It's sing-along / recite-along time again here in the mountains as I offer up a few more tracks of that delightful lp, so worthy of re-release, Songs and Stories of the Gold Rush (1960), with our hero, Oliver Burgess Meredith. This record takes itself just seriously enough, and goes to some trouble to create the appropriate atmosphere for the fun songs and delirious poetry. Join us for some vintage Burgess after the jump!
We've heard a few cuts from this before, in my posts here and here, although I have previously neglected to mention the corny but cool poetry of Robert Service that Meredith so expertly reads here (for instance, I have Johnny Cash doing The Cremation of Sam McGee, and although he is a great storyteller, I prefer Meredth's version). Unfortunately, I don't have the full production credits for this record as my audio comes from a public library copy of this rare disc, taped many years ago. Today we'll hear the first three cuts, a couple of others futher in, and a song called Endless Prarie from the similar but not-as-good-overall 1963 album Burgess Meredith Sings the Songs from How the West Was Won. 
As for the Gold Rush record, unlike some folks, I think that Mr. Meredith sings just fine, and it's one of the few 'celebrity' type records that is enjoyable all the way through.
Here are selections: Where Are the Gals? Sutter's Land Dear Lily Lou Eldorado Burro's Back Endless Prarie
burgess was one of the greatest heros that ever lived.
Posted by: kevin | November 17, 2011 at 02:23 PM
What propted this western vocalization from Mr. Meredith? was it because Westerns were all the rage durring this time in film, Television and radio?
Posted by: Bud Nurbel | November 19, 2011 at 10:14 AM