturday's Children's Deck Five (love it!), and Bobbie & Boobie's Cool, Cool, Xmas. Enjoy!
Continuing with the series. This one is all early standards, traditional & swingin' pop, from mid-40s to late-50s. And as usual, all unsung gems. Enjoy!
Christmas Mix 2022! I love Christmas music. Most genres too! I was going to start a series of my all-time favs. But wait, they're my favs (or close to it) in the first place! As per custom, I don't use songs just for the sake of it - the tunes are the crème de la crème. The best of the best (or close to it). I know music is subjective so I don't expect everyone to enjoy every single song. I hope you do enjoy them all!
Volume 1 - more modern rock, indie pop, a couple of funky instrumentals, etc. The first track contains an old Christmas ad. A simple edit. The last track is an old edit. It's more of a prototype. I was experimenting with various quips of Cousin Eddie from the hilarious Christmas Vacation film. It's unfinished but after several listens, I decided to leave it alone, warts and all including the drastic ending cut that wasn't deliberate. Again, I like it the way it is. I hope you do too. Enjoy!
The Pretty Side of Progressive Rock
NOTE: Revised Edition!
This was an older mix from a few years back. I still wouldn't mind making the theme into a series. Anyway, plenty of beauts on this comp. The majority of tracks are from the 70s. My biggest favs? Most of 'em! Enjoy!
NOTE: Revised Edition!
Ooo yeah is right. And this one needed to be revised. It's all good now. Big favs are Harold Alexander's De Black Magician, Julien Covey's Sweet Bacon, and Donald Austin's Side Saddle. A Little over an hours' worth. Enjoy!
NOTE: Revised Edition!
And here we are... this is the comp responsible for revising past editions. And that reason? The most popular! I don't get many visits here (I've contemplated giving up the blog, but if a couple folks are indeed enjoying the comps, that's enough of an incentive... for now, lol) but I do think the reason behind the views is possibly linked on another site or message forum. So anyway, I looked over the original file and several tracks needed to be replaced, and a few other adjustments.
I'm tooting my horn again but I love this comp. There's a lot of funky groovy library/lounge music out there, including this edition. Check out the awesome cover version of Zep's Whole Lotta Love by Chico Arnez. The Mystic Moods Orchestra's Honey Trippin' is a BIG fav. And Hugo Strasser's cover of Purple's Black Night is not to be missed. They're all good! Enjoy!
NOTE: Revised Edition!
Over seventy minutes of constant toe-tappin' tunes. Harold Alexander's Raw Root is a big fav. 3 Pieces' Shortnin' Bread would be right up there too. Enjoy them all!
The title is a bit of a misnomer (I've used this excuse before, lol). They are not necessarily 'forgotten' but simply a concise way in saying, "Great tunes from great albums but not as talked or played enough among the peers, radio, blah blah blah..."
Close to 80 minutes worth. Enjoy!
Get Out the Funk! 20 Down Home Gems
80 minutes worth! Most are from the 70s, with a couple or three 60s, one 90s, and commences with a remix. Now let me tell you about track #20 (the last track) - it blew my mind when first heard many years back. Unfortunately, it was a rough recording. Apparently, that rough recording is the actual recording. Regardless, it smokes ass. The tempo's so fast yet still funks & grooves. And yes, my big fav from this set. Enjoy!
Boob Vision: 16 '70s Funkin' Groovin' Instro Rare Gems
NOTE: Revised edition!
Just as the title implies, a little over an hours' worth of groovy funkin'. Track #9 a big fav! Enjoy!
Popcorn Mania 3: Um Um Um!1959-67
Continuing... the well known tracks. I'll probably make a fourth volume as well. Stay tuned! Meanwhile, enjoy!
Awesome Downtime 14: Wish
What's going on here... more downtime!?! Why not! And here's the kicker - I still listen to every single tune, regardless if it's during my downtime or not. I also listen to downtime on occasion during my walks (I'm old school - still using a little digital walkman instead of phone - okay, not quite old school). Enough with the chitchat - tracks 1, 2 & 8 were played often during bath time. Enjoy!
Twistin' & Grumblin' & Moanin' & Rumblin' - 20 Groovin' Dance Gems
The first half of this title was not inspired by noisy bodily functions, lol. It's a title I've floated around for the longest time. It also goes back to the blog's moniker - groove. While working away on the comp, I kept thinking back to an old memory from over 40 years ago, to partially base the comp's theme. She was beautiful, sexy, and absolutely fun to be with, albeit our relation was very short lived.
One evening, we got together with a few friends and while listening to Alex Harvey Band's "Snake Bite," she got up and did this dance, similar to Selma Hayek's scenes in From Dusk to Dawn (a film released years later). Actually, she had a similar body to Selma's. Let that sink in your daydreaming minds, lol. Anyway, she gets up and does this dance and at that time, it was a first for me. I've never been that close to witness such an engaging & mesmerizing dance just mere inches away.
Another source was from scenes in beatnik films or shows with the dancers grooving as opposed to bouncing up and down. Enough of explaining - All tunes from 1965 to '78. Enjoy! - btw, I included "Snake Bite" (the last track).
Awesome Downtime 13: Afterhours
I worked on this comp a couple of months back and for some reason or another, it sat dormant. I'm not sure if the original intention was for the downtime series, but lo and behold, here we are with another goodie! Actually, and sure I'll admit I'm tooting my own horn here, the tracks are all solid, hence the "goodie" reference. As I've mentioned before, I still listen to the tunes from all editions.
Tracks #2 and #9 were mainstays during bath time. Enjoy!
Popcorn Mania 2: Cha Cha Cha!1958-65
I worked on this comp shortly after the first one. I went over the tracks studiously, making sure (trying to lol) to one-up the previous comp. I think I succeeded. I'm not saying the tracks on previous comp were sub-par to average. Nope, I'm just saying I like this one better! As like the previous comp, this one should all be rare aka to the best of my knowledge, lol. I'm planning the third to include all well known tracks. Meanwhile, enjoy!
Note: Track 4 Baby Washington's Hey Lonely is sometimes listed as Hey Lonely One. I prefer this order (precedence) when establishing track, artist, and album titles: back cover>front cover>spine>label
Popcorn Mania 1: Gonzo 1959-69!
As requested, popcorn music. I had to read up on what is popcorn music (it's not a genre but a style). In the most condensed version for explanation: Late 50s to mid 60s pop, r&b, and/or just about any genre, normally American and British music with a slow to medium yet danceable tempo.
From the various sources I've read, and countless compilations, many tracks are well known. For this first comp, I went with rare tracks aka I don't recall at all, lol (actually, I know a few of them but still haven't heard in years). Track #6 would probably be my fav. And 20 tracks this time, as opposed to the usual 16. Enjoy!
- Updated 10/31/23
20 More Spooky Tracks! This will probably be the last Halloween comp for this year. I like this comp. I kept it more straightforward and not as eclectic as the others. All tracks from 1955 to '66. My favorites? Hmm, Charles Sheffield's "It's Your Voodoo Working" would be one. Frank Comstock's "On the Dark Side of the Moon" would be another. And Bobby 'Boris' Pickett's "Graveyard Shift" would round out my top three. Enjoy, and have a Happy Halloween!
Note: Track #18 is often credited to the writer (Milton DeLugg)
Halloween Haunts 6: Nope! Ain't Goin' There
And yet, another Halloween mix. I thought I was going to be too pressed for time this year to get out just one comp, let alone six. AND, I may have another one yet before Allhallows Eve. Anyway, this one's another goodie. Track #11 is awesome and my fav. Enjoy!
Halloween Haunts 5: Nocturnal Fright!
Well, what do you know. I've found the time to do more Halloween comps. A bit of background for this compilation...
- I didn't bother to thoroughly research for track #9 (who or when it was created, probably fan made). All I know is that it's (supposedly) Christopher Lee quoted from a film added to music.
- Many years ago, someone asked about favorite tunes for Halloween. Someone mentioned trk #16 and explained when they were a kid, while sitting in the backseat of the car listening to the radio, the song was played and the imagery (from lyrics) haunted him.
- For the last track; horror films take liberties with genial tracks and turn them (unintentionally) unpleasant for some listeners (ie Tiptoes Thru the Tulips, Jeepers Creepers, etc) by association. I thought maybe "The Laughing Policeman" an innocent, jovial ditty, could possibly achieve the same effect. Try to keep that in mind while listening.
That's about it. 20 more tracks to munch on. Enjoy!
Halloween Haunts 4: Monster Madness!
And another one yet for all you Halloween lovers. There's a few (or just a couple) rare film score/tracks included, notably track #15 - a bit freaky. As for my fav, probably track #17. Enjoy them all!
CORRECTION: Track #4 artist should be Jan August.
NOTE: Revised Edition!
Help!!! 20 Spooky Kooky Tracks! I like this one better than the previous two. Several rare tunes including A Pair of Kings' The Monster, The Creeps' The Whip, and The Poindexter Bros.' The Booga Man. 20 tracks in all. Enjoy!
Halloween Haunts 2: I Scream U Scream!
More Halloween tunes for all you good freaks 😁 Lots of rare tracks. Enjoy!
NOTE: Revised Edition! The original file had a missing track (Les Elgart and His Orchestra's "Voo Doo Drums"). Also, you are not seeing things. There are two tracks with the same name and band (well, one of the titles has a definite article) = The Voodoos' "Voodoo Walk." I'm still unsure if the same band or not (different year of release for each track). I like both tracks, especially the slower more creepy one. Anyway...
It Was He Who Farted! 20 Frightening Oldies from the '50s & '60s!
It's that time of year once again. With this spooky compilation, I'm familiar with a few tracks while the rest are as rare as rocking horse poop. Favs? Along with aforementioned (under "NOTE"), Electro-Tones' "Ghost Train" for one. Carole Bennett's "Haunted Lover" would be another. And George Morgan's "Tennessee Hillbilly Ghost" another fav. Enjoy you trick and treaters!
Continuing with popsicle farts, lol. Lots of favs in this mix. My favorites? Hmm, Bobby Taylor & The Vancouvers' 1968's "Does Your Mama Know About Me" is a big fav. Thomas Chong (yep, Cheech & Chong fame) was not only a member, but also the co-writer. The Doobie Brothers' "Neal's Fandango" is another big fav. The Lemon Dips' "Unpack Your Bags" another big fav. They're all good. Enjoy!
Note (Nov 5/23): Revised. I replaced a few tracks (now all @320) and fixed a few tags.
Sunshine, Rainbows & Popsicle Farts: Unsung Gems from the '60s & '70s
Huh? Popsicle Farts?!? Just a play on words. It also means that (maybe) a track or three may not all be sunshine-y and rainbow-y. Otherwise, as the title implies - unsung gems. Track #7 received a lot of Canadian AM (radio) airplay throughout the years. Enjoy!
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SHAG Metal! Crazy Nites
Welcome to volume 2, or 4. For the explanation of "SHAG," see this post - The condensed story of SHAG Metal or SHAG Rock. Enjoy!
SHAG Rock! Set the Night on Rock 'n' Roll
The condensed story of SHAG Metal or SHAG Rock
Back in the late 80s or early 90s, I've seen a film named "Shag: The Movie." I don't recall much of the film now (if any of it) but the title must've stuck in my subconscious. Years later while creating my zillionth cdr compilation, the music was all hair and heavy metal, some hard rock, and AOR (Album or Arena-Oriented Rock). Hmmm I thought, wondering what to call all those styles into one. A-HA! I went for an acronym and once put together, "S" (Sleeze Rock/Metal), "H" (Hair or Heavy Metal), "A" (AOR), and "G" (Glam Metal/Rock) = SHAG Metal, or SHAG Rock. It's interchangeable because I mix both rock and metal in the mixes. And that's the story.
As usual, the songs in all the SHAG comps are melody-licious, according to me!
NOTE: The comps are not named volume 1, 2, etc. Although this is the first comp with the SHAG title, it's not the first created. The first two were released under different titles. At the time, I didn't want to bother using my personal "SHAG" titles. You can find the first two volumes here:
The Hard Rock/Hair Metal/AOR Years: Unsung Melodylicious!
The Hard Rock/Hair Metal/AOR Years: Luxuriant Power Ballads!
- a couple of tracks from the latter also appear in this volume.
Awesome Downtime 12: Skylights
This one is soooo good. Several big-time favorites (tracks 4, 6, 10, 13). I worked on the track sequence a little longer than usual. Enjoy!
Rare Gems from the Gravel Pit 5: Rear Rockin' 60s
Rare garage rockers from 1965 to 1969. Tracks 3, 11, & 15 are probably my top favs from the bunch, but they're all good. Enjoy!
Funk's the Way, uh-huh uh-huh, I Like It!
I've put together a great funky compilation. Other than a couple of tracks, the rest are from the 60s and 70s. I've also submitted it to Butterboy's next compilation series. Enjoy!
Awesome Downtime 11: Pursue the Wind
I don't think I could make just one comp of definite favs. Every single volume is full of favs. Enjoy!
Awesome Non-Hits from the 70s! Part II
The second in the series (Part I Here). Continuing... I've come across so many tracks that could, would and should have been singles, or at least on a greatest hits compilation. And that's what we have here - a collection of could've, would've, and should've been hits. I may have stretched a few tracks thinking they'd be worthwhile but I still love 'em. Enjoy!
NOTE: Revised Edition!
I loved playing record producer growing up. Wait, I still love playing it! I've come across so many tracks that could, would and should have been singles, or at least on a greatest hits compilation. And that's what we have here - a collection of could've, would've, and should've been hits.
Favorites? All of 'em. Seriously, but if I had to pick only 4 out of the 16, hmm, Boston's "Hitch a Ride." It's still my favorite by the band. Blue Öyster Cult's "The Great Sun Jester" is another biggie. Druid's "Razor Truth" is sooo good. And Canada's own Prism with "Mirror Man" is another worthy track. Enjoy!
Tickle Me More Baby! 22 Tracks of Awesome Oldies 1952-1965
I got a bit lazy on the title for this one. I borrowed from one of my other comps (You Tickle Me Baby! 20 Tracks of Awesome Oldies 1951-1964). Nonetheless, the music is oh so good. Enjoy!
A Date for Rare 70s Melodic Prog and the Like
The genre tag in title is a bit of a misnomer. There is prog amongst the comp but several are not. However, the bands for the latter are normally progressive driven. I know, blah, blah, blah, but the tracks are melodic, and the prog leans more on the softer side. It doesn't matter, as long as it's good. Enjoy!
Note: Track #12 would have made great AM (or FM) radio fodder.
Awesome Downtime 10: Beauty & the Beach
I didn't plan on making this a series, and yet here we are with volume 10. Enjoy!
Note: Revised Edition
Do you feel like headin' out for a ride cruisin' through a warm, summer evening to the sounds of an awesome soundtrack? "Cruisin' Under Starlit Desert Skies 2" is just the ticket. It's broken down into four parts: 1) It's full throttle from the get go, and it doesn't let up... 2) You're just cruisin' now, top down feelin' the breeze... 3) You're headin' back now, winding down, settlin' into the comfortable stage... 4) and you're home and relaxed. And what a rush!
If you thought volume 1 was good, wait 'till you listen to volume 2. And once again, all favs and lots of unsung gems. Sunbirds, Dhidalah, Faraquet, Solar Corona, Trion, Tenebre, Rare Bird, etc. Enjoy!
Hey folks, sorry I haven't been around. The weather has been gorgeous. So anyway, here is a little gift. You all remember the original 60s cartoon of Spider-Man? We grew up on those cartoons. And the music, theme and incidentals, were favs too. Here is a collection of tracks from that series. It's all in 192-256 but still sounds good. Enjoy!
Awesome Downtime 9: Love & Beauty
First off, a gigantic thank-you to Pol Inate for posting several of my Downtime comps over on his site (What's the Connection?). I'm honored by his adoration not only for the comps, but the scope of genres that downtime encompasses. Please visit Pol's site - he has a lot more comps & genres to share. Well diversified! ------ https://polinatewtc.blogspot.com
Anyway, here's volume 9 of Downtime. The first track is a big, big fav. I absolutely love it! Actually, I love all the tracks. Enjoy!
Summer Beats on the Beach 6: Trip the Night Fantastic
The name of this series goes back about a year or two ago. Also, this was the first title of the series and at that time, I didn't want it to be the first, hence #6. It took a long time to get here, lol. As for the word play on "Trip the light fantastic," I think it came to me back in the 80s, and (probably) named on an old mixtape.
Anyway, I hope you're a fan of remixes/edits. The good ones that is. Enjoy!
Awesome Downtime 8: Is Great!
The weather here has been fantastic! And so is this edition of downtime. Enjoy!
Never Turn Your Back on a Charging Turtle! 70s Funk Yeah!
A funky contribution for Butterboy's compilation series, all in 320 except track 11 (192). Enjoy first dibs!
Drive Baby Drive, Vol. 7: Feel the Heat!
This may be my favorite (yet) from the drive baby series. A cruisin' mix indeed, with the top down for good measure. And speaking of mix, the majority of tracks are not all that well known. A bit of covers, remixes, mashups, extended edits, samples galore, etc. Please enjoy!
