The Official Dartman's World of Wonder T-Shirt!!!

It's here! Just in time for 2011! The official Dartman's World of Wonder T-Shirt! You can purchase it here along with hats and stickers and even sizes for the little ones! Grab yours while they last! All proceeds will go towards the Richard S Dart Memorial Arts Scholarship! Thanks

Dartman's Advent Calendar 2010: Day 25

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM DARTMAN'S WORLD OF WONDER! For the last day. Christmas Day, we pull back the flap to reveal celebrity goodness from Jim Backus, Jack Webb, Liberache and Barbara "99" Feldon. Enjoy! We'll see you next year!

Jim Backus - Why Don't You Go Home For Christmas

Barbara Feldon - Christmas Seals Capaign

Jack Webb - United States Postal Service Ad

Christmas Wishes From Liberache

Dartman's Advent Calendar 2010: Day 24

Well, it's Christmas Eve and as we pull open the flap on our Advent Calendar, we are treated to the great, Rosemary Clooney. This is a promo recording for the Ford Motor Company. It's from 1956 and features great holiday musical moments with Rosemary changing the words to sell cars. Here it is for your enjoyment! Merry Christmas Eve!

Rosemary Clooney - 1956 Christmas Ford Promo

Dartman's Advent Calendar 2010: Day 23

We are getting closer to Christmas Day as we open up Door #23! Today we find a rock and roll Christmas ditty by the great Hank Snow. It tells the story of the great creatures that pull the sleigh. Don't worry it's not Run Rudolf Run. It's "Reindeer Boogie"! Let's have a rockin' good yule with Hank Snow! Enjoy!

Hank Snow - Reindeer Boogie

Dartman's Advent Calendar 2010: Day 22

Today we find the sweet sounds of another one of my musical compatriots. A few years back, a guy named Frank Proccacini and I played together in a band called The Caribbean Beach Bums. Frank is an amazing musician and an even better teacher. He has inspired the kids he teaches for many years and they all love him. It was Frank who teamed up with a harpist named Margaret Day and recorded an entire album of Christmas standards back in the late 90s. Here is a track from that album. It's Frank on the trumpet playing "O Holy Night". I am sure you will love this! Enjoy!

Frank Proccacini and Margaret Day - O Holy Night

Dartman's Advent Calendar 2010: Day 21

Today we get to hear one of the smoothest Christmas innuendos ever put on wax. It's a record that is featured prominently in my juke box at home. It's by a band called The Lancers. In 1954 they released this classic holiday track that was also covered by Lawrence Welk and his Orchestra. It's called "I Want To Do More Than Whistle (Under The Mistletoe)". It's amazing to think that this quaint little ditty hides a hidden meaning that is not so hidden. It's even more amazing to think that this not so hidden agenda made it's way onto the air waves at a time when the censors tried to stop everything! Here it is for your enjoyment! One last note - the artist is mis-labled on the file as the Leveleers. I have no idea why I did that. Perhaps an early morning or late night rip. Enjoy!

The Lancers - I Want To Do More Than Whistle

Dartman's Advent Calendar 2010: Days 19 & 20

Sorry about missing the past couple of days. Time got away from me! Anyway, we're back and ready to catch up by opening up all of the flaps that we missed at once. Here is the one marked 19. It's a classic Christmas album from my father's stack of Christmas records that he would bring upstairs year after year. It's the one and only Gomer Pyle himself, Jim Nabors! Here's Jim singing all of your yuletide favorites in his amazing operatic voice. Yes, you heard right. Jim neighbors had an operatic singing voice. A great contrast to his speaking voice. No trace of Gomer yukking it up at all! Here is The Jim Nabors Christmas Album. Enjoy!

The Jim Nabors Christmas Album

Now we get to open up door number 20! Following the grand spectacle of Jim Neighbors' Christmas album we reveal another full length Christmas LP. This time it's "A Waltons Christmas Album". My wife is a huge fan of The Waltons and I personally can't stand the show. When I spied this dandy in a little hole-in-the-wall record shop in Santa Monica, California (see last year's Christmas posts to get more from that great store!) I knew I had to get it for her to play when I wasn't around! Of course, that doesn't mean you don't get to enjoy it if you like that classic show. Here it is for you now. Enjoy!

A Walton's Christmas Album

Dartman's Advent Calendar 2010: Day 18

What's a Christmas without a polka? How would we create enough merriment without the classic Polish tradition of dancing around the tree? That's why today we find a nice little number by 'Lil Wally and the Harmony Boys! It's a festive little ditty entitled, "St Nick Is Coming". Grab your partner and dance! Here we go! One-step-step-one-step-step . . . Enjoy!

Lil Wally and the Harmony Boys - St Nick Is Coming

dartman's Advent Calendar 2010: Day 17

It's just not Christmas without the King. Today we bring you the unedited, complete jam of the King and his crew jamming out the Charles Brown classic, "Merry Christmas, Baby". Elvis talks about driving a truck amongst other things. Take a listen and enjoy!

Elvis Presley - Merry Christmas Baby (unedited jam)

(if you grabbed this before the 20th, you have the wrong file! It was mis-labled! It's all fixed now!)

Dartman's Advent Calendar 2010: Day 16

We open the flap to reveal a Metal Christmas track! Oni Logan was the vocalist for the 80s metal band, Lynch Mob. He has since gone on to do other various metal gigs but the best way I know him is from this track off of the "We Wish You A Metal Xmas and A Headbangin' New Year" LP. Worth a listen if you A) like Heavy Metal or B) laugh at Heavy Metal. It is an equal opportunity track! Here's Oni Logan with "Deck The Halls". Enjoy!

Oni Logan - Deck The Halls

Dartman's Advent Calendar 2010: Day 15

Today I get to introduce you to one of the greatest musicians I know. His name is Rob Phillips and he is a musical genius. I know that word gets used a lot but with Rob, I mean it. I went to college with Rob and have always been fascinated not just by his ability on the guitar but of his knowledge of music in general. Years ago, Rob started to do some extensive home recording and would send his friends the fruits of his labors in an annual CD he titled, "A Winter Sampler". This great works always featured some kind of holiday songs on them and today I bring you one of my all time favorites. In the tradition of the great, Duke Ellington, Rob took a stab at twisting Tchiakovsky's Nutcracker Suite. Here is his version of the Waltz of The Sugar Plum Fairies. In Rob's world, it is "The Cha Cha of the Sugar Plum Fairies". Enjoy!

Rob Phillips - Cha Cha of The Sugar Plum Fairies

BTW - to listen to more of Rob's great work, you can check him out here!

Dartman's Advent Calendar 2010: Day 14

Today we have a special treat in our Advent Calendar. It's an original post that I guarantee you will not find anywhere else! It's the Laverne and Shirley Christmas Album! What's that? You say you never heard of it? Because it never existed until now! In the second season of Laverne and Shirley, the team of Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams did their obligatory Christmas episode entitled, "Christmas Eve At The Booby Hatch". It revolved around Carmine asking everyone if they would help out and perform in a talent show at a hospital on Christmas Eve. They all agree only to find that the hospital in question was a psych ward. Hilarity ensues. The great part of this special is the talent show itself. I was originally going to just rip the Lenny and The Squigtones number from the show and post that. However, I realized two things: 1) the other performances in the show were just as worth having & 2) the show could actually work as an old time radio show. It follows the same story that a lot of the Old Time Radio shows used. I had to make a few snips here and there to take out some of the physical comedy that didn't read without the video but all in all, the show works as an audio play. Here for you now, on this special 14th day of our Advent Calendar is "The Laverne and Shirley Christmas Album". Enjoy!

The Laverne and Shirley Christmas Album

For more sit-com holiday goodies, head over to Check The Cool Wax! He's got some great audio clips from classic holiday episodes! Tell him the Dartman sent you!

Dartman's Advent Calendar 2010: Day 13

'Tis the season for football teams to sing Christmas carols. At least it was the season for The Dallas Cowboys to sing back in 1986. For whatever reason, the owner of the Cowboys at that time decided it would be a great thing if his team recorded an album of their Christmas favorites. Sports fans all over the world thought it was a bad idea but people like me thought it was perfect! Here from that ill-conceived album is the Dallas Cowboys singing, "We Wish You A Merry Christmas". Enjoy!

The Dallas Cowboys-We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Dartman's Advent Calendar 2010: Day 12

We open the flap to reveal Jack Benny and Yogi Yorgesson together in a clip from the Jack Benny television show. Yogi (or Harry Stewart as he was originally known) is most famous for his classic holiday hit, "I Yust Go Nuts At Christmas". Though he doesn't sing on this clip, it's still entertaining. Enjoy!

Dartman's Advent Calendar 2010: Day 11

Going back to the golden days of swing, we find a great Gene Krupa number when we open up day 11 on our calendar. Here is Gene with his trio made up of himself on drums, Charlie Ventura on tenor sax and Teddy Napoleon on piano, doing their rendition of the popular carol, Jingle Bells. This recording is from an AFRS broadcast of a show Gene was doing at the Clovis Army Air Field in New Mexico on Christmas Day, 1944 . This puppy swings and is one of my favorite versions of the tune. I hope you feel the same. Enjoy!

Gene Krupa Trio - Jingle Bells

Dartman's Advent Calendar 2010: Day 10

Today we pull back the flap to reveal this month's Classic Television Episode! This month we are featuring the classic series, Father Knows Best. Here is the Christmas episode for your viewing pleasure! Enjoy!

Dartman's Advent Calendar 2010: Day 9

Yesterday was the 30th anniversary of the tragic murder of John Lennon. We here at the World of Wonder wanted to acknowledge that terrible day in history but also want to share the joy that was John Lennon when he was alive. As a result, today's prize from our Advent Calendar is a home recording of John and Yoko wishing their family and friends a Merry Christmas. I hope you enjoy this as much as I do. Enjoy!

John And Yoko's Christmas Message From Ascot

Dartman's Advent Calendar 2010: Day 8

The 8th flap gets pulled back and we get a glimpse at a Christmas of days past with the great Lester Lanin and his Orchestra. Lanin came to fame quite by accident. It was a case of being in the right place at the right time. In 1930, he was hired to play at a private party for Barbara Hutton. The event garnered so much press in the New York newspapers that it made Lanin an instant star and a must have musician on the social circuit. Soon he was hired worldwide to play for kings and queens, in addition to a recurring invitation to play at White House inaugural balls from the Eisenhower administration to the Carter administration. Here is a medley of Christmas tunes from the aspiring socialite, himself. Enjoy!

Lester Lanin - Let It Snow/Auld Land Syne/ A Hot Time In The Old Town Tonight

We Interrupt This Advent Calendar To Bring You . . .

Just a reminder that Creamed Corn's classic Christmas album, "Santa Loves You" is up at I-Tunes. Originally released in 1998, this confection of rockabilly and comedy/novelty weirdness became an Internet cult hit. Dr. Demento featured two tracks on his 2000 Christmas show. But now, years later, "Santa Loves You" has been passed around so many times, it's hard to know what quality you'd be getting if you just downloaded this off a random blog. So, a few years back, we decided the time was right to re-master and re-release this time honored classic. If you have it, thanks. If not, head over to I-Tunes and grab it. You'll be thankful you did!

http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/creamed-corn/id294055948

PS -It's also up at Amazon, Napster and E-Music as well!

Dartman's Advent Calendar 2010: Day 7

On the seventh day of our Advent calendar we find a vintage recording by Henri Miro. Miro was born in Spain,attended the Conservatory of Music in Barcelona where, in addition to the violin, piano and organ, he studied harmony and composition. After a short engagement in New York, he settled in Montreal in 1898 and obtained a post as orchestral director of the El Dorado, one of the first music halls in Montreal. It was during this time that he began writing songs and stage music. Fully a part of Montreal’s entertainment scene, he wrote, alone or in collaboration, revues, successful operettas (Lolita, le Roman de Suzon, A Million Dollar Girl) and more serious operas (Symphonie canadienne, Luxor, Messe solennelle) which earned him praise from local critics. Miro also played in cinemas where he was music director. He also produced this classic Christmas release entitled "Christmas Morn'" in 1918. An interesting little recording, I find it most entertaining. Here it is for you now. Enjoy!

Henri Miro - Christmas Morn'

Dartman's Advent Calendar 2010: Day 6

Today we find a more modern artist behind the flap of our advent calendar. This song came up on my I-Pod the other day and I couldn't get over how great it was and how much I liked it. It's a singer-songwriter from Detroit named Rosie Thomas. Here is her take on the holiday season. Here is "Why Can't It Be Christmastime All Year". Enjoy!

Rosie Thomas - Why Can't It Be Christmastime All Year?

Dartman's Advent Calendar 2010: Day 5

Today we find our first video surprise hidden behind the flaps of our Advent calendar. It's the original 1953 animated short for "Frosty The Snowman". This was the first cartoon version of the famous song written as a follow up to "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer". It would be 16 years later that the infamous television special featuring Jimmy Durante would make it's debut. Here is "Frosty The Snowman". Enjoy!

Dartman's Advent Calendar 2010: Day 4

Today we get a glimpse of 70s celebrity as we open the panel for day 3. When the flap is pulled back we see none other than Huggy Bear himself, Antonio Fargas! Apparently, when the 5th season of "Starsky and Hutch" ended the series in 1979, Dutch producer Ton "Shell" Schellekens found Mr. Fargas and brought him to the recording studio to record this rare Christmas single. Even though it didn't come out until the following October, it still boasts that Antonio was, in fact, Huggy Bear from Starsky and Hutch. I'm not sure if that helped or hindered the track. But here it is in our Advent calendar so you can enjoy the sweet sounds of Starsky and Hutch's favorite informant. Enjoy!

Antonio "Huggy Bear" Fargas - It's Christmas

Dartman's Advent Calendar 2010: Day 3

Today we open door number three to find a really cool version of the classic, "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer". This song has been recorded soooo many times by sooo may artists. However, this, in my own humble opinion, is probably one of the grooviest versions ever done. It's by a a vocal trio from Brooklyn, New York, called The Melodeers. Here is their 1960 recording of the classic song. Enjoy!

The Melodeers - Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer

Dartman's Advent Calendar 2010: Day 2

Here's the second flap being pulled back on our Advent Calendar! Today we get to hear the great Eddie Cantor all the way from 1939. Here's Eddie's answer to the question. "What Do You Want For Christmas?". Enjoy!

Eddie Cantor - The Only Thing I Want for Christmas

Dartman's Advent Calendar 2010: Day 1

Here we are on December 1, 2010. This year, instead of the usual posting of random Christmas LPs or videos or mixes, I thought I would try something different. This is Dartman's Advent Calendar. Just like an advent calendar, each day another part of the picture gets opened to reveal another treat!! Today is Day 1 so we open the tab marked 1 and find a great morsel from none other than the late, great, Lionel Hampton. Here's Lionel and the band jamming out the instrumental tune, "Gin For Christmas". It's interesting to note that Lionel doesn't play the vibes on this track. He's playing drums! Enjoy!

Gin For Christmas - Lionel Hampton and His Orchestra

Classic Television Episode of the Month: Galactica 1980

Galactica 1980 is considered to be the bastard son of the classic Battlestar Galactica. In some weird way I kind of like it. I know it sucks but I still have a certain fondness for it. Kind of like the three Star Wars pre-quels. Anyway, there is no denying that the best episode of the one season series was the final episode which featured the greatest character on the show, Lt. Starbuck. Here is "The Return of Starbuck". Enjoy!

Podcast #16

The latest of the Podcasts for your listening pleasure! This time around we get to hear the likes of Tommy James, The Maggies, David Cassidy, Sugarloaf, Elsa Lanchester, They Might Be Giants, James Earl Jones and more! Enjoy!

Dartman's Wacky Podcast #16

World of Wonder Tag Sale!!!

Here it is, folks; the first ever tag sale here in the World of Wonder. All of these items are from my personal collection. Browse around and see if there's anything you like. To purchase anything just send a comment with the item you want to buy and both your e-mail and snail mail address. I will let you know A) if it is still available and B) How much your total is and where to send the money! Every order will get a free gift bonus item!!! And all proceeds will be going towards The Richard S Dart Memorial Arts Scholarship Fund. This will be going on until the items are sold or I feel like bringing them to Goodwill. If you buy more than one item, I will obviously combine shipping costs. And of course, as with any tag sale - offers are considered and usually accepted!!! Thanks and enjoy the tag sale!!!

Records: All $1.00 unless otherwise noted


Sheila E - Romance 1600

Urge Overkill - Saturation (Promo Copy Orange Vinyl)

Dolly Parton - Great Balls of Fire

Jack Jones - Nobody Does It Better (contains the theme from The Love Boat!)

Madness - One Step Beyond

Linda Ronstadt - Heart Like A Wheel

Donny And Marie - Goin' Coconuts Soundtrack

The Chipmunks - Chipmunk Punk (Radio Station Copy)

Curtain Up:Music and Plunk, Tinkle, Ting-A-Ling

Johnny Mathis - Merry Christmas

The Monkees (repackage of the Arista Greatest Hits LP on Sounds Superb Label. Features pictures from "Monkees At The Circus" episode on the cover) - $5.00

The Pandoras - Stop Pretending - $10.00

LP Grab Bag - a lot of 10 assorted records (I have many of these - it's a surprise as to what's inside!!!) - $3.00 each


CDs: All CDs are $3.00 unless listed otherwise


Prince - Graffiti Bridge

Dave Samuels - Natural Selection

Supercop Soundtrack - Features Tom Jones doing Kung Fu Fighting and Devo doing Head Like A Hole!

Chick Corea Akoustic Band

Frank Sinatra Sings His Greatest Hits (1997 remastered edition) - $5.00

Blue Man Group - Audio - $5.00

Frank Zappa - Civilization Phaze III - $15.00

Bobby Darin - The Capitol Years (Box Set) $10.00

John Zorn - Redbird - $5.00


DVDs: All $4.00 unless otherwise noted

Family Guy Presents Stewie Griffin: The Untold Story

Domino - Full Screen

Thumb Wars: The Phantom Cuticle

Secrets of A Married Man - Starring Cybill Shepherd and William Shatner. Yes, I said Shatner!!!! - $1.00

Army of Darkness

Judgement At Nuremberg

The Alamo (original)

Carnival of Souls (original)

The Best of The Dean Martin Variety Show

Lars And The Real Girl (still in Shrinkwrap) - $6.00

The Road Warrior (Blu-Ray) - $8.00

I'm No Angel (Mae West) - $10.00

Belle of The Nineties (Mae West) - $10.00

The HIllsong Kids Live Worship - Tell The World - $1.00

Herbie Fully Loaded (still in shrinkwrap) - $5.00

Murder on Flight 502 - Starring Farrah Fawcett, Robert Stack and Sonny Bono! Yes, Sonny Bono!!!!! - $1.00

The Hangover - $6.00

Linda Lovelace For President - with Micky Dolenz!!!! - $1.00

Marc Bolan And T. Rex- Born To Boogie Special Edition - $10.00

Gene Autry - The Phantom Empire - Volume 2 - $1.00

Flash Gordon Conquers The Universe Volumes 2 & 3 - $.100

The Beatles Anthology Box Set - $15.00

The Man With No Name Trilogy Box Set - $10.00

Twin Peaks Season 1 Box Set - $5.00

Books:

Paperbacks:$.50 Each Unless Otherwise Noted


No One Here Gets Out Alive - Jerry Hopkins and Danny Sugerman

Film Flubs

'Scuse Me While I Kiss This Guy

The Hunter - Christopher Keane

Wise Guy - Nicholas Pileggi

Paper Moon - Joe David Brown

After The Beep - Jonathon Winters

JACO - Bill Milkowski (with CD) -$3.00

Fields For President - WC Fields - $2.00


Hardcover: All are $1.00 Unless otherwise noted

Pet Semetary - Stephen King

David Lee Roth - Crazy From The Heat

Ranting Again - Dennis Miller

Fatherhood - Bill Cosby

The Road To Mars - Eric Idle

Book Grab Bag - A mixed bag of 10 books (I have several of these - Each one a surprise!!!) - $4.00



Odds and Ends

Box of plastic CD cases (there are a lot in here)- $5.00

VHS Video Grab Bag - Each bag contains ten videos - (I have many of these- Each one a surprise!!!) - $3.00 each


And there you have it!!! Happy Hunting!

"Beware The Beast, Batman . . ." or The Bookworm's Revenge!

I remember when Tim Burton's version of Batman came out in the 80s. It was huge! You couldn't go anywhere without seeing something to do with the movie. Not to mention that it was freaking awesome! After Burton left the franchise it went down hill until the new Batman films of the past few years. (personally, I thought "Batman Begins" was kind of lame. I did like "The Dark Knight, though). Anyway, one of the cooler items of memorabilia for the 80s version was a book on tape of the novelization of the screenplay. You would have thought that maybe Michael Keaton or even Kim Bassinger would be the one to read it. Nope. It was none other than, Cornelius himself, Roddy McDowall! Not to mention that Roddy was the Bookworm on the classic 60s television version of Batman! How cool is that? Find out for yourself when you listen to it. Here it is for all of your literary needs. Here is "Roddy McDowall Reads Batman". Enjoy!

Roddy McDowall Reads Batman

PS - If audio books interest you, stay tuned to The World of Wonder in the upcoming year as we unveil our newest feature: The World of Wonder Book Collection! You will love it!

And The Accordion As Bob Janitor!

I am not afraid to admit that I am a Weird Al fan. Not that you couldn't guess that but I have been a true fan of Al's ever since he first came to fame in the early 80s. I was, at one time, an incredibly rabid fan of everything he did. Over the years, I have still been a fan but not to the extent that I used to be. Not to say that he isn't as good as he used to be, it's just that I have kind of lost touch with what he is doing these days. There was a time when Weird Al was as big as Madonna. MTV gave his career a gigantic boost and he in turn raised the bar for music video. It was during this time that he released what I like to call, the long lost Al project. It was a classical album. You heard me. A classical album. Actually, it was a classical album aimed at kids. It was Al doing "Peter and The Wolf". Well, it was Al narrating Peter and The Wolf. The amazing Wendy Carlos (who was at one time Walter Carlos) provided the music. Well, most of the music. There is a slight bit of Al playing accordion on the record. You would expect a parody version but for the most part, Al plays it straight. There are a few jokes thrown in here and there and, as I said, an accordion part that was not in the original piece, but mostly it sticks to the original story. It's a great treasure that kind of went by unnoticed. I present it for you now. Here is Weird Al and Wendy Carlos with "Peter And The Wolf". (they also tackle "Carnival of the Animals!) Enjoy!

"Weird Al" Yankovic & Wendy Carlos-Peter And The Wolf

BONUS:
Here's the fake trailer for the Weird Al bio pic courtesy of funnyordie.com!

"Weird: The Al Yankovic Story" from Aaron Paul

I Want To Be A Stooge

Found this on YouTube! It's "THE THREE STOOGES SCRAPBOOK", the rarely seen television pilot. This is NOT the complete pilot. The series went unsold and was broken into two parts and released as theatrical short-subjects. This is the first of the two short versions. A huge token of appreciation to the uploader, 2reeler! Enjoy!

A Solo Carpenter

Just the other night, I was talking with my Uncle while looking through a gigantic collection of records and the topic of The Carpenters came up. He had just finished reading a tell-all biography about Karen and was filling me in on some of the gory details. (He has the distinction of going to school with both of the Carpenters when they were wee youngsters) In the book, they apparently talk about Karen's one solo album at length. He had never known about it. Of course, I did. I told him that I had had a copy of it somewhere. Well, it didn't take me too long to find it. Here's a little background on it: In 1979, Richard Carpenter was being treated for an addiction to prescription pills so The Carpenters went on a hiatus. Karen wanted to remain productive and record songs and did that for the next year, recording an album with producer, Phil Ramone and Billy Joel's back-up band. After completing the album, Karen played it to A&M executives and her brother Richard. The response to the album was not what she had hoped. She devastated and was coaxed into the decision to not to release the album. Quincy Jones argued with A&M Records for the album's release, but Herb Alpert (the head of the label) called it un-releaseable. Cut to a phone conversation between Karen and Phil Ramone on February 3, 1983. In the course of the conversation, the solo album was brought up with Karen stating. " That album is fucking great!" The next morning she died. Thirteen years later, in 1996, the album was released. The songs on the album remain the way Karen wished it to be mixed. Many fans have determined that the album should have been released in 1980 as it is a solid work and contains some of the best work Karen has done in her career. The same fans completely disagree with the negative opinion that A&M executives and Richard Carpenter had about the album. Still others agree with the original decision. Decide for yourself if it should have been released or not when you take a listen to it here at the World of Wonder. Here is "Karen Carpenter". Enjoy!

Karen Carpenter

Breaking Bread

Here's a trailer for a new short film starring my friends, Roxanne Albee and Valerie Kairys Venet (aka Toby from The Monkees). It looks pretty funny. Just thought I would share it with you! Enjoy!

Halloween Update

Well, my goody bags are out of order. Or rather, the computer that houses the rest of them is. And I won't get it back until next week so I guess we'll just have to wait until next Halloween to hand out the remaining bags. For now, here's a great Halloween song that my good friend, Mark "Dangerboy" Nelson sent me. Enjoy!

Dartman's Tricks or Treats # 7

Yes, friends, another goodie bag full of Halloween delights! As with the others, these are all random pickings from my collection. Even I don't know what is in the mix. Here is your treat. Or is it a trick? Only one way to find out. Enjoy!

Halloween Treat Bag #7

Disney's Trick or Treat

Dartman's Tricks or Treats # 6

Yet, another goodie bag full of festive Halloween fun! (or is it?!?!?!) I hope you are enjoying these goodie bags as well as the other Halloween flavored posts I have been putting up. I have a bunch more for you so stay tuned my costumed treat seekers! Enjoy!

Halloween Treat Bag #6

Halloween Surf

Gary Usher is best known as a sometime co-writer with Brian Wilson in the early 60's. But most Halloween music aficionados know him better as the man behind The Ghouls. The Ghouls were a made up band that released one album full of Beach Boys style novelty songs. The music was played by Usher along with Richard Polodor on guitar and Rick Burns on vocals. Rick Burns sings (or talk-sings in a style not too dissimilar to "Monster Mash") songs like "Be True To Your Ghoul" and "Dracula's Deuce". This silly little throwaway novelty album has become highly sought after by Halloween fans around the world. I've had this album in my collection for years and I never get tired of playing it around this time every year. Here it is for your enjoyment of the Halloween surf sounds of The Ghouls. Here is "Dracula's Deuce". Enjoy!

The Ghouls-Dracula's Deuce

One last little note: this is post #666!!!!!!!!

Dartman's Tricks or Treats # 5

Here's is the fifth goodie bag for you. Or is it?!?! You never know when it's going to be a trick or a treat!!! (don't worry, the tricks are harmless. No computer virus or anything like that. That would just be plain wrong.) So try your luck and see if you get a trick or a treat!!!! Enjoy!

Halloween Treat Bag #5

Classic Television Episode of the Month: Bewitched

Here's a Halloween themed episode from the classic series with the best Darrin: Dick York! Enjoy!

Dartman's Tricks or Treats # 4

Here's the fourth goodie bag of Halloween treats to enjoy this great October in 2010! Hope everyone is enjoying these treat bags! Be careful: you never know when one might be a trick!!!! Enjoy!

Halloween Treat Bag #4

Dartman's Tricks or Treats # 3

Here is Halloween Treat Bag #3 for your listening pleasure! I do have other posts for the Halloween month waiting in the wings so keep a look out for those as well! EnjoY!!!

Halloween Treat Bag #3

Dartman's Tricks or Treats # 2

Here's the second Halloween Grab Bag for this year's Halloween Trick or Treat. Just like the last one, it is a mix of various tracks from my vast collection. Enjoy!

Halloween Treat Bag #2

Dartman's Tricks or Treats # 1

Well, it's October and like many other sharity blogs, I have decided to celebrate Halloween throughout the month. Unlike past Octobers where I would post mixes and lps and singles, etc. . . this year I have decided to do something new and interesting. Every few days I will be posting "Tricks or Treats". These are collections of Halloween items from my vast collection. Somethings I may have posted in the past, while others may be new. It's basically a grab bag. Kind of like going door to door and putting the treats you are given into your bag. These are the treats you get at the door to the World of Wonder. Here is #1. Enjoy!

Halloween Treat Bag #1

PS - I have no idea what is in each "Treat Bag". It was all done randomly in i-tunes. Please do not ask for playlists. Most of the tracks are labeled.

Classic Television Episode of the Month: The Archie Show

A Psychedelic Season

Here's a super cool psychedelic video of Julie Driscoll and Brian Auger performing Donovan's lcassic hit, "Season Of The Witch" It's from a British television appearance in 1968. This came on the heels of their appearance in "33 1/3 Revolutions Per Monkee" here in the States. Julie shows some of the same dance moves. Pretty freaking cool! Enjoy!

A Fiery Horse With The Speed Of Light, A Cloud Of Dust and A Hearty "Hi Yo Silver!"

There is no mistaking the above quote. It is the introduction to the legendary Lone Ranger radio and television shows that brought the great character into our living rooms. I loved the Lone Ranger. I even had a Lone Ranger play set that included a mask, a white hat and a gun and holster set. (not to mention the action figure I had had posed on Silver that stood guard over the top of my dresser). Over the years I collected quite a few Lone Ranger items. One of those was an album of the first few episodes of the radio drama. I actually never cared for this as I felt there was too much narration. Then I came across a collection of 78s that featured a four sider with the actors from the radio drama. I loved it! I was expecting it to be the same as the album that I owned but instead it was a different rendering of the story. An interesting side not about that recording; over the years, the debate over the Lone Ranger's real name has waged on as to whether it was John or Dan. This record is actually a deciding factor in proving that his brother's name is Dan. Side 3 features a story entitled, "He Finds Dan Reid". Obviously he wouldn't find himself! Anyway, here is that great 4 sided 78 album that I have loved for so many years. Here is "The Adventures of The Lone Ranger". Enjoy!

The Adventures of The Lone Ranger

Leather Tuscadero Live!

Despite her musical ability on bass and her edgy vocals, rock's first lady was never able to become a household name in her native United States. At least not as Suzi Quatro. She did manage to earn fame as Leather Tuscadero, the younger sister of Fonzie's girlfriend, Pinky Tuscadero, on the hit sit-com, Happy Days. It's really too bad that that is how she is remembered here in the states. Back in England, she is a top notch rock and roll legend. She is largely responsible for all the female rockers who have followed in her footsteps, most notably, Joan Jett and the Runaways. She did try to make a dent in the US rock scene. In fact, in 1975 she participated in a live radio broadcast from the Record Plant in Saulsalito, CA. It featured Suzi rockin' her little heart out on a mixture of original tunes she penned with producer, Mike Chapman, and some choice covers including "All Shook Up." For the life of me, I could never fiure out why the US ignored this rock pioneer. We here at the World of Wonder have never ignored her. Here is that FM broadcast from 1975. Here is "Suzi Quatro Live In Saulsalito". Enjoy!

Suzi Quatro-Live In Saulsalito 1975

The Unseen Mirage

I recently popped in Fleetwood Mac's "The Dance" and once again realized how great that band really is. That live album is so worth every penny spent on it and I strongly suggest you run out and grab it if you don't have it already. Anyway, it got me to thinking that I had a great bootleg of outtakes from the band's great 80s album, Mirage. Not just starts and stops but full blown takes of almost every song on the album. The sound quality is superb and many of the songs sound even better than the actual released versions. A great find for any fan of this great band! Enjoy!

Fleetwood Mac-Mirage Outtakes

Moe, Larry, Shemp and Bogus?

Today I bring you the final issue of the first run of Three Stooges comics from the early 1950s. These were put out by St John's comics and feature the trio that was featured in the shorts of that era; Moe, Larry and Shemp. However, Norman Maurer, the man responsible for the Stooge comics (as well as keeping the torch of the Stooges aflame for ages) felt that they needed an additional character. The result was a character named Bogus. The character is so named because he is a con man. He uses the Stooges as, well, stooges. But in true Stooge fashion, ends up a victim of circumstance. Check it out in The Three Stooges Comic Issue 7. Enjoy!

The Three Stooges Comic Book Issue 7

Reynolds By Request

I have been looking for the proper moment to post one of the greatest finds in my collection. An opportunity came in the form of a comment that I received last night asking if by chance I had the album in question. So, here it is. A little background on how I came to find this album. I was somewhere that I can't recall where but it was in an obscure town where I was doing a jazz gig. Myself and the other musicians had a little time to kill so we hit a local store that had some really cool items. They had a sign that stated there were records in the basement so we went downstairs and looked around. While looking through the randomly thrown together racks I came across what I consider a golden find. My friend, Russ, who was playing sax on that particular gig, still brings it up whenever we are together. Now, mind you, it is far from a good album. It is downright laughable. And just a tad creepy. But I think you will agree with me that it is a treasure worthy of my hard earned money. Not to mention it was in mint condition. It is none other than the fabulous "Ask Me What I Am", a 1973 collection of narrations and songs by the great, Burt Reynolds! One listen and I am sure you will regard this in the same way as I do; a treasure to be held and not listened to but once. Here is, by request, Burt Reynolds' "Ask Me What I Am". Enjoy!

Burt Reynolds-Ask Me What I Am

BONUS:
Here's a record released to radio stations to accompany the album. It features edited versions of a few of the songs and some quotes from Burt so that the radio station could then conduct an "interview" with Burt. I like to take these fake interview records and add my own questions to the mix to see what fun I can create. You should do this as well and then send me the interviews. If I get enough I will post them at a later date. Here's "A Burt Reynolds Radio Special". Enjoy!

A Burt Reynolds Radio Special

Super 8 Theater Presents: Howdy Doody

Here's the lovable marionette along with Buffalo Bob and Clarabell in "A Trip To Finland". Enjoy!

The Illustrated Dean and Jerry

Here's an issue of the Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis Comic Book from 1954. Although not as funny as the real comedy duo, it's still pretty cool to read it knowing that there was a time then Dean and Jerry were the biggest thing on the planet. Because of this, DC Comics decided to publish THE ADVENTURES OF DEAN MARTIN AND JERRY LEWIS. The comic ran from 1952 to 1957. So the comic book adventures of Dean and Jerry outlasted the duo's break up by a few years. After 40 issues, Dean was removed from the series (gasp!) and it was retitled THE ADVENTURES OF JERRY LEWIS and the series continued until 1971. Here is issue #10 from January 1 of 1954. Enjoy!

Martin And Lewis Comic Book 10/1/54

The Grandson Continues The Tradition

Shelton Hank WIlliams is known to most country fans as Hank III. The grandson of the legendary Hank Williams, Hank III is the rightful heir to the throne of king of country music. Of course, Nashville won't admit it and neither will the country music community. In typical "outlaw" fashion, Hank III has been overlooked by the powerful country music scene because he's very vocal about how pop country isn't really country and that Nashville has become too "pretty and perfect". He signed to country music label, Curb Records, as an answer to a court order that stated he wasn't a "real musician" and therefore couldn't supply child support to a child bore from a one night stand. He continued to fight with the label who wanted him to release the standard pop country that has become the norm. He refused and spent many years in court fighting his own label. During that time he started his own "F*** Curb" campaign which included t-shirts and stickers along with shouts from his band of the slogan while performing. He eventually won the right to release the music he wanted to. His last Curb record, which was released earlier this year, charted at #4 on the country music charts. Apparently, he's winning his fight. Hank spends most of his time on the road playing to packed clubs across the country. His show consists of three different sets; the country set of "outlaw country" featuring his respects to all those that came before him including his Grandfather; the "Hellbilly" set which puts a more harder, psychobilly edge on the music; and the "Assjack" set. A straight hard core death metal set. I prefer the first set above the other two but all three are done well and believe it or not, I actually enjoy it all. I was never a hard core metal fan but for some reason, I really like it when Hank III does it. See what you think when you take a listen to a show from February 27, 2004. Here's "Hank III Live at Ground Zero". Enjoy!

Hank III Live At Ground Zero 2/27/04

You Too Can Be A JEDI

Here's something that I find extremely cool. It's an official Honorary JEDI Knight Certificate from the 1983 release of "Return of The Jedi". It states that you are an honorary JEDI Knight! I have one of these that bears my son's name that has been hanging in his room since before he was born! It comes complete with Yoda's signature (although it looks like Yoda never had that much of an education in writing). Click on the image for a full size version. Print it out and hang it proudly on your wall! Enjoy!

Tiny Tim's Duet With Tiny Tim

The Best of The World of Wonder: How Do You Solve A Problem Like Bertrille

Back in November of 2006 I posted this great album by a singing nun. Not "The Singing Nun" mind you but a nun named Bertrille. That's right, The Flying Nun. This album came out during the run of the show and features Sally Field singing various songs as Sister Bertrille. The songs have a great bounce to them and Sally does a great job with them. In fact she even cracked the Billboard Hot 100 with the single, "Felicidad." From 1967 - Enjoy!

The Flying Nun

An Open Letter To Mike Douglas

Growing up in the late seventies and early eighties, I was exposed to a variety of celebrity talk shows. While there are still daytime talk shows on today, they are nothing like the "golden era" of the daytime talk show. With the likes of Merv Griffen, Dick Cavett and Mike Douglas, the daytime talk show was an event. Mike Douglas was one of the more exciting ones due to the amazing guests he would have on. We all are familiar with the entire week he devoted to John Lennon and Yoko Ono but that's just the tip of the ice berg. He never "played it safe" and just had people on that were promoting their new album or movie or tv show. He had people on that he admired and that had a message. And in between all those hip guests, you could always count on Mike to sing a song of his own. Over the course of his career, Mike Douglas would release several albums (including a Christmas one that we posted one holiday season a while back) but my favorite is one entitled, "Dear Mike, Please Sing". I share that fabulous album with you now. Enjoy!

Mike Douglas-Dear Mike, Please Sing

Getting Back to My Podcasting Roots

Well, ELVIS MONTH 2010 is over and even if it didn't go quite as I had planned, it was still pretty successful. Today is the first day of September so I thought I would start off the month with my latest and greatest Wacky Podcast. This time around I didn't do anything special. I just went back to the original way I did the podcasts. The only thing different here is the length. It runs a gigantic one hour and 6 minutes making it the longest podcast, yet. Chock full of goodies from Thurl Ravenscroft, the Breeders, BRAK, the Who, Boyce and Hart, Billy Idol, Elvis, Micky Dolenz and so many more great artists, this is a super fun one! Here it is for you now. Here is Podcast 15! Enjoy!

Dartman's Wacky Podcast #15

ELVIS MONTH 2010: Super 8 Theater Presents ELVIS Live In Chicago

ELVIS MONTH 2010: The King Opts For Moore

1969 saw Elvis' 31st and final acting role as Dr. John Carpenter in "Change of Habit"(his remaining two film appearances were concert documentaries). It was also Mary Tyler Moore's final film until Ordinary People in 1980.When Presley entered Decca Universal Studio on March 5, 1969, for two days to record his final dramatic motion picture soundtrack, what would come to be known as the comeback television special had already been broadcast, its attendant album had been his first top ten LP in four years, and he had just finished the sessions at American Sound Studio yielding From Elvis in Memphis and the top ten singles "In the Ghetto" and "Suspicious Minds" that would cement his resurgence as force in American popular music. He had a month-long engagement at the International Hotel in Las Vegas lined up in August, his first live performances in eight years, and clearly now had turned his career around. A song recorded at American, "Rubberneckin'," would be used in the film and subsequently issued as the b-side "Don't Cry Daddy" in conjunction with the movie premiere. Four songs would be recorded at the soundtrack sessions, of which "Let's Be Friends" would not be used in the film. These four songs were never officially released as a soundtrack album but were instead, released one year later on the compilation album, "Let's Be Friends". It would take another year for the song, "Let Us Pray", also from the film, to be released. It was on the gospel album, You'll Never Walk Alone". Here are those sessions that yielded those classic songs. Truth be told, the songs are really the only good thing about the film and I have a feeling that a soundtrack album might not have been a good choice anyway. As Elvis' career was flying high, any reference to the film would have detracted from sales of the music. But that's my humble opinion. Here is "The Change of Habit Sessions". Enjoy!

Elvis Presley-The Change of Habit Sessions