[78-L] Decca's Music of Our Time series

[Stephen Davies]

        I have the set on 78rpm from 1916 - 1944, and am now looking for 
duplicates.  It is odd to see how Decca sat on these recordings for 
several years until they were ready to start releasing them.  It's also 
neat to see how the pros could step into the studio and bang out four to 
six "take #1" sides in a row. 
        On the other hand, the "song hits" of 1943 were recorded in 1944, 
which didn't allow for much perspective on which songs would become 
standards.  Out of eight medleys per album, you're guaranteed at least one 
waltz.  The number of songs varies since a few medleys have only two 
tunes; most have three.
        On some, the album cover art and liner notes by Louis Untermeyer 
are copyrighted 1947, but the series was released slowly.  This list of 
hit records from 1948-jun refers to the years 1923 & 1935 as best-selling 
new releases.
                (q.v. http://home.earthlink.net/~jaymar41/june48.html )

        Eventually they were re-released on Vocalion vinyl LPs with 
additional years added to the series, but it wasn't called "Songs of our 
times" any more; just "Song hits of...."
        I also have the accompanying sets by the Jesters, themed on 
airplanes, telephones, automobiles and firemen.  They are a mix of novelty 
pop and traditional songs.

        There was a movie tie-in with "All the king's men" (1950) when 
they were still releasing new entries to the series.  Since "King's" was a 
historical picture (1930's), there was the possibility to wax nostalgic 
for the old tunes.

 "Voting machine used at playhouse for 'All King's Men'"
        _Box Office_ (1950-feb-18) p. 72
http://issuu.com/boxoffice/docs/boxoffice_021850/38 

"Our Times Song Contest On Air for 'King's Men'" 
        _Box Office_ (1950-apr-29) p.166
http://issuu.com/boxoffice/docs/boxoffice_042950/38 

- Stephen D
in Calgary


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