The Wild World Of RCA Living Stereo Popular Records

[@casoncampbell477]

Yes! We absolutely want a part 2! I love the peter Gunn album but have only ever managed to find a mono copy. I also loved Mancini swings lightly. Love the channel and keep it up!

[@ThePressingMatters]

You can't imagine how much I'm smiling reading your comment! There is a lot of enthusiasm it seems for this subject and type of video. I love making this type of video. It's really fun for me to dig through my collection, hear these again, and photograph them for the video presentation. Thank you so much for your kind words and support!

[@JeffryHeise]

Glad you had Esquivel on here-also not my favorite album (that would be "Other Worlds-Other SoundS") but he did more to exploit what stereophonic sound could do when record labels were actually willing to let artists experiment with the technology. One of his albums actually had two orchestras-in two different studios(!) recorded simultaneously that will almost literally blow your mind. If you can find it, there was an issue of "Cool & Strange Music" devoted to him and he actually lived to be quite old and see the rediscovery of his music.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Esquivel will have a special feature spotlight with some history and 5 or 6 albums with commentary on each. Can't wait to follow up on this video. My favorite might be Other Worlds, but I have to hear Exploring more Sounds in Stereo, Infinity In Sound 1 & 2 and of course the wonderful Latin Esque with fresh ears on my new system. Really excited that so many people are responding positively to this!

[@TyroneEpps]

This is excellent❤❤❤❤

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you, Tyrone, I'm so glad you found it and enjoyed this trip back to a special time in recording history. I've got a follow up planned shortly please stay tuned!

[@robbiedetroitstigermanviny8883]

I loved this video Great to have diversity with your vlogs. You make anything a pleasant to watch.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Robbie! Thank you so much for your positive feedback on this kind of video. Makes it all worthwhile :-)

[@franktatom1837]

Great video! Stereo was a major innovation in the 50's and just the experience of listening to music that was "dimensional" was a revelation. The inside sleeves of the Living Stereo records explaining the way stereo works are great. The musicians, arrangers, and recording engineers for the records you showed were top notch even though the music might have ranged from fluff to meaningful. I have two copies of the Peter Gunn record, one is an American pressing and the other is a German pressing. The two covers have different colors. I went to a used record store some years ago and the owner put about a dozen pristine classical Living Stereo records in the "free" section. I grabbed all of them and they were like new. Nothing exotic like the stuff in this video - Chicago Symphony, Rubenstein - but amazing records, wonderfully recorded (the story of the recording technique is fascinating).

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Frank, Thank you so much! What a great comment! I was very young during the Living Stereo era, but my parents were swept up in it with their new stereo console about 1963. I remember the Living Stereo banner and the Peter Gunn artwork, as well as the 1812 Overture by Morton Gould, the one with the striking painting on the back. My mom liked lire classics from Fiedler I loved looking at the recording information and seating charts when provided. I've always been fascinated by the classical and pop Living Stereo records. I hope you scroll back through my videos because I've done a lot of Living Stereo Classical titles, both in groups and individually. This one is very popular and a good place to start: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqanhqZpp7yAnLMsi=QlXFtqbG9RcKxZr4 Thanks for watching!

[@kennethstickney8819]

Went to a yard sale years ago and purchased a bunch of lps and the seller told me his grandfather worked at RCA in Newark NJ when Living Stereo first appeared,and I had the first dozen classical holy grail in mint condition condition. Got quite a lesson from a collector from Florida and a nice check! Love me some shaded RCA label dog on top Living Stereo!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Kenneth! Great memories, and those kind of events stick with you forever! I remember exactly where I got some of my prized records. I am out hunting today! Thanks for watching and commenting! Another episode coming soon!

[@richardriley4415]

I enjoy these. Looking forward to the next one.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Wonderful! I'm really looking forward to doing another. I have so many of these! Thanks for watching!

[@illumon8]

I have to say Scott I am also surprised you have 12,000 views of a topic your roommate thought noone would watch. You have an audience. Please give us more. Most record collectors are newer collectors and have no experience with these older titles. I always watch your videos. Don’t hesitate on topics like this. Keep em comin’

[@ThePressingMatters]

That one was a huge surprise. I'm not sure why but it just didn't stop. It was 500-1000 views a day for its launch! Was a lot of fun and a ton of comments and 100's of new subscribers. I can't hit gold all the time but I took note and make videos that interest me. I think that's the secret🙏🏻

[@illumon8]

@@ThePressingMatters KZbinrs commonly discuss topics that they are not all that passionate about. Your passion comes through which makes your videos that much more inviting. Congrats on all the new subs. You deserve it!

[@KennethDonnellyStargazer21]

As someone who got into recording as a teenager (thanks to Dad allowing me to use his voice of music reel to reel machine, and later recording my own music for decades, I found it intriguing to listen to explore the earlier recording systems and techniques of the 50s and 60s. The sense of spaciousness created I better appreciate now than I did then, and it adds to the tapestry of life for me 🌛

[@ThePressingMatters]

I love this comment! It is a fascinating period in recording history, with the explosion of stereo in 1959. This series, and Mercury, Phase 4, Command and others often included technical info, seating charts, microphone placement and models, and recording technique information. I love this and always read every part of those listening notes.

[@carpediem673]

I love the weird over-the-top orchestrations from the late 50s/ early 60s. Esquivel, Perez Prado, Martin Denny, Enoch Light, Yma Sumac are some of my favorites.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I'll be covering more from this era in future episodes. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@multiverser9585]

Quiet Village is a classic, for sure.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Oh yes! I will do a tiki segment as well and get some Martin Denny and Les Baxter records out!

[@carpediem673]

@@ThePressingMatters I could watch a whole series devoted to space-age lounge music :)

[@ThePressingMatters]

I will start on it when I get back from vacation. The response to this one was incredible.

[@ComicRhema]

Great overview Scott. I’ve been meaning to do a video similar to this for years. There are so many gems in this series. Hope all is well. God bless

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you! Next one up will be all gems! Thank you so much for watching!

[@markevans7969]

The Three Suns sang "I'm Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover" in Alfred Hitchcock's Rope from 1948. You hear the song played in the background on the radio during the living room scene. Faith, Hope, Love and Luck is what a four leaf clover stands for and it's a fascinating movie. The Three Suns are a fun listen and they tend to grow on you.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I didn't recall that scene, but that's really cool. I can see how they could grow on you. It takes you to another time and place, with an odd nostalgia

[@TheAuditoryVinyl]

This was a really nice video. I have a bunch of these living stereo lps. Now I need to get them out and listen!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Yes! Get them out and listen. Please alert me of your favorites!

[@TheAuditoryVinyl]

I made a video of my Living Stereo records. Check it out!

[@ThePressingMatters]

@TheAuditoryVinyl Absolutely!

[@dwderp]

I used to have a small Philco stereo console from 1959 or ‘60, with multiplex stereo FM, record changer, and a pair of external speakers, each of which held a mid and a massive electrostatic tweeter panel. NOTHING would make that thing come alive like these living stereo albums. It was really something spectacular.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I'm sure the electrostatic tweeter made these records come alive in the most vivid way! With tubes for amplification it's sonic nirvana!

[@moxievision]

I LOVE Living Stereo LPs, especially out-there stuff like Esquivel, but also Mancini, Prado, Chet Atkins and others. Thanks for doing this video!

[@moxievision]

Disagree on The Three Suns though, their records are a lot of fun, lively arrangements of familiar songs with oddball instrumentation, and they made one of my favourite Christmas LPs, A Ding Dong Dandy Christmas!

[@ThePressingMatters]

@moxievision Hi , I appreciate your comment! Several viewers have expressed a lot of love for The Three Suns, and has prompted me to listen a bit more to see what I missed. I've got a few more to take a look at in the next segment. Thanks for watching!

[@stephencooke4569]

@@ThePressingMatters Admittedly, The Three Suns can be hit or miss (and I believe at some point the original trio was replaced by generic studio players), but the records that work with their unique sound are really a lot of fun!

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@stephencooke4569 I've about 4 more to explore when I get back from vacation. Looking forward to it!

[@rkoerth2011]

Props to your video. A lot of these records do not get the recognition they deserve. I have a few just for the covers, which are some of the most interesting that I have seen. Looking forward to part 2!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi! Great to hear from you! Thanks so much for watching and commenting. I agree some of these are "just for the cover" but often have some fun and interesting music with superb sonics. I'm getting another batch ready for a second video.

[@John-n9m7r]

What a great video! I love Latin / exotica / percussion albums of that era, when stereo was new and my young parents were actively buying records. Most of ours, the jackets have succumbed to paper-eating critters and water damage from tropical storms... yours look superb. Hope you do more on this topic.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thanks so much! It's so cool to meet others who share the passion for these early stereo treasures! I first saw the banner in my parent's record collection too and over the years just picked up the best examples I could find. I have a lot more to talk about, not only about RCA Living Stereo, but other labels of this type, and spotlights on some of the artists that featured heavily into this genre.

[@garagegeek4863]

I’m so sorry I haven’t been keeping up with your vids because I love them and your presentation. I will make it a point to catch to. I buy a lot of these because I like the covers and the music can be fun. I don’t have all of these, so I need to be on the lookout for them.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I was just thinking about you as I was looking at the "mentions" tab in analytics, and I thought "I bet garage geek would love this video" And here you are my friend! I know you've found a few of these. Always worth it for a buck or two, but stay tuned and I'll let you know the must haves!

[@brooklynbummer]

The Peter Gunn album sounds amazing.

[@ThePressingMatters]

It certainly does! The original Indianapolis pressings are wonderful - the reissues have some improvements but overall I think a near mint original is the way to go. There's some magic in those grooves !

[@john-lamarca]

Great video Scott! Yes please to another one. I’ve been enjoying your videos with Anthony as well. I’ve learned so much about Classical music and it’s helped me expand my vinyl collection. I’d be curious to know which Esquivel is your favourite, if that’s planned for the next one. All the best!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi John, Glad you enjoyed this, and put in a vote for a second one! I will put my favorite Esquivel in the next segment, but I want to relisten before I declare my top pick. I think it's between Other Worlds Other Sounds or Latin-esque. I haven't heard Exploring New Sounds In Stereo for a while so I'll have to have a night of it

[@SteveFBS]

Great clip. Thanks!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Steve!, You're welcome, it was a pleasure to make this video and I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@WyomingDave]

agreed scott,i have a few early rca living stereo albums, they always sound great!!

[@ThePressingMatters]

I never pass up anything with a Living Stereo banner if it is a few dollars. They are always at least interesting, nostalgic and very often have wonderful sound. I'll take your enthusiasm as a vote for a second episode!

[@3lullabies]

I'm watching. There is always someone who will be interested.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Very cool! Enjoy! A lot of people were to my surprise!

[@jamesmiller4184]

Whoa! Just now found your channel and what a treat! Now subd, for more to come. 'Been collecting hard beginning back in olde '58 mainly classical BUT lots-o-Prado and Mancini, Mr. lucky and LYMAN (there discography almost complete being TIKI mad.). RCA LS oh yeah, but only later from '75 or so. I shall now BINGE watch your others! THANKS Scott; how neat!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Aww you made me smile with this comment. Thank you for subscribing. There are plans in the works for many more videos covering this era. I will do some other labels and spotlights on prolific artists like Belafonte, Atkins, Prado and Esquivel. You'll find some very early videos on this subject if you go way back. They are technically pretty bad as I was just getting on my feet but I show a lot of tiki space age stuff. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnfUgoqrhddoiK8si=a9xUfs4epsngAWph There is a second one on Percussion records too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYjJgml5eqxlbLMsi=DY6dwX0glQp__jea

[@multiverser9585]

Lyman doing Yellow Bird is a must, in my opinion.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Got it! I guess I will do an exotica video too.

[@multiverser9585]

I'm glad to know others are into this kind of thing. Can't go wrong with Perez Prado records. Mancini's Peter Gunn rocks, of course. Never heard of the Dick Schory, I need to get that! I'm old enough to remember what Living Stereo albums sounded like on the large, heavy, real wood, console stereo that my parents had in the early 1960s... ultra-rich sounding speakers and ALL TUBES, baby! You had to wait about 30 seconds after turning it on for the tubes to 'warm up' and I haven't heard a stereo since then that sounded so warm and hey, that's what these records were made for, those delicious console stereos that were actually big pieces of furniture.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I know! My parents had a console too, a Magnavox with tube amp. The warmth and magic when playing these records is what I remember, and staring at the cover art. Who knew I'd return to these after being raised on rock and roll!

[@mikekeysboe9755]

Great video, Scott. Thank you.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Glad that you enjoyed it! I guess I'll start work on a part two soon!

[@bluebuddha74]

This was cool. My dad has some similar records from that era. And its interesting to hear about bad records that are really well recorded

[@ThePressingMatters]

This is some of what hi fi buffs (audiophiles) picked up in the early days of stereo. Each one promised some kind of sonic miracle, even being promoted as stereo spectaculars. It was hard to resist the allure of the big Living Stereo banner, intriguing cover art, and the promise of a sonic thrill in stereo.

[@Bigbadwhitecracker]

Once in a blue moon, the KZbin AI gets the recommendations right. I'm here this morning because of ... that! I can't wait to explore more of this channel. Whilst the video was playing I scrambled to see what Living Stereo records I have. I have to disagree with you about The Three Suns. I have "Love in the Afternoon" which I think is terrific, recorded in Studio A, NYC. But yeah, I guess you have to like that combination to appreciate it. Almost all of these are niche albums anyway. I have two Mario Lanza living stereo and he barely lived long enough to squeeze a couple of these in. In fact, I think most of the Living Stereo output came out after his unfortunate demise. "Sings Caruso Favorites" (Recorded in Italy and came out in '60). "The Desert Song" (also 1960, I don't see a recording studio on that one). When I was a teenager, more than 40 years ago, I used to check this one out of the Plantation (Florida) Public Library along with "The Student Prince" Living Stereo. I know Lanza fans prefer his earlier recordings. I love these personally. The third one I used to check out from that library and I have a copy of right here is Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald "Favorites in Stereo". Even when I was 13, I was blown away by how well it sounded, comparing it to what pop records I had in the late '70s at that time. (Recorded in NY and Hollywood. Perhaps Jeanette was in one place and Nelson, in the other?) You didn't like your Perry Como album. To me, he's one of those who can pretty much do no wrong. The one living stereo I have of his is "When you come to the end of the day" and I have yet to listen to it. Looks like it's mainly inspirational/faith/folk songs. Mitchell Ayres Orch with Ray Charles Singers. Typical combination. Thank you for this video. I never gave "living stereo" too much thought other than that they usually sounded better than what was coming from their competitors.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hello and welcome to the channel! Yeah, something went right with the algorithm because this video really took off and reached a lot of new viewers! There's been a few fans of The Three Suns that felt I didn't quite give them their due. I have several others that I'll explore and give them a fresh listen they are a unique group for sure with a sound that's instantly recognizable! I do have the Mario Lanza LPs you mention, and maybe I'll sneak them into the discussion, even though they were in the LSC classical series. He was a great singer who crossed over to a broader audience. No, I didn't care for Perry Como, which is surprising because I do like many male vocalists from the era. Might have just been this album and the arrangements. They'll be more videos along this line covering other late 50's records in this style. I hope you find more that interests you in my catalog!

[@Mr.SharkTooth-zc8rm]

Long live niche (fill in the blank)! 🤟😎 Perez Prado made some BAD-ASS music.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I guess there is an audience for everything! Any crate digger has come across these and wondered if they are any good. Well I hope to shed some light on it from my perspective. Yup those Perez Prado records are awesome. I couldn't wait to crown those 'gems' It's hard to stay still during a Prado album!

[@Mr.SharkTooth-zc8rm]

@@ThePressingMatters He and his band were masterful musicians! SUBSCRIBED

[@ThePressingMatters]

Awesome! Thank you and welcome to the channel. I love the comments section so your contributions to the discussions are always appreciated! That Prado Pops record always makes me want to dance. Edmundo Ros had a few corkers on London records too. We will get to them eventually.

[@Mr.SharkTooth-zc8rm]

@@ThePressingMatters Outstanding!

[@FlipDahlenburg]

Yeppers!!

[@stevecasey6126]

I've always been drawn to collecting records in the Living Stereo series, a sometimes just for the covers and especially if found for a cheap price.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Yes, the art department knew how to catch your eye! Most of mine were acquired for little money.

[@robertbrumbaugh4634]

I enjoy your comments. Back in the early 60s you could sample listen to albums in a small booth of music stores. Now I try and find an album on KZbin to listen to before purchasing it--if I can find it. Not too many used record stores around.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Yes, I remember that too when I was very young. Today we have so many options. I love streaming or KZbin to sample music. Not all of this more obscure stuff is out there though and it's still fun to find the record somewhere, especially in good shape. Not too many opportunities for that in person experience anymore.

[@celtic-audiophile]

Defo want another one please. I’ve been collecting the AS classical releases big time this year, as many won’t be reissued again as I suspect the licence has lapsed. So InGroove and AS have parcels across the Atlantic nearly weekly. With AS have to stay below the duty threshold so 2/3 at a time. Mike at the InGroove has a better shipping option, but I’ve bought all his available ones now. Currently progressing a deck upgrade, a NAIA on loan currently playing and a Reed coming on Tuesday from the U.K. distributor. Fremer had great things to say about it, but new to the U.K.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Keith, Thanks, there will be another based on the great response to this one. What you are doing is very wise. The AP Living Stereo series is very well done - I've covered a dozen of them in individual reviews and they hold their own against originals, I doubt there will be many more represses. A couple have disappeared completely (Venice) Classical doesn't sell particularly well. I had wished for another 25 titles or a Mercury series but I don't see it happening. You're on the right track.

[@ARUD08]

This is fantastic. I've wondered about the RCA Living Stereo pop material. You've taken care of some of my questions. Yes, do more of their Popular line!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi! Thank you so much for watching and commenting! I'm so glad you liked this and it answered some questions for you. There's a lot more coming, so I hope you'll be onboard. We've got a great community here in the comments, and we're having a lot of fun with this one!

[@jasonnstegall]

My grandparents owned the Dick Schory “Music To BREAK Any Mood” LP. I enjoyed that album a lot simply because I have always appreciated percussion in music and especially jazz/easy listening.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Great memory! It's a great one, even if I didn't place it in the gems category, it could have easily gone there. Did it have this cover, or an alternate? I love percussion records too!

[@rrotwang]

Great show

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thanks, Adam

[@chuckdieselkicksdisks2380]

Love the living stereo LPS- thanks for showing these- I have the reel to reel of the bob & ray and mono of eddie heywood Canadian sunset

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi, Thank you for watching and commenting! I'd love to hear Bob and Ray on reel to reel! Never seen it. It's a rare one. Do you still have the deck to play it? I'm planning a Living Stereo reel segment soon, but mostly classical. My deck is being restored and I'll be borrowing a different one from my dealer in the meantime!

[@chuckdieselkicksdisks2380]

@ThePressingMatters cool yeah I gotta get all my tapes together. Used to play on a tandberg but I have this akai

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@chuckdieselkicksdisks2380 Awesome, I think you'll enjoy what I have planned for that subject.

[@Harv-ib5xl]

Really enjoyed it; thanks for the info!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Awesome, thanks for letting me know!

[@juanbanzai]

I have the “Saturday Night with Mr. C” record, and although it may sound old-timey and tame, it IS a soundtrack for the times. Perry Como was HUGELY popular throughout the 1950s.. having several number 1 hits on the Billboard charts. Thanks to the magic of television, Perry had a musical program on Saturday evenings that was watched by millions of people and was likewise very popular. The album is basically a recording that’s like a reproduction of his TV show. So don’t think of it as a “throw-away”. Think of it as a time capsule of what our grandparents (and great-grandparents) would have dropped everything to watch on a quiet Saturday evening. They laughed with Jackie Gleason and the Honeymooners, and they sang along with Perry Como. Wonderful stuff if you think about it that way.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I must give Saturday Night With Mr C another listen. I think I had been too quick with my audition of it. Even though I was born in 1961 and have always been aware of Perry Como, he always seemed before my time, whereas Sinatra seemed more timeless. A few have mentioned they think it is a special album. Might take a few more times to appreciate. I loved to hear your perspective on it. Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@hastingsbnsfnscalemodeler8594]

I have a number of Living Stereo albums- not all daily listeners, but many are very entertaining. Provides variety to my standard jazz and classic rock collection.

[@ThePressingMatters]

It was so much fun collecting these when thrift stores were full of them. I kept them all, they are always at least interesting and many times surprisingly great!

[@audiophileman7047]

@@ThePressingMatters You rescued the ones you bought, but just think of how many of them sadly ended up in the landfill. 😢

[@ThePressingMatters]

Yes, I'm sure they did. One time I worked at a thrift shop. The lady knew I was into records so my first task was to tidy up the record section. Only the absolutely trashed and tattered stuff went into the dumpster. I tried to spare anything anybody might be interested in. I hated tossing vinyl like that but at some point someone had to separate the wheat from the chaff!

[@audiophileman7047]

@@ThePressingMatters It's just the way of the world when something falls out of favor. It's also way of the world when what was out of fashion sometimes comes back in fashion. Vinyl records in general are a good example of this.

[@ThePressingMatters]

The perfect example!

[@slyfoxx2973]

I have a few LS records the Peter Gunn being one.

[@ThePressingMatters]

That's the one it seemed everyone had back in the 60's. Real ear candy!

[@jiggsh54]

I’ve had that Peter Gunn album since the 60’s. Introduced me to jazz.

[@ThePressingMatters]

It's a great introduction to jazz, I think for many people it was their first 'jazzy' album. Certainly when I was a kid, my friends parents, who all had this record, were not jazz buffs. Everybody loved this record, including my parents. I'll never forget that weird looking cover!

[@FlipDahlenburg]

I have a lot of these albums with the chicks on them! Used to put them up on my walls. I've got the one with Candace Bergen's mum on it, and the one with the actress Arlene Martel. Sooo many good ones!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Yes, the cover art is certainly a draw to some of these records. When the music is fun, it's a win/win!

[@bobsink44]

Keep ‘em coming Scott. Great stuff! The Isley Bothers Shout and the Abbe Lane stuff is nice(another Mrs. Cugat).

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you so much for watching and your vote for a second episode! I've got enough for several videos on this subject!

[@charlesdexterbrewer6586]

A friend gave me the Skin Tight record, it’s a good test pattern for your system, stylus and speakers, the arrangements have the drums take the melody (Caravan), there’s everything from tablas to timpani.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Charles! What a nice friend you have! It was definitely designed for hi-fi enthusiasts. This one in particular might appeal to today's audiophiles. The range of different drums and stereo placement is really striking (as is the cover!) Thanks so much for commenting and hope to see you on Part Two!

[@TrueStereo-]

Thanks for the videos. These are fun records.

[@ThePressingMatters]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching!

[@CharlesRBiggs]

Great (and fun!!) video. Do more like these, please. I love the Man ink recordings. But Three Suns?! Hilarious. I remember their old Christmas album from childhood, and they had already been together at that time for about 156 years!

[@CharlesRBiggs]

* Mancini

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Charles, Great to hear from you! Glad you liked this one and I'll count your vote for another episode! The Mancini stuff is great of course. I'll bring a few more of his into the next one. The Three Suns? Well right before I left for vacation, I packed a box of records to donate and there was a really old mono Three Suns record in there. Probably 1955. I thought twice but knew I'd never play it. I have to downsize my thrift store stuff so I was proud to do my forth box. I can't even recall any from the first three. So far no regrets.

[@fueledbylove]

Oh, you guys The Three Suns did TWO Xmas LPs - you are probably referring to the first one which has a painting of a quaint little town with snow-covered hills in the background from like 1955, not a Stereo recording though it was reissued about a zillion times with other covers. Their second Yuletide offering is something completely different issued in Mono and Stereo called "A Ding Dong Dandy Christmas" from 1959 and this LP will give you a whole new outlook on the Three Suns. Accordion, check. Organ, check. Guitar, check. Tuba, check... Tuba?

[@ThePressingMatters]

@fueledbylove Well now I'll have to keep an eye out do that one! Thanks again!

[@JustFortheRecord66]

So glad you did this for the LSP catalogue. You have a great collection and many great picks! ❤

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thanks! I'm glad you found it interesting. Another video will come next month.

[@kingelvis1956]

Outstanding video! Because I’m a huge Elvis fan and collector, I have always loved RCA Victor records, the labels and the album art of the many different artists who were fortunate enough to have recorded for the label. I was glad elated to find this video and enjoyed your presentation. I own most of the albums that you spoke about, though I don’t play them often. Looking forward to the second video! I do own a pristine “Living Stereo” copy of Belafonte at Carnegie Hall. Great album!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you so much for watching, and for the kind words about this video! I am completely blown away by the reactions! I did it because I love this area of collecting, and I guess it showed! Elvis will definitely make an appearance as well as Belafonte. I'll probably focus in obscure early stuff again in the next episode. So glad you loved it, thanks for commenting.

[@jasonsmith2032]

"Your channel is such a niche!" YES! That's why we watch! I have Peter Gunn, Hugo goes Latin, a couple of Three Suns, and a few Chet Atkins. Do you have many from Command Records? I'd love to learn more about those - Persuasive Percussion etc. Thanks as always for your videos!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thanks for your reply! I feel better ;-) I have almost all the Command records and have wanted to do something on them as well. I'll put it in the agenda! Can you imagine all the cool artwork scrolling by? I really enjoyed that with this one. I took those photos under ideal conditions and they look awesome.

[@jasonsmith2032]

@@ThePressingMatters I don't know how many there were but I'm always on the look out for them. Cheesy music but amazing sound. We live in a mid-century modern house and this "Mad Men" music is great for the vibe. I bought one for the cover art then discovered the audiophile component.

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@jasonsmith2032 Oh yeah, this music will fit right into your home!

[@multiverser9585]

I have a few Command records. I think those were recorded on 35mm tape (as in 35mm film). They do sound excellent, but some people thought the 35mm was more of a marketing gimmick than an audiophile upgrade in sound. All the labels were trying to differentiate their marketing from others, I guess culminating in Quad, which was far out, man. LOL

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@multiverser9585 command started with tape and as they got super popular started using 35mm. Mercury and Everest also did. It was beneficial for sound quality, but it was ridiculously expensive. It wouldn't even be viable today.

[@chesrider2373]

Just installed my new Sweet Vinyl SC-1 mini. it works. happy. appreciate your review of this product.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Pretty easy to install. Did you figure how to update the software? Not sure it will need it fresh from the factory. Have you experienced this unit before? I found it very useful for specific issues but I was very tempted to leave it in the system all the time. After trying to detect the unit in or out, I decided it was extremely transparent. It's very interesting people's reactions and bias. I'm sure purists would be horrified if it was always in use.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I can't wait to get mine! It was expensive but I couldn't stop thinking about it. I'll look at it as an early Xmas present to myself 😀 Please keep me updated on how you are using it, what level, and your overall impression of its capabilities.

[@chesrider2373]

@@ThePressingMatters 3rd week of use: it's a permanent addition to my other system. the SC-1 does not have a wifi capability and the manual states its' software is up to date. I believe the software updates are for those recording to digital files. I record to analogue cassette tapes: sounds remarkable.

[@ThePressingMatters]

@chesrider2373 Oh ok, thanks for the update. I can't wait to get home and install it!

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@chesrider2373​​⁠I'm going to be experimenting with recording to reel to reel.

[@RjBenjamin353]

Great stuff!!! Very interesting. Thank you sir.

[@ThePressingMatters]

You're welcome! Thanks for checking it out!

[@casperdowlen625]

Juan Garcia Esquivel and his many audiophile recordings for RCA in stereo. His first, The Genius of Esquivel and Esquivel 1968! To me are his best. I have all his commercially released RCA records on vinyl. From the Batchelor pad: "With Bells On" Sid Bass.-- on RCA Cameden or ViK. Two different covers. # K3P-0080. Also "From Another Workd" ViK # LX-1053. Also the orange boxset that accompanied the Fidler boxset of Henry Mancini. The Fiedler was purple. Mostly forgettable but the Mancini is brilliant. Some hard to find records in that set. As always a pleasure to get your take on music. Thank you for all you do! Please keep doing this. I love the Batchelor Pad Lounge Music era. Sorry about the roomate. Sometimes education is wasted on the deaf ear.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Wow you brought up some rare early Esquivel! I haven't come across those, but I have five I'll cover throughout this series, and will perhaps do an artist spotlight on Esquivel in his own episode.

[@ergloo6660]

This made my day, reviews of things not to buy - excellent! Really enjoyed

[@ThePressingMatters]

Yes, this one was just fun to browse, though you do need a copy of Bang Barroom and Harp!

[@99RiverSt]

Big Living Stereo fan. Agreed with your selections for their piles. Skin Tight is one of my faves! Look for Tito Puente's, Night Beat. I love Crime Jazz and agreed with the pile you placed Mike Hamer in. I also enjoy West Coast Jazz, but for the most part, it is not Living Jazz. To add a light on the 3 Suns, although popular before his administration, Presidet, former Gen. Dwight Eisenhower was subjected to the ensemble as they were faves of First Lady, Mamie. She even wrote Liner Notes for one release. Founder brother, and guitarist Al Nevin, eventually departed and teamed with Don Kirschner to form Al-Don Publishing.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thanks for your comment! Skin Tight is a special one for a number of reasons. It has a natural stereo perspective, interesting arrangements, unusual instrumentation and one of the best jacket designs! The title is clever too. I'll keep a lookout for Tito Puente's Night Beat. I wasn't even aware of it, so thank you! I have a few more crime jazz titles I'll show next time, and lots of other interesting stuff. Maybe I was a bit hard on The Tvree Suns. They are fun if you have an open mind. 😁

[@daccrowell4776]

What the hell...go for a niche within a niche within yet another niche, and do a breakdown of RCA's Stereo Action series. As opposed to the Living Stereo pop stuff, all of the Stereo Action albums are truly nuts...weird engineering techniques abound, bonkers arrangements, many nods to this Jetson's-style aesthetic that permeates many of these albums. You also had those strange, elaborate die-cut outer jackets with strange abstract art c. 1960, which actually helps keep the vinyl in very good shape. The pinnacles of Space Age Pop, truly.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Oh oh... you had to bring up Stereo Action!!! I do have a small collection of them, maybe 7 titles. You've described them perfectly. Looks like we're going to go down that rabbit hole and Command as well! Stay tuned!

[@daccrowell4776]

@@ThePressingMatters Oh...and don't forget the London Phase4 series. Some of that is just downright weird but lots of fun...and sometimes they put out some classical recordings using their bespoke "Phase4" process. About which...it seems like they used soms sort of phase recollation device, or at least that's what it sounds like. Something like the BASE (Bedini Aural Spatial Expander) processor from the late 1980s; I've got Behringer's "version", the Edison, and it can get into that depth of image zone pretty easily.

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@daccrowell4776 Ive got tons of the Phase 4 records, both pop and classical. I'll do something with those as well

[@ExplodingPsyche]

@@ThePressingMatters I'd love to see you do a video on the Stokowski Phase 4 recordings.

[@ThePressingMatters]

@ExplodingPsyche i have many of those as well. Great idea. Haven't listened to them in ages. Would be good to have a fresh take on them. I'll put it on the topic list! Thanks!

[@michaeldeloatch7461]

Thanks for doing this one. You have one new fan who is subscribing so tell your roommate "nyah" ! Years ago I bought a box of WW2 era 78s. Among them was a record by the Three Suns. It stands out among the rest for making me say "people once paid to hear these guys?" Also, have you ever seen a poor farmer trying to hang a bell on a chromatic cow?

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Micheal! Thanks for watching, commenting and subscribing! Great to have you here. In a satisfying turn of events, this video, that was a pet project for me, went beyond all expectations and has been number one since its release. Yeah I told the roommate "I told you so!" Great memories on your discovery of The Three Suns. Amazing how far they go back! There are more videos planned on this subject and other labels from this era. Thanks for your interest! Scott

[@mayormc]

Great albums. I have both the Peter Gunn albums. Reminds me of the soundtrack to M-Squad (TV show w/ Lee Marvin) which I think might be living stereo, not sure.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thanks! I believe M Squad was mentioned here in the comments as a Living Stereo in a similar vein. I don't have that one but I'd like to find one.

[@Brighamdoc]

Thanks for doing this. Sitting down, listening to, and enjoying some kitsch music is one of my favorite things to do on a hot summer evening. My roommates - two dogs and a wife - tolerate it.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I'm so thrilled that you liked this topic. I knew there were a few of us out there that had this kind of "guilty pleasure" You have a very understanding wife. My roommate continued "you need to do a Taylor Swift video!"

[@tlow0510]

Esquivel's Other Worlds Other Sounds is a good one and reaches into Space Age Pop. I have the Audio Fidelity version mastered by Kevin Gray.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I think it's the top one, though I do like Latin-esque as well. I too have the Audio Fidelity and will compare it to my original when I highlight it in the next episode. That Audio Fidelity was on sale for half price towards the end! Glad I grabbed it either way. It's a beauty.

[@tlow0510]

@@ThePressingMatters Thank you in advance for comparing Esquivels! I look forward to your analysis.

[@ThePressingMatters]

@tlow0510 Sure, it will be a lot of fun!

[@pcno2832]

3:11 The Three Suns' keyboardist was Artie Dunn, who is credited as playing the Novachord, the first polyphonic synthesizer of note, on various recordings, though I don't know if he used it on any Three Suns releases.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you for the info. There is a lot of love out there for The Three Suns!

[@billdang3953]

To me, the best Living Stereo popular release is Charles Mingus Tijuana Moods (LSP 2533). This would unfortunately be rare and expensive to find. This was reissued by Classic Records but the original pressings sounds better. The music was originally recorded in 1957 but somehow was not released until 1962 (the end of the Living Stereo era).

[@ThePressingMatters]

Yes, I remember the Classic records release, but never picked it up. It's definitely overdue for a great reissue. There are so many great artists I've hardly touched on here. Will get to them soon. One rule I always follow is to keep an original and an audiophile reissue, no matter how impressed I might be with the reissue. My opinion could change over time and over better systems.

[@Dave_Tartaglia]

I love exotica, and dig these albums. The one that was new to me was the Bob & Ray album. I grew up in suburban NY and listened to Bob and Ray many times on the radio. Unless I miss my guess, that album cover was drawn by Jack Davis, MAD Magazine artist extraodinaire!

[@ThePressingMatters]

That's right! I forgot to mention that😂

[@ThePressingMatters]

I wasn't really aware of Bob and Ray until I heard this album. Hilarious! I'm sure the radio show was great too.

[@richardwhite2344]

I want to thank you or this video. Yes, there is a interest or these classic RCA Living Stereo LP's. We all have dierent opinions but for me, I Love the Hugo Winterhalter Goes Latin. My Parents had the album and it is a big part of my growing up, and I do love the music. Thanks for posting.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Richard, It was a pleasure to do it! Maybe I was a little tough on Hugo Winterhalter Goes Latin. It is a nice sounding record, and I'll give it another try. I guess I expected something different based on the cover! I'm glad you liked the video overall, and I have as follow up in the works! Thanks so much for watching and commenting.

[@artguti1551]

I have a handful of some of the record albums that you showed. Although I don't have that particular Xavier Cugat album that you have. I have other Xavier Cugat albums that are Great! And, just like you, I collect the albums for their art covers also.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I haven't stumbled across another Cugat title yet, but I imagine there are some great ones from a bit earlier. I'm picking up some more as I see them, and will have a follow up video soon! Thanks for watching!

[@drunkenskelator]

I have several of the titles you showed just because about anytime I find a Living Stereo title in good shape in a thrift store I grab it. If I may recommend one that ( a bit reminiscent of the Peter Gunn title) people should grab if they see it - “Stanley Wilson - The Music From "M Squad"

[@ThePressingMatters]

Oh yes, I completely forgot about that one. I'm pretty sure I don't have it anymore but I remember the jacket and some of the music. I'll have a few more surprises in the next installment

[@multiverser9585]

Yep, I was able to pick up a nice copy of M Squad for a dollar. Best dollar I ever spent.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Awesome! I like that price! Most of mine were a buck too.

[@robertthurman9866]

I am watching only because of the Living Stereo. I still have all my parents albums and a lot were Living Stereo. Bob and Ray's album was always my favorite. We had people come over and listen to our new Grundig Stereo console. I think we were the first to get "Stereo" in the neighborhood. I even have a bunch of their 78's. All good stuff..

[@ThePressingMatters]

Great memory! This is how I first encountered the Living Stereo albums. I was born in 1961, and my parents had just purchased a Magnavox Stereo Console. They had a few Living Stereo and other early stereo albums. I remember Fiedler's Music From The Million Dollar Movies, Victory At Sea, Morton Gould's 1812 Overture and others. I was so fascinated with them and still am today!

[@ThisGuyFrritz]

My dad got "Bob and Ray Throw a Stereo Spectacular" years ago. Maybe before I was born. There were times when my dad (and a few other relatives) would imitate Boris Karloff, Peter Lorrie (actually done by Bob and Ray) and that guy saying "help" when going from one speaker to another. We still got that album. Not in the shape that might've made it valuable. Speaking of RCA Living Stereo, I got some CDs (and a few on vinyl, such as, "Hi-Fi Fiedler" and "Good Music to Have Fun With"). They contain conductors like Fritz Reiner, Arthur Fiedler and Charles Munch. As you may notice, they're part of my classical collection. The "non-classical stuff" I listen to are the oldies Rock-n-Roll, the '60s, Disco and other '70s stuff, until about the '80s. I also listen to Post Rock (thanks to KZbin, Bandcamp and Soundcloud). Oh yeah, also electronic, synthpop, synthwave, vaporwave, and other such music by Tangerine Dream, Vangelis, Micheal Stearns, Steve Roach, et al... as well as avant-garde experimental stuff by Vladimir Ussachevsky, Otto Luening, Pierre Schaeffer, Pierre Henry and other such pioneers. Maybe I'll stop here before I go any further. :-]

[@ThePressingMatters]

That's so cool that you have Bob and Ray. Your story about it was fun to hear about. We actually have some similarities in musical taste. There are genres I'm into that I haven't even touched on the channel but in time I will get to Disco, Electronic Avant Garde

[@ThisGuyFrritz]

@@ThePressingMatters As for the Electronic Music, I would recommend these (which may be easier for you to get them on CD than on Vinyl): - OHM: The Early Gurus of Electronic Music - I don't think there's a vinyl release of this. - An anthology of Noise and Electronic Music (7 Volumes) - They may be hard to get these Days. - Forbidden Planets, Vols. 1 and 2 - Soundtrack from "Forbidden Planet" - Electronic Music... It Started Here - Panorama De Musique Concrète - Raymon Scott: Manhattan Research, Inc. and Three Willow Park - Pioneers of Electronic Music - Columbia-Princeton Electronic Music Center 1961-1973 I think this would be enough for a start.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Great suggestion! I have a couple of these!

[@williamhelms9942]

I used to have that album! There were different kinds of drums on it from all over the world.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi William! It's really a very cool album. I love the instrumentation and engineering. It's one fun and unique record! Thanks for watching, and stay tuned for more.

[@joseluisherreralepron9987]

Fantastic stuff! "mmmm...nice" is sitting out in my listening room right now. That cover just cracks me up every time I walk into the room. I always get excited when I see a LSP banner in the bins. I have dozens of them. I laughed out loud at your comments on the Perry Como album because that was exactly my reaction when I listened to it. "Peter Gunn" sounds great and the music is wonderful; I have managed to find two copies of "Music for Bang, Baaroom and Harp" in the wild and the sound is fantastic; it's amazing. Al Schmitt and Bob Simpson were very impressive. I happen to like 'lounge music'/'bachelor pad' music like this but I get a lot of ribbing from friends as well who think it's rubbish. Great video, please do that second video! Do you have any of the similar Command Records titles? I've made an obsession of collecting the entire catalog; I'm nearly done after 36 years. They were spectacular-sounding as well, though they had a tendency towards the hole-in-the-middle effect.

[@ThePressingMatters]

What a joy to read your comment! Another fan that totally understands the appeal of this music! Your comment about getting excited about seeing a Living Stereo banner, well that's exactly how it was for me each time I spotted one of these. They ALWAYS came home with me whether it was Belafonte or bagpipes (yeah we'll get to that one next time out!) I can't wait to get back from vacation to make the next video!

[@markevans7969]

Excellent presentation and summary of our favorite popular Living Stereo releases. I request more videos of these RCA LSPs in the future. I've been picking these up for the last thirty years and still haven't found them all. I enjoy the Bob Thompson LPs and he even did one titled How the West was Won. Don't forget the Rosemary Clooney, Ralph Hunter Choir LPs on Living Stereo, or the other female and male singers. Some of these are so corny they are cool. The people that don't enjoy these releases don't get it as they are a time capsule for space age pop music lovers.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you for watching! I'll have another one shortly. Like you I never pass one up. I've a lot more to share with Marty Gold, Bob Thompson, Esquivel and more. Vocalists will feature too. Can't wait to start work on it!

[@audiophileman7047]

Well said, Mark. Some of these "corny" albums can be quite good for the time traveler and those who appreciate the pop culture of the time. I sure do appreciate some of them.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Remember when that series of CDs came around that capitalized on this type of music. It was a Lounge Music / Space Age series that drew from RCA and Capitol at least.

[@audiophileman7047]

@@ThePressingMatters That's right, and there were albums from people like Jackie Gleason too.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Oh yes, you haven't truly lived until you've heard Jackie Gleason Presents Ooooh! I'm serious :-)

[@fueledbylove]

I grew up with many of these records in our home, played on nice tube component stereo with folded horn type speakers. I was getting to listen to Schory, Gunn and Ravel's Bolero on RCA stereo discs before grade school and was fascinated by it all, though not allowed to touch anything. But when I grew up I started pretty early to gather a collection of my own, of course just "new records" but years later I would seek out a wide variety of vinyl titles. In the days when I would go diving into every box of used records I had a desire to seek those old titles I remembered from the "Golden Age" so I would snag almost everything "Living Stereo" LSC or LSP....And I would get a lot of great records but I quickly realized while there were sonic marvels in those catalogs there were also some very mediocre ones and worse, a few of the most abysmal sounding recordings I have ever had the misfortune to hear. I am glad I never spent a lot of money on them, it still brings me much joy that a lot of vinyl that used to be considered "hard to find" was way less expensive before the Advent of the Online Auction, which certainly proved a greater abundance of pressings still existed, yet overall the prices got driven UP. I certainly cannot complain.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi, Thank you for the wonderful comment! Your experiences sound very familiar to my own. I was born right in the midst of the Living Stereo era, 1961, and my parents had a tube amplified Magnavox stereo console. I remember peering through the holes at the glowing tubes. They had early stereo records including Gould's Bolero and 1812, Belafonte and Fiedler, and years later, just like you, I would seize upon and record from that era with a Living Stereo banner or similar, promising stereo thrills. They did range from great to mediocre, but for a few bucks or less each, it's was always worth a try. And here we are, reevaluating them today and enjoying them for what they are.

[@fueledbylove]

@@ThePressingMatters Cool! thanks your reply!

[@multiverser9585]

You know what else sounded great on the all-tube console stereos back in the day... Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass, also Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66. I've got complete collections of those. Mood changers!

[@ThePressingMatters]

I have a run of those albums too!

[@fueledbylove]

@@multiverser9585 H.A. on 7.5ips factory reels aint bad either if that's OK to say on a vinyl channel. 😲

[@CraiginOhioUSA]

The Three Suns are great ...very wacky combination of sounds, all their albums are quirky and enjoyable!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Yes, I know I came off a bit dismissive of The Three Suns but they are pretty cool in an odd way!

[@CraiginOhioUSA]

@@ThePressingMatters Most of my life, I saw those Three Suns albums in used bins, I absolutely ignored them. But once I finally tried one, I felt very stupid for not giving them a chance sooner. The music, maybe, a novelty - but, those guys were very creative about it, excellent players, and some innovative arrangements. I absolutely look at those albums more seriously now. I also spent many decades scoffing at those Percy Faith/Ray Conniff albums. I thought they were just garbage. But I learned more, that (in the 60s and 70s) those players and background singers were actually the top session players of the era, and then I started collecting those recordings with a true fever. The vinyl wasn't enough- I collected every Ray Conniff album on CD, and I'm still working at the Percy Faith ones. I regret the portion of my life when I scoffed at this music, based on absolutely nothing. It's truly embarrassing to admit- at one time, I thought Les Baxter albums were just trash, too. I have vivid, photographic memories of being in Goodwill locations, seeing stacks of mint Les Baxter albums for 25 cents and thinking it was annoying to flip past them. .... Later in life, I heard his early seventies albums , and was instantly a fan, wanting to own everything his name was on. Even the Jackie Gleason albums are not bad. The good perspective is that I never run out of things to discover. Just when I think I know everything, I find a new street to walk down. I absolutely can't get into Perry Como, though. Good grief.

[@ThePressingMatters]

@CraiginOhioUSA Great comment, and what caught my attention is the mention of Ray Conniff and Percy Faith. I too discovered this long ago and always pick them up if in great condition. It's true, if you keep an open mind there is a world of music from the past to discover and delight in. Thanks for this comment!

[@multiverser9585]

I would rather listen to Perry Como than Pat Boone, though. I will say that the Perry Como Christmas album is pretty darn good, his version of the 12 Days of Christmas is the gold standard for that song, IMHO.

[@CraiginOhioUSA]

@@multiverser9585 There's something about the timbre of Perry's voice, a hollowness to the tone- it sets my nerves on edge. From the very first time I heard him, I really disliked him. He has recorded a lot of good material, and his Latin album was the closest I ever came to being able to listen to him. Another singer with something strange in his voice that is jarring to me: Jerry Vale. But, I can listen to him. Pat Boone is....he's ok. His sanitized versions of R & B hits are sometimes more enjoyable to me, than the originals. He certainly filled a gap- for people who liked those songs, but found the original artists too raw. I like the concept of having a smoother version, why shouldn't everyone have a version to enjoy? Andy Williams isn't bad. I grew up, very focused on Sinatra,Torme, Bennett. It's interesting to learn about all the others, too. Vic Damone made some beautiful albums. Frankie Laine, Johnnie Ray.Johnny Hartman.

[@vinylhound43]

Yes, please do another. Enjoyed this one a lot. Esquivel’s first Living Stereo is innovative and a fun listen, as I suspect you already know. You’re gonna think I’m crazy, but I love one amazing track from “Living Strings Play Night Themes,” which surprised the hell out of me on an otherwise okay album with great 1963 Living Stereo sound. Yes, I know: Living Strings will never be a go-to for me, but I was new to collecting Living Stereo 35 years ago and it was a thrift store find, so I gave it a whirl. It’s an Al Nevins album, and Sid Ramon and Irwin Kostal are arrangers. Boy, was I glad I bought it. On the third track of side two, “Fine and Mellow” is a slow burn, almost striptease number with instruments that seem to sonically reflect from their originating channel to the other side of the soundstage in a fascinating way (placement of a sheet of metal, perhaps?). This track stands out both sonically and musically from the others it shares a record with. Copies are cheap, and I hope someday you will give it a spin.😄

[@ThePressingMatters]

Very interesting comment! I used to see so many Living Strings albums and passed on them without really hearing them. I really have to check some out. I might really love them. There will be a number of follow ups to this video, with more Living Stereo and other labels from this era as well. I may do an artist spotlight on Esquivel and others! Thanks for watching! Stay tuned!

[@vinylhound43]

Glad for your reply! Forgot to mention another Camden from ‘63 I stumbled across on KZbin two years ago: “Holiday for Strings,” an English recording arranged and conducted by Johnny Douglas. It’s lively and fun. Yep, another Living Strings. For me, it stands up to repeated listening sessions. I decided to buy a vinyl copy, but stereo copies were rare on EBay. I managed to find it on reel to reel.

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@vinylhound43 I think I've heard about that title before. There's are a couple that have had some attention in audiophile circles. I seem to recall there was a space age them one too. Do you know anything about that?

[@vinylhound43]

Hi, again. Since you might do an entry featuring Esquivel, you know his space-related titles. Actually, there’s another narrated/music pastiche intro to Living Stereo: “Sounds in Space” with various artists, catalogue # SP-33-13. I’m sure you know that one. And another fun one with a tangential space age connection is Camden’s “This Is Stereo,” which I recall includes sounds of a missile launch among various sound effects before becoming a sampler of pop and classical tracks from the Camden catalogue. it is CAS-535. I find it has amazing sonics and imaging, particularly in the sound effects section and the Living Stereo tracks featuring the gifted Oslo Philharmonic. This Camden stereophonic intro album is a real bargain from what I’ve seen of the prices on discogs. It deserves as much or more attention, in my opinion, than the “This Is Living Stereo” demo LP that audiophiles have loved for a long time. There is another space-themed Living Stereo popular release that I’ve come across, and if I recall it, I’ll share it. Hope this helps.

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@vinylhound43 Thank you for mentioning these releases. At one time I did have a copy of Sounds of Space, but I foolishly let it go because it was pretty worn. Never saw it again. I had not heard of the Camden release but I am going to see if I can get one now that you've let me know of it. Thanks so much for the info!

[@revelry1969]

Love it. I have been digging the contemporary label these days. Maybe do one like this for Contemporary. I picked up an amazing sounding Peter Gunn on contemporary….highly recommended. The Sounds Unheard is quite amazing too!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Funny you should mention Sounds Unheard Of because I have that in my list of topics!

[@revelry1969]

@@ThePressingMatters it’s a good one

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@revelry1969 I don't have the original but do have an early Analogue productions reissue in their Revival Series. Love it!

[@revelry1969]

I can send you high res rip of OG if you want. How to get a hold of you? I tried on IG but not sure if you check that

[@ThePressingMatters]

Oh that would be cool if it's not too much trouble. I don't check my Instagram much so it would be best to send it to my email [e-mail] I won't be able to hear it over my system until I get back from vacation but I have some headphones with me here. Thanks!

[@daveandreahoward8203]

BIG FUN!

[@ThePressingMatters]

I agree! This video seems to have gained some fans. It's doing really well! I'm delighted. It was fun to do, and I have much more to cover! Thanks for the vote of confidence!

[@daveandreahoward8203]

@@ThePressingMatters oh, love this stuff. Starting with the Ultra Lounge cd series from the ninties to now, where assembling Bachelor Box collections of these records has been a blast of musical archeology, I dig this era the most.

[@ThePressingMatters]

@daveandreahoward8203 That was a really cool CD series and a great revival of interest in this era. And I believe the book Incredibly Strange Music had a lot to do with that as well. Us crate diggers and Living Stereo fanatics always knew!

[@stereo8893]

I would watch anything you do.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Aww that made my day! Thank you!

[@AttackFromDownunda]

Great video, I collect these as well. " Cool Waters - Western Favourites " by the Son of Pioneers is one I enjoy. And also " Sounds Of Space " which has a cool cover. Its also I believe a demo record that was given away with the R.C.A Stereo system. Cheers Scott.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thanks! I do have Cool Water. When I think of it this could go on go see er episodes I used to have Sounds of Space but it was trashed so I let it go at some point. I'll have a few new surprises next time.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hey I went out to the antique shops around where I'm vacationing and I found another copy of Cool Water! It might be a better copy so I'm really excited to get home and compare them!

[@AttackFromDownunda]

@@ThePressingMatters Thats great!. People talk about Marty Robbins - Gunfighter Ballads being a fantastic record. And it is, but I enjoy " Cool Waters " more!.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I finally found the Marty Robbin's recording on CD, after hearing about it for years. It was good but I think you're right, the Sons Of The Pioneers Cool Water is a classic that might be even better !

[@marktubeie07]

Yes Scott, more Living Stereo popular titles reviewed would be great - superb recordings! Together with _Peter Gunn_ you have to also include Mancini's TV soundtrack to _Mr Lucky,_ also a Living Stereo. Worth mentioning the 'Liberty Label Premiere Series' from the 60s. Nobody seems to mention those as they are also superb ( in my opinion). Felix Slatkin's _Inspired Themes from Inspired Movies_ could possibly be my favourite instrumental album of all time, both sonically and beautiful arrangements.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Mark! Glad you liked this topic! I am surprised and delighted that people are loving this video. I have had many requests for a follow up, as well as segments on Command and Phase 4. Probably a Mercury Perfect Presence, and an RCA Stereo Action segment as well. Mr Lucky and Mr Lucky Goes Latin will be in the next batch for sure. It occurred to me today, just before your comment I was thinking I could do one on Liberty Premiere, but everything I have is 50 Guitars of Tommy Garrett. Would be good to revisit them and do a video on him! Talk about a niche subject!

[@marktubeie07]

@@ThePressingMatters Great idea Scott ! Agree about the Tommy Garrett but I have found some others that are stunning. They do fall into the same issues as many of those LS you highlighted in that they're superb recordings but the content can be questionable. Long time viewer of your channel but I don't comment often - always great videos & cheers for the reply :)

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@marktubeie07 Well it looks I have some fun assignments to keep me busy!

[@multiverser9585]

Mercury Living Presence was a great label for classical, I remember. That 1812 Overture... Boom!

[@ThePressingMatters]

@multiverser9585 It sure was, and the 1812 record was the best selling classical record of all time. Actually, Fritz Reiner's beautiful Living Stereo version sold so few in comparison, it only had one run, and disappeared.

[@johnevans9751]

I remember percussion and bongo 'living stereo' LPs

[@ThePressingMatters]

I collected a lot of percussion records from all the labels around this time. Command, United Artists Ultra Audio, Concert Disc, and so many others. Love them.

[@fernandogastelomusic]

You shoud do a video on the Phase 4 Stereo line. Its my dads favorite pressing line and it does sound fantastic

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Fernando! Thanks so much for watching, and I will be doing an episode on Phase 4. I have mostly classical, but some fun pop ones too. Stay Tuned!

[@redihip]

Great segment. The Three Suns did do one album called Movin n Groovin that is kinda trippy and Psychedelic. Have you thought about doing the Command label releases ?

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you for watching and commenting! I do have Movin' n Groovin' but I haven't heard it in years. I have about 6 Stereo Action releases, so I think I will do a listening session and do a feature on that series as well. Several people have mentioned Command and I have almost the whole run of those too. The response from you and others to this video convinced me to go ahead with it! Stay tuned!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hey I went poking around the thrift shops where I'm vacationing and found another two Command records that I didn't have. One I've been searching for forever, it's called Strange Interlude! Command video is coming!

[@redihip]

@@ThePressingMatters I'll be looking forward to it.

[@artguti1551]

Look for one called "Cugi's Cocktails". I had a friend visiting last week and she loved it! I think she downloaded it to her list of digital music.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Ok thanks for the recommendation! I just sampled it and it's great! This is what I had hoped the one I have was like. I see this was originally on Mercury. Have to find one!

[@artguti1551]

@@ThePressingMatters I love that album!

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@artguti1551 I also sampled a Columbia release from the mono era called Mambo at the Waldorf that was really good early authentic Cugat at his best

[@artguti1551]

@@ThePressingMatters I'll have to check it out!

[@7BobbyGaylor7]

Great video! I only own one of the Living Stereo albums "Cool Water" by Sons Of The Pioneers" I got it because it was one of my moms favorite albums and every time I play it I think of her. I'm new to the VC. Posted my first video about 4 weeks ago. I like your channel. Cheers

[@ThePressingMatters]

Welcome and congratulations on your first video! I remember mine. It's hard to watch but I left everything up. Cool Water will be in the third batch. I just found a copy recently, and I might have another as well. They are a part of what makes these records so special. I think it is really cool that RCA recorded them.

[@7BobbyGaylor7]

@@ThePressingMatters Thank you! Means a lot. You're right, and I love that Cool Water album. Cheers

[@ThePressingMatters]

I think I have Tumbleweed Trail too

[@7BobbyGaylor7]

@@ThePressingMatters Nice.

[@SuperWarren83]

So good,but there were also many Soundtracks in the''Living Sterero'' series............Please do a ''part 2'' featuring the Soundtracks..As you only featured PETER GUNN.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Warren! I have done a part two, where there is another two soundtracks featured, Jack The Ripper, and the TV soundtrack Mr Lucky! The series will continue with more titles including more soundtracks kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJXPiImPaLOdgdksi=-HGXMGEII2gwk-ZU

[@vinylrules4838]

Every Peter Gunn lp I find over the years is trashed. At least people played it. 🙂

[@ThePressingMatters]

Not surprised! It is a great one. I think I have a couple of reissues on RCA, from the late 60's and 70's. Probably the Speakers Corner at $40 is the best option for a flawless copy. The 45 is still available too.

[@SotallyToberTuba]

Now I want a copy of Canadian Sunset just for the cover. Love the famous viewpoint of Mount Rundle from Vermillion Lakes in Banff National Park on the cover!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Oh I didn't know it was a famous spot! Thanks for the information! The photo of the cover did look really good, and everyone should hear the tune at least once in their life.

[@multiverser9585]

By far, the best Winterhalter is... Hugo Winterhalter Goes Continental. If you see it in the wild in the dollar bin, snap it up, you won't be sorry!

[@ThePressingMatters]

I've never seen that in all my years of collecting, but I will always grab a Winterhalter record. Thanks for the recommendation!

[@andershammer9307]

I have a number of what we call black dogs. My favorite jazz record is More Music from Peter Gunn.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Yes, the LSP series, known for its distinctive black dog label has a lot of gems, the Peter Gunn records for sure.

[@audiophileman7047]

Here we go Scott! You're really picking up speed with this video!! 😻 This is one of my favorite videos of yours to date. 👍👍👍 I live for this kind of stuff these days. Though I still very much like interesting variants of original and reissue classic rock, blues, country, jazz, etc. albums, I'm really interested in these little known under the radar kinds of albums. Over the years I've seen so many of those albums you showed, and thankfully, I didn't buy them, suspecting that they weren't anything great. Like you, I did think that the covers were really cool. At the same time, I don't recall seeing the ones you recommend getting. Well I know about them now. I rarely pass up any original issue Chet Atkins albums; that one you showed looks like a great one. The Gretsch hollow body guitar on the cover is a classic and evokes the look of a beautiful woman. As a fan of film noir movies, the Mike Hammer record really grabbed me. Motion picture soundtracks are another favorite genre of mine. James Bond Movie Soundtrack albums can be quite good. Hearing the opening Goldfinger track while watching the original film in a glorious 1930 movie palace in the balcony near the gigantic speakers about a year ago was one of the greatest cinematic experiences of my life.😻 The sound just blew right through me, like the guy in the Memorex commercial. 😻 If you don't have it, Henry Mancini's motion picture soundtrack to the Orson Welles film noir movie called Touch of Evil is really good. It was unusual for a composer to use early rock-n-roll and jazz in a movie during the 1950's. It would be easy to go down the Mancini discography sound track list, but I'm getting long here. Yes, please cover more of these Living Stereo topics and maybe even some of the others I mentioned. 💪👊

[@ThePressingMatters]

Wow, I'm so glad you liked this video! I guess my doubts were unfounded! A lot of great responses. Wow that Goldfinger experience sounds awesome! Nothing like seeing a classic in a proper movie palace. I had that once with Hitchcock's Vertigo. Restored print and sound for its anniversary, at a huge old movie palace in New York. I have most of Mancini's work so I'll include that of course and much more. Your comment absolutely made my day! Thank you :-)

[@audiophileman7047]

@@ThePressingMatters It is very easy for me to say this: you're most certainly welcome! I was remiss in thanking you, but I hope that what I wrote revealed appreciation and gratitude. I've always been interested in good music no matter what genre it falls in. When I first started buying vinyl records back in the day when they were mainstream, I'd buy all kinds of stuff. I wanted to hear all kinds of things, not just rock and metal (biggest interest at the time). I'd get just as big of a thrill to hear Sing Sing Sing by Benny Goodman as I did War Pigs by Black Sabbath. Friends would say that I had a very unusual collection of records but all top tier stuff. I couldn't afford mediocre records, so I did my research before I'd buy them. As far as the praise for your videos go, I call it as I see it and hear it. Have a good rest of your weekend, and I'll see you on the flip side, ace. 👍👍👍

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thanks again, and I smiled when you described your collection and how varied it is. I always was the guy with wide ranging taste in music starting in high school. Over the years I just enjoyed what my friends considered odd records - things from my parents era, industrial noise records, experimental and avant garde stuff, minimalists, nostalgia vocalists. That's in addition to rock, folk, blues, orchestral, choral and opera! My roommate says I was born in the wrong era. I was born in 61 and sometimes feel I should have been born a decade earlier, for a number of reasons.

[@audiophileman7047]

@@ThePressingMatters Sure, you bet. We're very similar people who have looked back to the good things in days past, but we're still engaged in what is happening now. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that. It doesn't necessarily mean that we're born in the wrong time; we just have active minds and like to seek out what has been good in all eras. When friends would tell me, "Why are you listening to that old man music?" I'd say, "It's good stuff." They'd just give me that incredulous, confused look. I'd also like to say, "We're not in junior high school anymore; everything doesn't boil down to AC/DC. Adults can find great music in any genre." Best of all, there's precious freedom in that. 💪👊

[@ThePressingMatters]

We certainly are! It would be great to meet you someday! Or when my roommate sees I'm watching a movie (yay!) only to find out it's silent and black and white lol.

[@stevegrant-gp3qu]

Check out the Mr Lucky soundtrack. GREAT session Scott. You're the best

[@ThePressingMatters]

I have it and it's companion Mr Lucky Goes Latin slated for the next segment. Fun stuff!

[@andershammer9307]

I kinda grew up with Mr. Lucky and love that record.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Yes, both Mr Lucky and Mr Lucky Goes Latin are really wonderful

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thanks for the Super Thanks!

[@thejoyofthemusicinmylife7897]

I do have a number of RCA Living Stereo albums but only one from your bunch The Dick Schorty one. I have several The Three Sons album and I often joke that they sound like Lawrence Walk on LSD. ha ha. Have you done a Command Records video?

[@ThePressingMatters]

Lawrence Welk on LSD! That's a good description lol. You are the second person who asked about Command, and I have a huge selection of them. I will tackle that after I do a follow up to this one.

[@thejoyofthemusicinmylife7897]

@@ThePressingMatters I have a huge Command collection which I accumulated thought the years by thrift store purchases. The album covers artwork were such a visual allure. I have six of them in album frames and hanging in my vinyl room.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I know, I can't wait to photograph those covers. I'm sure you know, but the first four or five designs were by Joseph Albers, a noted graphic artist. So many labels did copycat covers. It's fun to collect percussion records.

[@craigbrowning9448]

The Three Suns = Hammond Organ - Accordion - Guitar, the group composed the song "Twilight Time" that with added lyrics became an R&B hit for The Platters.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Craig! Thank you for filling out the lineup and a bit of history. They are definitely prolific artists on the label. I might have been a little hard on them. They have a unique sound, never imitated.

[@craigbrowning9448]

@@ThePressingMatters I'm more of a Jazz Organist myself, but some of the Pop material I've heard as well, my parents were of that generation. I've definitely listened to many of the Mancini soundtracks from time to time.

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@craigbrowning9448 the Mancini records are very well done. I'll have a couple in the next episode, and one a bit off the beaten path. You'll be very interested in one of them because it features the organ - Mr Lucky z goes Latin!

[@multiverser9585]

I've tried to get into The Three Suns, but I prefer Jerry Murad's Harmonicats doing Peg 'O My Heart.

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@multiverser9585 I think I have one Three Suns record that I like. I'll include it in a future video.

[@willhouse]

MORE PLZ 🥰🤤

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you for your vote! I can't wait to make the next episode and if going to be even better! Please stay tuned and consider subscribing! I'd love to have you in board.

[@carlitosmarro]

Cugat was from Catalan descent, so the cover is right, his name was Xavier.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you, I should have checked the pronunciation.

[@WPM_in_ATL]

The Three Suns were supposedly Mamie Eisenhower's favorite music act.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I think that is true! I recall the story from long ago

[@FriedAudio]

11:45 I like how Drew Carey made the cover of this LP...

[@ThePressingMatters]

I just looked! I hadn't thought of that! Crazy cover!

[@professorsouthside]

I've long been a fan of lounge/retro/whatever-we're-calling-it-this-month music. But c'mon, Scott really....nothing from the 101 Strings? They made a SLEW of records for RCA Victor Living Stereo! Or what about from the Living Strings/Living Trio/Living Guitars? Maybe we need an episode about that line of albums.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Awesome! Thanks for your comment and suggestion. This was just a first step, a group of random titles. With the success of this video I am setting to work on another few episodes, and you might see something on those records at some point too. I agree, an important part of this whole time period.

[@anthonys_expired_film]

Suggestion: You should tell us the year the album was released, to give us an idea of the timeframe. Also, can you play a quick clip of a song? Thanks!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you for the suggestions - I have realized that I should have given a timeframe (1958-1960) or let you know for each album. I will do that next round as far as sound clips, it would get flagged for copyright violation by KZbin. So I have to avoid any original music, even a snippet.

[@omi_god]

I actually like The Three Suns. Glad they did survive into the LS era.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I kind of do too, more as a guilty pleasure. I think they have some better albums, so hopefully we find another.

[@trekkiejunk]

The only Perry Como album i like is called "We Get Letters." It's the closest he ever came to doing a jazz album, where he sings with a jazz sextet combo group. Not amazing, by any means. But if you like Como's voice, it's the best setting for it.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I can't even imagine such an album! Sounds interesting! I have a box set in my garage I may pull out, it's a Time Life comp. I've almost given it away several times. Never makes it out the door!

[@algross3338]

RCA LPs were the best in any genre. The audio was better, the vinyl was better and nobody came close. I agree with your observation. The records you recommended were world class. Have to disagree with Saturday Night With Mr. C. It was a delightful album, very classy.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thanks so much for watching and commenting and I am in agreement. When you hold the physical RCA discs of this era, particularly Indy pressings, there is a feeling of a quality product. The vinyl is so quiet and the audio, on classical but extending to pop, was very often the best. When everything was right, it was spectacular. As far as Perry Como, I shouldn't have been so harsh on the record. As I said, he had a beautiful voice, but I didn't think the record showed him in the best light. You've made me want to go back and reassess it in a deep dive, so thank you for pointing out how you view the record. This is what I love about discussions in the comments with other knowledgeable listeners. (I took a bit of flack from fans of The Three Suns and even Hugo Winterhalter!)

[@algross3338]

@@ThePressingMatters …3 Sons and Hugo Winterhalter you were spot on. The first rock and roll song on RCA was by Perry Como. He could have been as big as Sinatra but RCA didn’t know what to do with him.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I didn't know Perry did a rock n roll song! What was it?

[@algross3338]

@@ThePressingMatters Okay, I’ll give you a copy of RCA’s first rock and roll record. Don’t let your mom catch you listening to that. If you tell her I sent this to you I’ll deny it kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4muYmBui8uUZ5Ysi=YXGIsWHGHyd8IQyf

[@ThePressingMatters]

Wow that was wild, man!

[@trekkiejunk]

Cugat's first name is Xavier. You pronounced it Javier. (In Spanish, the J is pronounced similar to an H in English). But there is no H-sound in Xavier. The X is pronounced like a Z.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thanks, a silly mistake I realized after shooting it. Thanks. In the follow-up video, I joked that this time I got it right! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJXPiImPaLOdgdksi=-J1VUdw_Nl8Jqero