Hello and welcome to another entry into the Vintage Media Millennial blog. It has been one of those weeks where I have wanted to get things in order. Alongside organising my archive and consolidating a few of my podcast feeds, I have tried to find time to consume something to talk about on the blog. Here is a brief review of a new compilation from Bear Family Records.
Happy Birthday, Baby! – 32 (Un-) Happy Tunes For Your Birthday Party
Here we have another themed compilation from Bear Family Records. A selection of (mostly obscure) vintage recordings all share one thing in common; In this case, thirty-two tracks mostly on birthdays! It’s an idea that on the surface doesn’t look that appealing, but (like birthday cake) it turns out to be delicious. From uptempo rock ‘n’ roll and swing numbers to coincidentally named instrumentals, birthday ballads and much more. Arguably the most well-known track here is Lesley Gore‘s smash hit song It’s My Party. which feels like a gatecrasher but a welcome one. Highlights include tracks by Louis Jordan, The Four Knights, The Pixies, Glenn Barber, Tino, and Big Dee Irwin.
Aside from a few rare 45s, the sound here is as good as you can expect. There is a nice mix of obscure and known artists. Multiple versions of the same songs appear (including a German version by The Key Brothers of Sedaka‘s Happy Birthday, Sweet Sixteen) but you get taken in by the different interpretations. If you’re looking for an alternative track to play on someone’s birthday, there may be one that takes your fancy. Happy Birthday, Baby! is available to order from Bear Family Records.
Thank you for reading this edition of Vintage Media Millennial. If you have any questions, please email Jamie@OldTimeReview.co.uk or tweet @OldTimeReview on Twitter.
