Solid!

Raymond Scott

Reckless Nights and Turkish Twilights

Columbia

If you grew up watching Warner Brothers cartoons or you're a fan of Ren and Stimpy you already know how this album sounds. The songs contained on this collection of Raymond Scott tunes are his most famous and classic, recorded by his quintet and big band from 1937 to 1940. Scott had already moved on to other creations by the time Warner Brother's Carl Stalling licensed his wacky compositions for the animated screen. Quirky, amazing, and somewhat bizarre, Scott's music fit perfectly into the screwy world of Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck.

''Powerhouse'' was probably the most often used piece. You will immediately recognize it. Other numbers like ''Toy Trumpet,'' ''The Penguin,'' and ''In an 18th Century Drawing Room'' will bring back memories. You won't be able to watch a Looney Tunes cartoon again without admiring the genius of Raymond Scott. The producers of Ren and Stimpy also licensed his music for their bizarre world, introducing Scott's vision to a new generation.

Scott's compositions aren't just notable for their camp value, though. They are extremely-well crafted. Scott's method for composing, without written music and often off the top of his head, made his songs a challenge for musicians to follow. Talentwise, however, his outfit was well above average, and they were able to keep up quite well with his unorthodox rhythms and produce some truly excellent results.

Recommended.

Track Listing

• 1. Powerhouse
• 2. The Toy Trumpet
• 3. Tobacco Auctioneer
• 4. New Year's Eve in a Haunted House
• 5. Manhattan Minuet
• 6. Dinner Music for a Pack of Hungry Cannibals
• 7. Reckless Night on Board an Ocean Liner
• 8. Moment Musical
• 9. Twilight in Turkey
• 10. The Penguin
• 11. Oil Gusher
• 12. In an 18th Century Drawing Room
• 13. The Girl at the Typewriter
• 14. Siberian Sleighride
• 15. At an Arabian House Party
• 16. Boy Scout in Switzerland
• 17. Bumpy Weather in Newark
• 18. Minuet in Jazz
• 19. War Dance for Wooden Indians
• 20. The Quintet Plays Carmen
• 21. Huckleberry Duck
• 22. Peter Tambourine