Category: As Seen On TV (and film)

As Seen On TV (and film)

Various Artists – Nocturna Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1979)

October 9, 2025

When is a horror soundtrack a Disco album? When it’s “Nocturna: Granddaughter of Dracula.” In 1979, an unlikely film about the Disco dancing granddaughter of pop culture’s most famous vampire hit theatres and got no attention, but left behind an incredible Disco album featuring tracks by Gloria Gaynor, Vicki Sue Robinson, Moment of Truth and….the guy from the Tokens? Anything is possible in the world of Nocturna! A deep dive into the Disco vampire film you’ve never heard of, the album it spawned, and a love letter to the woman who made it all come together, actress/producer/belly dancer/visionary Nai Bonet. Come on and get down with Nocturna, and boogie until the sun comes up. Extra: Nai Bonet teaches you to do “The Jelly Belly.”

Jimmy Thudpucker – Jimmy Thudpucker’s Greatest Hits (1977)

September 27, 2025

Many fictional characters have released albums, but few are as good as the one released by Jimmy Thudpucker. A character from Gary Trudeau’s award winning and ground breaking newspaper comic strip “Doonesbury,” “Jimmy Thudpucker’s Greatest Hits” was an experiment in hyperreality that crossed a three year period via a novelty single, a critically acclaimed animated feature and a full length album containing some of the best 70’s pop that you’ve never heard. Featuring legendary session musicians of the era,, trying to understand “Jimmy Thudpucker’s Greatest Hits” is like peeling an onion, with layer and layer of surprises opening wormholes from our world to the world of Doonesbury. Extra: Discovering the music of session singer Renee Armand, and….Keith Moon? How did he get on this album?

The Ventures – The Ventures (Play the Batman Theme) (1966)

September 14, 2025

In 1966 comic book superhero Batman and Robin came to television screens in a colorful action-comedy spoof starring Adam West and Burt Ward in the roles of The Dynamic Duo, starting a wave of Bat-Mania throughout the world. An overnight sensation, the program not only had memorable heroes and villains, but one of the most recognizable and beloved television theme songs of all time which quickly became the most recorded song of 1966. A deep dive into the history and the lore of “The Batman Theme,” with special attention to guitar group The Ventures’ 1966 release “The Ventures (Play the Batman Theme).” Bonus: The story of when an eleven year old Sam Tweedle bought his first vintage used record.

Vinyl Stories Interview – Look Up, Charlie Brown: A Conversation with Ben Folds

September 2, 2025

Released as a celebration of the 75th anniversary of the creation of the classic comic strip Peanuts, “Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical” is an all new animated feature starring Charlie Brown, Snoopy and all our favorite Peanuts characters, and features three new songs by singer/songwriter Ben Folds. Currently streaming on Apple TV+, its an fun yet emotionally potent special which can be enjoyed by kids discovering Peanuts for the first time, and adults who grew up with the franchise. His second time writing for Peanuts, Ben Folds talks about the process of writing for Charlie Brown, and about continuing Peanuts’ musical legacy.

The Royal Guardsmen – Snoopy vs. The Red Baron (1967)

August 23, 2025

Within five weeks of releasing the hit single “Snoopy vs. The Red Baron” in 1966, high school garage band The Royal Guardsmen were not only selling millions of copies, but also at the top of the Billboard chars and opening for The Beach Boys and The Jefferson Airplane. However, despite overnight success, the group would never be able to climb out of the shadow of Charles Schulz’s famous cartoon beagle, and as the band tried to make it as their own entity, their label, Laurie Records, were putting more faith in the popularity of Snoopy than that of The Royal Guardsmen themselves. The often convoluted history of “Snoopy vs. The Red Baron,” and how Snoopy became both The Royal Guardsmen’s biggest ally and greatest foe. Extra: The surprising “song that got away” in 1969 and the one that probably shouldn’t have ever been recorded in 2006.

Paul Revere and the Raiders – Greatest Hits (1967)

August 2, 2025

Although iconisim seems to have passed them by, between 1966 and 1971 Paul Revere and the Raiders were one of the most prolific bands in America. With a regular spot on ABC-TV’s “Where the Action Is,” coverage in teen magazines and heavy hits like “Just Like Me,” “Hungry” and “Kicks” being part of the popular soundscape, The Raiders seemed to be everywhere. But, at the highest point of their popularity, the group’s entire backline, consisting of Drake Levin, Mike “Smitty” Smith and Phil “Fang” Volk walked away from the group leaving Mark Lindsay and Paul Revere without a band. A look at the history of The Raiders’ first golden era with a focus on Drake, Smitty and Fang including who they were, why they were essential to The Raiders’ success and why they left. Extra: When Drake met Jimi Hendrix, and Paul Revere’s revenge on The Ed Sullivan Show.

Leonard Cohen – Various Positions (1984)

June 22, 2025

Although it has become one of the most covered songs of the 21st century, with more than 300 official versions of it in existence, Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” was once an obscure deep cut from an album that Columbia Records refused to release. However, through the support of other artists who won’t stop recording it, “Hallelujah” has become one of the most recognizable standards of the modern era. But, has “Hallelujah” outlived its welcome? A deep dive into the history of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” from the devastating rejection of his 1984 album “Various Positions,” to its organic rise to prominence. Extra: John Cale, Jeff Buckley and how a green skinned animated ogre endeared the music of Leonard Cohen to the mass audience.

Bobby Sherman – Bobby Sherman (1969)

April 8, 2025

With his huge smile, bright eyes, perfect hair and dimpled chin, Bobby Sherman achieved success at the dawn of the 1970’s as one of the most iconic teen idols of all time. The story of how a young love sick teenager found a Bobby Sherman record and became a life long fan, and why Bobby Sherman reigns as the King of Bubblegum. Extra: Shindig!, Here Comes the Brides, Getting Together and Bobby’s second career as an LAPD paramedic! Peace, Love and Bobby Sherman forever!

Edd Byrnes – Kookie (1959)

March 24, 2025

In 1959 television heart throb Edd Byrnes, better known as Kookie, the hip talking car hop on the hit TV series “77 Sunset Strip” teamed up with Connie Stevens to record the memorable novelty song “Kookie Kookie (Lend Me Your Comb),” producing a surprise Billboard hit and an entire album dedicated to Kookie. But how many Kookie songs did the world actually need? A look at the career of Edd Byrnes, and how his character Kookie continues to shape our modern culture. Extra: Edd Byrnes’ musical collaborators including Joanie Sommers, Bob Denver, Pat Boone, Sha Na Na and….Anthrax? It’s the ginchiest!

Sweet Daddy Siki – Sweet Daddy Siki Squares Off with Country Music (1972)

March 1, 2025

Flamboyant and fiercely unconventional, Toronto based icon Sweet Daddy Siki defied all conventions. Called “the woman’s pet and the men’s regret,” and “Mr. Irresistible” by his fans, Siki was one of the first black heels in the world of wrestling. But when he wasn’t strutting and brawling in the ring, he could be found in Canadian juke joints playing his brand of country music. A look at the eventful life and strange career of the late Sweet Daddy Siki.

Vinyl Stories Interview – “Now They’re All Here”: Celebrating a Century of The King Family with Cam Clarke

February 24, 2025

Once known as “The First Family of Song,” The King Family have been a part of the entertainment landscape for a century via radio, film, television, vinyl and beyond. Now Cam Clarke, son of The King Sisters’ lead vocalist Alyce King, has written a new book “Now They’re All Here: The King Family” chronicling his family’s entertainment legacy. From the roots of The King Sisters’ career during the Great Depression, to their union with bandleader Alvino Rey, their success on television in the 1960’s and the achievements by the third generation, Cam shares memories and stories featuring his family including The King Sisters, Alvino Rey, The King Cousins and more.

The Four King Cousins – Introducing…The Four King Cousins (1968)

January 27, 2025

Regularly seen on television throughout the 1960’s, The Four King Cousins – Tina, Cathy, Carolyn and Candy – were a legacy group who picked up the mantel of their hit making mothers, The King Sisters. But despite their popularity with audiences, their only North American release, “Introducing…The Four King Cousins,” failed to chart and is a difficult to find album today. A look back at The King Cousins and their special place in pop culture. Extra: A discourse of The Four King Cousins isn’t possible without a look at The King Family and their presence on 60’s television. Get up to speed with some King Family 101.

The Vince Guaraldi Trio – A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) and Peanuts Greatest Hits (2015)

December 23, 2024

As one of the most acclaimed and beloved Christmas albums of all time, jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi mixed childlike wonder and post modern sophistication together for his soundtrack of the classic holiday special “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” A look at the special relationship between Vince Guaraldi and the world of Charles Schulz’ “Peanuts,” and how he created the perfect soundscape, as well as modern holiday classics, for Charlie Brown, Snoopy and all their friends. Extra: “Cast Your Fate to the Wind,” “Linus and Lucy,” “Little Birdie” and the problematic “Christmastime is Here” sessions.

David Seville and The Chipmunks – Let’s All Sing with the Chipmunks (1959) and Christmas with the Chipmunks (1962)

December 9, 2024

Anyone who ever owned an album by Alvin and the Chipmunks remembers their manager/producer David Seville, but who was Ross Bagdasarian? The man behind one of the most enduring musical franchises of all time, Bagdasarian had a massive year in 1958 when he had two back to back number one Billboard hits – “The Witch Doctor” and “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)” and unleashed Alvin, Simon and Theodore on an unsuspecting public for the first time! A look at the continuing legacy of “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)” and The Chipmunks’ rise to fame! Extra: The Christmas that The Chipmunks teamed up with Canned Heat!

Various Artists – Wild in the Streets Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1968)

May 10, 2024

A perennial garage band favorite, “The Shape of Things to Come,” originally released by a studio group credited as Max Frost and the Troopers, may be one of the most timeless and prophetic political anthems ever released. Capturing the eternal struggle of the generation gap in the face of revolution and change, the song is as relatable now as when it was releaased in 1968. But who were Max Frost and the Troopers? A look at the origins and continuous importance of “The Shape of Things to Come” and how it took a life of its own beyond the problematic film that introduced it, “Wild in the Streets.”

Cilla Black – Is It Love? (1965)

May 5, 2024

When Cilla Black’s first US LP, “Is it Love?” was dropped on American soil, it claimed that the British songstress was “England’s Most Popular Solo Singer.” However, unlike many of the other women to come out of the British Invasion, Cilla never hit big in America. But there was two things that she had that the other girls didn’t have – the backing of The Beatles, and the genius of Brian Epstein. A look at Cilla’s place on the Merseybeat scene, her relationship with The Fab Four, the stories behind her biggest hits and the final gift that Brian Epstein left her which turned her into a UK entertainment legend. Extra: Cilla Black’s rivalry with DIonne Warwick!

Cilla Black – The Very Best of Cilla Black (1983)

April 26, 2024

In true “Surprise Surprise” fashion, British entertainment icon Cilla Black is back as a cultural phenome, now as a popular Tik Tok meme. But, with most of the platform’s user’s watching butchered clips from her Cillagrams, the laughs are on Cilla and not in spite of her. A look at the television career of Cilla Black, and putting some much needed context into “Surprise Surprise,” “Cillagrams” and the origins of these bizarre Cilla Black Tik Tok videos.

Paul McCartney – Give My Regards to Broad Street (1984)

April 16, 2024

At the age of nine future record collector Sam Tweedle brought a copy of Paul “McCartney’s “Give my Regards to Broad Street” home from a school fun fair which opened the doorway into the music of The Beatles, although he didn’t know it. One music fan’s misstep into the music of McCartney, and a look at his early 1980’s MTV period and his hit single “No More Lonely Nights.” Extra: The importance of McCartney and Michael Jackson’s collaborations on the MTV generation.

Vinyl Stories Interview – Killing Us Softly with His Songs: A Conversation with Charles Fox

April 2, 2024

In conjunction with the new documentary “Killing Us Softly with His Songs,” Sam Tweedle talks with composer Charles Fox about his unique life in music. Although he has worked in the fields of jazz, classical, opera, film scores and pop music, Charles Fox has made his unique mark on pop culture by co-writing some of the most iconic television theme songs of all time. From the streets of the Bronx to the conservatories of Paris, the Hollywood Hills to the music halls of Cuba, Charles Fox discusses some of the music which has become an important part of our lives.

The Partridge Family – Sound Magazine (1971)

February 25, 2024

In 2015 Sam Tweedle found long lost fan letter to teen idol David Cassidy from a young girl named Monica. Offering an insight into the real anxieties and thoughts of a young teen fan, Sam shares the letter over fifty years after it was originally written. Bonus: Tiger Beat and 16 Magazine’s battle over David Cassidy coverage, David’s best friend Sam Hyman, that time Laurie got braces, and how YOU can win one of David’s puppies!

The Partridge Family – The Partridge Family Album (1970)

February 1, 2024

Everybody remembers David Cassidy as the lead singer of The Partridge Family, but who were the other members of the group? A deep dive into The Ron Hicklin Singers – the most famous uncredited singing group of all time. From Gary Lewis and the Playboys to The Monkees and far beyond, the Ron Hicklin Singers created a sound of an entire generation through television, film, radio and commercials, defining the signature sound of the 1960’s and 1970’s pop industry.

Paul Williams – Phantom of the Paradise Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1974)

October 19, 2023

In this world there are “Rocky Horror” people, and there are “Phantom of the Paradise” people. “Rocky Horror” fans seem, for the most part, to be ignorantly unaware of “Phantom of the Paradise,” while “Phantom of the Paradise” fans just simply know which film is better.  A loving look at Paul Williams’ phantastic soundtrack to the 1974 cult film “Phantom of the Paradise.”

Various Artists – Beyond the Valley of the Dolls Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1970)

August 14, 2023

In 1970 director Russ Meyer introduced a new rock band, The Carrie Nations, to audiences in his film epic “Beyond the Valley of the Dolls.” With music written by Stu Phillips, and featuring the talents of Lynn Carey, The Strawberry Alarmclock, and The Sandpipers, the film contained some of the freshest and most dynamic rock music ever written for a film, reflecting the sounds and attitude of Los Angeles’ Sunset Strip culture. But the music would be ignored by the Billboard charts and barely found an audience while one of the key players was mysteriously missing from the soundtrack album. An introduction to the world of “Beyond the Valley of the Dolls” and the music of The Carrie Nations.

Jean-Pierre Mirouze – Le Mariage Collectif Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (2012)

August 7, 2023

A forgotten soundtrack to an obscure French exploitation film, Jean-Pierre Mirouze’s exciting and exotic soundtrack to “Le Mariage Collectif” went ignored and undistributed when test printings were made in 1971. Nearly lost forever it wasn’t until a discarded acetate containing the music was pulled out of a Parisian garbage dump in 2010 that the world finally had the chance to hear the best film score you’ve never heard before, which gained a cult following amongst audiophiles and music hipsters.

Various Artists – Nadia’s Theme (The Young and the Restless) (1976)

May 19, 2023

Whether you know it as the theme song to “The Young and the Restless,” “Nadia’s Theme” or “Cotton’s Dream,” Perry Botkin Jr and Barry De Vorsan’s composition has become one of the most recognizable instrumentals of the 20th Century. A deep dive into the song’s many incarnations and lives from “Bless the Beasts and the Children,” to the 1978 Olympics to….David Hasselhoff?? Extra: Who were The Sounds of Sunshine, and why did they successfully sue The Dead Kennedys?

Paul Revere and the Raiders – Something Happening (1968)

May 1, 2023

Despite being one of the best American bands of the 1960’s, Paul Revere and the Raiders never found the legacy they’ve deserved. Was it the gimmicky costumes, their association with Dick Clark Productions or the animosity between Paul Revere and front man Mark Linsday which prevented them from becoming top tier rock legends? A look at the rise and fall of Paul Revere and the Riaders, and why they need to be rediscovered.

Various Artists – Zabriskie Point Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1970)

April 28, 2023

Although it was one of the biggest box office bombs of the all time, Michelangelo Antonioni’s 1970 film “Zabriskie Point” spawned one of the best soundtrack albums of the era with original music by The Grateful Dead, The Youngbloods, Kaleidoscope and Pink Floyd. The resu.t was a soundtrack album more culturally relevant and remembered than the film that spawned it. Extra: A brief overview of the lives of the couple on the cover, Mark Frechette and Daria Halprin,.