Get your kicks...in mono

Nelson Riddle is most-well-known for his work as staff arranger for Capitol Records in the 1950's (working with Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole, Judy Garland, Peggy Lee, Johnny Mathis, Rosemary Clooney and Keely Smith can be good for your reputation) but he later had some success on his own, primarily writing for television and film ( the theme song for Route 66; arranging for Batman and other television series, and the scores of several motion pictures including Robin and the 7 Hoods and the original Ocean's Eleven) and then arranging three albums of pop standards for Linda Ronstadt in the 80's (for which he won two Grammy Awards).

This album features Riddle's Route 66 theme, as well as his themes for The Untouchables and Sam Benedict (no, I don't remember that show, either - it ran for one season in 1962). Also included is My Three Sons, which was cool to hear again.

This album is recorded in glorious mono - maybe the best sounding mono album I've ever heard (sorry for you mp3 listeners!) and I can just close my eyes and picture sitting in the big live room at Capitol listening as these musicians ran down these tracks live.

Side One
Route 66 Theme
The Alvin Show Theme
The Andy Griffith Theme
Theme From "Ben Casey"
My Three Sons
The Untouchables

Side Two
Naked City Theme
Sing Along (Sing Along With Mitch Theme)
The Defenders Theme
Theme From "Sam Benedict"
Theme From "Dr. Kildare"
This Could Be The Start of Something (Steve Allen Show Theme)