When I think of some of my very first experiences with vinyl, I often think of two children’s records.
One pretty terrifying record I had as a kid was the official album of Disneyland/Walt Disney World. The cover features a neon locomotive streaking through a pitch black night, with a particularly manic-looking Goofy manning the wheel.
The opener, the theme to the Park’s “Main Street Electrical Parade,” is a synthy romp that only makes you wonder just how insane that parade must actually have been.
Caveman – Old Friend
It’s riddled with electronic blips, underwater sounds, and frantic harpsichords, all set to a galloping rhythm and book-ended by parade announcements heralded by a robotic narrator. Not to mention the electronic drums on the song which, when they do come in, are completely batshit crazy.
And people wonder why I grew up to be hyper.
On the absolute opposite side of the spectrum is the lovely soundtrack to the Robin Hood cartoon. Legendary country singer Roger Miller (of “King of the Road” fame) is the voice of Allan-a-Dale, the singing rooster who serves as narrator and bard-in-residence of the film.
One standout track, which was in my head for my entire childhood, is “Oo De Lally,” a beautiful little ditty about Robin and his pal Little John. This record is filled with heartbreaking melodies and story anecdotes soothingly related by Miller in that molasses voice of his. This one’s a classic.
—Stefan Marolachakis
